HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-08-04; City Council; 224; Pedestrian Crossing Assistance7-,9-/ 1 CITY F CAR L S B A D, C A L I F'O R N I A
,Date: Ausust 4, 1970 4 Agenda Bill No.
Referred To: .
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Subject:
Pedestrian Crossing Assistance
El Camino Real at Chestnut Avenue
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Submitted By:
Hunter T. Cook
City Engineer
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-Statement of the Matter
(See attached Discussion)
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Exhibit
A. Traffic Signal & Safety Lighting System for the intersection
of El Camino Real and Chestnut Avenue
and City Manager
Staff,. Recommenda ti 03s -
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. 1. Adopt a motion authorizing the appropriation of $1,859.58 from
unappropriated Gas Tax Surplus for the purpose of upgrading the
traffic signal at El Camino Real and Chestnut Aventle.
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AI3 No.
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Date:
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Gieq Manager's Rscom'nendation
was
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.. . Council Action
8-3-70 given for the expenditure of $1,859.58 from unappropriated -Gas"Tax surplus moni-es for the purpose Authorization
... . :of upgrading .the Avenue. traffi c signal ' at El Catgino Real and Chestnut ..
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August 4, 1970
SUBJECT: Pedeatrian Crossing Assistance
El Camino Rea'l at Chestnut Avenue
DISCUSSION:
The City continually receives complaints from citizens in the
vicinity of El Camino Realkhestnut Avenue that pedestrians do not
have enough time to cross El Camino Real. The traffic passing
through the intersection is controlled by a very sophisticated and
relatively expensive traffic signal. The signal is designed to give
efficient , almost instantaneous, service to motorists and pedestrians.
One of the features contained in this signal which makes it
so efficient is the way in which it responds to traffic. This
response feature is controlled by the type of traffic present at
any particular time. If vehicles only are present, it will respond
to calls from the stopped street much quicker then when pedestrians
are crossing the street. This quick change feature, which is so
helpful much ,of the time, is causing problems for pedestrians on
Chestnut Avenue. When the signal was originally installed, pedestrian
push buttcns were included, but the "WALK-DON'T WALK" indicators
which guide the pedestrians were omitted. Pedestrians, including many
school children, are starting across the street on a green light and
are finding that the light changes before they have time to cross.
This is because they have not seen the need to use the push buttons
which change the timing from a vehicle to a pedestrian oriented timing
cycle.
Numerous pedestrians at the intersection have been interviewed
and it is apparent that installation of the missing "WALK-DON'T WALK"
indications will encourage use of the push buttons and will reduce
the confusion regarding when to cross. It should also significantly
reduce the number of complaints being received. The School District
has indicated their support for the proposal.
A pri.ce 0.f $1,859.58 has been quoted by our Traffic Signal
Maintenance Contractor tc install the pedestrian indications. This
is a reasonable cost. Section 2107 Gas Tax funds are available
for this work. The work can be completed prior to the opening of
school in September.