Busy Salinas intersection has neighbors begging for safety changes
Briana Mathaw
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) – A Salinas neighborhood is raising safety concerns about a busy intersection where three schools are located nearby. Parents and residents say it’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt if nothing is done.
The intersection of Alvin Drive and North First Street sees constant foot traffic from students and families. Neighbors say the lack of a four-way stop and the high speed of cars have created dangerous conditions.
“This intersection gets really busy with cars and pedestrians, with the kids going home. And, yeah, it’s really dangerous.” Guillermo Hernandez said.
Guillermo uses the intersection several times a day and says the problem is clear.
“I use it five, six times a day, and it’s just really dangerous, you know, from North First Street trying to cross Alvin Drive. There’s no stop sign. So you get the traffic that’s coming to and from North Main Street.” Guillermo Hernandez said.
“We hear cars going right and going zooming past.” Juan Paredes said.
“Sometimes some cars don’t stop right here.” Juan Paredes said.
A year and a half ago, a child was hit by a car while riding a bike in the same intersection. Neighbors remember it as a close call.
“About a year and a half ago, there was a kid that got hit at this very intersection on a bike. Luckily, the kid lived. But, yeah, I mean, it would make a big difference if they would make this a four-way stop sign.” Guillermo Hernandez said.
Speeding is another major issue, especially at night.
“Some cars pass really fast going, going like around, 30, 30, 32, I think, to 35mph here.” Juan Paredes said.
“It would make a big difference if they would make this a four-way stop sign.” Guillermo Hernandez said.
However, the City of Salinas says changes like adding stop signs can’t be made without meeting strict federal guidelines.
“There are specific national warrants. We use a manual to move to city, that specifies what warrants, volume, accidents.” Adriana Robles said.
Guillermo says he’s frustrated the city isn’t prioritizing safety.
“Between 2:30 and 3:30, this intersection gets really busy with cars and pedestrians, with the kids going home. And, yeah, it’s really dangerous. Really dangerous.” Guillermo Hernandez said.
“It comes to the point where I don’t even let my kids, you know, cross this intersection.” Guillermo Hernandez said.
Residents are calling for more than just a stop sign. They want broader safety improvements.
“If they were to light up this crosswalk, you know, make it safer. But, you know, my main thing was, again, not just for the pedestrians. It’s for the traffic also. So I assume maybe putting up two more stop signs.” Guillermo Hernandez said.
The City of Salinas encourages residents to file official traffic calming requests through the Salinas Connect app or directly at City Hall.