Redlands Tries to Tackle Traffic Near High School

Restriping work that city officials say should ease the traffic congestion that clogs the street near Redlands High School was expected to begin Thursday morning.

Restriping was scheduled to take place along Citrus Avenue between University Street and Redlands Boulevard between RHS’s north and south campuses. The goal is to calm traffic along the road and improve the safety of thousands of high school students who cross the street between classes several times a day during the school year, officials said.

The newly striped section of Citrus will narrow the street from two traffic lanes in each direction down to one, a proven method for slowing drivers, and create an unloading zone for students on the north side of Citrus Avenue, according to Carl Baker, Redlands city spokesman said in a written statement.

“Other traffic calming measures implemented recently have included addition of speed radar feedback signs on each side of the street, alerting drivers of their speed in the 25 mph school zone. A flashing message warns speeding motorists to ‘Slow Down,’ ” Baker said.

A dedicated bike lane marked out in green paint will be added on Citrus/Brookside Avenue between Alabama and University streets by the end of following week, officials said.

Similar bike lanes are being added on Church Street between Citrus and San Bernardino avenues, and on Cajon Street between Citrus and Highland avenues, officials said.

“During a public meeting, residents identified these streets among several that would benefit from dedicated bike lanes as part of the City’s Non-Motorized Transportation Plan,” Baker said.

Traffic lanes will remain open in each direction during the striping operations, although motorists may experience brief delays, officials said. Repaving and restriping of Citrus Avenue was scheduled during the school district’s Spring Break, when traffic near the high school is lighter.

On Sept. 18, the City Council awarded a contract for construction of the first phase of the City of Redlands resurfacing program to All American Asphalt. The $2.46 million project is funded through funds from Measure I, a half-cent sales tax approved by San Bernardino County voters to fund local transportation projects, and the City’s Local Transportation Fund, officials said. No General Fund dollars have been used to fund this project, officials added.

Other work that has been completed or planned include:

• Brookside Avenue from San Mateo Street to Lakeside Avenue
• Alessandro Road from Crescent Avenue to Sunset Drive
• Church Street from Colton Avenue to San Bernardino Avenue
• University Street from the railroad tracks to Lugonia Avenue
• Colton Avenue from Orange Street to Church Street
• Crescent Avenue from Alessandro Road to Center Street
• Cajon Street from Olive Street to Palm Avenue
• Redlands Boulevard from Texas Street to Kansas Street
• Intersection improvements at Church Street and Pioneer Avenue
• Intersection improvements at Church Street and San Bernardino Avenue

Additional information can be found on the City's website.