REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Report on Pedestrian Access Restrictions on Portions of Lawrence and San Tomas Expressways and Potential Council Action to Affirm Such Restrictions
Report
BACKGROUND
At the November 12, 2024 City Council meeting during the Public Presentations portion of the agenda, member of the public Mr. Akos Szoboszlay requested that the City repeal Resolution No. 5603 (Attachment 1) related to existing pedestrian restrictions on portions of Lawrence and San Tomas Expressways. Mr. Szoboszlay indicated to staff that the restriction is unnecessary and that pedestrians should be allowed to walk on County expressways including portions without sidewalks. This request was referred to staff for follow up with the resident. Staff followed up with the resident, however Mr. Szoboszlay returned to City Council meetings on several occasions to request that the resolution be repealed.
At the September 16, 2025 City Council meeting, Mr. Szoboszlay reiterated his request and staff were requested to schedule a study session on the subject. Following the meeting, staff have met with both the County of Santa Clara and Mr. Szoboszlay on this matter. Based on the available information and discussions at those meetings, staff has informed Mr. Szoboszlay that the City and County currently do not support repeal of the resolution.
On November 18, 2025, the City Council held a study session on pedestrian access on County expressways. Staff provided a presentation to the City Council on the item and County of Santa Clara Roads and Airports Department staff also attended the meeting and addressed questions. Mr. Szoboszlay and other members of the public provided comments and City Council requested to continue the discussion after major events (i.e. FIFA World Cup matches) concluded at Levi’s Stadium.
At the August 18, 2026 City Council meeting during the Public Presentations portion of the agenda, Mr. Szoboszlay provided another public presentation on the subject of pedestrian restrictions on County expressways and inquired about when the follow up discussion with the City Council would occur. Staff responded that the discussion had already been tentatively scheduled for the October 6, 2026 City Council meeting.
Roles, Responsibilities, and Jurisdiction
While the County of Santa Clara operates and maintains the expressway system and manages pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle traffic, the Santa Clara Police Department provides traffic enforcement and collision investigation on County expressways within City limits. Under California Vehicle Code Section 21960, both the County and local authorities may restrict pedestrian use of expressways by ordinance or resolution after appropriate signs are posted. For restrictions adopted after January 1, 2005, the local authority must find that pedestrian use would pose a safety risk.
2006 City Council Direction on Pedestrian Restrictions on County Expressways
In 2006, after reviewing a prior petition to repeal the resolution from Mr. Szoboszlay, the City Council directed that the County lead on pedestrian-prohibition ordinances for expressways, that Resolution No. 5603 be repealed only upon adoption of future County ordinances modifying pedestrian prohibitions on expressways, and that the County be requested to develop a program and funding to add sidewalks on expressways.
DISCUSSION
Current Conditions and Safety Considerations
Along portions of Lawrence and San Tomas Expressways, pedestrian restriction signage exists where adequate sidewalks are not present. To assist pedestrians, the County is in the process of installing new guidance signage identifying alternative pedestrian routes.
Additionally, when evaluating whether a pedestrian should be allowed to walk along a portion of the expressway without sidewalks, the following should be considered:
• Areas along the expressway without sidewalks would not likely meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and pedestrian design standards.
• Limited lighting along expressways can reduce nighttime visibility of pedestrians.
• Debris, uneven surfaces, and drainage structures pose walking hazards along expressway shoulders.
• High-speed traffic, vehicle breakdowns, and maintenance activities create conflicts.
• Restricting pedestrian access (where there are no sidewalks) reduces risk and liability from unsafe conditions.
County of Santa Clara Active Transportation Plan
Moving forward, the County’s Active Transportation Plan, adopted in June 2025 by the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors, identifies pedestrian improvements for expressway corridors, including sidewalks along key corridors, Class I shared-use paths on one side of an expressway, and filling sidewalk gaps on one or both sides of corridors. Completion of these improvements is subject to available funding and resources. Upon completion of such improvements the lifting of pedestrian restrictions could occur.
Staff Recommendation
Based on all of the above, City and County staff do not recommend immediate repeal of the existing pedestrian restriction along portions of Lawrence and San Tomas Expressways. Instead, staff recommends that the City Council affirm the 2006 City Council direction on the matter including:
• County to lead on pedestrian prohibition ordinances for County Expressways where appropriate.
• Council Consideration of the Repeal of Resolution 5603 should only occur upon adoption of future County ordinances modifying pedestrian prohibitions on County Expressways as appropriate (for example, if and when pedestrian improvements are constructed).
• Collaborate with and support the County’s implementation of their Active Transportation Plan.
• City to continue to request new sidewalks on County Expressways as appropriate through City development projects.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(2) as a general policy making activity.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the staff recommendation affirming the 2006 City Council direction on the matter beyond staff time for ongoing coordination with the County and review of pedestrian facilities through applicable development projects. Alternate Council direction would require additional staff time and cost and require prioritization compared to other ongoing staff efforts.
COORDINATION
The report was coordinated with City Attorney’s Office, Police Department, and the County of Santa Clara Roads and Airports Department.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Affirm the 2006 City Council direction on existing pedestrian restrictions on portions of Lawrence and San Tomas Expressways including:
1. County to lead on pedestrian prohibition ordinances for County expressways;
2. Council consideration of the repeal of Resolution 5603 should only occur upon adoption of future County ordinances modifying pedestrian prohibitions on expressways;
3. Collaborate with and support the County’s implementation of their Active Transportation Plan; and
4. City to continue to request new sidewalks on expressways as appropriate through City development projects.
Staff
Reviewed by: Craig Mobeck, Director of Public Works
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution No. 5603
2. Map of Expressway pedestrian facilities and pedestrian prohibition
3. Post Meeting Materials from November 18, 2025 Study Session