Plans to replace a Chevron gas station at the southeast corner of Meridian and Fruitdale avenues have opened up a path that allows San Jose to possibly realign Meridian Avenue.

In February, city staff approved a conditional use permit to build a convenience store and drive-through self-service car wash on the gas station property at 900 Meridian Ave, which is owned by Denice California Properties, LLC.

In its review, staff determined approximately 2,406 square feet of the corner lot wasn’t needed for the project and could be used to partially realign Meridian, according to a memo by Public Works Director Barry Ng.

The realignment would make it safer for pedestrians and bicyclists by reducing the crossing distance at the intersection, according to Ng’s memo. Staff approval of the permit came on the condition that the property owner would allow the realignment.

“We highlighted an opportunity for the project to improve the pedestrian environment at the intersection of Meridian and Fruitdale avenues,” public works deputy director Michael Liw told the Resident in an email.

“The improvement that the developer agreed to includes the removal of the right-turn pocket and building sidewalk along Meridian and Fruitdale avenues to better square off the corner,” Liw said.

Removal of the right-turn pocket isn’t expected to have a “significant effect on the overall signal operations” and should improve the area for pedestrians, he added.

According to Ng’s memo, a public service easement will be reserved, all affected utility companies have been notified and no objections have been raised by the public.

Public works is still working with the developer on construction plans, Liw said, but “the work itself shouldn’t take too long” once it starts early next year.

Motorists’ commutes shouldn’t be impacted much either, Liw added.

“There isn’t any signal work involved and it’s mostly flat work, so it’s routine work,” he added. “As Meridian Avenue is a major street, lane closures would be managed by public works and should occur no earlier than 9 a.m. and should end before 3 p.m. Our inspector would monitor traffic during construction and make adjustments as necessary.”

The San Jose City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed realignment Nov. 29 and consider approving it.