Hello everyone!
Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to learn more about the need for safety countermeasures on Highway 152! Always remember: Your participation and support CAN make a difference!
In addition to signing and sharing the petition with friends, please take additional time out of your day to email local officials and CalTrans on this matter. Signing the petition is excellent, but being vocal and letting CalTrans and California state officials know your opinion on this matter is where things can start to come to fruition. :)
I am also taking time out of my day to be vocal and address this problem with local officials. I recently emailed the office of Sylvia Arenas- the current Santa Clara County District 1 Supervisor- regarding the tragic deaths of Elisa and Valentina Ornelas, as well as asking for their support on changes to safety on 152. I'd love to be transparent and share their words with you below. It gives me reassurance to know their office will be discussing 152 safety with our state senator and CalTrans soon.
Thank you, drive safe and take care!
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Good afternoon, Ms. Meza,
Thank you for reaching out to Supervisor Sylvia Arenas regarding the heartbreaking accident that occurred on Highway 152, resulting in the tragic deaths of Elisa and Valentina Ornelas. We are deeply saddened by this terrible accident.
State Route 152 is not a County Owned or Maintained roadway it is under the jurisdiction of CalTrans. We are aware of a study by CalTrans District 4 and VTA to “develop and deliver infrastructure improvements to the SR 152 Trade Corridor”, detailed HERE (VTA Project Webpage). Additionally, the San Benito Council of Governments webpage details projects for State Route 156 and 25 HERE, which would affect traffic patterns in the area, including on SR 152. SR 152 which is a State Department of Transportation (DOT) Right-of-way, our County Roads and Airport Department does not have the authority to mitigate traffic concerns on 152 directly but we will most certainly support traffic enhancements made by the State Department of Transportation.
Our office will be meeting with State Senator Cortese’s Office to discuss working with CalTrans regarding State Route 152. Our goal is to identify what safety measures are currently taking place and what additional options are available to implement further traffic calming measures. We truly appreciate the very well thought out suggestions you put forward in your email and we will absolutely share them with the Senator's Office.
Thank you again Ms. Meza, for your kindness and heartfelt response to this tragic accident. You taking the time and great effort to show such a genuine interest in the safety of our roads is quite commendable. Please know that keeping our residents safe is vitally important to Supervisor Arenas and she is very committed to the well-being of our community. Your support is absolutely instrumental in these continued efforts.
Very Sincerely,
Rebecca Hall (she/her)
Board Aide