HomeMy WebLinkAboutOB 3 SIGNAL EVALUATION 08-07-89TO:
WILLIAM HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: PUBLIC WORKS/ENGINEERING DIVISION
'SUBJECT: ST. JEANNE DE LESTONNAC SCHOOL DRIVEWAY SIGNAL EVALUATION
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council at their meeting of July 17, 1989 direct staff to
prepare plans, specifications and estimates for a traffic signal at Main
and Stoneglass, and appropriate $150,000 for the design and construction
for said installation in the 1989-90 capital improvement budget.
BACKGROUND:
In May 1989, the City's Traffic Engineer presented staff's findings to
the Council relative to the need for a signal at St. Jeanne's. From an
evaluation of current speeds, traffic volumes, and signal warrant
requirements prescribed by the State, it was concluded that a signal
would be an appropriate traffic control device for Main Street at
Stoneglass. However, the construction/use of that signal would include
a modification to the vehicular circulation patterns of the school.
Those modifications generally involve a change where all outbound
movements would occur at Stoneglass with the inbound movements served at
the existing outbound school driveways and at Stoneglass, or both
locations.
Because the potential of inbound movements at the school driveways was
dependent on Caltrans,{ street improvement plans, staff's report on the
issue also identified the fact that Main Street could possibly be
lowered as part of their plans to widen the freeway. Since this could
lead to an unnecessary future expense if the Stoneglass signal were
built now and later relocated, the Council postponed all action on the
issue with one exception. Specifically, that necessary discussions with
Cattrans~were to be pursued to obtain final plans as to the freeway/Main
Street improvement impact at the school driveway and at Stoneglass.
FINDINGS:
Caltrans has not yet published final plans for the subject area of Main
Street. However, those plans haveProgressed far enough (roughly 90%
complete) to where Stoneglass signal construction plan can proceed.
From discussions with Caltrans' design engineer for the project, it is
confirmed that Main Street will be lowered about 3 feet in front of the
school driveways (outbound) and only 3 to 4 inches at Stoneglass.
More important, there are no plans to change the curb locations
(alignment) of Stoneglass at Main Street. Therefore, with neither a
significant change to the future elevation of Main Street nor a change
of future curb location at Stoneglass, the design of the signal can
proceed. It is noted that should the City Council approve staff's
recommendation, staff will ensure that coordination is maintained with
Caltrans' design engineer.
ST. JEANNE DE LESTONNAC SCHOOL DRIVEWAY SIGNAL
AUGUST 2, 1989
PAGE 2
The city's traffic consultant has talked with representatives from both
St. Jeanne de Lestonnac School and the Briarcliff Condominium
Association and both have agreed to the use of Stoneglass as the primary
access point to the school and residential development. Letters are
forthcoming from each of the parties confirming the joint use of
Stoneglass. Receipt or non-receipt of these letters will be
acknowledged at the council meeting.
The estimated cost to design and construct the signal is about $150,000.
As opposed to an $80,000 (±) cost for a "tee" intersection, the bridges
on both sides of Stoneglass will necessitate the use/ construction of
advance flashing yellow beacons.
Bob Ledendecker
ineer~ ConsSlting Engineer
Director of Public Works/City Eng Traffic
BL: JC: mv