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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - April 20, 1994 (27)t 1 4 CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION f + / t 1 AGENDA TITLE: Request for Four-Way•Stop at Century Boulevard and Scarborough Drive MEETING DATE: February 15,1995 PREPARED BY: Public Works Director 4 a RECOMMENDED ACTION: No action. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: At the Mayor's request, the following item is being presented to the City Council in response to the attached letter (Exhibit A), published in January's Letters to the Editor section of the Lodi News Sentinel. This letter refers to vehicle and pedestrian accidents at the intersection of Century Boulevard and Scarborough Drive. Following is a recap of studies and actions performed at this intersection, an update of accident history and traffic volumes, and discussion and recommendations. Previous Studies and Actions The City has performed studies and taken a number of actions at the intersection of Century Boulevard and Scarborough Drive. A list of these studies and actions is attached as Exhibit B. Vehicle/Pedestrian Accidents and Traffic Volumes Available accident reports from 1991 to the present (four plus years) indicate that there have been seven vehicle and one pedestrian accident occurring at the intersection of Century Boulevard and Scarborough Drive. March 1994 traffic volumes on Century Boulevard and Scarborough Drive were 6,200 and 2,050 vehicles per day, respectively. Per our Intersection Study List (ISL), used to track intersections, the accident rate at this intersection is 0.63 acc/mv. This number represents the number of accidents occurring at the intersection for every one million vehicles using the intersection. This common rating method is designed to equalize intersections since the number of vehicles using each intersection varies. Based on this rating, of the 222 intersections listed on the ISL, 63 have accident rates equal to or higher than the intersection of Century Boulevard and Scarborough Drive. DISCUSSION: As indicated in the accident data below, there have been an average of less than two vehicle accidents occurring at the intersection per year. The one pedestrian accident, involving a high- school -aged pedestrian struck while crossing Century Boulevard, was the only reported pedestrian accident occurring at this intersection since 1987, when accident tracking first began. CENTURY BOULEVARD/SCARBOROUGH DRIVE INTERSECTION Accidents 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 (Jani TOTAL Vehicle 1 1 2 3 0 7 Pedestrian 0 0 0 0 1 1 - a APPROVED: & 4k THOMAS A. PETERSON City Manager C) recycled paper CC -1 CCNTSCAR.DOC 07/06195 1 Request for Four -Way Stop at Century Boulevard and Scarborough Drive February 15, 1995 Page 2 In regard to the request for crossing protection for high school as well as elementary school students, the City uses State of Califomia, Department of Transportation guidelines when determining locations for adult crossing guards. These guidelines do not recommend adult crossing guards for high school students. Some of the reasons why these guards are used only at elementary school crossings are that the peripheral vision of young children is not fully developed, they are generally smaller in stature, therefore less visible to drivers, and may lack the perception and judgment needed to determine when to cross the street. High school students, many of whom are driving age, should have these characteristics. The City is currently funding a crossing guard at the intersection of Century Boulevard at Scarborough Drive for Beckman Elementary School students. The schedule for this crossing guard is from 7:25 to 7:50 a.m. and 2:15 to 2:45 p.m., school days only. Just because the guidelines are only applied to elementary school crossings does not mean an adult crossing guard will not cross a high school student if the student desires. RECOMMENDATION: Current accident and volume data still does not satisfy Caltrans guidelines for the installation of multi -way stop controls at this intersection (Exhibit C). In addition, the traffic volume split at Century Boulevard and Scarborough Drive (75 percent and 25 percent, respectively) is not ideal for a four-way stop control. The volume split at four-way stops should be about equal, with a maximum split being 60/40. Studies show that poor volume splits can lead to an increase in traffic violations and accidents because drivers on the major street (street carrying the majority of vehicles) will lose respect for the stop sign since the majority of time they will be stopping even though there is no cross traffic. The City is, and has always been, very concemed about the safety of pedestrians; however, the fact is the needs of pedestrians and drivers are diverse. Since the mix of pedestrians and drivers are here to stay, the idea is to balance the needs of each so they can coexist. Since the pedestrian problem at this location occurs during two short periods of the day, it is not reasonable to place stop signs on Century Boulevard, stopping all vehicles 24 hours a day, particularly given the low number of accidents occurring at the intersection and large volume of vehicles traveling on Century Boulevard as opposed to Scarborough Drive. The adult crossing guard at this location provides assistance crossing Century Boulevard when students are going to and from school, while allowing traffic on Century Boulevard to flow uninterrupted during the remaining times of the day. Based on the above data, the installation of a four-way stop at this location is not recommended. FUNDING: Not applicable. Prepared by Rick S. Kiriu, Senior Engineering Technician JLR/RSK/Im Attachments cc: Police Chief Street Superintendent Associate Traffic Engineer LUSO Police Services - Biglow Concerned Citizens 64. Jack L. Ronsko Public Works Director Our readers write How many accidents are enough? Editor: I tried to tell you months ago about the problem with the traffic at Century Boulevard but it has so far taken two kids getting nailed and nine fender benders for any kind of an official public response. I guess it's true about the wheels bf government moving slowly, it's just a shame that they have to be greabed'with blood! It has become painfully appar- ent that the emphasis continues to be placed on traffic flow instead of human life. I tried, Mrs. Casta- lanelli, to get a stop sign at Scar- bourgh and Century but according to law enforcement and the city council it would have interfered with the traffic flow and was not needed because there just wasn't enough traffic to justify the ex- pense. I wish you luck with your re-' quest to get one at Dartmoor. Now, I don't complain without offering suggestions, so, here you are. 1. If the police do not have the labor to control this situation then maybe they can use STARS to do it. 2. The elementary schools have stu- dent safety patrols so why not the high schools? One final thought. It is not only the mindset of students.1hat need to.he changed ds fai as Ja,y walking, is concerned, it is also laky enforce- ment and the city council with re- gards to their priorities. So what's it going to be? Traffic flow or lives and property. It's only a matter of time before someone is killed. So please don't take too long making up your minds. William A. Sedgeman Lodi Exhibit A Exhibit B Centum Boulevard and Scarborough Drive - Previous Studies and Actions • April 1990 . Studied intersection control in preparation for Beckman School opening. State guidelines for a multi -way stop control not satisfied. Another study to be performed after school opens and traffic patterns are established. • August 1990 . School Districts request for multi -way stop controls. To be included as part of the Beckman School After Study. • January 1991 . School Districts request for Adult Crossing Guard. State guidelines for Adult Crossing Guard satisfied. City funding for one Adult Crossing Guard approved. • May 1991 • Citizen request for stop signs on Century Boulevard at Scarborough Drive. State guidelines for a multi -way stop control still not satisfied. Traffic volumes from 1990 study were up slightly but number of correctable accidents dropped from two to zero. • December 1992 . School District request for pedestrian crossing signs on Century Boulevard. Additional signs installed though not required by Caltrans. • April 1993 . Studied intersection control as part of Beckman School After Study (after school was opened and established). Traffic volumes from 1990 study were up slightly but number of correctable accidents remained at two (zero correctable accidents in 1991). State guidelines for a multi -way stop control still not satisfied. • April 1994 . Studies intersection control and parking restriction Citizen request for stop signs on Century Boulevard at Scarborough Drive. Parking restriction limiting height of vehicles within 100 feet of the intersection approved. State guidelines for multi -way stops still not satisfied. CENT 1.DOC CITY OF LODI PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1 1 Exhibit C MULTI -WAY STOP SIGN WARRANTS INTERSECTION OF: G 1411 ketta ? and 4 (�X '�L.-0 44 t - I, DATE: j) (, . Nita BY: V- Y -i( -td Any of the following conditions may warrant a multi -way STOP sign installation. 1. Where traffic signals are warranted and the need is urgent, the four-way stop is an interim measure that can be installed quickly to control traffic while arrangements are being made for the signal installation. Satisfied Not Satisfied 2. An accident problem, as indicated by five or more reported accidents of a type susceptible of correction by a multi -way stop installation in a 12 -month period. Types of accidents susceptible of correction include right angle and left turn collisions. Time period JA1.1(' ' 4 — Number of correctible accidents �J Total number of accidents 4- Satisfied Not Satisfied IV - 3. / 3. Minimum volume warrant: a. The total vehicular volume entering the intersection from all approaches must average at least 500 vehicles per hour for any eight hours of an average day, and �i \�/�� !Hour ,€� /,� � vi... -A, -----•Highest eight hours a.m. to p.m. !Major Street 3o(o a2 W1 /66 411 4a3 4IR 24o I Total volume 41' V-1 vehicles !Minor Street ZOZ, i'* taw ttv i21 of ire, Obi Average per hour (,' 7 vehicles b. The combined vehicular and pedestrian volume from the minor street or highway must average at least 200 units per hour for the same eight hours with an average delay to minor street vehicular traffic of at least 30 seconds per vehicle during the maximum hour. Hour (Minor St Vehs Pedestrians .L12. 134 17)4, ttoo .i 1 Highest eight hours a.m. to p.m - i i 4 i �i� Average per hour , Gjyj vehicles Average per hour peds (EST) Average units per hour Satisfied Not Satisfied i/ VeM,.>1T,i1 (4 5MP) PVC170-c7 4) W.)Y sWk•g 'tl--1T 4. When the 85 -percentile approach speed of the major street traffic exceeds 40 miles per hour, the minimum vehicular volume warrant is 70 percent of the above requirements. 85 -percentile speed _i MPH Satisfied Not Satisfied v/ A four-way STOP sign installation is a useful traffic control measure when other available means of control are not adequate. It should not be used unless the volume of traffic on the intersecting roads is about equal and is undesirable at low volume intersections. -7 Traffic major street i : °b Traffic minor street -2.G7 % Approved by: (_'Arz Warrant Satisfied: yes U ADOPTED FROM THE CALTRANS TRAFFIC MANUAL MULTI -WAY STOP SIGN POLICY no J CITY COUNCIL STEPHEN 1. MANN, Mayor DAVID P. WARNER Mayor Pro Tempore RAY C. DAVENPORT PHILLIP A. PENNINO JACK A. SIECLOCK CITY OF LODI CITY HALL, 221 WEST PINE STREET P.O. BOX 3006 LODI, CALIFORNIA 95241-1910 (209) 333-6706 FAX (209) 333-6795 February 8, 1995 SUBJECT: Request for Four -Way Stop at Century Boulevard and Scarborough Drive THOMAS A. PETERSON City Manager JENNIFER M. PERRIN City Clerk BOB McNATT City Attorney Enclosed is a copy of background information on an item on the City Council agenda of Wednesday, February 15, 1995, at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held in the City Council Chamber, Camegie Forum, 305 West Pine Street. This item is on the regular calendar for Council discussion. You are welcome to attend. If you wish to write to the City Council, please address your letter to City Council, City of Lodi, P. O. Box 3006, Lodi, Califomia, 95241-1910. Be sure to allow time for the mail. Or, you may hand -deliver the letter to City Hall, 221 West Pine Street. If you wish to address the Council at the Council meeting, be sure to fill out a speaker's card (available at the Camegie Forum immediately prior to the start of the meeting) and give it to the City Clerk. If you have any questions about communicating with the Council, please contact Jennifer Penin, City Clerk, at (209) 333-6702. If you have any questions about the item itself, please call Rick Kiriu at (209) 333-6706. Jack ublic tc ivv2 . Ronsko Works Director JLFtipmf Enclosure cc: City Clerk BARBARA GILLAM 629 W CENTURY BLVD LODI CA 95240 FRANK BIGLOW LUSD POLICE SERVICES 1305 E VINE ST LODI CA 95240 BILL SEDGEMAN 615 W CENTURY BLVD LODI CA 95240 BEV GABRIELSON, PRINCIPAL BECKMAN SCHOOL 2201 SCARBOROUGH DR LODI CA 95240 LODI UNIFIED SCHOOL,.; »TRICT BECKMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOQE' ; r P. !:: 2201 Scarborough Drive, Lodi, California 95240 February 10, 1995 City Council, City of Lodi P.O. Box 3006 Lodi, CA 95241-1910 Dear Council Members: Recent accidents and close calls at Century Boulevard and Scarborough Drive have prompted concerns to be raised regarding pedestrian safety at this intersection. The city has addressed this issue previously and has again done a traffic and accident volume report. Although the results do not justify the installation of a four-way stop, the concern is still there. Queries from citizens resulted in high visibility of a motorcycle policeman during peak usage time, and this has made a positive impact. However, the traffic problem is ongoing and will continue. In a communication to the City Council dated April 20, 1994, Mr. Ronsko indicated that staff would not object to the installation of a yellow flashing beacon at the intersection of Century and Scarborough. I ask that you consider this option because of the following reasons: 1.. Heaviest traffic times from the high school coincide with the opening and closing hours for Beckman Elementary students. 2. The number of young, inexperienced drivers increases around a high school. 3. Drivers heading east have poor visibility due to the curve in Century Blvd. 4. The adult crossing guard has been narrowly missed by automobiles on three occasions during the past year. (Accident studies do not include this type of statistic.) 4. A flashing beacon is visible from a distance and can alert traffic to slow down In the interest of safety for our children, please give this serious consideration. Thank you. Sincerely, Gabrielson, Principal Lodi (209) 331-7410 First I would like to thank the city council for giving this matter consideration. Also I would like to thank Capt. Jerry Adams and the Lodi Police department for the increased patrolling of the Tokay High and Beckman school areas. Their efforts have made an impact on driver and pedistrian safety. And I would like to thank Tokay High vice priniciples, Mr. Abel, and Jim Jordan and Beckman prinicpal Bev Gabrielson for their assitance. Now I understand that a 4 way stop, while desireable, is not a viable solution to this problem. However, I do feel that there are alternative solutions and I would appreciate the City Council and the Public Works department taking a. look at the suggestions that I have given you- to see if perhaps some of them can be given conisderation. I would really hate to see the efforts of the Lodi police department go unsupported in this matter. There is a problem in this area as evidenced by the number of citations that have been given out scince increased patrolling began. Lodi police cannot be there every day and that is why we need to have more done! Thank you again and I am sorry that I could not be here tonite to present this to you in person. If you have any questions please call me at 334-5020. WILLIAM A. SEDGEMAN. 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