Capitola plans safety enhancements at ‘dangerous’ Bay Avenue intersection

CAPITOLA, Calif.(KION) — The City of Capitola is taking steps to address ongoing safety concerns at the intersection of Bay Avenue and Capitola Avenue, an area where residents say multiple incidents and close calls have occurred over the years.

Longtime Capitola resident and worker Jane Finnegan says she has witnessed countless near-misses at the intersection and has even experienced several herself.

“I hear a lot of honking, and I've had a few regular customers mention that it's a dangerous intersection,” Finnegan said.

She recounted one frightening incident as a pedestrian, where she was nearly hit by two cars while crossing at dusk.

“I was halfway through about to take that step into that other half, and a vehicle just sped by. Then, as I was about to take another step, another vehicle went by. I really thought I was going to get hit,” she said.

Last month, a man was struck by a car while crossing the intersection, suffering severe injuries, one of several serious incidents that have raised concern among city officials and residents alike.

Jessica Kahn, Director of Public Works for Capitola, confirmed that the area has had numerous incidents over the years.

“That intersection has quite a few incidents. It’s been a concern for quite some time,” said Kahn.

In response, Capitola Police Chief Sara Ryan said officers have increased enforcement and education efforts in the area during peak traffic hours. Meanwhile, the Public Works Department has already implemented a temporary project to shorten crosswalk lengths in the hopes of improving pedestrian safety.

Long-term, the city plans to install roundabouts, a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at slowing traffic and making crossings safer.

“It’s a multimillion-dollar project,” said Kahn. “The idea is to put a roundabout at that intersection and another at the Bay Avenue–Capitola Avenue intersection. Those are probably $3 to $5 million apiece.”

While some improvements are already underway, Finnegan believes more needs to be done soon.

“I don't know what the solution is, but something does need to happen,” she said. “It’s only a matter of time before someone else gets seriously hurt.”

The City of Capitola has applied for grant funding to cover the cost of the proposed safety upgrades. City officials say a public outreach event will be held in September or October, giving the community an opportunity to weigh in on the proposed changes and offer additional suggestions.