Archived News Release from 2004

For Immediate Release

Information Available on Downtown Parking, Traffic Impacts During Peterson Trial

Redwood City, CA - January 29, 2004 - An estimated 400-500 members of the national and international media are expected to be centered in downtown Redwood City during the course of the Peterson trial taking place here, along with their satellite and microwave trucks and trailers, and other vehicles. To help accommodate this flood of additional vehicles and their temporary but significant impact on downtown parking and traffic, the City has announced lane reconfigurations and parking availability.

For the duration of the trial, the north side of Middlefield Road between Veterans’ Boulevard and Bradford Street will be closed to provide long-term parking for media trucks and equipment. The south side of Middlefield will be open for one-way eastbound traffic only. No westbound (toward downtown) traffic on Middlefield at this location will be permitted. Westbound motorists will be required to use an alternate westbound street, and are urged to exercise extra caution in this area, and watch for special signage and lane changes. Depending on circumstances, the City may make additional changes to lane configurations or take other traffic safety measures.

Due to the high volume of additional vehicles expected to park downtown during the trial, available parking in the area is expected to be limited. To assist downtown visitors with locating parking, the City provides a downtown public parking map, available at www.redwoodcity.org/about/visiting.html. Media support vehicles (passenger size only) may obtain a monthly permit for special overflow parking areas to be designated, by visiting Redwood City Revenue Services Department at City Hall, 1017 Middlefield Road. Redwood City Police remind visitors that areas marked “No Parking” or “Private Parking” will be monitored and parking restrictions will be strictly enforced.

“Our primary objective is to maintain the public safety downtown, help motorists avoid the more congested areas, and assist both regular visitors and those here for the trial to locate adequate parking,” said Jeff Ira, Mayor of Redwood City. “We’re asking for the patience and understanding of our downtown merchants and businesses, their customers, and others with regular business downtown as we work to accommodate this temporary influx of vehicles.”

Visit Redwood City’s website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, and City government.

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Contact: Malcolm Smith
Public Communications Manager
(650) 780-7305