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HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecm_041294TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE CONFERENCE ROOM NO. 3 APRIL 12, 1994 5:30 P.M. MINUTES MEMBERS PRESENT Fernandez, William Ford, Stephen MEMBERS ABSENT Chairman Steve Turner STAFF PRESENT Beard, Bill Hams, Mike Kennedy, Rick Kathy Kinch Recording Secretary STAFF ABSENT Budrow, Ken The Traffic Engineering Committee meeting was called to order by Committee Member Hams at 5:30 P.M. Roll was taken with the results listed above. APPROVAL OF MINUTES ON A MOTION by Beard, seconded by Fernandez, it was carved by a consensus vote to approve the Traffic Engineering Committee minutes of March 8, 1994, as submitted. Abstain: Michael Harris and Rick Kennedy. Absent: Chairman Turner. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS a. Speed Zone for Talmage Road Overcrossing at State Highway 101 Rick Kennedy advised this item is in response to concerns regarding the available sight distance and posted speed zone along the Talmage and 101 overcrossing at the newly re-aligned southbound 101 off-ramp. The Engineering Staff conducted a study of existing conditions, and our analysis was performed in conformance with adopted standards published in the Caltrans MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING CGMMITTEE APRIL 12, 1994 1 Highway Design Manual. Staffs findings indicate the safe stopping sight distance along Talmage, given the length of the vertical curve, is approximately 266 feet. A 35 M.P.H. design speed is appropriate for this stopping sight distance (based on eye height of 3.5 feet and object height of 0.5 feet). Staff also reviewed corner sight distance and intersection approach speed criteria. It is estimated that a driver stopped at the off-ramp can detect a westbound vehicle on Talmage anywhere between the range of 220 feet and 320 feet from the intersection depending upon the distance the stopped vehicle is from the centerline of the intersecting road (based on eye height of 3.5 feet and object height of 4.5 feet). Given this range for a corner sight distance, a design speed of 30 M.P.H. would be applicable, however, the criteria established for corner sight distance is based on a 7 1/2 second time period allowed for a left turning vehicle. The off-ramp is marked for right turn only and a No Left Turn sign has been installed. Therefore, this criteria would not be applicable and the stopping sight distance would control. Sight distances criteria related to intersection approach speed are appropriate only when there are no intersection controls such as yield sign, stop sign or traffic signal. Although within the City limit, this portion of Talmage Road is under the jurisdiction of the State of California. It is recommended that the Traffic Engineering Committee direct Staff to submit a written request to Caltrans requesting that the speed zone in the vicinity of the Talmage/101 overcrossing be changed from the current 40 M.P.H. zone to a 35 M.P.H. zone. The 35 M.P.H. speed limit would conform to a speed that is compatible with the available stopping sight distance. Discussion followed regarding North Counties Engineering's Gary Ackerstrom design of the widening of Talmage as well as the realignment of the 101 south bound off-ramp. Originally it was a merge and was realigned similar to a t-intersection. During the design, Caltrans requested the designer to place the off-ramp closer to the structure. There is no written correspondence between Caltrans, Gary Ackerstrom and the City regarding Mr. Ackerstrom's concern that the requested location for the off-ramp was to close and would restrict sight distance. No authorization is required from the City Council because Staff is requesting Caltrans to reduce their speed zone; Caltrans approved the plans and provided an encroachment permit; installing a flashing light warning traffic of an approaching stop sign; posting a low speed explaining why the speed is posted low (restricted sight distance). Rick Kennedy noted he attended the pre-contraction meeting with the contractor and State Inspector. The State Inspector stated the Traffic Engineer had a concern with the alignment and site distance. Bill Beard noted after discussions with the designer of the off-ramp it was noticed the following day the speed limit sign on west bound traffic approaching the overcrossing on Talmage Road and Highway 101 was lying flat on the ground and appeared to be broken. Rick Kennedy noted the letter will include Staff s findings. MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE APRIL 12, 1994 2 Karre Brown entered the room at 5:50 p. m. Karre Brown submitted a letter to the Committee dated April 12, 1994, regarding the Talmage Road overpass speed zone. She expressed she uses the south bound highway 101 off-ramp every day to work. The realignment for merging traffic from the stop sign onto Talmage Road is a safety hazard. She asked the Committee to petition Caltrans to change the existing 50 MPH speed zone to 35 MPH. The site visibility for both the Talmage Road west bound traffic and the off-ramp entrance has been greatly reduced for safe merging. Rick Kennedy advised when an approaching intersection cannot be seen within 500 feet a warning sign can be posted of an intersection ahead. To install a flashing warning light, "Stop Ahead" sign or stop light, Staff would have to show there have been a number of rear-end accidents. Currently there are no accident reports for this area. Mike Harris asked Staff to include in their written letter to request Caltrans to install the appropriate warning devices indicating traffic is approaching an intersection. ON A MOTION by Bill Beard, seconded by Rick Kennedy, it was carried by a consensus vote the Traffic Engineering Committee direct Staff to submit a written request to Caltrans requesting that the speed zone in the vicinity of the Talmage 101 overcrossing for west bound approaching traffic be changed from the current 40 MPH to 35 MPH. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS a. Status Report on: 1. Handicapped Parking for Courthouse Rick Kennedy advised the request for handicap parking on School Street for the Courthouse has been installed. Samuel T. Hair who requested the handicap parking advised Staff the installation of the handicap parking is great. 2. No Parking Zone along 953 and 955 North State Street Frontage Rick Kennedy advised the red curb has been painted along 953 and 955 North State Street frontage. Acting Chairman requested the Director of Public Works report on the potential for red curbing from ET northerly to the Fairgrounds at the May 10, 1994 meeting. b. Notice of Re op rt Prepared by the Enforcement and En ing Bering Team of its Extension Proeram. University of California "Traffic Safety Evaluation Enforcement and Engineering Analysis, December 1993". MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE APRIL 12, 1994 3 Rick Kennedy advised Staff has received a copy of "Traffic Safety Evaluation Enforcement and Engineering Analysis, December 1993" prepared by ITS, a Berkley Extension. Additional copies are on file in the City Manager's office. Steve Ford inquired the status of the red curb, east side of North Bush Street, 20 feet south of light standard at 1171 North Bush Street to driveway at 1201 North Bush, (Traffic Engineering Committee Minutes of May 11, 1993.) He advised the "Children at Play" signs on the on upper end of Standley, west of Highland are badly damaged. He also advised there is no school crossing sign on Barnes for Trinity School. AD.TOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. ti~ Steve Turn r, Chairman ~J ~~e~ 1~ l ~ 1 ~` 1 Kathy Kinch, R rding Secretary B:1 \TEC M041294 MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE APRIL 12, 1994 4