Grand Jury Report Calls Friant-Shepherd Fresno’s Most Dangerous Intersection, City Has 90 Days to Respond

The Fresno County Civil Grand Jury released a report designating the Friant Road and Shepherd Avenue intersection the most dangerous in Fresno. The report cites 21 crashes between 2020 and 2024, with more than 80% caused by red-light running.

The city committed $2.5 million to intersection improvements following two crashes within three days of each other in February-March 2026. Mayor Jerry Dyer disputed the “most dangerous” designation: “It was the number one unsafe intersection in Fresno. Today, it’s not in the top 10.”

The grand jury recommended 11 additional measures: increased police enforcement, intersection design changes, additional traffic signal signage, and more flashing warning lights. The report notes decreased police presence as a factor and identifies a visibility problem — northbound drivers on Friant cannot see all stop lights until 280 yards from the intersection due to a slight curve.

City Manager Georgeanne A. White stated the city will respond within the required 90-day timeline. Under state procedures, the city must formally address each finding and recommendation.

The Breakdown

• Fresno County Civil Grand Jury issued formal report on Friant/Shepherd intersection safety
• 21 crashes documented 2020-2024; over 80% attributed to red-light running
• City already committed $2.5 million for improvements after February-March 2026 crashes
• Grand jury recommends 11 additional changes including enforcement, design modifications, signage
• City has 90 days under state procedures to respond to findings and recommendations

What This Means for You

The Civil Grand Jury — a citizen oversight body with legal authority to investigate local government — determined the city’s current response is insufficient. The city has 90 days to respond to each recommendation under state procedures. The City Manager stated the city is working with City Council to evaluate and respond to the grand jury’s findings.

What You Can Do

The city’s response to the grand jury will involve the City Council. Contact your council representative to state your position on the recommended safety measures.

What to Watch

The city committed $2.5 million. The grand jury — after reviewing those planned changes and the intersection’s ongoing crash record — concluded more is needed. County leaders considered the changes offered but still believe more should be done.

A separate question: the report states “decreased police presence” is a known factor and “all parties” agree more enforcement would reduce crashes. If that’s true and has been true, why wasn’t enforcement already increased before the grand jury had to formally recommend it? The city’s response should address whether staffing, priorities, or budget constraints prevented that step — or whether it simply wasn’t done.