HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-05-07; City Council; 8168; Request for Four-Way Stop at harding StreetCITY dF CARLSBAD - AGENDA ALL
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MTG. 5/7/85
DEPT. ENG
DEPT. HD~ REQUEST FOR FOUR-WAY TITLE:
CITY ATTY
CITY MGR.
STOP AT HARDING STREET
AND OAK AVENUE
It is recommended that the Traffic Engineer and Police Traffic
Division conduct a pedestrian safety educational program at the
Harding Community Center.
ITEM EXPLANATION:
Following a presentation by some senior citizens at the City
Council meeting of March 19, 1985, a staff report was prepared
and the Traffic Safety Commission considered the matter of
pedestrians crossing Harding Street near the Harding Community
Center. Minutes of the Commission's meeting are attached (see
item D-4 on page 4).
Although the Commission had studied the situation as recently
as June 22, 1984, it again discussed the matter at length and
considered various alternatives including a mid-block crosswalk
and four-way stops at Oak Avenue.
The Commission concluded that the safest situation is for the
seniors to be alert to the hazards of moving vehicles and to
cross the street at the intersection when there is no traffic
approaching close enough to constitute a hazard. A traffic
count on April 25, 1985, shows that such safe crossing gaps are
regular and numerous with the possible exception of the morning
peak hour (7:OO to 8:OO A.M.) and the afternoon peak hour (4:30
to 5:30 P.M.).
A mid-block crosswalk was not recommended by the Commission
because pedestrians would be given a false sense of security,
with no real protection. A four-way stop at Oak Avenue was not
recommended because it does not meet City warrants for such an
installation. When a traffic control device is installed which
is not warranted, it often leads to disrespect and deliberate
violation. It also leads to rear-end accidents when a
following driver is "surprised" by the vehicle in front
stopping for no apparent reason.
At present, Oak Avenue and Harding Street is a two-way stop,
with Oak Avenue stopping for Harding Street. There have been
two accidents in the past five years, one of which was caused
by a vehicle running the stop sign.
As a result of action by the Traffic Safety Commission on June
22, 1984, a yellow crosswalk with advance warnings was painted
across Harding Street at the north line of Oak Avenue. Signs
were erected on both sides of Harding Street,at the Community
F
P
Page 2 of Agenda Bill No.
Center on the east side and at the parking lot on the west side,
advising pedestrians to cross at the crosswalk, 150 feet away.
An observation for one hour on April 25, 1985, showed 31
pedestrians continuing to cross mid-block and 13 crossing at
the intersection.
There is a common assumption that a four-way stop or a traffic
signal is the most positive form of safe traffic control.
Pedestrians feel safe, and if all vehicles stop as they should,
pedestrians are safe. But frequently, the prevention of one
type of accident leads to the occurrence of other types. A
study performed on Tamarack Avenue in October, 1984, revealed
that in a one year period, three traffic signals had 16
accidents, five four-way stops had nine accidents, thirteen one or two-way stops had one accident, and all mid-block locations
had seven accidents. The study dealt with raw numbers and did
not attempt to identify accidents by type and cause. None of
the accidents however can be considered minor. All required
police investigation and reporting.
Rather than installing additional traffic controls it is
proposed that a pedestrian safety educational program be
conducted for the seniors at the Center by the Traffic Engineer
and the Police Traffic Division. It is believed that such a
"self-help" program will do more to protect the pedestrians
than would a four-way stop.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Three options:
1. Four-way Stop - About $150.00.
2. Traffic Signal - About $50,000.00.
3. Educational Program - Negligible.
EXHIBITS:
1. Minutes of Traffic Safety Commission, April 1, 1985.
2
I- , .'
MINUTES
(of Traffic Safety Commission)
April 1, 1985
ACTION I~S: (Continued)
Mr. Roman stated the 35 mph speed limit would be for
both ways on El Camino, with a Reduced Speed aead sign on El Camino Real south of Hosp Way for northbound traffic.
Traffic Safety Comnission confirmed staff's reconanendation to reduce the speed limit on El Camino
Real between Hosp Way and Highway 78 to 35 ntph, with
Reduced Speed Ahead sign to be installed south of Hosp Way for northbound traffic.
~ - - ~~ B4.
Marty Bournan reported he requested Council send this back to the Traffic Safety Comnission for consideration. This was an off-agenda item at Council and he informed Council warrants for a four-way stop have not been met.
second part of the request was for a crosswalk at the Center and parking lot. and he all spoke against that. remain the same as before on this item, with a request for self-education for the seniors.
Hardinq and Oak - pedestrian problem.
me
Mr. Muman said Council Members
His reconanendation would
Traffic Safety Conmission confirmed staff's recomnendation to deny this reuuest and direct the seniors to conduct a self-education program for crossing at the comer.
0-5. the Action Items. )
(This item was taken out of order at the start of
E. INFQRMATIONAL ITEMS:
E-1. Rancho Santa Fe Wad between La Costa Avenue and Cadencia - Request to widen and stripe a semnd northbound lane.
Officer Kates requested this item, and staff reports the street width between curbs is insufficient for three traffic lanes. An assessment district could be started to try to get improvements before the property is
developed, if deemed necessary.
E-2. request for guard rail on curve. La Costa Avenue 0.3 miles east of El Camino Real -
TR 85-18.
Officer Kates is concerned about this curve. Staff has issued a mrk order to Utilities/llaintenance to install
750 feet of quard rail in this area.
E-3. Rancho Santa Fe Faad - Traffic Activitv.
wa3d
Melideo O'Day Punches
wood
Melideo
0' Day Punches
EXHIBIT 1
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