San Diego will soon install traffic-calming measures on Pacific Beach’s Diamond Street to create a more pedestrian-friendly space, officials said Thursday.
The measures, planned in an area that includes the Pacific Beach Recreation Center and Pacific Beach Middle School, along Diamond leading to the beach, are also part of an effort to improve safety and encourage alternative modes of transportation.
“I have listened to residents and community leaders, and it is evident that the concern is safety along Diamond Street,” said San Diego City Councilman Joe LaCava.
LaCava, also chair of the council’s Environment Committee, said adding traffic calming measures on Diamond support the city’s Vision Zero goals by slowing down cars, which leads to safety improvements.
“They provide a safer route for people who walk, roll or ride to the beach, boardwalk and local businesses,” he said.
According to the city’s plan, flexible posts will limit vehicular traffic down Diamond to right turns only at Cass and Fanuel streets. Signage along the entire corridor will inform drivers and other users of the new roadway design.
“At the two intersection crossings, there will be pass-throughs for pedestrians, cyclists and shared-mobility device users,” a city statement reads. “Rules of the road for stop signs and looking both ways are still required and will be enforced.”
Installation begins on Wednesday and is expected to be finished within two days, with limited traffic interruptions during the work.
The flexible posts are designed to allow access for emergency vehicles if needed, so response times will not be impacted.
The traffic calming project builds upon the PB Pathways system, a community-driven effort that began in 2015. Decals and signage were placed along the first phase of roadways within the community, funded by the city and community nonprofit organization, beautifulPB.
Subsequently, Diamond was used as a “Slow Streets” pilot during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Pacific Beach is a community that loves to walk and bike, and we know how much our residents value the safety improvements this project will provide,” said beautifulPB board President Katie Matchett.
– City News Service