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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOB 2 TRAFFIC STUDY 12-19-88TO: FROM: WILLIAM HUSTON, CITY MANAGER · PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT/ENGINEERING DIVISION SUBJECT: TRAFFIC STUDY AT IRVINE BOULEVARD BETWEEN YORBA STREET AND COSTA MESA (RTE. 55) FREEWAY RECOMMENDATION'. Due to the opposition to the closure of the Irvine Boulevard median island by both affected property owners, it is recommended that no action be taken at this time by the City Council. BACKGROUND: At the November 7, 1988 City Council meeting, a staff report was presented to the COuncil concerning the potential closure of the median island on Irvine Boulevard between Yorba Street and the Costa Mesa Freeway. A copy of this report is attached for the City Council's reference. The recommendation and Council action was for staff to contact each affected property owner/business person to receive their input- regarding the median island closure and to return to a subsequent City Council meeting. DISCUSSION: The City's consultant traffic engineer contacted Mr. Steve Inman, the Mobil service station manager at 17241 Irvine Boulevard. Mr. Inman indicated that he would be in opposition to closing the median island because he believed the closure would impact his business. However, he did state that if the City elected to close the median, he thought the separate left-turn phasing for eastbound Irvine Boulevard traffic would help provide indirect access to his station. The traffic engineer also contacted Ms. Susan Lazavasseur, agent for Arnel Management Co., for the property located at 17291 Irvine Boulevard (office building on corner of Yorba/Irvine). They were in opposition to the closing because they felt the closure would impact the tenants of his building and the value of his property. Ms. Lazavasseur also indicated that they are the property owners of the Mobil station site and would oppose any closure with respect to that parcel. Bob Ledendecker Director of Public works/city Engineer cc: Ron Wolford OATE: OCTOBER 31, 1988 TO: WILLIAM HUSTON, CITY MANAGER FROM: PUBLIC WORKSDEPARTHENT/ENGINEERING DIVISION SUBJECT: TRAFFIC STUDY AT IRVINE BOULEVARD BETWEEN YORBA STREET AND COSTA MESA (RTE. 55) FREEWAY ,, J RECOMMENDATION: That the Tustin City Council at their meeting of November 7, 1988 direct staff to contact the affected property owners/businesses to discuss the potential closure of the Irvine Boulevard median island at the Mobil Service Station/office building driveway and return to City Council with results of said discussion prior to implementing any closure. BACKGROUND: At the October 3, 1988 City Council meeting, a concern was raised regarding the left-turn movement from eastbound Irvine Boulevard to the Mobil Service Station and the office building'at 17291 Irvine Boulevard during rush hour traffic. Staff was requested to review this intersection and provide any recommendations that may be deemed necessary. DISCUSSION: In March, 1987, this intersection was identified as a location which required special monitoring. At that time~ special signing for the eastbound direction of travel along Irvine Boulevard at the Mobil Station driveway was installed to reduce the rate of accidents - particularly eastbound left turns. This signing prohibits both left turns and U-turns from eastbound Irvine Boulevard between the peak traffic hours of 6:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. daily. Additionally, signing for westbound Irvine Boulevard restricts the No. 3 lane of westbound Irvine Boulevard to right turn only westerly of Yorba Street. Initially, 'this signing program reduced the rate of accidents; however, a recent tabulation of accident reports indicates six right-angle type accidents since March, 1988 through August, 1988~ These six accidents are all due to improper left turn movements from eastbound Irvine Boulevard. traffic at the Mobil Service Station/office building intersection. . It is now apparent that the median island opening should now be.closed on a permanent basis. This.closure would preclude left- turn movements both into and out-of the Mobil Service Station/office building driveway. ~he office building would have alternate, access for eastbound Irvine Boulevard ~torists from Yorba street, and the Mobil Service Station would have no alternate access. ' TRAFFIC STUDY AT IRVINE BOULEVARD BETWEEN YORBA STREET AND COSTA MESA (RTE. 55 FREEWAY) · Octobe~ 31,. 1988 Page 2 Staff recommends that the median island be closed, but prior to any implementation of said closure, both affected property owners and/or businesses should be notified of the closure so that their input may be evaluated. Bob Ledendecker Director Public Works/City Engineer CC: Ron Wolford Engineering Services Manager .. BL:bf