California Drive Roundabout
The City of Burlingame hired Kimley-Horn to develop solutions to the congestion and safety issues that were commonplace at the three-legged, extended intersection of California Drive, Bellevue Avenue, and Lorton Avenue. The project was needed to address current and future operational deficiencies, decrease vehicular delay and to improve pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicular safety. Through several public meetings and distribution of informational materials, the team was able to build support for the roundabout versus traditional traffic signal improvements, and the City moved forward with the roundabout alternative.
California Drive is a regional route that parallels Highway 101, and the intersection serves as a gateway into the City’s downtown. Parking for downtown is across California Drive and a nearby high school creates a significant number of pedestrians crossing California Drive. The existing crossing was adjacent to a bus stop and required pedestrians to cross four lanes of high speed traffic. With the traffic-calming roundabout in place along with enhanced pedestrian crossings that included high visibility striping, rectangular rapid flash beacons (RRFBs), and pedestrian refuge islands, pedestrian safety has been greatly enhanced at the intersection.
Kimley-Horn provided preliminary and final design services, traffic analysis, and public outreach for the design of the ultimate two-lane roundabout. The project improved safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles traveling through the intersection. As part of the roundabout design, landscaping and stormwater treatment facilities were incorporated, as well as new street lighting. The project also included pavement rehabilitation of 0.25 miles of California Drive, new striping, and pavement marking.