This initiative follows changes in state law that allows the City “to adopt a rule or regulation by ordinance to implement a slow streets program, which may include closures to vehicular traffic or through vehicular traffic of neighborhood local streets with connections to citywide bicycle networks, destinations that are within walking distance, or green space.”
The City of San Diego is proposing to implement a Slow Street on Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter of Downtown. What this means is that each block of Fifth Avenue, from Broadway on the north to K Street on the south, would be closed daily to vehicle traffic, creating safe and walkable pedestrian promenades. The closures would take place between permitted hours and would not impact cross-street traffic on east/west streets connecting to Fifth Avenue.
Outside permitted hours, the street will be open to vehicle traffic to allow for services, trash and recycling collection, and deliveries.
Repurposing Fifth Avenue during certain days and hours of the week as a Slow Street can help foster a more accessible, pedestrian-friendly environment, provide additional seating areas for visitors and patrons of the surrounding businesses, and encourage non-motorized transportation.
We want to hear from you. The City is seeking input on this proposed Slow Street and feedback can be sent in multiple ways:
By email to trafficops@sandiego.gov
By phone to 619-533-3126
Downtown Parking Management Group (DPMG) meetings on the first Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m.
City of San Diego Council Meetings (TBD)
This item is tentatively scheduled to be heard at the San Diego City Council meeting during the week of April 24, 2023. The agenda for this meeting will be posted on the City’s website at SanDiego.gov 72 hours prior to the meeting.
