I am writing to express my concern about proposed Alternative A for Caltrain grade separation. Having reviewed the December 4, 2018 staff report and November 2018 AECOM project study report, I am concerned that the city has failed to adequately assess traffic impacts of Alternative A on Laurel Street through the Linfield Oaks neighborhood. In particular, by eliminating vehicular access from eastbound Ravenswood to Alma street, Alternative A would redirect traffic onto Laurel Street between Ravenswood and Willow. There is significant traffic headed toward the Willow Road / U.S. 101 interchange that flows through this area. Laurel street is a relatively narrow street (compared to Alma) and is ill-equipped to handle the influx of additional traffic that would result from eliminating vehicular access to Alma Street. Laurel street passes through a residential neighborhood with significant bicycle and pedestrian use (including the Burgess Park recreational facilities). Unlike Alma street, it does not have a dedicated bicycle lane or automobile turn lane. A grade separation proposal that would result in increased vehicular traffic on this route could actually decrease safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers along Laurel street. At a minimum, the city should assess the impact of additional vehicular traffic on Laurel street between Ravenswood and Willow as a result of the Alternative A proposal. Improving safety around the Caltrain crossing while increasing risk to pedestrians, cyclists, and residents along Laurel street produces no net safety gain. Respectfully, Philip Miller Sherwood Way Menlo Park Received on Wed Jan 02 2019 - 21:31:02 PST
