Downtown traffic signal adjustments planned

HAYWARD, Calif., Sept. 14, 2017—Responding to traffic-safety concerns downtown, Hayward traffic engineers plan to shorten traffic-signal cycles along Mission and Foothill Boulevards later this month as part of a traffic-calming pilot project.

Signal cycles are being shortened by a third at each intersection in the loop north Fletcher Lane.  The move is intended to reduce overall traffic speeds by eliminating the ability of drivers to travel through multiple intersections without stopping.

All intersections in downtown Hayward on Mission and Foothill boulevards (from A Street to Industrial Parkway) are part of Hayward’s Adaptive Traffic Control System.  The goal of adaptive traffic systems is to optimize traffic flow through an entire corridor.

Shortened signal cycles will result in longer travel time for many drivers through the corridor but should yield reduced speeds and roadways more conducive to pedestrians, cyclists and public transit.

Set to begin Sept. 20, the pilot project is expected to run for three months.  The first few weeks will entail fine-tuning of signal timing to smooth traffic flow.  Traffic engineers will gather data through the test period to assess whether the changes are achieving the goal of reduced speeding and improved safety.

An online survey will be available throughout the test period so anyone from the Hayward community can comment and report observations on this traffic-calming pilot project.