Fatal Collision Prompts Safety Improvements On Lakeville Highway

PETALUMA, CA — The city announced a series of interim safety improvements Friday to Lakeville Highway and Pine View Way following a fatal collision Feb. 1 at the intersection..

"We are saddened to share that a fatal collision occurred at the intersection of Lakeville Highway and Pine View Way in Petaluma last week," the city said. "We at the City extend our deepest sympathies to the victim’s loved ones."

The victim, identified by the Sonoma County Sheriff-Coroner's Office as Beverly Kleven, 79, of Sonoma, was turning left onto Lakeville Highway from Pine View Way and was hit by a driver traveling east on Lakeville Highway, the city said Friday.

"To protect our community and make the intersection safer, we have studied this intersection extensively, worked with our State of California partners (California Department of Transportation – Caltrans), and have identified a series of interim safety improvements we can implement immediately," city officials said.

The interim safety improvements to be installed along Lakeville Highway between South McDowell Boulevard and Pine View Way include:

• Radar speed feedback signs along Lakeville Highway
• New traffic lane configurations designed to slow traffic speeds
• Blocking access to Lakeville Highway from Pine View Way and the non-signalized South McDowell Boulevard Extension intersection so that vehicles cannot turn onto Lakeville Highway (vehicles traveling toward or away from town on Lakeville will still be able to turn onto Pine View and South McDowell Boulevard Extension)

The improvements will be installed next week, starting Monday, and will remain in place until a permanent solution is implemented.

All driveways will remain accessible during the installation. Traffic control measures will be in place to manage traffic flow and protect the work areas.

Drivers are encouraged to use the signalized intersections on Lakeville at South McDowell and Cader Lane when traveling to and from businesses and the Kaiser Petaluma Medical offices in the area.

"Thank you for your patience as we work to make our streets safe for all who travel them."