Wolk commends CalTrans decision to install safety rails

CalTrans commits to install guard rails along stretch of I-780 before school year starts

Assemblywoman Wolk asked CalTrans Director Will Kempton to promptly address the issue at a transportation budget subcommittee meeting last month, after parents of students at Mills Elementary School expressed concerns about the safety of the pedestrian tunnel between the 5th Street exit and the West 2nd Street exit of I-780 their children would cross through on their way to school. Originally, CalTrans officials estimated that the project would take two to two and a half years to complete.

However, the Assemblywoman felt two and a half years wait for guardrails was unacceptable when she learned that students from Mills Elementary School, recently closed by the Benicia School District, would have to walk through the tunnel to get to their new school.

"I'm pleased that CalTrans has decided to act swiftly on this issue," said Wolk. "Parents want to be able to send their children to school this fall knowing that their path will be safe. Guard rails are the simple solution."

Wolk was alerted to the issue by Don Kimenker, a constituent from Benicia and vice president of the parent/teachers group from Mills Elementary School.

"This is great news," said Kimenker. "I'd like to thank Assemblywoman Wolk for taking this issue to CalTrans, speeding up the process so that guard rails will be installed before school starts this fall rather than it taking over two years to have the guard rails installed, so that our elementary students and others using the walkway underneath I-780 will be protected from possible traffic accidents."

"This is an important safety issue for my constituents, and for anyone walking through this tunnel in Benicia, which is why I asked the Director to act on the matter. These things can take years to run their normal course, and we didn't have that kind of time. The tunnel's current state put children at risk, and warranted immediate action. I'm glad the Director agreed," concluded Wolk.

Wolk is one of three members of the Assembly Budget subcommittee on Information Technology and Transportation, which oversees CalTrans budget.