HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-04; Traffic and Mobility Commission; ; Update on Traffic Concerns at Faraday Avenue and Palmer Way Meeting Date: Oct. 4, 2021
To: Traffic and Mobility Commission
Staff Contact: Miriam Jim, Senior Engineer
Miriam.jim@Carlsbadca.gov, 760-268-4796
Subject: Update on Traffic Concerns at Faraday Avenue and Palmer Way
Recommended Action Receive staff report and presentation.
Background
In December 2020, staff was contacted by residents and businesses to consider the installation
of a traffic signal at the intersection of Faraday Avenue and Palmer Way due to traffic collisions
which have occurred at the intersection. A location map is included in Exhibit 1. These collisions
involved westbound vehicles approaching the intersection at an unsafe speed.
On April 5, 2021, staff presented to the Traffic and Mobility Commission the Intersection Control
Evaluation (ICE) conducted to evaluate the appropriate control options for the intersection of
Faraday Avenue and Palmer Way in response to the residents’ request. Based on the analysis
performed, neither a traffic signal nor a roundabout was recommended at this intersection. At
its meeting, the commission supported staff recommendations 1) to have the intersection remain
as a side-street-stop-controlled intersection and 2) to install new warning signage on Faraday
Avenue to raise drivers’ awareness of the roadway conditions. The commission has requested
staff to collect speed data to evaluate effectiveness of the proposed signage and report back to
the commission.
Discussion
Upon receiving support from the Traffic and Mobility Commission, staff installed the proposed
warning signs on Faraday Avenue between El Camino Real and Orion Way on May 21, 2021. The
new signs installed on Faraday Avenue are depicted on Exhibit 2. In response to the Traffic and
Mobility Commission’s request, staff has conducted “before” and “after” speed measurements
and reviewed collision summary report to gauge the effectiveness of the new signage.
Before and After Speed Measurements
Staff conducted speed measurements on Faraday Avenue at approximately 125 feet east of
Palmer Way before and after the new warning signs installation, on April 22, 2021 and
September 2, 2021, respectively. The “before” and “after” speed measurements are included in
Exhibits 3 and 4. The results of the “before” and “after” speed measurements show a reduction
Oct. 4, 2021 Item #3 1
of 2 mph in measured critical speed, also known as 85th percentile speed (a speed at which 85%
of the surveyed vehicles were driving at or below), from 41 MPH to 39 MPH, with the new
signage. The slight reduction in critical speed is a reasonable outcome of the addition of new
warning signage.
Per Section 21400 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) and Section 2B.13 of California Manual
on Uniform Control Devices (CA MUTCD), roadway posted speed limit shall be based on the
measured critical speed or 85th percentile speed of free-flow traffic. The CA MUTCD requires
that when a speed limit is posted, it shall be established at the nearest 5 mph increment of the
85th percentile speed of free-flowing traffic. A 2-mph difference in measured critical speed,
though may seem insignificant, could, in some cases, result in a 5-mph change (upper or lower)
in posted speed limit of a roadway.
The current posted speed limit of 40 mph on Faraday Avenue between El Camino Real and
Orion Way is based on an engineering and traffic survey conducted in 2018. The associated
speed survey indicates a critical speed of 43 mph. A 2-mph reduction from this measurement
would not justify a posted speed limit lower than the current 40 mph. The engineering and
traffic survey is valid for 7 years, per CVC Section 40802, and the speed limit is due for
reevaluation in 2024. At that time staff will conduct a new engineering and traffic survey for
this segment of Faraday Avenue.
Collision Data
A Collision Summary Report at the intersection of Faraday Avenue and Palmer Way between
May 21, 2021 (when the new signs were installed) and Sept. 28, 2021 (when this report was
prepared), was reviewed and is provided in Exhibit 5. There were no reported collisions.
Conclusion
Based on the reduction in measured critical speed and no speed-related collisions reported
since the installation of new warning signage, staff concludes that the new warning signage has
been somewhat effective in raising drivers’ awareness of the roadway conditions that may not
be apparent to drivers and staff will continue to monitor the traffic conditions in the area.
Next Steps
None.
Exhibits
1. Location Map
2. New Signage on Faraday Avenue between El Camino Real and Orion Way
3. “Before” Speed Measurement
4. “After” Speed Measurement
5. Collision Summary Report
Oct. 4, 2021 Item #3 2
PACIFIC OCEAN
NOT TO SCALE
LOCATION MAP
CITY OF OCEANSIDE FARADAY AVE & PALMER WAY
HIGHWAY 78
CITY OF VISTA
EXHIBIT 1Oct. 4, 2021 Item #3 3
Oct. 4, 2021 Item #3 4
Exhibit 3
Oct. 4, 2021 Item #3 5
Oct. 4, 2021 Item #3 6
Oct. 4, 2021 Item #3 7
Exhibit 4
Collision Summary Report
City of Carlsbad
Public Works Department/Traffic & Mobility Division
9/29/21
From 5/21/2021 to 9/28/2021
Total Collisions: 0
Injury Collisions: 0
Fatal Collisions: 0
FARADAY AV & PALMER WY Page 1 of 1
Settings for Query:
Street: FARADAY AV
Cross Street: PALMER WY
Intersection Related: True
Sorted By: Date and Time
Oct. 4, 2021 Item #3 8
Exhibit 5