Petaluma Readies For ‘Road Diet’ Work

PETALUMA, CA — You’re not the only one with "diet" plans for the new year.

The city of Petaluma is readying for construction on a “road diet” project that once completed, figures to give the North Bay city a new look.

Crews will begin work on the Petaluma Boulevard South Complete Streets Road Diet project in early January. It is expected to be completed by the fall, city officials said.

A “road diet” is a modern approach to traffic design that aims to make the roads safer for bicyclists and pedestrians that’s currently in vogue in urban areas across the country.

“The Petaluma Boulevard Complete Streets Road Diet will transform the Boulevard South from Crystal Lane to downtown, providing increased safety, mobility, and access for all road users,” city officials said in a statement.

“The current four lanes of traffic will be reduced to two, making room for bike lanes and improved pedestrian safety. Construction on this phase of the project is anticipated to begin in January 2022.”

The planning for the project included consultation between the city’s Public Works Department’s traffic engineers and the Police Department’s traffic team to enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

“This project will include a full makeover of Petaluma Blvd South from D Street to the Crystal Lane roundabout,” the PPD wrote on its Facebook page.

“New pavement surface, striping, bike lanes, sidewalks and ⁠ADA curb ramps will provide increased safety, mobility and access for all road users.⁠”

For more information about this project, visit here.

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