HomeMy WebLinkAbout12 HIGHWAY CAPACITY ENHANCEMENTS/6 MO EVAL 08-04-09~ Agenda Item 12
~~ ~ AGENDA REPORT Reviewed:
.;~:.
City Manager
Finance Director N/Q
MEETING DATE: AUGUST 4, 2009
TO: WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: DOUGLAS S. STACK, ASSISTANT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: ARTERIAL HIGHWAY CAPACITY ENHANCEMENTS
SIX MONTH EVALUATION
SUMMARY
On November 4, 2008 the City Council adopted Ordinance Number 1357, prohibiting parking
along designated portions of Newport Avenue, Red Hill Avenue and Irvine Boulevard in order to
provide an additional travel lane in each direction. On February 1, 2009 parking restrictions
became effective along the three arterials and pavement striping was modified from four lanes
to six lanes. This action was taken to enhance the capacity of each arterial, increase mobility,
and decrease congestion and travel delay. No additional right-of-way was required to provide
these improvements.
Pursuant to City Council direction, staff has prepared a six month evaluation. Enhancing the
arterials has resulted in noticeable improvement in mobility, travel time, and flow. As
anticipated, transitional traffic patterning has been eliminated, speed has not increased, and
parking absorption occurred.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council receive and file this report.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
BACKGROUND
Due to concerns over traffic congestion on three major arterial roadways, studies were
conducted to investigate the merits of providing additional roadway capacity by adding a third
travel lane in each direction on certain portions of Newport Avenue, Red Hill Avenue and Irvine
Boulevard. Each arterial highway was evaluated individually and it was determined that specific
areas could be improved to a level of service (LOS) consistent with the policies of the General
Plan Circulation Element by implementing additional travel lanes.
DISCUSSION
On February 1, 2009 parking restrictions became effective under Ordinance Number 1357 and
striping was modified from four lanes to six lanes along the following portions of:
1. Newport Avenue -Sycamore Avenue to First Street;
2. Red Hill Avenue -Sycamore Avenue to Mitchell Street and San Juan Street to
Bryan Avenue; and
3. Irvine Boulevard -Prospect Avenue to Holt Avenue.
Arterial Highway Capacity Enhancements
Six Month Evaluation
August 4, 2009
Page 2
Prohibiting parking along these portions of arterials has resulted in a noticeable improvement in
traffic flow. In particular, vehicle weaving due to transitions from six lanes to four lanes along
the arterials has been eliminated, resulting in a smoother, more uniform flow of traffic. This is
especially noticeable with heavy traffic volumes during AM and PM peak hours. Prohibiting
parking has also improved street maintenance operations by allowing street sweepers to clean
gutters without having to avoid parked cars. This has greatly improved the City's efforts to
maintain a clean and healthy environment and avoid impacts related to storm water quality and
West Nile virus.
Following restriping on Newport Avenue, some initial driver confusion occurred for northbound
Newport Avenue at First Street. At this location, the three travel lanes approaching the
intersection transition into two travel lanes and two (dual) left turn lanes at the intersection. The
dual left turn lanes have historically been present due to the heavy volumes turning from
Newport Avenue onto First Street during peak hours. However, over the past six months with
additional signing/striping and traffic signal enhancements, driver awareness has improved and
confusion has diminished. At this particular location, additional right of way is necessary to
install a third travel lane alongside the dual left turn pockets.
To accommodate the additional travel lanes at Newport Avenue at Main Street, a center median
modification was necessary. A small portion of raised median on either side of Main Street at
Newport Avenue was reconstructed. As a result, a longer left turn pocket is provided for
northbound Newport Avenue at Main Street and egress from Andrews Street is restricted to
right turn only. Both capacity and safety were enhanced at this location with minimal complaint.
Speeds have essentially remained constant with the posted limit since implementation. From
the beginning, Police presence and enforcement has been a major priority and focus. Over the
last six months, a total of 58 citations were issued for speeding, which is the same number for
this period last year. Also, 26 citations were issued for stopping in the #3 lane. To increase
driver awareness, the City's speed trailer was utilized and rotated throughout the three arterial
network. The speed trailer provides immediate feedback and gives the driver an acute
awareness of speed with the opportunity to adjust accordingly. This, coupled with enforcement,
has essentially kept the speed within the posted limit.
In terms of accidents, when compared to the same six month period last year, no significant
change has occurred. For example, along Red Hill Avenue four fewer accidents have occurred
and along Newport Avenue between First Street and Sycamore Avenue one additional accident
has occurred. On Irvine Boulevard, four additional accidents have occurred, with two resulting
from vehicles in the outside (#3) lane failing to yield for right turning vehicles, and two due to
illegal lane changes between the #2 and #3 lanes.
Prior to implementation of six lanes along the three arterials, there was concern over impacts of
parking removals on adjacent properties. However, following implementation there have been
relatively few complaints. Spillover parking on Copperfield Drive resulted in formation of a
preferential permit parking zone for adjacent homeowners. Also, park patrons of Columbus
Tustin Park have fully utilized the designated on-site park parking lot following implementation of
parking restrictions on Irvine Boulevard as anticipated.
Arterial Highway Capacity Enhancements
Six Month Evaluation
August 4, 2009
Page 3
In summary, providing the six lane enhancement along Newport Avenue, Red Hill Avenue and
Irvine Boulevard has optimized the carrying capacity, reduced congestion, and decreased travel
delay as expected.
gl S. Stack Dana R. Kasdan
s t Public Works Director Engineering Services Manager
S:\City Council Items\2009 Council ItemsWrterial Highway Capacity Enhancement Six Mo Eval.doc