HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupplemental #1 Item 9 powerpoint
Traffic Calming Program
Presentation to the City Council
February 22, 2011
Background
Initially adopted by Council in May ’08;
Provides a mechanism whereby residential
neighborhoods can, through a consensus, report
speeding and cut-through traffic complaints to the
City to request an investigation and appropriate
solution;
80 requests received to date.
Tasks Completed
Staff met with Council, as directed, in the intervening
months following the initial adoption of the Program;
All 46 eligible requests have been evaluated by staff;
Completed and submitted all necessary paperwork to
obligate the federal funding for the purchase and
installation of 20 Vehicle Speed Feedback Signs (two
per location) to be placed at the 10 locations
identified by the Council;
Tasks Completed (cont.)
Speed awareness trailers were deployed at the eight
(8) highest of the 46 evaluated locations in terms of
85% speed. Before vs. After studies were conducted
at the eight locations and showed a seven percent
(7%) reduction in speed and the number of locations
with 85% speeds of 35 MPH or higher was reduced
from six(6) down to two(2);
Staff is continuing with the application of Stage 1
measures at the 46 locations and any eligible
requests to be received in the future. If all possible
Stage 1 measures prove ineffective, Stage 2
measures will be considered at that time.
Tasks Completed (cont.)
Stage 1 traffic calming measures have been
implemented recently in conjunction with the
completion of two pavement rehabilitation projects:
Yellow centerline on Rives Ave. between Quill Dr. and
Pivot St.; and
Two-way left-turn lane and right edge-lines on Brookshire
Ave. between Florence Ave. and Gallatin Rd.
Program Revisions
The Traffic Calming Program has been revised
through the addition of the following provisions:
Arterial and collector streets are now eligible for traffic
calming, provided they are located within a residential area;
A cut-through traffic volume threshold of 40% has been
included in the minimum traffic volume threshold;
A priority scheme has been added to ensure the most
effective deployment of resources;
Program Revisions (cont.)
The use of Neighborhood Watch groups as a
forum to heighten the awareness of neighborhood
traffic calming issues;
Residents can submit a letter to the City Traffic
Engineer to report offending motorists. The City
Traffic Engineer will verify the address of the
registered owner of the offending vehicle and
send a letter to the individual of the need to drive
in a safe, prudent manner;
Program Revisions (cont.)
The “diverter”has been added as an additional
Stage 2 traffic calming measure;
A flow chart has been added to illustrate the
various steps of the Traffic Calming Program.
Traffic Diverters
Traffic diverters are raised islands or channelization
devices that prevent drivers from making particular
turns or through moves, usually on residential streets
plagued with "cut-through" traffic. For example, a
traffic diverter may be installed which forces all traffic
at a particular intersection to turn left or turn right.
Breaks in the middle of the diverter are commonly
provided to allow pedestrians and bicyclists to pass
through the diverter.
Next Steps
Implement the revised Traffic Calming
Program, upon City Council approval;
Continue the implementation of Stage 1
traffic calming measures at the 46 eligible
locations and other locations to be received
in the future. If all possible Stage 1
measures prove ineffective, evaluate for
potential Stage 2 measures;
Next Steps (cont.)
Procure and install the 20 vehicle speed feedback
signs at the 10 predetermined locations and, once
operational, evaluate their effectiveness;
Budget for cost of conducting future traffic calming
investigations and the construction, maintenance
and operation of future traffic calming measures;
Continue to pursue grant opportunities to fund the
purchase, construction and implementation of
potential future traffic calming measures.