RES 06035 - Laserfiche WebLink

the bridge, the safety gain would be compromised and, in fact, those pedestrians might be at greater risk if Bernal Avenue motorists fail to be alert for people crossing the street at grade level on the assumption that pedestrians are using the bridge. A pedestrian bridge would be a structure visible for a considerable distance along Bernal Avenue and, because of its height (which would have to be sufficient for trucks and buses to clear it), would be visually prominent from other locations as well. Prominence alone does not make a structure unattractive but, if a bridge is built, attention should be paid to assuring that it is attractive as well as sturdy. An alternative to a pedestrian bridge is a pedestrian tunnel. As compared with a bridge, the construction expense would probably be greater. Compatibility with City infrastructure has not been ascertained. An additional concern with pedestrian tunnels involves safety from crime that could be encouraged by the lack of public visibility both in the tunnel and along the depressed ramps leading to the tunnel. Either the tunnel or the bridge would be required to meet requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), necessitating long ramps or elevators. A 11 Comment: Commissioner Blank suggested that a series of pedestrian tunnels be provided through the Specific Plan area east of 1-680, particularly to protect young pedestrians. Response: Figure 30 (p. 13) of this Comments and Responses document illustrates potential locations for pedestrian tunnels serving the Bernal Community Park and the Specific Plan area. As noted in Response A10, however, tunnels would require long ramps or elevators and raise issues of personal safety. A 12 Comment: Commissioner Maas concurred in the suggestion of multiple pedestrian tunnels. Response: See Response All. A 13 Comment: Commissioner Fox noted that the DEIR (p. 37) presents two types of vantage points from Bernal Avenue, and she would like an illustration of a view looking toward the Ridge between viewpoints 4 and 5. She would also like to see the backdrop of lights against the ridge. Response: In the DEIR, Specific Plan elements were simulated as they would appear from five vantage points. In response to the comment, a simulation has been prepared from a sixth vantage point. The location of that vantage point is on Bernal Avenue between points 4 and 5. Figure 28 (p. 10) shows the locations of all six vantage points. In addition, it shows the outlines of the sports fields that are proposed, under the Bernal Community Park Master Plan, to be illuminated at night. Text continues p. 11. 9