Thousands of South Bay drivers will soon notice big changes in the San Jose neighborhood of Willow Glen.
The city next month will test out a new road configuration through the shopping area on Lincoln Avenue, between Minnesota and Coe avenues -- where an estimated 20,000 people pass through every day.
The so-called "road diet" will reduce the four-lane thoroughfare to two lanes for cars, and two other lanes solely for bikes.
City officials are scheduled to hold an informational meeting Thursday night about the changes.
There are lighted crosswalks in the area, but many admit it is not easy to see pedestrians.
"I just try to be the over-paranoid parent that looks 10 times as I cross," resident Megan O'Connor said.
Slimming down Lincoln Avenue, which connects South San Jose with downtown, will cost $40,000 for a "test run" from March to May, City Councilman Pierluigi Oliverio said.
Local
"During the trial we will be testing or measuring speed and volume on 45 streets so we have data on top of feedback," he said.
Many pedestrians said changes are needed in the area.
Meanwhile, drivers said they are preparing for huge traffic back ups on Lincoln Avenue and other surrounding roads.
City officials said if they receive overwhelming negative feedback during the trial this spring, the road will stay as is.
