Selma Tests Temporary Street Closure for Pedestrian Safety Pilot

On Jan. 6, the City of Selma implemented a planned, temporary street closure at Mitchell Avenue and Nebraska Avenue as part of the Selma Safe Streets Tactical Urbanism Pilot Study. The brief intervention closed the intersection to through traffic while crews installed "Road Closed to Thru Traffic" signs and barricades and activated two signed detour routes using Rose Avenue and Thompson Street to redirect motorists around the site.

City officials framed the action as a test of temporary traffic-calming and pedestrian-safety measures, enabling staff to observe how changes affect driver behavior and pedestrian movement before considering longer-term installations. The closure was planned and relatively short in duration; residents were asked to follow posted signage and allow extra travel time while the pilot was conducted. A Public Works contact was provided in the resident notice for anyone with questions.

For local commuters, delivery drivers, and residents in neighborhoods near Mitchell and Nebraska, the pilot produced modest, short-term impacts on travel patterns. The signed detours along Rose Avenue and Thompson Street redirected traffic that would normally pass through the intersection, which may have altered local travel times, parking access and routes to nearby businesses and homes. The notice emphasized adherence to signage to maintain safety and keep emergency access routes clear during the test.

Beyond immediate traffic effects, the pilot carries community significance as part of a growing emphasis on safer streets and walkable neighborhoods in Fresno County and cities around the world. Tactical urbanism uses temporary, low-cost interventions to trial changes, from curb extensions to signage and temporary barriers, allowing municipalities to collect local feedback and make data-informed decisions without committing to permanent construction. These experiments are intended to improve pedestrian safety, particularly for children, seniors and people with disabilities, while balancing the needs of drivers and local commerce.

Residents seeking further information were directed to contact Selma Public Works. If the pilot yields positive results, Selma may consider adjustments based on observations and community input; if not, temporary measures can be removed with minimal disruption. In the meantime, local motorists and pedestrians are urged to follow posted guidance and plan for slight schedule changes when navigating the affected area.