Pleasant Hill readies new trees, safety improvements
PLEASANT HILL, CA (Sept. 25, 2023) — The coming change in seasons will also bring positive changes to Pleasant Hill. We are enhancing our downtown and improving pedestrian and bicycle paths near our schools.
Downtown tree replacement. On June 5, the City Council awarded Phase I of the Downtown Street Tree Replacement Project to Sandstone Environmental Engineering. The project will provide streetscape improvements along Crescent Drive from Crescent Plaza to Contra Costa Boulevard.
Work will continue for the next few months. The contractor will be replacing about 35 unhealthy Bradford pear trees with drought-tolerant, non-flowering Chinese pistache Keith Davey trees. The contractor will also be repairing irrigation, expanding the existing tree wells and installing pavers adjacent to the replacement trees along Crescent Drive.
Businesses will be open and access will be provided to all businesses during construction. Residents are encouraged to drive slowly through the work zone and follow all traffic control devices.
Pedestrian/cyclist safety. The city is also embarking on a project designed to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists near our nine school sites. The City Council recently approved funding for the 2023 Intersection & Crosswalk Improvements Project, which will provide improvements at the nine intersections currently monitored in the morning and early afternoon during the school year by the city-provided school crossing guards.
Additionally, the intersection of Viking Drive and Morello Avenue will receive improvements intended to safeguard pedestrians and cyclists. Construction will start this fall, with completion expected by the end of the year.
These improvements will be a benefit to the entire community, including students and parents, and will provide safety for pedestrians and bicyclists on a year-round basis through the installation of curb ramps, additional signage, new high-visibility crosswalks, flashing beacon systems, LED flashing stop signs, speed humps and traffic signal enhancements. The signalized intersections will receive dynamic LED no-right turn signs and upgraded infrared pedestrian detection.
Check the project website at PleasantHillCA.org/saferintersections for an updated schedule. In the meantime, travel safe and remember to give yourself extra time if driving near our schools at bell times.
Email questions and comments for Mayor Flaherty to tflaherty@pleasanthillca.org