The majority of collisions occurred at the intersection of Fifth Street and J Street. The figure below shows collisions resulting in injury and property-damage only (PDO) collisions. Between January 2020 and January 2025, there have been 23 collisions in this area. Out of the 23 collisions, 20 collisions were located at the intersection of Fifth Street and J Street and of those, 13 resulted in someone being injured and 7 were property damage.

The City conducted traffic volume counts for the project area to understand travel movements by mode for all three intersections. Click on the image to view the analysis.

5th Street Traffic Volume Exhibit - I, J, & K

A pilot project to evaluate the safety improvements of only permitting right turns onto Fifth Street from the intersections of I Street, J street and K Street. Drivers would no longer be permitted to turn left or travel across Fifth Street from I Street, J Street and K Street. 

The City wants to address this issue quickly and safely to reduce or eliminate future collisions. We are proposing a quick-build, low-cost pilot project with paint, signs and plastic posts to only allow right turns from I Street, J Street and K Street onto Fifth Street. The City wants to start with this low-cost approach to evaluate the effectiveness of this change and also have the ability to make modifications quickly and easily throughout the project. If the project is successful, then the City will construct a permanent project using more permanent materials.

 Bicyclists and pedestrians will be allowed to cross Fifth Street at the existing crosswalks.

The City reviewed several design proposals before determining that restricting left turns was the preferred alternative. Staff determined that roundabouts at the intersections of I Street, J Street and K Street would not fit without acquiring private property. In addition, staff considered a traffic signal at J Street, but this solution would be several years away and have significant costs and coordination with the railroad.

The proposed left turn restrictions will result in a detour for drivers turning left onto Fifth Street. The figure below shows the proposed detour routes. 

Below are the expected changes:

• All traffic on Fifth Street will be able to turn both left and right onto I Street, J Street and K Street.
• Drivers will be able to turn right onto Fifth Street from I Street, J Street and K Street.
• Drivers will be not be able to turn left onto Fifth Street from I Street, J Street and K Street.
• Bicyclists and pedestrians will be able to use the crosswalks and unmarked intersections to cross Fifth Street.

1. On March 11, the City mailed letters to all property owners and residents in the project area. See map. 

2. On April 21, the Transportation Commission will review staff’s proposal to restrict left turn access onto Fifth Street. Staff will request that the Commission recommend approval of this pilot project to City Council. Please share your thoughts before April 21 or at the commission meeting. The agenda for the commission meeting will be posted the week before at https://www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/commissions-and-committees/transportation-commission/agendas

3. Once approved by City Council, the staff team will move quickly to make the necessary changes this spring.

4.  The City will evaluate the impacts and changes to traffic and determine if the changes improved safety. If the improvements are a success, then the City will construct a permanent project. 

The City is proposing a low cost and quick build approach to improve safety this spring. This approach will include paint, signs and plastic traffic posts to restrict traffic. One of the benefits of this low cost approach is the ability to make modifications quickly and easily. Another benefit is the ability for the City to evaluate if this change reduces and eliminates collisions or if it creates another safety issue. If the project is successful, then the City will construct a more permanent project. 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this proposal further, please feel free to reach out to Assistant Director/ Traffic Engineer Ryan Chapman at rchapman@cityofdavis.org or by phone at 530-747-5848.