In a recent press release, the City of St. Helena announced an exciting partnership with Blue Zones Project Upper Napa Valley and the Napa County Bicycle Coalition, aimed at launching a "quick build" traffic calming project to enhance the quality of life for students and the broader community alike.
As part of the ambitious collaboration, key intersections around Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School and St. Helena Elementary School are set to undergo significant upgrades. The project, which was initially presented to the Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee in December 2022 and secured full City Council support in February, is scheduled to be completed on September 9, thanks to the efforts of public works staff, the city's volunteers, and community partners.
The temporary pilot project will focus on the crucial intersection of Kearney Street and Madrona Avenue. A range of innovative solutions will be trialed, including traffic control equipment that simulates sidewalk bulb-outs, new high-visibility crosswalk striping, and temporary artwork to increase visibility at these busy intersections, all aiming at further protecting our most vulnerable community members - the children. In time, the discoveries of this pilot project may well serve as a blueprint for traffic safety and calming measures extending throughout the city.
Speaking on the project, Joe Leach, PE, Public Works Director for the City of St. Helena, expressed enthusiasm for its potential: "We are really looking forward to this temporary 'quick build' project. If this is successful and the community is receptive to these types of measures, this could become a model for future traffic safety and calming measures throughout the City."
Another unique aspect of this project is the inclusion of temporary blue, green, and white painted dots within designated areas marked by white "delineator posts." These vibrant colors, which represent both Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School and St. Helena Elementary, were chosen to foster a sense of unity and pride in the city.
Kelly Bond, MPH, of Blue Zones Project Upper Napa Valley, highlighted that the temporary traffic calming initiative would allow students to participate in the installation process by painting the artistic designs, thereby creating a tangible investment in their community's safety.
Collaboration is at the heart of this project, with a range of organizations, including the City of St. Helena, Blue Zones Project Upper Napa Valley, Napa County Bicycle Coalition, and Innovative Health Solutions, contributing resources and expertise to make the streets of St. Helena safer for everyone.
Additional volunteer efforts and community involvement are encouraged, with more information about the project and volunteering opportunities available from the City of St. Helena's Public Works Department and the Blue Zones Project.
