Community Corner

What Makes These the Worst Intersections in Campbell

Readers began flagging intersections April 17 and to-date, there are 16 intersections in Campbell deemed "worst." Campbell Police discuss these instersections.

As of May 11, there were , an additional three since we initially contacted the city of Campbell and Campbell Police, so the explanations from Campbell Police Capt. Charley Adams will not address those last three intersections.

On April 17, we asked you, our readers to tell us what the worst intersections in Campbell were and why.

Four intersections in downtown Campbell were flagged, five intersections off of Hamilton Avenue, three off of San Tomas Expressway and the rest scatted throughout Campbell.

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"Thank you for bringing the issue to our attention," Adams said in an email. "We work hard to insure safety on our roadways and constantly strive to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently throughout the City."

Adams told Patch that the city's traffic engineering division, along with the police department reviewed our map in order to give better explanations as to what was going on at each.

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"Many of the intersections mentioned (all intersections with San Tomas Expressway) are under the jurisdiction of the Santa Clara County Department of Roads and Airports," Adams said. "We have worked with this group over the years to determine the most efficient signal timing, especially during morning and evening commute hours, to minimize traffic congestion.

"While there is no perfect solution to manage the high number of vehicles traveling on our roadways, we have seen marked improvements to the flow of traffic with the current timing configurations," he said. 

Below is a list of the intersections flagged and Capt. Adam's response.

INTERSECTION: The New Safeway (W Hamilton Avenue at Marathon Drive)

The poster said: “The New Safeway made this intersection a pain at all hours.

Capt. Adams:

With the addition of a signal at the intersection of Hamilton Avenue and Marathon Drive, we have seen a reduction in the number of injury collisions and complaints of speeding vehicles have also dropped off considerably.   

When the and gas station began operations, we noted an increase in traffic in this area. This vibrant business clearly draws people to the area which is a benefit to the community and overall health of the City.  

INTERSECTION: White Oaks Road at Hwy. 17

Two posters indicated this spot as an issue.

Capt. Adams:

At the intersection of SR 17 and Whiteoaks Road, we are aware that traffic exiting the freeway is not required to stop at the intersection with Whiteoaks Rd.

Traffic traveling North and South on Whiteoaks Road is required to stop at the stop signs and proceed only when safe to do so. We have no changes scheduled for this intersection. 

Police Officers periodically monitor this intersection for vehicle code violations and unsafe driving.

INTERSECTION: Third Street at Orchard City Drive

The poster here said: “Many, many cars proceed eastbound through the red light at 3rd and Orchard City without even realizing the have the red light. The blind curve also makes this corner very dangerous for pedestrians.

Capt. Adams:

Our traffic engineering division will review signs at the intersection of Second St and Orchard City Dr. to determine whether additional markings or a change of signs would be beneficial.

INTERSECTION: By the light rail (Orchard City Drive at S Central Avenue)

The poster said: “This is not a congestion problem, but I hate to drive through here because I cannot tell what color the stop light is until I am already half way through the intersection. They NEED to change the view angle on these stop lights!

INTERSECTION: E Campbell Avenue at S Central Avenue

The poster here indicated this intersection as an issue.

INTERSECTION: E Campbell Avenue at Railway Avenue

The poster here said: “Where the heck are you even supposed to stop????”

Capt. Adams:

At the intersection of Orchard City Drive and Railway Avenue, we have worked to provide optimal sign and signal light angles to best serve drivers using this area.  

The traffic signals located downstream from (east of) the rail tracks are not meant to be visible until motorists are past the upstream traffic signals. The upstream "pre-signals" are meant to keep motorists from stopping on the tracks to prevent train vs. vehicle collisions.  

Our traffic engineering division will re-examine the signal angles at this intersection to determine whether changes should be made to avoid confusion for drivers passing through.


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