HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-10; Traffic lane reductionsAttachment A
Policy No. 101
Date Issued
Resolution No.
Subject: Traffic lane reductions
Purpose
To establish a policy directing the City Manager to present to the City Council any proposals to
make changes to a street when the number of traffic lanes would be reduced, to highlight in
more detail future lane reduction design proposals when the City Council hears the item and to
enhance public outreach on these projects.
Background
On March 18, 2025, the City Council approved a minute motion directing staff to consult with
the City Council before converting a street from two lanes to one lane, highlight in more detail
future lane reduction design proposals when the City Council hears the item and enhance
public outreach on these projects. This Council Policy establishes the intent of the approved
minute motion.
Overview
The General Plan Mobility Element states that the vehicular level of service (LOS) “will be
determined by the most recent version of the Highway Capacity Manual. This methodology
evaluates vehicles based on their freedom to maneuver and overall delay experienced at
intersections.” The service levels for each travel mode are represented as a letter “grade”
ranging from LOS A to LOS F: LOS A reflects a high level of service for a travel mode (e.g.,
outstanding characteristics and experience for that mode) and LOS F would reflect an
inadequate level of service for a travel mode (e.g., excessive congestion for vehicles or
inadequate facilities for bicycle, pedestrian or transit users).
Reducing the number of traffic lanes
In the General Plan Mobility Element, Policy 3-P.15 under Street Design and Connectivity, the
policy states:
Implementing Policy 3-P.15: Evaluate methods and transportation facility improvements to
promote biking, walking, safer street crossings, and attractive streetscapes. The City Council
shall have the sole discretion to approve any such road diet1 or vehicle traffic calming
improvements that would reduce vehicle capacity to or below a LOS D; this also applies to
streets where the vehicle is not subject to the MMLOS standard as specified in Table 3-1.
1 A road diet, or roadway reconfiguration, reduces the number of traffic lanes on a street to improve safety and, in
many cases, increase mobility for all users.
March 10, 2026 Item #12 Page 12 of 14
March 10, 2026
2026-058
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City Council Policy Statement No. XXX
March 10, 2026
Page 2
Statement of policy
It is the policy of the City Council that the City Manager shall present to the City Council any
proposals to make changes to a street in the roadway network that will reduce the number of
traffic lanes, to highlight in more detail future lane reduction design proposals when the City
Council hears the item and to enhance public outreach on these projects.
Procedure
When city staff propose any changes to a street in the roadway network that will reduce the
number of traffic lanes, the City Council shall receive a detailed presentation on the proposed
changes.
Staff shall highlight proposed road diets (or reduction in the number of traffic lanes) or vehicle
traffic calming improvements that would reduce vehicle capacity to or below a LOS D per
General Plan Mobility Element, Policy 3-P.15, when requesting the City Council’s approval.
Staff shall highlight in more detail future lane reduction design proposals when the City Council
hears the item and enhance public outreach for projects that involve reduction in the number
of traffic lanes.
March 10, 2026 Item #12 Page 13 of 14
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