HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04-10; City Council; 20868; Approving Improvements to Enhance Pedestrian Crossing Safety and Beach Access Across Carlsbad Boulevard Project No 6322CITY OF CARLSBAD - AGENDA BILL 12
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20,868
DEPT. TRAN
APPROVING IMPROVEMENTS TO ENHANCE
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SAFETY
AND BEACH ACCESS ACROSS
CARLSBAD BOULEVARD
PROJECT NO. 6322
DEPT.DIRECTOR ^
CITY ATTORNEY
CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt Resolution No. 2012-085 approving improvements to enhance pedestrian crossing safety
and beach access across Carlsbad Boulevard between Carlsbad Village Drive and Tamarack
Avenue.
ITEM EXPLANATION:
On February 15, 2011 at the city goal setting workshop, city council directed staff to identify solutions
to enhance pedestrian safety and improve beach access acrosa. Carlsbad Boulevard between
Carlsbad Village Drive and Tamarack Avenue.
On November 7, 2011 the Traffic Safety Commission recommended approval to enhance pedestrian
crossing safety and improve beach access across six locations (see Exhibit 2); five of which include
the installation of raised medians and high visibility marked pedestrian crosswalks on Carlsbad
Boulevard (see Exhibit 3) at Oak Avenue, Sycamore Avenue, Maple Avenue, Cherry Avenue and
Hemlock Avenue with pedestrian-activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons and pedestrian
crossing warning signs (see Exhibit 4). Photo simulations have been prepared for several locations
as shown in Exhibit 5 providing before and after views from pedestrian and motorist perspectives.
The sixth location includes installation of high visibility marked pedestrian crosswalks at the existing
signalized intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Pine Avenue.
Staff recommends approving the enhancements as recommended by the Traffic Safety Commission
at their meeting on November 7, 2011. A copy of the meeting minutes are attached as Exhibit 6.
A presentation will be provided on this item to provide additional details.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per CEQA Guidelines
Section 15301(c) - minor alteration of existing facilities including streets, sidewalks, gutters, and
similar facilities involving negligible or no expansion.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost for the proposed improvements is approximately $200,000 as shown in the table on
page two.
DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Bryan Jopes 760-602-2431 brvan.jones@carlsbadca.qov
FOR CITY CLERKS USE ONL Y
COUNCIL ACTION: APPROVED
DENIED
CONTINUED
WITHDRAWN
AMENDED
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CONTINUED TO DATE SPECIFIC •
CONTINUED TO DATE UNKNOWN •
RETURNED TO STAFF •
OTHER-SEE MINUTES •
Page 2
CARLSBAD BOULEVARD PEDESTRIAN ENHANCEMENTS COSTS
Construction $150,000
Construction Contingency (15%) $20,000
Design (15%) $20,000
Inspection, Testing, and Construction Management (7.5%) $10,000
TOTAL COST $200,000
As shown in the table below, the Carlsbad Boulevard Pedestrian Enhancement project
(CIP No. 6322) has sufficient Gas Tax funds available to complete this project.
CARLSBAD BLVD. PEDESTRIAN ENHANCEMENT PROJECT - CIP NO. 6322
TASK DESCRfPTlON APPROPRIATION EXPENDITURES/
ENCUMBRANCES
REMAINING
BALANCES
Design $20,000 $0 $20,000
Construction, Inspection,
Materials Testing 180,000 0 180,000
TOTAL $200,000 $0 $200,000
EXHIBITS:
1. Resolution No. 2012-085 approving improvements to enhance pedestrian crossing safety and
improve beach access across Carlsbad Boulevard.
2. Location Map.
3. Proposed Carlsbad Boulevard Improvements: Oak Avenue, Sycamore Avenue, Maple
Avenue, Cherry Avenue, Hemlock Avenue and Pine Avenue
4. Pictures of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons.
5. Photo simulations of existing and proposed Carlsbad Boulevard Improvements: Sycamore
Avenue, Oak Avenue, and Pine Avenue
6. Traffic Safety Commission Minutes of November 7, 2011.
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Exhibit 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2012-085
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A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
3 CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING IMPROVEMENTS TO
ENHANCE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SAFETY AND BEACH
4 ACCESS ACROSS CARLSBAD BOULEVARD.
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22 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad,
23 California, as follows:
24 1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
25 2. The proposed improvements to the pedestrian crossings at the five intersections
on Carlsbad Boulevard between Carlsbad Village Drive and Tamarack Avenue
26 as shown on Exhibit 2 are hereby approved except with pedestrian-activated
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons installed in the center medians only at this
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WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad has determined that complete and
livable streets are consistent with the goals of Envision Carlsbad;
WHEREAS, improved pedestrian safety and access to the coast is a high priority; and
WHEREAS, there are five uncontrolled pedestrian crossings on Carlsbad Boulevard
between Carlsbad Village Drive and Tamarack Avenue that would benefit from pedestrian median
islands; and
WHEREAS, pedestrian median islands effectively reduce potential conflicts with
motorists and enhance the ability of pedestrians to cross the five lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard;
and
WHEREAS, pedestrian median islands allow pedestrian to cross one direction of traffic
flow at a time to reduce the required gap in traffic flow for a pedestrian to cross Carlsbad
Boulevard; and
WHEREAS, the pedestrian median islands enhance the safety of pedestrians crossing
Carlsbad Boulevard by providing a raised concrete median for refuge; and
WHEREAS, sufficient funds are available in CIP No. 6322 to enhance pedestrian access
across Carlsbad Boulevard.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting ofthe City Council
ofthe City ofCarlsbad on the 10^^ day of April, 2012, bythe following vote to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
Council Members Hall, Kulchin, Blackburn, Douglas and Packard.
None.
ABSENT: None.
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Proposed Right Turn Only
Proposed Painted Legend
Proposed Crosswalk
Proposed Raised Median
Carlsbad Boulevard at Oak Avenue (Proposed Improvements)
Proposed Right Turn Only
Existing Crosswall<
Proposed Raised Median
Carlsbad Boulevard at Sycamore Avenue (Proposed Improvements)
Exhibit 3-Proposed Improvements (o
1 of 3
Carlsbad Boulevard at Maple Avenue (Proposed Improvements)
Proposed Right Turn Only
Existing Crosswalk
Proposed Raised Median
Proposed Right Turn Only
Remove Existing
Crosswalk
Relocate Crosswalk
Proposed Raised Median
Carlsbad Boulevard at Cherry Avenue (Proposed Improvements)
Exhibit 3-Proposed Improvements 7
2 of 3
Carlsbad Boulevard at Hemlock Avenue (Proposed Improvements)
Proposed Right Turn Only
Proposed Crosswalk
Proposed Raised Median
Proposed Crosswalk
Proposed Crosswalk
Carlsbad Boulevard at Pine Avenue (Proposed Improvements)
Exhibit 3-Proposed Improvements 8
3of 3
Exhibit 4 - Sample Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon
lof 2
Exhibit 4 - Sample Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon
2 of 2
Carlsbad Boulevard at Sycamore Avenue looking easterly (Before Improvements)
Carlsbad Boulevard at Sycamore Avenue looking easterly (After Improvements)
Exhibit 5 - Photo Simulations of Proposed Improvements I /
lof 3
Carlsbad Boulevard at Oak Avenue looking northwesterly (Before Improvements)
Carlsbad Boulevard at Oak Avenue looking northwesterly (After Improvements)
Exhibit 5- Photo Simulations of Proposed Improvements 2 of 3
Carlsbad Boulevard looking south (Existing Conditions)
Carlsbad Boulevard looking south (After Improvements) 13
Exhibit 5- Photo Simulations of Proposed Improvements 3 of 3
o C>^H I 6 I T ^
MINUTES
MEETING OF:
DATE OF MEETING:
TIME OF MEETING:
PLACE OF MEETING:
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
November 7,2011 (Regular Meeting)
3:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Gallagher called the Meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present:
Absent:
Staff Members Present:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
September 12,2011
ACTION:
Chair Steve Gallagher
Commissioner Guy Roney
Commissioner Hope Wrisley
Vice-Chair Gordon Cress
Commissioner Jairo Valderrama
Bryan Jones, Deputy Transportation Director
John Kim, Associate Engineer
Lt. Marc Reno, Carlsbad Police Department
VOTE:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
Motion by Commissioner Roney, and duly seconded by
Commissioner Wrisley, to approve the minutes of the special meeting
held on September 12,2011, as presented.
3-0-0
Gallagher, Roney, Wrisley
None
None
There was no Traffic Safety Commission meeting held in October 2011.
ITEM 4 - ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
None.
o o
November 7,2011 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 2
ITEM 5 - PREVIOUS BUSINESS:
None.
ITEM 6 - NEW BUSINESS:
Chair Gallagher stated that since there was a citizen in attendance who wished to speak on Item 6B,
staff would make their presentation on that issue first.
ITEM 6B: To implement improvements for pedestrian safety on Carlsbad Boulevard
between Carlsbad Village Drive and Tamarack Avenue.
Bryan Jones, Deputy Transportation Director, stated pedestrian access across Carlsbad Boulevard
between Carlsbad Village Drive and Tamarack Avenue has historically been an area of concem for
residents and visitors. Although the intersections at Carlsbad Village Drive, Pine Aveiiue and
Tamarack Avenue are signalized and offer signal-controlled pedestrian crossings, the approximately
half-mile distance between Walnut Avenue and Redwood Avenue do not offer such amenities for
pedestrians. Pedestrians wishing to cross the roadway on this portion of Carlsbad Boulevard must
negotiate two directions of travel and cross five vehicle lanes. Due to the speed of vehicles and the
inattention of drivers distracted by the ocean view, yielding compliance to crossing pedestrians can
be compromised. Pedestrians can have a difficult time judging adequate gaps in traffic to cross
safety and delays or compromises in safety can result. Based on these concems, the City Council has
asked staff to implement pedestrian safety enhancements on this portion ofCarlsbad Boulevard.
Carlsbad Boulevard has two traffic lanes in each direction separated by a painted median or left-turn
lane. Traffic signals control traffic on Carlsbad Boulevard at Carlsbad Village Drive, Pine Avenue
and Tamarack Avenue. The other intersections are minor-street STOP controlled. There are four
marked but uncontrolled pedestrian crosswalks across Carlsbad Boulevard at Sycamore Avenue,
Maple Avenue, Cherry Avenue and Juniper Avenue.
Mr. Jones indicated staff has identified the follovdng proposed improvements to the subject areas:
(1) Installation of raised medians and marked pedestrian crosswalks on Carlsbad Boulevard at
Oak Avenue, Sycamore Avenue, Maple Avenue, Cherry Avenue, and Hemlock Avenue.
(2) Installation of high visibility marked pedestrian crosswalks at the signalized intersection of
Carlsbad Boulevard and Pine Avenue.
(3) Installation of pedestrian-activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons and to augment
marked crosswalks on Carlsbad Boulevard at Oak Avenue, Sycamore Avenue, Maple
Avenue, Cherry Avenue and Hemlock Avenue.
(4) Installation of pedestrian crossing signs on proposed raised median locations.
(5) All-Way STOP control at the intersections of Lincoln Street/Pine Avenue, Garfield
street/Chestnut Avenue, and Garfield Street/Juniper Avenue.
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November 7,2011 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 3
(6) Removal of marked pedestrian crosswalk across Carlsbad Boulevard at Juniper Avenue
(replaced by median/crosswalk at Hemlock Avenue).
(7) Provision of ADA-compliant accessibility at all crosswalks on Carlsbad Boulevard between
Carlsbad Village Drive and Tamarack.
These proposed improvements will result in many safety enhancements. Raised medians will create
a two-stage crossing for pedestrians by providing a pedestrian refiige in the middle of the roadway.
Raised medians will completely eliminate conflicts between left-tuming vehicles and crossing
pedestrians. The Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons will draw driver's attention to crossing
pedestrians and increase compliance of yielding to pedestrians within crosswalks. The All-Way
STOP installations within the neighborhood east of Carlsbad Boulevard will provide traffic calming
by introducing fiiction along Garfield Street and Lincoln Street. This will balance the potential
increase in vehicle demand due to the left-tum prohibitions caused by the raised medians. City staff
does not expect any additional traffic volume on these streets from being diverted from Carlsbad
Boulevard itself, but rather the re-routing of intemal neighborhood traffic that may have to use the
adjacent street to make a westbound left tum fi-om the neighborhood to southboimd Carlsbad
Boulevard.
Mr. Jones stated based on these findings, the Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee recommends
approval of the proposed improvements to increase pedestrian safety on Carlsbad Boulevard
between Carlsbad Village Drive and Tamarack Avenue.
Public Testimony
Chair Gallagher called for Public Testimony.
Andrew Papson, 372 Pine Avenue, Apt IC, Carlsbad, stated he fiilly supports the proposed
improvements. He bikes to work every day and has limited sight. He wrote to John Kim two months
ago and is happy with the proposed All-Way STOP in his neighborhood. It will keep vehicles from
speeding on Lincoln Street by his home. He urged the city to implement the changes before summer.
Seeing no others wishing to testify, Chair Gallagher closed Public Testimony.
DISCUSSION
Commissioner Roney asked how long it would take to implement the plan once approved.
Mr. Jones indicated the plan could be implemented by spring. Funds have already been budgeted for
this project.
November 7,2011 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 4
Chair Gallagher stated the report did not include vehicle counts and he didn't know how many
people it would affect or the impact it would have on the neighborhood.
Mr. Jones said this was not a traffic calming project. Staff has received calls regarding sight distance
and speeding on Garfield Street.
Chair Gallagher indicated that none of the All-Way STOP criteria have been looked at. He didn't
know the collision rates. There appeared to be no other criteria or warrants.
Mr. Kim stated he did not have traffic cotmts available.
Mr. Jones indicated that the All-Way STOP criteria was not limited to vehicle volume, but included
such factors as sight distance. There has been a paradigm shift in Califomia as it pertains to non-
vehicular modes of transportation and it is important to make sure that all modes are accommodated.
Chair Gallagher reminded staff that traffic calming has other tools in the toolbox to choose from.
Mr. Jones stated STOP signs are more cost-effective than other measures such as speed humps to
maintain. Sometimes cost is a factor in choosing the right tool.
ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Wrisley, and duly seconded by
Commissioner Roney, to approve the proposed improvements for
pedestrian safety on Carlsbad Boulevard between Carlsbad Village
Drive and Tamarack Avenue.
VOTE: 2-1-0
AYES: Roney, Wrisley
NOES: Gallagher
ABSTAIN: None
ITEM 6A: Revise the prima facie speed limit upon La Costa Avenue from 1,000 feet east of
El Camino Real to Rancho Santa Fe Road.
Mr. Jones stated the subject portion of La Costa Avenue is posted at 45 miles per hour. Based on the
recent installation of waming signs, speed feedback signs and the reduction of the number of
westbound lanes on a portion of La Costa Avenue, staff determined that are-evaluation of this speed
zone was necessary. The Califomia Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
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November 7,2011 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 5
recommends that speed limits should be re-evaluated after roadways have undergone a significant
change in roadway characteristics. A valid and enforceable speed limit is needed to ensure traffic
safety.
Mr. Jones said the Califomia MUTCD requkes that the speed limit be established at the nearest 5
mile per hour increment ofthe 85*'' percentile and that a 5 mile per hour reduction may be applied if
the conditions and justification for the lower speed limit are documented in the Engineering and
Traffic Survey and approved by a registered Civil or Traffic Engineer. Staff concluded that the
nearest 5 mile per hour increment ofthe 85**' percentile speed is 45 miles per hour and that a 5 mile
per hour reduction is justified based on the number of residential homes directiy accessing La Costa
Avenue and the limited sight distance available at some of the residential driveways.
The Califomia Vehicle Code authorizes local authorities to establish a prima facie speed limit on the
basis ofthe results of an Engineering and Traffic Survey. The Engineering and Traffic Survey
considers such factors as the number of collisions that have occurred on the road segment, roadway
features, adjacent land uses, driveway locations, traffic volumes, pedestrian volumes, critical speed,
horizontal and vertical alignment, stopping sight distance, and conditions that may not be readily
apparent to the driver.
Mr. Jones indicated based upon the results ofthe Engineering and Traffic Survey, the Traffic Safety
Coordinating Committee recommends revising the prima facie speed limit upon La Costa Avenue
from 1,000 feet east of El Camino Real to Rancho Santa Fe Road, from 45 to 40 miles per hour.
DISCUSSION
Commissioner Wrisley stated that she drove the subject roadway and found it confusing in that the
roadway speed was posted at 35 miles per hour until you got past tiie shopping center, and tiien it
increased to 45 miles per hour, and then back down to 35 miles per hour. She asked ifthe entire
stretch of roadway could all be the same speed.
Mr. Jones stated it would all become a uniform 40 miles per hour. The speed would increase from 35
miles per hour to 40 miles per hour along tiie entire stretch of roadway. Residents like bike lanes and
livability, and tiiey especially like the interim striping plan.
Chair Gallagher asked if radar could be used for speed checks along the subject roadway.
Lt. Reno stated yes and they could enforce the speed limit at 40 miles per hour.
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November 7,2011 Traffic Safety Commission Meeting Page 6
ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Roney, and duly seconded by
Commissioner Wrisley, to revise the prima facie speed limit upon La
Costa Avenue from 1,000 feet east of El Camino Real to Rancho
Santa Fe Road, from 45 to 40 miles per hour.
VOTE: 3-0-0
AYES: Gallagher, Roney, Wrisley
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ITEM 7: REPORT FROM TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Wrisley asked who was responsible for maintaining the vegetation on the parkway of
Donna Drive. The overgrowth of it blocked sight distance.
Mr. Jones said he would look into the matter.
ITEM 8: REPORT FROM TRAFFIC ENGINEER
Mr. Jones gave the Commissioners a brief summary of his background and qualifications before
coming to Carlsbad. He invited them to express their ideas on how to improve and/or evolve their
role as commissioners. He would like to receive their input, ideas, thoughts, issues, and how to
present better.
Chair Gallagher asked if John Kim would be attending the TSC meetmgs in tiie future. He felt that
Mr. Kim had done an excellent job and was always very professional in his presentations and
knowledge.
Mr. Jones agreed that he was an mcredible and valued staff member and that Mr. Kim would indeed
be attending fiiture meetings. The next regular Traffic Safety Commission meeting is scheduled for
December 5,2011 at 3:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
ADJOURNMENT:
By proper motion. Chair Gallagher adjoumed the Regular Meeting of November 7, 2011 at 4:52
p.m.
Respectfully submitted.
Ruth Woodbeck
Minutes Clerk
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Enhancing Pedestrian Safety and Improving Beach Access across Carlsbad BoulevardBryan JonesTransportation DepartmentApril 10, 2012
Why•Continue to implement livable/ complete streets•Improve access to the coast•Improve Safety•Space access and improvements evenly2Goals•Staff evaluated lighted crosswalk enhancements for Carlsbad Boulevard
Carlsbad Boulevard betweenCarlsbad Village Drive and Tamarack3
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Carlsbad Boulevard
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Carlsbad Boulevard
Cost27•All five median islands within $200,000•The current budget for CIP 6322 is $200,000
Staff’s RecommendationsConsistent with the Traffic Safety Commission’s recommendation•Install Pedestrian Median Islands •Install Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons •Restrict westbound left‐turns28