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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: . -_~ Subject: Pedestrian Crossing Assistance El Camino Real at Chestnut Avenue _ ~- Submitted By: Hunter T. Cook City Engineer -~ -Statement of the Matter (See attached Discussion) si ." Exhibit A. Traffic Signal & Safety Lighting System for the intersection of El Camino Real and Chestnut Avenue and City Manager Staff,. Recommenda ti 03s - I\ . 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. c .. AI3 No. .-L_ .. . Date: .. Gieq Manager's Rscom'nendation was .- .. -i .. .. a- .. . 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 .. .. .. - .. . .. -2- 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.