On January 15, the City held a meeting at La Entrada Middle School to present design concepts for the Sharon Road Sidewalk project. The project proposes safer access to La Entrada Middle School with a new pathway on the north side of Sharon Road from Alameda de las Pulgas to Altschul Avenue.

The existing site is partially paved and lacks a continuous accessible walking path. This presents a challenge for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles navigating the area. Additionally, rain creates large puddles next to the street, which forces pedestrians into the travel lane. Over 30 people, including residents and middle school parents, learned more about the project and how it could improve public safety and connection to the school. The City presented renderings and plans of the following design concepts:

• General improvements
  • Mitigate ponding by eliminating low-points and installing gutters to the storm drain
  • Install curb ramps and a connecting walkway at Sharon Road and Altschul Avenue
  • Sharrow markings for shared bicycle and vehicle lanes along Sharon Road
• Pathway Option 1 – Concrete sidewalk
  This option consists of a raised concrete curb, gutter and sidewalk, which would remove parking on the north side of Sharon Road. The elevated curb and color of the sidewalk may act as a barrier to traffic. The concrete sidewalk could also affect street width perception for drivers, and thus reduce traffic speed.

• Pathway Option 2 – Asphalt walkway
  This option consists of a new asphalt walkway and valley gutter at street level. The concrete valley gutter would act as a separation between the asphalt walkway and the street, possibly allowing for time-restricted parking beyond school hours where there is available width.

The advantages and disadvantages of these preliminary designs were discussed. Participants shared input on pedestrian/bicycle safety, school travel, ADA compliance, parking removal and drainage. The City will continue to collect feedback through the public outreach phase before pursuing next steps. 

Submit your questions or comments.

For more information, please visit the project website at menlopark.org/sharonroadsidewalk