HomeMy WebLinkAboutRPT 2 EVAL. WALNUT AVE 10-22-86TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
WILLIA&4 HUSTON, CITY ~U~NAGER
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTHENT/ENGINEERING DIVISION
EXPANOEO EVALUATION OF WALNUT AVENUE AT CHERRYWOOD
RECOMMENDATION:
Although the Walnut/Cherrywood intersection is indeed busy during the morning peak
hour (combined commuter and school pedestrian traffic), it is our conclusion that
safe intersection operation is available. Our recommendation is, therefore,
consistant with our first report to the Council in that no changes to the signals
operation should be implemented.
BACKGROUND:
In response to Council concerns relative to the signalized intersection of Walnut
Avenue at Cherrywood, an expanded evaluation has been prepared for the
intersection. In addition to an earlier analysis concerning delay, this follow-up
information discusses the extension of "all red time", a longer amber interval,
expanded accident histories, and levels of enforcement toward speeding vehicles.
DISCUSSION:
There is currently three seconds of amber time at the intersection as well as an
additional one second of all red. While more time could indeed be given to both
of these functions, time extensions to either element is inadvisable since
standard traffic engineering design criteria would be violated in both cases. The
current timing configuration conforms to State criteria and more important, it
conforms to driver expectations - a critical factor in traffic signal timing.
The previous analysis looked at accidents at Walnut and Cherrywood from 1983 to
1985. In expanding this Peview for most of 1986 (through August), no reported
left turn accidents were noted. Even at the nearby Walnut/Raintree intersection,
our records show an excellent accident history of either one or zero accidents per
year.
It is significant to note that the Tustin Police Department does not enforce
speeds at Walnut and Cherrywood on a regular basis because it does not feel that
this is a problem area. According to Sgt. Mike Shanahan, most speed violations
occur considerably.east of the Walnut and Cherrywood traffic light, where the
speed limit is posted at 45 mph.
Director of Public Works/City Engineer
BL:JC:jm
Joc~n;y Cr~ll
ulti~g Traffic Engineer