Three New Protected Left Turns in the City

Recent Implementation of Protected Left Turns at Three Signalized Intersections in San Rafael

The City strives towards improving pedestrian safety by reducing potential pedestrian and vehicle conflicts at signalized intersections. Considering feedback received through the SeeClickFix reporting system, City staff recognized that protected left turns at the following three intersections could be implemented without major reconstruction of the intersection and existing traffic signals:

• Civic Center Drive & North San Pedro Road/San Pablo Avenue
  • Point San Pedro Road & Loch Lomond Drive/Lochinvar Road
  • Manuel T Freitas Parkway and Las Gallinas Avenue.

This implementation included installation of additional traffic signal heads with left turn arrows and adjusted signal timing. Implementation was completed in April 2026.

Previously, these intersections had 'permissive left turn movement', This creates a conflict with pedestrians crossing while the vehicles is attempting to turn. Adding a protected signal phase removes the conflict between left-turning vehicles and pedestrians crossing the intersection crosswalk, creating a safer pedestrian crossing experience.

• Protected left turns : Left turns are allowed only on a green.
• Permissive left turn movement : allows drivers to turn left at a signalized intersection during a solid green ball or flashing yellow arrow signal, but only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

The City will continue to monitor these intersections and collect input submitted through SeeClickFix for future intersection improvements.