General policy for state highways is a minimum 100-foot sight distance setback of median street tree from intersection cross walk or stop bar. This significantly reduces the number of trees than can be planted, with associated effects on corridor beautification, pavement shading, greenhouse gas reduction, and other corridor improvement objectives. In areas with short blocks it may not be possible to plant any median street trees.
Street trees should be maximized along the corridor consistent with the GBI guidelines noted above. Median street trees may be located closer to cross walks or stop bars if a Caltrans-approved sight distance study determines that proposed tree location(s) meets safety requirements. All median streetscape design plans should incorporate sight distance studies in order to promote effective and attractive capital improvement investments.
