CONNECTIVITY AND ACCESSIBILITY CHALLENGES

Figure 2.5 illustrates the level of accessibility challenges at major intersections in the Plan Area in relation to pedestrian crossings at those intersections. El Camino Real, for example, is a high conflict zone. Similarly, Hillcrest Boulevard, the other east-west connector street that passes through downtown, and Millbrae Avenue, a major east-west connector from the Station Area to residential neighborhoods, are also high-conflicts zones with pedestrian crossings on three sides.

Connectivity between the neighborhoods to the east of El Camino Real compared to the west is limited to three streets: Millbrae Avenue, Hillcrest Avenue and Center Street. Meadow Glen Avenue, a major street that runs east-west, stops at El Camino Real and does not provide access to the east side of the corridor. There are several other segments along El Camino Real with reportedly high numbers of collisions and inadequate pedestrian crossings, which add to the challenges of east- west connectivity and lack of access to downtown. In addition, many of the sidewalks along El Camino Real and in downtown are challenging for pedestrians because there are areas where the concrete has lifted or is cracked.

The two activity nodes, the Intermodal Station and downtown, do not have direct access to each other. Without a defined and safe pedestrian path, people are either discouraged from going to downtown from the Station Area or forced to take a circuitous path.