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HomeMy WebLinkAbouttecp_081704TRAFFIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEE AGENDA UKIAH CIVIC CENTER Conference Room No. 3 300 Seminary Avenue Ukiah, California 95482 TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2004 3:00 P.M. t. CALL TO ORDER: Harris, Lohse, Richard, Seanor, Turner, Walker, Whitaker, and Chairman Kageyama 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 20, 2004 3. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: The Traffic Engineering Committee welcomes input from the audience. In order for everyone to be heard, please limit your comments to three (3) minutes per person and not more than 10 minutes per subject. The Brown Act regulations do not allow action to be taken on non-agenda items. 4. OLD BUSINESS: a. None. 5. NEW BUSINESS: a. Discussion and possible action regarding proposed No Parking Zones on South Barnes Street and Betty Street. b. Discussion and possible action regarding signage adjacent to Orr Street bridge and Waugh Lane bridge. c. Discussion and possible action regarding request for installation of STOP signs on South School Street at Church Street. 6. COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS: a. Update on City Traffic Circulation Study (verbal report) b. Update on City Parking Study (verbal report) c. Update on crosswalks (verbal report) 7. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS: 8. ADJOURNMENT Please call Katrina Ballard at 463-6203 if you are unable to attend the meeting. The City of Ukiah complies with ADA requirements and will attempt to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities upon request. Member Richard commented on the new MTA route after MTA's decision to discontinue using the stop at State and Scott Streets. The former route allowed buses to proceed east on Standley Street and stop on Main Street. Currently, the buses travel around the entire block by turning right on Main, Perkins, and State Streets. A re-route would allow buses to turn left on Main Street from the stop on Standley Street, continue to Norton, and proceed west on Norton and north on State Street. This route would eliminate travel in the vicinity of the State and Scott Street intersection. In addition, the Route 9 Local, operating every 30 minutes, goes in both directions between Norton, Standley, and Perkins Streets. Martin Nelson commented on the proposed pair of bus stops, and referred to the associated site drawings that show the general plan layout and various sidewalk/street dimensions. MTA is currently using the two locations when no vehicle is parked or blocking the access. Member Whitaker commented that the condition of sidewalks is negatively affected when a new MTA bus stop sign is installed. He recommended MTA consider permanent bus stop locations to avoid having to eliminate stops. There was a lengthy discussion between the members and the private property owners concerning the new bus stop locations focusing on the following project issues: - Potential impacts to private driveways - Sight distance/visibility problems for the bus drivers - Assurance that pedestrian safety is maintained in conjunction with the two driveways adjacent to the Nuestra Casa building - Compliance with handicap accessible standards - Sidewalk, street, and fencing widths - The existing red curb requirements to determine whether any modifications were necessary - Preservation and/or the potential for additional street parking spaces - Location of the MTA sign for pick-up and drop-off - Determination of whether the southbound bus stops should be installed between the two driveways located in front of Nuesra Casa - Other posted driving/parking restrictions that could have an impact on bus maneuvering It was noted the corresponding dimensions for the two bus stops relative to the street and sidewalks affected are shown on the site drawings attached to the staff report. ON A MOTION by Member Harris, seconded by Member Richard, it was carried by an all AYE voice vote of the members present to recommend to the City Council the establishment of two MTA bus stops, one on the west side of North Main Street between the two driveways located at the frontage of the Nuestra Traffic Engineering Committee July 20, 2004 Page 2 Casa building for the southbound bus stop, and one on the east side at 345 North Main Street for the northbound bus stop. b. Discussion and possible action regarding Barnes Street parking and stop sign request for the intersection of Park Boulevard, Todd Road, and Barnes Street. Member Seanor reported the City Public Works Department received a verbal request from Karla Koch regarding two traffic issues in the Barnes Street, Todd Road, and Park Boulevard area. Her concern relates to vehicles parked near the Assembly of God church, stating when drivers park vehicles on both sides of Barnes Street in the vicinity of the church, appropriate traffic flow on Barnes Street becomes difficult. Ms. Koch has requested a stop sign for each leg of the intersection of Barnes Street, Todd Road, and Park Boulevard. Her primary concerns were for the safety of children riding bicycles on Barnes Street. Member Seanor advised that, to date, staff is aware of only one citizen, Ms. Koch, who has voiced such a concern. He referred to a digital photograph, Attachment "A", that demonstrates the general layout of Barnes Street, Todd Road, and Park Boulevard, as well as a photo map, Attachment "B", that shows the general layout and the existing widths of the three streets for discussion purposes. Additionally, curbside parking is allowed for both sides of each street. In order to provide curbside parking on both sides of the street, a minimum width of 40 feet is generally required (two each, 12-foot travel lanes and two each, 8- foot parking). Moreover, to allow for curbside parking on only one side of the street would require a width of 32 feet. Cnly Todd Road, at 40 feet in width, is sufficient to provide for curbside parking on both sides of the street. All three streets are in good condition with good visibility provided at the intersection of the streets to drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Member Seanor reported staff reviewed the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), and determined there were no collisions on these three streets from January 1, 1999 through December 31, 2001. Data for the period of January 1, 2002 through the present is not available. Member Seanor referred to a copy of the Caltrans Traffic Manual Policies and Warrants for Stop Signs and Yield Signs (Attachment "C"), that states, "Stop signs should not be used for speed control." Todd Road has a stop sign at its intersection with Park Boulevard and North Barnes Street. The installation of STOP signs on Barnes Street and Park Boulevard does not meet the STOP sign warrants specified in the Caltrans Traffic Manual. Therefore, no additional STOP signs are recommended at this intersection. A brief discussion followed regarding traffic issues on Sundays when the church conducts its services. Traffic Engineering Committee July 20, 2004 Page 3 .,_ ~,. Member Lohse commented on the posted traffic speed for the area, noting he has observed the tendency for people to speed as they descend from North Barnes. A general discussion followed regarding the potential for restricting the parking on North Barnes Street to one side of the street to reduce the tendency for larger vehicles to cross the centerline. The members addressed the fact that curb, gutter, and sidewalk facilities have not been installed on portions of North Barnes and Park Boulevard near the intersection. The members also discussed the issue of people parking in private driveways and/or blocking the driveways because of the lack of curb, gutter, and sidewalk on sections of North Barnes Street. Chairman Kageyama inquired whether the shoulder of a street is considered a prescriptive right-of-way for persons parking on the side of the road. Member Lohse replied people tend to park their vehicles as far off of the pavement as possible in places where no curb, gutter, and sidewalk facilities exist. A general discussion followed regarding curbside parking and whether changes should be made, such as restricting parking to one side of the street. Attachment "A" shows two stop signs on Todd Road at the intersection. The members concurred with staffs analysis provided in the Caltrans traffic manual policies that stop signs should not be used for speed control, if this is Ms. Koch's primary concern. Member Whitaker noted that one citizen complaint does not justify a change in the street configuration. Member Harris suggested the TEC thank Ms. Koch for her concern, stating that although consideration was given to the traffic and parking issues raised, the committee does not recommend any changes be made at this time. Member Lohse stated the issue of safety is a primary concern to him more than the inconvenience of requiring a driver to slow down to the posted speed limit. It may be necessary at some point to further narrow-down North Barnes to accommodate curb, gutter, and sidewalk. City staff would be required to determine the appropriate measure so that drivers would not have to cross the centerline on North Barnes Street to accommodate the curbside parking and narrowness of the street in order to safely pass through a congested area. The element of safety becomes an issue when drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists are impacted by parking and traffic congestion. He noted, in his opinion, implementation of curb, gutter, and sidewalk and/or other type of infrastructure is not an issue at this time, and therefore, the traffic/parking concerns raised is not Traffic Engineering Committee July 20, 2004 Page 4 Attachment "A" Street (looking South from Clay Street) intersection of South Barnes Street and Betty Street (looking North from Betty Street) Betty Street (looking East Barnes Street) Barnes Street) Betty Street (looking West from South Attachment "B" w E 1 inch equals 100 feet Photo Date: March 2001 C~~y code 8-4-w4 H ~ ~ L{kia~t,Cali~rnia A t}achmQnc ' C 7149: PARKING PROHIBITED ON NARROW STREETS: A. The City Traffic Engineer is hereby authorized to place signs or markings indicating no parking upon any street when the width of the roadway does not exceed twenty feet (20'), or upon one side of a street as indicated by such signs or markings when the width of the roadway does not exceed thirty feet (30'). B. When official signs or mazkings prohibiting pazking aze erected upon narrow streets as authorized herein, no person shall park a vehicle upon any such street in violation of any such sign or marking. (Ord. 553, § 1, adopted 1963) CITY OF UKIAH MEMORANDUM DATE: August 12, 2004 TO: Traffic Engineering Committee FROM: Rick Seanor, Deputy Director of Public Works 11U~ SUBJECT: Proposed STOP signs -South School Street at Church Street Agenda Item 5c. REQUEST: Staff received a request Attachment "A" from Ms. Laura Hegenbart requesting STOP signs be posted on South School Street at its intersection with Church Street. Ms. Hegenbart's primary concern regarding this intersection is the restricted visibility for cars traveling through the intersection on Church Street. DISCUSSION: Digital photographs, Attachment "B", are provided to show the general layout of South School Street and Church Street. A photo map, Attachment "C", is provided to show the general layout of the Church Street and School Street intersection. School Street between Henry Street and Stephenson Street is currently striped for diagonal parking. There are planter islands at the curb returns along School Street in the downtown area. Church Street is one- way, eastbound between Dora Street and Main Street. It is staffls observation that traffic in the downtown area generally travels at less than the posted speed limit of 25 mph. COLLISION HISTORY: Staff reviewed the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) to determine if there were any collisions at this intersection. During the period from January 1, 1999 through December 31, 2001 there were no reported accidents involving vehicles traveling through the subject intersection. No collision data is available for the period January 1, 2002 through the present. The SWITRS office has changed computer systems and has not yet distributed collision reports since January 2002. STOP SIGNS: For the TEC's reference I have provided a copy of the Caltrans Traffic Manual Policies and Warrants for Stop Signs and Yield Signs (Attachment "D"). Currently, the minor street, Church Street, is posted with a stop sign at its intersection with School Street. The installation of STOP signs on Church Street does not meet the STOP sign warrants per the Caltrans Traffic Manual. Therefore, no STOP signs are recommended on School Street at this intersection. RECOMMENDATION: Staff is submitting this report for review and discussion by the Traffic Engineering Committee (TEC). enc. cc: file ~. ~1TTpCIyli?~'NT ,~A,, ~ ~~e~~' Ukiah City Council ~'}~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~s 300 Seminary Ave ~_,}~ f iJkiah, CA 95482 f~ ' AUG 4 2004 ~ August 3, 2004 To the Members of the City Council, CITY I am writing as a concerned citizen to request that the city install stop signs at the intersection of West Church and South School streets. This intersection is in the heart of downtown Ukiah, and has a high volume of traffic, both pedestrian and vehicular. It is hazardous for several reasons. The parking arrangement on School street severely limits the visibility for and cross traffic. A vehicle on Church street that is attempting to turn onto or cross School has to be nearly in the intersection before being able to see other oncoming cars. In addition to the poor visibility, because the cazs on School street do not have to stop they frequently drive through very fast which makes it all the more dangerous for cars attempting to cross. I am employed downtown and have seen two auto accidents occur here, as well as many more near misses. Pedestrians are also at risk due to the poor visibility and high speed of cars. Pedestrians crossing have to be especially vigilant to make sure cars see them before entering the intersection because parked cars hide them from view. Also, the cross walk on the west side of the intersection frequently gets blocked by cars who aze trying to enter the intersection, and as mentioned before they have to do so in order to see oncoming traffic. The two other adjacent intersections of our downtown (i.e. where School street crosses Perkins and W. Standley streets) already have all-way stop signs in place. The intersection at W. Church is no less busy, and should be afforded the same safety measure. If the cazs on School street had to stop at the intersection it would be far less dangerous. Thank you for your consideration of this issue. Sincerely, ~~~ ~~~~~ Laura Hegenbart P.O. Box 140 Redwood Valley, CA 95470 Attachment "B" Church St. at School St. (south 4. Church St. at School St. (south side) 2. Church St. at School St. (north side) ;, 3. Church St. at School St. (north side) Attachment "C" W " E Church Street and School Street s 1 inch equals 50 feet Photo Date: March 2001 A~w~'I~fl~~ `F~IV~ 1\ ~ 11 Traffic Manual SIGNS 4-41 1-1996 4-03.6 INDIVIDUAL POLICIES FOR REGULATORY SIGNS POLICY R1 R1-3 Ri-1 STOP SIGNS, SUPPLEMENTAL PLATES AND YIELD SIGNS • STOP SIGN The Stop sign (R1) shall be used where traffic is required to stop except at signalized intersections. The Stop sign shall be an octagon with white message and border on a red background. At a multiway stop intersection, a supplemental plate (R1-3 or R7-4), may be used. When used, they should be mounted below each Stop sign. The numeral on the supplementary plate shall correspond to the number of approach legs, or the legend All-Way (R1-4) may be used. The plate shall have white letters and border on a red background.The supplemental plates R1-3 and R1-4should R1-3 not be used at intersections with State highways. A red flashing beacon, or beacons may be used in conjunction with a Stop sign. See Section 9-05, "Flashing Beacons". Secondary messages shall not be used on Stop sign faces. R1-4 Warrants for Stop Signs Rl-4 Because the Stop sign causes a substantial inconvenience to motorists, it should only be used where warranted. AStop sign may be warranted at an intersection where one or more of the following conditions exist: 1. On the less important road at its intersection with a main road where accident history justifies the placement of Stop signs. 2. On a county road or city sheet with its intersection with a State highway. 3. At the intersection with twa main highways. The highwaytrafficto bestopped depends on approach speeds, volumes and turning movements. 4. On a street entering a legally established through highway or street. 5. On a minor street where the safe approach speed to the intersection is less than 16 km/h. 6. At an unsignalized Intersection in a signalized area. 7. At other intersections where a combination of high speed, restricted view and accident record indicates a need for control by the Stop sign. A Stop sign is not a "cure-all" and is not a substitute for other traffic control devices. Many times the need for a Stop sign can be eliminated if the sight distance is increased by removing obstructions. Federal Sign No. 4-42 SIGNS Traffic Manual t-1996 POLICY Stop signs should nat be used for speed control. Stop signs shall not be erected at 8nyentrance to an intersection when such entrance is controlled by an official traffic control signal, nor at any railroad grade crossing which is controlled by automatic signals, gates, or other train- actuatedcontrol devices except as provided in CVC 21355, Stop Signs. The conflicting commands of two types of control devices are confusing. Where two main highways intersect, the Stop sign or signs should normally be-posted on the minor street to stop the lesser flow of traffic. Traffic engineering studies, however, may justify a decision to install a Stop sign or signs on the major street, as at a three-way intersection. where safety. considerations may Justify stopping the greater flow of traffic to permit a left turning movement. Stop orYield signs may be installed at any highway-rail grade crossing without automatic traffic control devices with two or more trains per day traversing the crossing. Two or more trains per day is interpreted to mean an average two or more trains per day operating over the crossing each day for a period of one year prior to the installation of the Stop or Yleld control sign. Portable or part-time Stop signs shall not be used except for emergency purposes. • Multiway Stop Signs The "Multiway Stop" installation may be useful at some locations. It should ordinarily be used only where the volume of traffic on intersecting roads is approximately equal. A traffic control signal is more satisfactory for an intersection with a heavy volume of traffic. Any of the following locations may warrant multiway Stop sign installation: 1. Where traffic signals are warranted and urgently needed, .the multiway stop may be an interm measure that can be installed quickly to control traffic while arrangements are being made for the signal Installations. ' 2. An accident problem, as Indicated by five or more reported accidents within a 12 month period of a type susceptible of correction by a multiway stop installation. Such accidents include right and leff- turn collisions as well as right angle collisions. 3 .Minimum traffic volumes; (a) The total vehiclular volume entering the intersection from all approaches must average at least 500 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours of an average day, and Traffic Manual SIGNS 443 1-7896 POLICY (bj The combined vehicular and pedestrian volumefrom the minor street or highway must average at least 200 units per hourfor the same 8 hours, with an average delay to minor street vehicular traffic of at least 30 seconds per vehicle during the maximum hour, but (c) When the 85th percentile approach speed exceeds 84 km/h, the minimum vehicular volume warrant is 70 % of the above requirements. • YIELD SIGN. R1-2 The Yield sign (R7-2) assigns right of way to traffic on certain approachestoanintersection. Vehiclescontrolied by a Yield sign need stop only when necessary to avoid interference with other traffic that is given the right of way. The Yield sign shall be a downward pointing, equilateral triangle having a red border band and awhile interior and the word Yield in red inside the border band. Stop orYield signs may be installed at any highway-rail grade crossing without automatic traffic control devices with two or more trains per day traversing the crossing. Two or more. trains per day is interpreted to mean an average two or more trains per day operating over the crossing each day for a period of one year prior to the installation of the Stop orYield control sign. R1-2 • Warrants for Yield Signs The Yield sign may be warranted: 4. Where there is a separate or channelized right 1. On the minor road at the entrance to an intersection Where it is necessary to assign the right of way to the major road, but where a stop is not necessary at all times, and where the safe approach speed on the minor road exceeds 16 km/h. 2. On the entrance ramp to an expressway where an acceleration lane is not provided. 3. Within an intersection with a divided highway, where a stop sign is present at the entrance to the first roadway and further control is necessary, at the entrance to the second roadway, and where the median width between the two roadways exceeds 9 m. turn lane, without an adequate acceleration lane. L'ity of l~k~al~ nv~~~ed~~ h-avt~ ol~~r~~p~/ ~a~~'eei~uiYite an S . oSf all ~ August 11, 2004 .g~ $t,~ ~ ~J,~ P„,~k ~~~. by str~ .~ cracv.n~ RE: Proposed No Parking Zones -South Barnes Street and Betty Street ~~{S Dear Resident of South Barnes Street, Betty Street, or Oak Park Avenue: Enclosed please find a copy of the agenda summary report regarding a proposed No Parking Zone on South Barnes Street and Betty Street. I have also enclosed a copy of the Traffic Engineering Committee agenda. This item will be heard at the Traffic Engineering Committee meeting, which begins at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, August 17, 2004. The meeting is scheduled to be held in Conference Room 3 at the Ukiah Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue. You are welcome to attend the meeting to discuss this item. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 463-6296 if you have further questions regarding the proposed No Parking Zone. Sincerely, Richard J. Seanor Deputy Director of Public Works enc. cc: file / 300 SEMINARY AVENUE UKIAH, CA 95482-5400 Phone# 7071463-6200 Fax# 7071463-6204 Web Address. www.cityofukiah.com errs of uk~ati August 12, 2004 Ms. Laura Hegenbart PO BOX 140 REDWOOD VALLEY CA 95470-0140 RE: Proposed STOP signs -South School Street at Church Street Dear Ms. Hegenbart Enclosed please find a copy of the agenda summary report regarding your request for STOP signs on School Street at Church Street. I have also enclosed a copy of the Traffic Engineering Committee agenda. This item will be heard at the Traffic Engineering Committee meeting, which begins at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, August 17, 2004. The meeting is scheduled to be held in Conference Room 3 at the Ukiah Civic Center, 300 Seminary Avenue. You are welcome to attend the meeting to discuss this item. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 463-6296 if you have further questions Sincerely, Richard J. Seanor Deputy Director of Public Works enc. cc: file / 300 SEMINARY AVENUE UKIAH, CA 95482-5400 Phoned 707/463-6200 Fax# 707/463-6204 Web Address: www.cityofukiah.com