Vallejo to eliminate at least three crosswalks on busy Tennessee Street

VALLEJO – Citing a rise in pedestrians being struck by vehicles, the city of Vallejo plans to eliminate at least three marked crosswalks along a busy stretch of Tennessee Street. 

Two of the crosswalks are located near Colusa Street and the third is near Ventura Street in central Vallejo. 

“Due to numerous vehicle vs. pedestrian collisions at uncontrolled intersections, crosswalks are being removed,” city spokesman Robert Briseño told the Vallejo Sun. “The existing crosswalks also lead pedestrians (including handicap that may be in wheelchairs) from/to non-standard Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA compliant) ramps, driveways, raised curb, fire hydrants, etc.” 

Notice of the crosswalk removals came from temporary signs placed near the crosswalks around April 17. The signs cite California Vehicle Code which requires that, “An existing marked crosswalk may not be removed unless notice and opportunity to be heard is provided to the public not less than 30 days prior to the scheduled date of removal.”

Briseño said no public hearing is scheduled about the removals. He said the public wishing to express themselves would need to “contact (the) project manager listed on crosswalk removal notice.” 

Removal of the crosswalks comes as the city has recorded seven traffic-related deaths in 2026. The latest came on May 6, a woman lost control of the scooter she was driving on Sonoma Boulevard near Kentucky Street. She fell into the street and was fatally struck by a vehicle, according to Vallejo police. 

At least three of the city’s fatal traffic-related deaths include persons being struck by vehicles as they were crossing the street. 

When asked if the city is concerned whether removing more crosswalks could lead to  fewer safe crossing points and potentially increased risk for pedestrians, Briseño said, “Safer crosswalks exist at controlled intersections adjacent to the proposed crosswalks being phased out.” 

The controlled intersections include Monterey and Tennessee streets, Amador and Tennessee streets, and Tuolumne and Tennessee streets. In the same area, there is a light-controlled crosswalk near Tennessee and Halliday streets 

Briseño said the city doesn’t currently have any plans to remove additional crosswalks along Tennessee Street, nor anywhere else in the city. 

The removals come as the city re-paves several curbs along Tennessee Street as part of Measure P-funded construction. 

Measure P is a seven-eighths-cent sales tax increase approved by Vallejo voters in November 2022. City officials said the new funding will be used to address blight, illegal dumping, homelessness, roads, provide fire and police protection, and keep public spaces clean.