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HomeMy WebLinkAboutO.B. 1 TRAFFIC CNT'LS 04-06-92OLD BUSINESS NO. 1 a4-6-92 DA 1y�..C� AGE Inte.r-Corn ' DATE: APRIL 1, 1992 TO: WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER FROM: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT/ENGINEERING DIVISION SUBJECT- INVESTIGATION OF ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES ON PARKCENTER LANE BETWEEN BRYAN AVENUE AND TUSTIN RANCH ROAD RECOMMENDATIONS: . It is recommended that the City Council, at their meeting of April 61 1992 direct staff to monitor the traffic flow and activity on Parkcenter Lane between Bryan Avenue and Tustin Ranch Road; install bicycle lanes on both sides of Parkcenter Lane from Bryan Avenue to Tustin Ranch Road; and continue to coordinate with the Maricopa Community Association to maintain adequate sight distance at Maricopa and Parkcenter Lane. BACKGROUND: At their meeting of March 16, 1992, the City Council considered an agenda item entitled "Request for Stop Signs or Speed Bumps on Parkcenter Lane at Maricopa and at Monterey Street." Following discussion, the Council requested that staff report back to the Council, at their first meeting in April 1992, on the possibility of installing raised object markers ("Botts Dots") in the roadway as a warning device before the. apex of the curve on Parkcenter Lane. The Council also requested staff to investigate the placement of school bus stop signs on Parkcenter Lane to inform motorists of a school bus stop on Parkcenter Lane. Staff was also directed by the City Council to coordinate with the Maricopa Community Association to restore and maintain adequate sight distance at Maricopa and Parkcenter Lane. DISCUSSION: The Engineering Division has investigated the placement of "Botts Dots" on Parkcenter Lane between Bryan Avenue and Tustin Ranch Road. "Botts Dots" when used in rows are commonly referred to as rumble strips. Their purpose when used in such rows is to call to the motorist's attention standard warning or regulatory devices, or otherwise alert drivers to roadway features by transmitting sound and vibration through the vehicle. Investigation of Additional Traffic Control on Parkcenter Lane April 1, 1992 Page 2 According to the California Department of Transportation's (Caltrans) Traffic Manual, "rumble strips should not be used on California's streets and highways unless standard traffic control devices have been thoroughly evaluated and documented and the traffic engineer considers their use as the only reasonable solution to the identified problem." There are several significant disadvantages to the use of rumble strips across the travel lanes of a roadway: a. The abrupt rise of rumble strips in the roadway can present problems to bicyclists and motorcyclists. b. Nearby residents may be subject to continuous noise and vibration in residential areas prompting citizen's complaints. C. Motorists may make unusual maneuvers to avoid the rumble strips. d. All motorists are subjected to the noise and vibration whereas only a few are in need of this effect to be alerted. e. Rumble strips are in constant need of replacement and maintenance. The Caltrans Traffic Manual also lists typical locations where these have been used: Ends of freeways, in advance of toll booths, within a construction zone in advance of the workers, and in advance of a "T" intersection where the motorist is not expecting to stop. The Engineering Division has determined that the installation of rumble strips on Parkcenter lane between Bryan Avenue and Tustin Ranch Road may cause more inconveniences than benefits and therefore, does not recommend the placement of rumble strips at this time. The Engineering Division has also investigated the possible placement of school bus stop signs on Parkcenter Lane between Bryan Avenue and Tustin Ranch Road. Staff met with the Transportation Planning staff of the Tustin Unified School District on March 23, 1992, to discuss school bus stop locations on Parkcenter Lane* it was learned from this meeting that there is one permanent bus stop location in the subject area, located directly south of the intersection of Monterey Street on Parkcenter Lane. Field review of the.location indicates that the permanent school bus stop is on the outside of the curve of Parkcenter Lane and has adequate sight distance for vehicles approaching from both directions. Investigation of Additional Traffic Control on Parkcenter Lane April 1, 1992 Page 3 I The Caltrans Traffic Manual's policy on school area signs states that school bus stops signs "shall be used to give advance notice of approved school bus stops where clear sight distance is less than 200 feet." At the permanent school bus stop on Parkcenter Lane, there currently is clear sight distance for a minimum of 400 feet. Therefore, the Engineering Division does not recommend the installation of school bus signs on Parkcenter Lane between Bryan Avenue and Tustin Ranch road. As directed by the City Council at it's meeting on March 16, 1992, the Engineering Division staff has again notified the Maricopa Community Association of the need to restore adequate sight distance at Parkcenter Lane and Maricopa, and also notified the Association of the Council' s action on the Agenda Item "Request for Stop Signs or Speed Bumps on Parkcenter Lane at Maricopa and at Monterey Street". Based upon the Engineering Division's analysis of the area, it is felt that sight distance at this location could be enhanced by the installation of bicycle lanes on both sides of Parkcenter Lane from Bryan Avenue to Tustin Ranch Road. The installation of bicycle lanes at this location will serve to channel motorists away from the curb, thereby providing more visibility of the roadway to and from the intersecting streets. The installation of bicycle .lanes on this portion of Parkcenter Lane can be implemented in a timely manner, and is also consistent with the Master Plan of Bikeways proposed for inclusion in the current City General Plan update process. SUMMARY: At this time, the Engineering Division staff recommends that bicycle lanes be installed on both sides.of Parkcenter Lane as a measure to enhance roadway sight distance and visibility. The effects of the installation of the bicycle lanes on driver behavior should then be monitored and evaluated. Additional devices could then be considered in the future if deemed appropriate. Based upon State guidelines it is not necessary to install advance school bus stop warning signs on Parkcenter Lane to notice the permanent school bus stop. The Engineering Division has determined that there is sufficient sight distance to adequately respond to the presence of a stopped school bus at this location, and does not recommend the installation of school bus stop signs at this time. Investigation April 1, 1992 Page 4 of Additional Traffic Control on Parkcenter Lane The Engineering staff will also continue to coordinate with the Maricopa Community Association to maintain adequate sight distance at Maricopa and Parkcenter Lane. 'ko6e'rt-S.-tedenfecker Director of PubMc Works/ City Engineer RSL:DRA:kib:BOTTDOT Do las R. Anderson Transportation Engineer