Spinnaker Point Traffic Calming Pilot Project

About

In recent years, residents of the Spinnaker Pt neighborhood have raised concerns about vehicle speeds and their impact on pedestrian safety and bicyclist comfort. In response, the city identified Spinnaker Point Drive as a candidate for a traffic calming pilot project. The purpose was to test low-cost, temporary “quick-build” improvements that could reduce speeds, improve safety, and inform potential long-term investments. The Canal Neighborhood Community-Based Transportation Plan (adopted June 2022) identified “Traffic Calming and Pedestrian Crossing Improvements” as a high priority for the neighborhood.

Traffic calming consists of physical design and other measures put in place on existing roads to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Traffic calming measures are intended to improve conditions for non-motorized street users and can be implemented at an intersection, street, neighborhood, or area-wide level.

Project Goals

Reduce vehicle travel speeds in the residential corridor.
Enhance safety and comfort for pedestrians, bicyclists, and residents.
Test and evaluate the effectiveness of temporary traffic calming measures before considering permanent investments.
Gather data and community feedback to guide future traffic calming policies and projects.

Timeline

Phase I Design	October 2024
Phase I Implementation and Data Collection	October 2024-July 2025
Phase II Design and Engagement	October 2025
Phase II Implementation	October/November 2025
Monitoring and Feedback	Ongoing

Overview

Phase I of the pilot project included implementation of two types of intersection traffic calming measures in the Spinnaker/Baypoint Neighborhood:

Traffic Circle at the Spinnaker Point Drive/Catalina Boulevard Intersection
Median Extensions at the Spinnaker Point Drive/Newport Way intersection

Temporary, low-cost, durable materials were selected for the installation of these improvements.

Exhibit of Phase I Traffic Calming Recommendations

Note that the location of a third traffic calming treatment, a midblock speed hump, originally planned on Spinnaker Point Drive between Bahia Way and Catalina Boulevard, was not implemented as further evaluation is necessary and consideration of other factors including, but not limited to, speed, location, and emergency services routes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I provide feedback on this pilot project?

During the pilot period, the City collected feedback from the community and performed periods of observations and data collection to understand the relative effectiveness of these treatments.

The City will be sharing findings of the pilot project at the October 1, 2025 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting for discussion and feedback.

Please see the meeting agenda for how to provide public comments: BPAC October 1, 2025 Agenda

What is a traffic circle?

A traffic circle is a circular intersection treatment where traffic flows continuously in a counterclockwise direction around a central island. Vehicles entering the intersection yield to traffic already circulating. This design is intended to improve traffic flow and reduce the likelihood of crashes compared to traditional intersections with only stop signs or traffic signals.

What are median extensions?

Median extensions consist of extension of the raised sidewalk and medians towards the roadway to reduce the size of an intersection, typically to slow down motorized traffic and make crossing safer and more comfortable for people walking, biking or other non-motorized means. For this project, these extensions would be facilitated by surface mounted elements such as rubber curbs, low-profile plastic elements, and paint.

Temporary Road Closure Notification – 320 Margarita Dr – 10/2 & 10/3

Posted on September 29, 2025

PG&E’s subcontractor, VPC Charge, will be closing the road near 320 Margarita Dr to replace a gas service in the area. The closure will happen Thursday, 10/2, and Friday, 10/3, between approximately 9am – 4pm. They have an approved encroachment permit EP2409-127 and affected properties have also been notified.

Introducing our new Public Works Engineering Brochure!

Posted on September 25, 2025

Our Engineering Team has created a new flyer! Inside, you’ll discover how the team is organized and an overview of what each division does. We look forward to sharing this brochure with you at city events! (click the image to view the brochure.) You can also learn...

UPDATE: Traffic Signal Outage: MTF Parkway & Northgate Drive

Posted on September 22, 2025

Update to the MTF & Northgate Intersection: Friday morning, 9/19, additional signal heads were installed at the signalized intersection of Manuel T Freitas Parkway and Northgate Drive. At noon on Friday, the signal operation was changed from flashing red operation to normal signal operations. Permanent fixes are still needed and will be done in about...