Manteca is now weighing a lot of “little projects” to enhance public safety and improve roads and traffic flow.

The list includes:

*Upgraded crosswalk warnings on Yosemite Avenue at Washington Street where a number of elementary school children attending Lincoln School cross the busy thoroughfare.

*Highly visible stop signs bordered by flashing LED lights at dicey intersections.

*More speed lumps to slow traffic in neighborhoods as well as near parks and schools.

*A median in the middle of Spreckels Avenue to enhance the safety of pedestrian crossings at Norman Drive.

That’s just a sampling.

They aren’t high profile undertakings such as the new police station breaking ground on South Main Street next year or the new fire station being built in southwest Manteca.

But they can prove effective at making streets safer for pedestrians and drivers alike.

And it is possible thanks to passage last year of the 20-year three-quarter cent sales tax.

Mayor Gary Singh noted the enhanced revenue is allowing the city to tackle more than big items or critical replacement of aging $1.2 million fire engines and police patrol units that have become less reliable due to high mileage.

As an example, now when city staff takes on street improvement projects there is breathing room to undertake lane configuration tweaks.

Such was the case this past summer when city crews repaved sections of Industrial Park Drive and Van Ryn Avenue.

The city was able to address traffic flow issues by removing a median and adding a second right turn lane from Van Ryn Avenue to Industrial Park Drive. The changes have helped ease ongoing congestion at the intersections.

Singh said when other road work is done, the city is now in a position to look at making similar changes throughout the city.

It builds on the promise the council made to make pressing public safety and road repairs a top priority for Measure Q receipts.

Things such as speed lumps and improved pedestrian safety measures and traffic flow movements not only complement  the more expensive undertakings, but they are often more effective at targeting long-term neighborhood issues such as speeding.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com