H Street by Modesto High to Narrow from 4 to 2 Lanes
H Street near Modesto High School will shift from four lanes to two by fall 2024. This $11.5 million city initiative aims to amplify safety for pedestrians and cyclists. With the school’s layout divided by this street – a main campus on one side and 30+ classrooms and facilities on the other – students constantly navigate it during the school day.
Beyond the school, H Street transforms into Paradise Road, approximately 0.7 miles from First Street to Sheridan Street. Due to Paradise Road’s diagonal layout compared to the primarily north-south grid of west Modesto, intersections form irregular shapes, posing challenges for motorists and pedestrians.
A Pedestrian-Centric Approach Project
About half of Paradise Road has four lanes. However, excluding the segment before Modesto High, it will soon consist of two lanes and a central turn lane. A city spokesperson emphasized the project’s pedestrian-centric approach. Safety improvements include a concrete median with a fence and an enlarged, raised crosswalk, dubbed a “speed table.”
To further enhance student safety, Modesto City Schools aims to limit the need for student street-crossings. Over the past three years, five car-pedestrian accidents occurred near the school, involving both students and adults. The initiative will also focus on nearby side streets, introducing bike lanes, fresh sidewalks, and safer crossings. Additionally, traffic roundabouts are planned for Washington and I streets and Chicago Avenue.
Modesto City Schools intends to centralize most classes on the main campus, barring agriculture courses. Funded by the approved Measure L bond, the school project is set to start in June 2024 and be completed by the 2026-27 school year.
Construction is slated to kick off this fall near Chicago Avenue, targeting a fall 2024 completion. Most work before the school is scheduled outside regular school hours to ensure unhindered access for students and families.
The Importance of Road Safety Near Schools
Ensuring the safety of young students holds immense significance. Schools serve as hubs where numerous children gather, and a considerable number of them rely on walking or cycling as their means of getting to school. By meticulously planning and establishing safe road systems, we can significantly decrease the likelihood of accidents involving these students. This safeguards their physical well-being and enhances their mental and emotional security. Consequently, they can concentrate on their education without the added concern of hazardous traffic situations.
Furthermore, promoting responsible driving in the vicinity of schools yields many advantages. When drivers encounter well-structured school zones featuring clear signage, speed limits, crosswalks, and dedicated pedestrian areas, they become more conscious of the necessity to exercise caution in these regions.
This heightened awareness extends beyond the school environment, enhancing road safety throughout the entire community. By fostering an atmosphere in which drivers reduce their speed and show respect for pedestrians, we’re not solely safeguarding students but also imparting valuable road safety lessons to all community members. This translates into fewer accidents and more lives saved. Essentially, emphasizing road safety near schools is like investing in our children’s welfare and prospects while generating safer and more considerate roadways for all.
If you or a family member has suffered injuries in a pedestrian or bicycle accident caused by another’s negligence, contact our law firm for assistance. We are here to help you navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve. Watch our informative video below for more detailed information about your rights and how we can assist you.
Modesto Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto Personal Injury Lawyer. Should you find yourself injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence and need legal support, please contact our law firm. Call us at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys.
Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash
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