HomeMy WebLinkAboutRPT 2 SPEED LIMITS 09-21-92AGENDAq aI -Cl �
DATE: SEPTEMBER 21, 1992
TO: WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
REPORTS NO. 2
9-21-92
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FROM: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT/ENGINEERING DIVISION
SUBJECT: STATUS REPORT: MAIN STREET SPEED LIMITS IN OLD TOWN AREA
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and File.
At the August 25, 1992 Town Hall Meeting, a citizen requested that
the City should conduct a new radar speed survey on Main Street.
He expressed concern about the disparity of speed limits in this
area: 30 miles per hour (MPH) in the business area, and 40 MPH in
the residential area to the west of the business area. It was his
feeling that a new radar speed survey should be performed while
Main Street was closed at the I-5 Freeway due to Caltrans freeway
construction, and that the speed limit in the residential area
could then be reduced to something similar to that in the business
area.
Main Street is a two lane street between the west City limit and
Prospect Avenue. From Prospect Avenue to Bryan Avenue the street
carries three or four travel lanes. Traffic signals are located at
the intersections of Main Street at Williams Street, Stoneglass,
Pacific Street, "B" Street, E1 Camino Real, and Newport Avenue.
The adjacent land uses between the west City limit and "B" Street
are mostly residential and many front directly onto Main Street.
The posted speed limit is 40 MPH on this segment of Main Street.
The adjacent land uses between "B" Street and Prospect Avenue are
mostly commercial. The posted speed limit is 30 MPH.
The adjacent land use between Prospect Avenue and Newport Avenue is
commercial. The posted speed limit is 40 MPH.
The adjacent land uses between Newport Avenue and Bryan Street are
commercial and residential. The posted speed limit is 40 MPH.
DISCUSSION
The setting of speed limits is regulated by the California Vehicle
Code. Engineering and traffic surveys are required to establish
speed limits and are regularly updated to accommodate the use of
radar by police to enforce speed limits. It is also a requirement
that radar speed surveys be conducted during typical days when
traffic is in a normalized condition.
Since Main Street is now closed by construction for I-5/SR-55
freeway improvements, the present traffic pattern is not normal.
Therefore, in accordance with the guidelines for performing radar
speed surveys, one cannot be performed at this time. It is
expected that Main Street will be reopened to through traffic in
the first part of 1993. At that time the travel patterns will
normalize and the engineering and traffic surveys could be updated.
The new speed data then can be used to determine whether the
continuity of speed limits on Main Street may require adjustment.
This is a status report only and no Council action, other than to
receive and file this report, is necessary at this time.
Robert S. Ledendecker
Director of Public Works/
City Engineer
RSL:DA:MA]NSPD
��Chtttk Mackey
Consulting Traffic Engineer