HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-03; Traffic and Mobility Commission; ; Evaluation of Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street Pedestrian Signal ProjectMeeting Date: April 3, 2023
To: Traffic and Mobility Commission
Staff Contact: Miriam Jim, Senior Engineer
Miriam.Jim@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-5796
John Kim, City Traffic Engineer
John.Kim@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2757
Subject: Evaluation of Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street Pedestrian Signal
Project
Recommended Action
Receive a presentation on the evaluation of the Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street pedestrian
signal project.
Background
Over the years, staff has been working to address concerns about pedestrian safety at the
intersection of Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street. Staff have increased enforcement, hired
crossing guards, made crosswalks more prominent and installed flashing lights to alert drivers
to pedestrians crossing the road. When residents requested the city install an all-way stop at
the intersection, staff evaluated the proposal but ultimately recommended against it due to
conflicts with state policies on the placement of stop signs and best practices for traffic safety.
On June 3, 2019, the Traffic & Mobility Commission concurred with staff’s findings and asked
staff to explore other options to address safety, speeding and visibility issues at the
intersection. This section of Tamarack Avenue is designated as a “Neighborhood Connector
Street” by the General Plan Mobility Element which recommends as follows: “Mid-block
pedestrian crossings and traffic calming devices should be considered, but only at locations
with high pedestrian activity levels or major destination/attractions.” Based on input from the
Traffic & Mobility Commission and guidance from the General Plan Mobility Element, staff
proposed a pedestrian hybrid signal and curb extensions at the intersection of Tamarack
Avenue and Valley Street.
This type of signal allows pedestrians at the crosswalk to activate a red light for cars. When no
pedestrians are waiting, cars can continue through the intersection without stopping. This type
of signal would be the first of its kind in Carlsbad, although other cities have been using them
for the past several years. With a solid red light displaying after a pedestrian activation of the
push button, the pedestrian hybrid signal offers greater visibility to drivers and more positive
April 3, 2023 Item #2 Page 1 of 13
vehicle control than the previously existing rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) system
that utilizes flashing warning light as an advisory warning.
On September 24, 2019, staff presented the concept for curb extensions and a pedestrian
hybrid signal to the City Council. The City Council approved staff’s recommendation and the
project team began to design plans for this project.
The plans for the signal and other intersection improvements were discussed at the Traffic &
Mobility Commission on January 6, 2020, and ultimately recommended by the commission for
approval by the City Council. The City Council approved the plans and specifications on July 28,
2020.
The new pedestrian hybrid signal, along with the curb extension and other intersection
improvements, were completed on September 27, 2022. During construction, some residents
became concerned with the size and scale of the signal, which they felt was out of sync with the
neighborhood’s character. Concerns have also come up about the new signal poles interfering
with ocean views. As part of the project, street parking was eliminated in front of one resident’s
home, causing concern, although staff has since been able to restore the parking.
In addition to these concerns, some residents have expressed concern about the safety of the
new pedestrian hybrid signal. Since the beginning of the construction phase of the project, the
City has received dozens of emails, photos and videos to the city alleging unsafe conditions and
driver behavior with most coming from one individual. Neighbors and others have asked that
the signal be removed.
On July 5, 2022, the Traffic & Mobility Commission asked staff to evaluate the new pedestrian
hybrid signal’s performance and return with a report in six months after signal activation.
On July 26, 2022, staff highlighted to the City Council a three-phase plan for traffic calming on
Tamarack Avenue to address residents’ speeding and traffic safety concerns. This three-phase
approach includes:
1. An accelerated short-term traffic calming project on Tamarack Avenue between Skyline
Drive and Adams Street (currently underway)
2. Evaluation on the performance of the recent intersection improvements at Tamarack
Avenue and Valley Street (completed)
3. Implementation of a longer-term Sustainable Mobility Plan transformative corridor
project along Tamarack Avenue (anticipated to begin design in summer 2023)
Staff has completed the evaluation outlined in phase two, and this report includes the findings.
Discussion
Tamarack Avenue, in the vicinity of Valley Street, functions as a Neighborhood Connector Street
and has a high number of single-family homes fronting it. It is striped with a single vehicle lane,
bicycle lane and on-street parking lane in each direction. The speed limit is posted at 30 miles
per hour and the roadway accommodates approximately 8,500 vehicles per day. Neighborhood
April 3, 2023 Item #2 Page 2 of 13
Connector Streets have a level of service standard for pedestrians and bicycles but not for
vehicles or transit. School street characteristics include:
• Primary purpose is to connect people to different neighborhoods and land uses of the city
• Designed to safely move all modes of travel while enhancing mobility for pedestrians and
bicyclists.
• Vehicle speeds should be managed to promote safe pedestrian and bicycle movement
• Bicycle lanes should be provided
• Bicycle boulevards can be considered
• Pedestrians should be accommodated on sidewalks adjacent to the travel way (minimum 5’
wide sidewalk)
• Mid-block pedestrian crossings and traffic calming devices should be considered, but only at
locations with high pedestrian activity levels or major destinations/attractions
• On-street parking may be provided
The intersection of Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street is close to Magnolia Elementary School,
Valley Middle School and Carlsbad High School, and is host to a number of school-aged
pedestrians during the school year. Valley Street is classified as a School Street and has level of
service standard for pedestrians and bicycles but not for vehicles or transit. School street
characteristics include:
• Primary purpose is to connect people to schools from nearby residential neighborhoods.
• Designed to safely move all modes of travel with an emphasis on providing safe pedestrian and
bicycle access for students traveling to and from nearby schools.
• Vehicle speeds shall be managed to support school uses (typically 25 MPH)
• Enhanced bicycle and pedestrian crossings should be provided, including:
o High visibility crosswalks
o Enhanced pedestrian notifications (e.g., responsive push-button devices)
o Enhanced bicycle detection
o Bicycle lanes shall be provided and can be further enhanced or complemented by other
facilities or off-street pathways
• Pedestrian facilities should be a minimum of six feet and shall strive for eight feet in width and
shall conform to ADA requirements
• Pedestrian crossing distances should be minimized
• Opportunities for mid-block pedestrian crossings should be investigated
• Traffic calming devices that improve service levels and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists
should be considered
Over the years, staff have been contacted by residents and parents with concerns about vehicle
speeds on Tamarack Avenue and pedestrian safety at the intersection of Tamarack Avenue and
Valley Street. The objective of the Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street Intersection
Improvement project is to address these concerns.
The new pedestrian hybrid signal at Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street operates only when a
pedestrian pushes the pushbutton but remains “dark” when no one is crossing. Unlike the
rectangular rapid flashing beacon previously installed which served as a warning device to
motorists when a pedestrian was crossing, the pedestrian signal functions like a traffic signal at
the intersection which requires vehicles to stop at the stop lines when the signal displays a solid
red light after a pedestrian activates the signal via pushbutton. This pedestrian signal enhances
April 3, 2023 Item #2 Page 3 of 13
safety at the crosswalk while only impeding traffic flow on Tamarack Avenue when the light is
activated by pedestrians wanting to cross.
The project also added curb extensions at the high visibility crosswalks to make pedestrians
more visible to motorists, decrease the pedestrian crossing distance across Tamarack Avenue
and tighten the corner curb radii to encourage slower vehicle turning speeds.
The pedestrian hybrid signal at Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street was energized on
September 27, 2022 and is the first of its kind installed in the city.
Public Outreach
The public had several opportunities to attend public meetings and learn about the options
being considered for the intersection, including:
• Traffic & Mobility Commission meeting – June 3, 2019
• City Council meeting – June 11, 2019
• City Council meeting – September 24, 2019
• Traffic & Mobility Commission meeting – January 6, 2020
• City Council meeting – July 28, 2020
• City Council meeting – April 20, 2021
The project was also discussed at two additional meetings held during construction, including a
Traffic & Mobility Commission meeting on July 5, 2022, and a City Council meeting on July 26,
2022.
City staff informed road users about the new pedestrian hybrid signal and how it works as the
project neared completion. This included:
• Email newsletters to people interested in the project
• A Next Door post to the neighborhoods surrounding the signal
• Emails and phone calls with administrators at nearby schools
• Sample emails for schools to share with parents
• Digital message board
• Informational video
• Social media
April 3, 2023 Item #2 Page 4 of 13
Evaluation of Pedestrian Signal Operation
Observation of compliance
Staff reviewed video footage captured at the pedestrian hybrid signal and observed pedestrians
and motorists’ behavior at the crosswalk. The video footage covered a period of four days-
three typical weekdays and one weekend day, in February 2023. There were a total of 209
crossing events observed with a total of 1,463 pedestrians crossing Tamarack Avenue at Valley
Street in the four-day observation period.
During the observed weekdays, approximately 90% of pedestrian crossing events were
observed to activate the pedestrian hybrid signal to cross Tamarack Avenue, while about 58%
of the crossings observed on the weekend had activated the pedestrian signal. Vehicles on
Valley Street and Tamarack Avenue were observed stopping at red light after the signal was
activated. The motorist compliance rate at the pedestrian hybrid signal was approximately 86%
on the weekdays and 73% on the weekend.
April 3, 2023 Item #2 Page 5 of 13
Staff further evaluated the instances where motorists did not comply with the solid red light.
Out of the total of 26 instances of non-compliance, two involved motorists not yielding the
right-of-way to pedestrians at the crosswalk, (i.e., motorists entering the crosswalk as
pedestrians started to cross Tamarack Avenue). For the other 24 cases of non-compliance,
motorists yielded to the pedestrians crossing Tamarack Avenue but entered the intersection
when the signal indication was still on solid red after the pedestrian(s) had cleared the
motorists’ path of travel. A summary of pedestrian crossings at Tamarack Avenue and Valley
Street and the percentage of vehicles in compliance with the pedestrian signal are provided in
Table 1.
Table 1 - Summary of pedestrian crossing events at Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street
No. of ped.
crossing
events with
signal
activation
No. of
crossing
events with
vehicle(s)
stopped at
red light
No. of
crossing
events with
vehicle(s)
entering
intersection
on red light
Percentage
of
vehicle
compliance
No. of
pedestrian
right-of-way
encroachments
by motorists
Weekdays 163 141 22 86% 2
Weekend 15 11 4 73% 0
Feedback from residents, crossing guard and School
Staff received both positive feedback and concerns from residents regarding the new
pedestrian hybrid signal at Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street. The main concern raised by
residents immediately after signal activation was vehicles running red lights. With police
enforcement and public outreach effort on operation of the new signal, vehicle compliance at
the new signal has been observed to be greatly improved.
On the other hand, parents and residents have expressed gratitude for the safety enhancement
at the crosswalk at Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street with the new pedestrian signal.
The crossing guard, who has been assigned to the crosswalk for over a year and has experience
assisting children crossing Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street with and without the pedestrian
hybrid signal, also provided positive feedback to staff. The crossing guard shared that the
pedestrian signal has been an improvement and supports her job, especially in situations where
children need assistance crossing both Valley Street and Tamarack Avenue, at the same time.
With the pedestrian hybrid signal, the children can cross Tamarack Avenue without a crossing
guard while this allows the crossing guard to focus on assisting other students to cross Valley
Street.
The project team also approached the principals at local schools to discuss feedback received
from parents and staff. The principal at Magnolia Elementary School received questions and
concerns from parents in the initial weeks after the signal was activated. Some parents
expressed concerns that the signal was confusing, and another did not know the correct place
to stop at the signal and received a citation from the Police Department. The principal indicated
April 3, 2023 Item #2 Page 6 of 13
that no questions or concerns had been raised since the initial weeks following signal
activation.
The principal at Valley Middle School has not received comments or questions from parents,
but has observed that traffic sometimes is backed up on Tamarack east of Valley at times when
a large number of pedestrians are trying to cross the street.
Collision History
The collision summary for the five-year period between Jan. 2018 and Feb. 2023 shows five
reported collisions on Tamarack Avenue between James Drive and Park Drive. None of these
collisions occurred at the intersection of Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street or involved a
pedestrian. No collisions have been reported at the intersection of Tamarack Avenue and Valley
Street as well as on Tamarack Avenue between James Drive and Park Drive since the pedestrian
hybrid signal was energized on September 27, 2022.
Fire Truck Turn with New Curb Extension
Curb extensions at the intersection of Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street were constructed as
a safety enhancement to provide a shorter crossing distance for pedestrians and to make it
easier for drivers to see pedestrians. Since the curb extensions were constructed, a few
residents have expressed concerns that larger vehicles may not be able to maneuver a right-
turn safely without encroaching into the travel lane in the opposite direction or hitting the new
curb extensions.
The design of the new curb extension follows the standard design guidelines to accommodate
larger vehicles turning at the intersection. City staff conducted a test drive with a 61-ft long fire
ladder truck which demonstrated that it can maneuver a right-turn movement from Valley
Street onto Tamarack Avenue without encroaching into the opposite lane on Tamarack Avenue
or the sidewalk or hitting the new curb extensions. The fire truck tests were recorded on video
and are on file with staff.
Speeds on Tamarack Avenue
Staff reviewed speed data collected by the two radar speed feedback signs located on
Tamarack Avenue, east and west of Valley Street, for a five-month period both before and after
the pedestrian signal began operation in late September 2022. The before and after vehicle
speed study reveals that the monthly average 85th percentile speeds (speed at which 85% of
the vehicles were traveling at or below) on Tamarack Avenue approaching Valley Street has
been reduced from 35.8 to 35.2 MPH in the eastbound direction and from 28.4 to 28 MPH in
the westbound direction after improvements were implemented.
The pedestrian hybrid signal was installed with the intent to enhance pedestrian safety at the
crosswalk at Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street and is not a vehicle speed management
device. Therefore, a significant change in vehicle speeds on Tamarack Avenue at Valley Street is
not expected and as reflected by the speed data. The monthly average 85th percentile speeds
on Tamarack Avenue are graphically shown in Figure 1 below.
April 3, 2023 Item #2 Page 7 of 13
Figure 1 - Average 85th Percentile Speeds on Tamarack Avenue (Eastbound and Westbound)
Based on staff evaluation, the performance of the pedestrian hybrid signal at Tamarack Avenue
and Valley Street has been satisfactory. No significant concerns have been noted with the
operation of the new pedestrian hybrid signal and associated curb extensions.
Necessary Council Action
None.
Ped. Signal In Operation
Ped. Signal In Operation
35.8 MPH
35.2 MPH
28.4 MPH
28 MPH
April 3, 2023 Item #2 Page 8 of 13
Next Steps
Staff will continue to monitor the pedestrian hybrid signal operation at Tamarack Avenue and
Valley Street and will report to Traffic and Mobility Commission as appropriate. The city will
begin the outreach effort later this summer on the Tamarack Transformative Corridor project.
The public is encouraged to participate in the public input and study process for this upcoming
project to further improve the Tamarack Avenue to best serve the needs of the community.
Exhibits
1. Vicinity Map
2. Collision Summary – Tamarack Ave between James Dr and Park Dr
3. Collision Summary - Tamarack Ave and Valley St
April 3, 2023 Item #2 Page 9 of 13
1
LOCATION MAP
April 3, 2023 Item #2 Page 10 of 13
Collision Summary Report
City of Carlsbad
Public Works Department/Traffic & Mobility Division
3/14/23
From 1/1/2018 to 2/28/2023
Total Collisions: 5
Injury Collisions: 3
Fatal Collisions: 0
TAMARACK AV from JAMES DR to PARK DR Page 1 of 2
19-01882 3/21/2019 12:30 Thursday
Other Motor Vehicle on Othe
TAMARACK AV - JAMES DR
Unsafe Starting or Backing
0'Direction: Not Stated
Property Damage Only # Inj: 0 # Killed: 022106Hit & Run:
Daylight Clear Pty at Fault:1
Cell Phone Not In UseLap/Shoulder Harness Used
Age: M
Assoc Factor: None Apparent
Backing
Sobriety: HNBDVeh Type:
WESTDriverParty 1 2004FORD F150 Pickups & Panels
Cell Phone Not In UseLap/Shoulder Harness Used
Age: M
Assoc Factor: None Apparent
Proceeding Straight
Sobriety: HNBDVeh Type:
NORTDriverParty 2 2013CHEVROLET TAHOE Emergency Vehicle (On Emergency Run
20-01768 3/13/2020 12:27 Friday
Broadside Other Motor Vehicle
TAMARACK AV - PARK DR
Auto R/W Violation
0'Direction: Not Stated
Complaint of Pain # Inj: 1 # Killed: 021802AHit & Run: No
Daylight Cloudy Pty at Fault:1
Cell Phone Not In UseLap/Shoulder Harness Used
Age: F
Assoc Factor: Inattention
Proceeding Straight
Sobriety: HNBDVeh Type:
EASTDriverParty 1 2018HYUNDAI TUCSON Passenger Car, Station Wagon, Jeep
Cell Phone Not In UseLap/Shoulder Harness Used
Age: F
Assoc Factor: None Apparent
Proceeding Straight
Sobriety: HNBDVeh Type:
SOUTDriverParty 2 2019VOLKSWAGEN JETTA Passenger Car, Station Wagon, Jeep
20-07966 12/19/2020 15:57 Saturday
Broadside Bicycle
TAMARACK AV - PARK DR
Auto R/W Violation
0'Direction: Not Stated
Other Visible Injury # Inj: 1 # Killed: 021800AHit & Run: No
Dusk - Dawn Not Stated Pty at Fault:1
Cell Phone Not In UseLap/Shoulder Harness Used
Age: 51M
Assoc Factor: None Apparent
Proceeding Straight
Sobriety: Not ApplicableVeh Type:
WESTDriverParty 1 2020CHEVROLET SUBURBAN Sport Utility Vehicle
Cell Phone Not In Use
Age: 13F
Assoc Factor: None Apparent
Proceeding Straight
Sobriety: Not ApplicableVeh Type:
NORTBicyclistParty 2 SHIMANO Bicycle
21-01205 2/23/2021 09:44 Tuesday
Hit Object Fixed Object
TAMARACK AV - PARK DR
Improper Turning
111'Direction: WEST
Property Damage Only # Inj: 0 # Killed: 022107Hit & Run: No
Daylight Clear Pty at Fault:1
Cell Phone Not In UseLap/Shoulder Harness Used
Age: 66M
Assoc Factor: Other
Proceeding Straight
Sobriety: HBD Not Under InfluVeh Type:
EASTDriverParty 1 2012TOYOTA COROLLA Passenger Car, Station Wagon, Jeep
22-05100 8/5/2022 16:25 Friday
Broadside Other Motor Vehicle
TAMARACK AV - JAMES DR
Improper Turning
223'Direction: EAST
Complaint of Pain # Inj: 1 # Killed: 022103Hit & Run: No
Daylight Clear Pty at Fault:1
Cell Phone Not In UseLap/Shoulder Harness Used
Age: 36F
Assoc Factor: None Apparent
Making U Turn
Sobriety: HNBDVeh Type:
WESTDriverParty 1 2015NISSAN PATHFINDER Passenger Car, Station Wagon, Jeep
Cell Phone Not In UseLap/Shoulder Harness Used
Age: 29M
Assoc Factor: None Apparent
Proceeding Straight
Sobriety: HNBDVeh Type:
WESTDriverParty 2 2013TOYOTA COROLLA Passenger Car, Station Wagon, Jeep
Exhibit 2
April 3, 2023 Item #2 Page 11 of 13
TAMARACK AV from JAMES DR to PARK DR Page 2 of 2
Segment Length: 0.23 miles (1,230')
Collisions per mile: 21.46
Settings for Query:
Segment: TAMARACK AV between JAMES DR and PARK DR
Include Intersection Related at Limit 1 (JAMES DR): True
Include Intersection Related at Limit 2 (PARK DR): True
Include Intersection Related at Intermediate Intersections: True
Sorted By: Date and Time
April 3, 2023 Item #2 Page 12 of 13
Collision Summary Report
City of Carlsbad
Public Works Department/Traffic & Mobility Division
3/14/23
From 1/1/2018 to 2/28/2023
Total Collisions: 0
Injury Collisions: 0
Fatal Collisions: 0
TAMARACK AV & VALLEY ST Page 1 of 1
Settings for Query:
Street: TAMARACK AV
Cross Street: VALLEY ST
Intersection Related: True
Sorted By: Date and Time
Exhibit 3
April 3, 2023 Item #2 Page 13 of 13
From:Julene Hoffman
To:Traffic
Subject:Valley/Tamarack light
Date:Wednesday, March 29, 2023 7:39:12 PM
Hi,
There is some confusion when making a left turn onto Tamarack Ave. when the lights are flashing red on
Valley St. There is a clear sign that you cannot turn right, however it is unclear if you can make a LEFT
turn onto Tamarack (heading east) when the lights are flashing and cars are stopped. Some people just
go and others wait until the lights stop and traffic begins flowing again (and continue to wait until it is clear
to go).
Just looking for some clarity. :)
Thank you,
JH
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From:dana wing
To:Traffic
Subject:New "Pedestrian Crosswalk Signal" on Tamarack Ave. I think it is "Working Very Well" ! I have not seen even one
car disobey this signal. I think it is a "Very Valuble Addition" to the "Tamarack Ave." Traffic Control" project.
Date:Wednesday, March 29, 2023 10:24:05 AM
Dana Wing 1740 Tamarack Ave, Carlsbad,
CA 92008 '23' year Resident !!!
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know the content is safe.
From:elissa lightner
To:Traffic
Subject:Tamarack and a valley pedestrian signal feedback
Date:Wednesday, March 29, 2023 10:09:19 AM
I am a current resident in Olde Carlsbad and have a few concerns about the new pedestrian traffic signal placed on
Valley and Tamarack. First, because this signal is placed on a blind corner, I have observed most cars do not see the
signal when it is on and keep going through it. Also, the signal is a HUGE eye sore for the neighborhood and I bet
the surrounding homes are not happy with how big it is and how it hasn’t improved traffic or safety , they must be
beyond frustrated. The surrounding homes have probably gone down in value based off the looks of the signal. My
question is, what does it have to be so big and why didn’t the city place a normal pedestrian crossing signal like the
on on Monroe Street? I hope the city can change this signal to one like the one on Monroe street and get rid of the
huge eye sore that hasn’t been working.
Elissa Edwards
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From:Catherine Zanuccoli
To:Traffic
Subject:Tamarack and Valley Pedestrian Signal Input
Date:Wednesday, March 29, 2023 7:10:11 PM
Hi,
I was asked to provide input for the Tamarack and Valley pedestrian signal. To put it bluntly, it is one of the
strangest things I have ever seen money spent. I have lived and traveled all over the world. Some of the places I
have lived in are NYC, New Jersey, Texas, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Paris. And, before moving to Carlsbad, I
lived in Irvine. I have never seen a hybrid pedestrian signal before. And, that’s really saying something after
residing in so many places. It is confusing to see blinking yellow and blinking red. And, it never turns green! During
school drop off and pick up, anyone who is on Valley wishing to make a left onto Tamarack, can rest assured that
they will suffer an excruciatingly long wait. Traffic signals are supposed to clearly communicate safe crossing with
some degrees of efficiency. Sadly, this hybrid does not.
Thank you for your time,
Catherine
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Lindy Pham, Associate Engineer
Miriam Jim, Senior Engineer
April 3, 2023
Evaluation of Tamarack Avenue and
Valley Street Pedestrian Signal Project
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive an informational report on the evaluation of
the pedestrian hybrid signal operation at Tamarack
Avenue and Valley Street
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
BACKGROUND
Residents and parents have long
expressed concerns about
pedestrian safety at Tamarack
Avenue and Valley Street.Project Location
Valley
Middle
North
County
Academy Magnolia
Elementary
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
BACKGROUND
Increased
enforcement
New crossing
guard
Rectangular
rapid flashing
beacons
Speed feedback
signs
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
PROJECT TIMELINE
JUNE 2019
City Council directed
staff to consider
options to address
safety concerns
SEPT 2019
City Council approved
the proposed concept
for curb extensions and
a pedestrian hybrid
signal
JAN 2020
Traffic & Mobility
Commission received
presentation on the
proposed safety
improvement project
JULY 2020
City Council approved
project plans for the
proposed safety
improvements
BEFORE JUNE 2019
Staff explored
feasibility of stop
sign at intersection
JUNE 2019
Traffic & Mobility
Commission supported
staff recommendation to
explore other options
instead of stop sign
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
PROJECT TIMELINE
APRIL 2021
City Council awarded
construction contract
SEPT. 2022
Pedestrian hybrid
signal was activated
SUMMER/FALL 2022
Residents expressed
concerns about size and
safety of the new
pedestrian hybrid signal
JULY 2022
Traffic & Mobility
Commission asked
staff to evaluate
signal’s performance
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
Blank-out signs to restrict right-turn
from Valley St after pedestrian
hybrid signal is activated
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
PUBLIC OUTREACH
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
ENFORCEMENT
10
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
EDUCATION
ITEM 2
11
Pedestrian
Hybrid Signal
EVALUATION
•Observation of compliance
•Feedback from residents, crossing guard and
school
•Collision history
•Speed data
•Truck turn with new curb extensions
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
OBSERVATION OF COMPLIANCE
4 days in Feb. 2023
209 total crossing events
1,463 pedestrians crossed
New signal was used to cross
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
OBSERVATION OF COMPLIANCE
4 days in Feb. 2023
209 total crossing events
86% drivers complied (weekdays)
73% drivers complied (weekends)
2 right-of-way encroachments
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
OBSERVATION OF COMPLIANCE
Weekdays Weekend
No. of crossings with signal activation 163 15
No. of vehicle(s) stopped at red light 141 11
No. of events with vehicle(s) entering on red light 22 4
Percent of vehicle compliance 86%73%
No. of pedestrian right-of-way encroachments 2 0
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
FEEDBACK –RESIDENTS AND PARENTS
•Concerns about vehicles running red lights immediately after
signal activation
•Vehicle compliance has been improved with police enforcement
and public outreach effort
•Residents and parents expressed gratitude for the safety
improvement at the crosswalk
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
FEEDBACK –CROSSING GUARD
•Pedestrian hybrid signal supports crossing guard’s job
•Children sometimes need assistance crossing both Valley St.
and Tamarack Ave. at the same time
•The signal allows children to cross Tamarack Ave. while
crossing guard helps other children cross Valley St.
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
FEEDBACK –SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
•Received questions and concerns in the initial weeks after
signal was activated
•No questions or concerns received since the initial weeks
•Observed some traffic back-up on Tamarack east of Valley
when a large number of pedestrians were crossing the street
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
COLLISION HISTORY
Jan. 2018 –Feb. 2023 Sept. 2022 –Feb. 2023
Total collisions 5 0
Collisions at Tamarack
and Valley
0 0
Collisions involving
pedestrians
0 0
James Drive to Park Drive
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
VEHICLE TURN WITH NEW CURB EXTENSIONS
ITEM 2
SPEEDS REDUCED
BEFORE AFTER
Eastbound 35.8 mph 35.2 mph
Westbound 28.4 mph 28.0 mph
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
SPEED DATA
Ped. Signal In Operation
35.8 MPH
35.2 MPH
Ped. Signal In Operation
28.4 MPH
28 MPH
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
CONCLUSION
•Signal has been effective and is operating as intended
•No injury collisions reported
•Drivers have adapted to its use
•Some backup of traffic during times of high pedestrian use
•Continued concerns from immediate neighbors
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
NEXT STEPS
•Staff will continue to monitor the
pedestrian hybrid signal operation
•Begin public outreach effort later this
summer on the Tamarack Transformative
Corridor project
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
•Receive an informational report on the evaluation
of the pedestrian hybrid signal operation at
Tamarack Ave and Valley St intersection
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL
THANK YOU!
ITEM 2: PEDESTRIAN HYBRID SIGNAL