City of Ridgecrest Las Flores Avenue HAWK (State Project Number HSIPSL-5385(078))

The proposed project consists of pedestrian safety improvements at two existing intersections within the City of Ridgecrest, California. Improvements are intended to enhance pedestrian visibility and safety and reduce the potential for pedestrian-vehicle conflicts. At the intersection of Las Flores Avenue and Sierra View Street, the project includes installation of a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB/HAWK signal). The intersection is directly adjacent to Las Flores Elementary School and several residences. Construction activities would occur within the existing public right-of-way and include minor roadway paving, curb ramp reconstruction to improve accessibility, median construction, installation of traffic signal equipment, associated wiring and conduit, and roadway signing and striping. Existing asphalt pavement would be removed and re-compacted with asphalt rubber hot mix over approximately four inches of asphalt base. No roadway widening is proposed. Construction limits at this intersection extend approximately 200 feet along each approach of Las Flores Avenue and approximately 50 feet into Sierra View Street. At the intersection of Graaf Avenue and Alene Avenue, the project includes installation of an overhead pedestrian warning assembly, consisting of a flashing pedestrian sign and rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFBs). The intersection is adjacent to a parking lot and several residences. Work would include installation of traffic signal equipment and related hardware necessary to support the overhead pedestrian warning system. All improvements would occur within the existing roadway and right-of-way. Construction limits at this intersection extend approximately 50 feet from each approach. The project would not introduce new land uses, increase roadway capacity, or alter traffic patterns beyond improving pedestrian safety. The proposed improvements are consistent with the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), which is intended to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on public roadways. The Las Flores Avenue and Sierra View Street improvements are funded through Caltrans HSIP Cycle 12, while the Graaf Avenue and Alene Avenue improvements are funded through local sources. There are no mapped hazardous waste incidents or facilities, including leaking underground storage tanks, in the project vicinity. (Calif. RWCB Geotracker, available at https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/; U.S. EPA Cleanups in My Community maps, available at https://www.epa.gov/cleanups/cleanups-my-community; California Dept. of Toxic Substances Control maps, available at https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/, accessed February 2026). Setting: The project intersections are located within developed areas. There is no natural habitat within or immediately adjacent to the project boundaries. Beneficiaries: Ridgecrest pedestrians will benefit from improved safety at the intersections, reducing fatalities and serious injuries on the public roads.