HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-09-10; Traffic Safety Commission; ; AVENIDA ENCINAS SPEED LIMITItem #1
Meeting Date: September 10, 2018
To: Traffic Safety Commission
Staff Contact: Doug Bilse, Senior Engineer
doug.bilse@carlsbadca.gov or 760-602-7504
Subject: Recommend that City Council establish a 35 miles per hour (mph) speed limit for Avenida Encinas from Cannon Road to Palomar Airport Road.
Recommended Action Recommend that City Council revise the speed limit on Avenida Encinas from Cannon Road to Palomar Airport Road from 40 mph to 35 mph.
Executive Summary
California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 22358 gives the City Council authority to determine and
establish by ordinance a reasonable and safe speed limit that facilitates the orderly movement
of vehicular traffic. The speed limit becomes effective when appropriate signs are installed
along the roadway. Staff proposes to revise the speed limit upon Avenida Encinas from Cannon
Road to Palomar Airport Road from 40 mph to 35 mph. The proposed speed limit is reasonable
and defensible, follows the procedures in the California Manual for Setting Speed Limits (CA
MSSL), and complies with the CVC and California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA
MUTCD).
Discussion
City staff is proposing to revise the speed limit on Avenida Encinas from Cannon Road to
Palomar Airport Road (see Exhibit 1). According to the CA MSSL: “The setting of speed limits
requires a rational and defensible procedure to maintain the confidence of the public and legal
system. By following a uniform procedure, agencies can establish speed limits that are uniform
throughout the state and avoid influence from political pressure or emotional perceptions.”
Speed Limits for Special Classes of Roadway Locations: CVC Section 22352 sets predetermined speed limits in California for specific classes of roads that do not require a specific speed limit sign to be posted. There are six classes of locations where these predetermined speed limits
apply:
• uncontrolled railroad crossings (15 mph)
• blind uncontrolled intersections (15 mph)
• alleyways (15 mph)
• business and residential areas that have met specific requirements (25 mph)
• school zones (mph)
• areas immediately around senior centers (25 mph)
e TRAFFIC SA. FETY COMMISSION
Staff Report .
This section of Avenida Encinas does not meet the requirements for any one of these special
classes and therefore the speed limit must be based on an Engineering and Traffic Survey
(E&TS) according to CVC Section No. 22358 to be legally defensible.
Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS): The attached E&TS (Exhibit 2) includes the data
supporting the recommended 35 mph speed limit using standard traffic engineering practices in
accordance with the CA MUTCD. The CA MSSL establishes a uniform procedure for setting
reasonable and defensible speed limits based on the behavior of typical drivers. The 85th
percentile speed (i.e., one standard deviation above the average free flow speed) is used to
establish the upper limit of a reasonable and defensible speed limit. Per the CA MSSL, “Speed
limits that are set near the 85th percentile speed of free flowing traffic are safer and produce
less variance in vehicle speeds… Speed limits below the 85th percentile do not ordinarily
facilitate the orderly movement of traffic and require constant enforcement to maintain
compliance.” The recorded 85th percentile speed on this section of Avenida Encinas is 36 mph.
The recommended speed limit of 35 mph in compliance with California Vehicle Code (CVC)
Section Nos. 21400, 22357 and 22358. The recommended speed limit is the nearest 5 mph
increment of this 85th percentile speed and could be reduced for special conditions not readily
apparent to the driver.
Special Conditions Not Readily Apparent to the Driver: Non-apparent conditions may be used to
lower the speed limit an additional 5 mph if the recommended speed limit is the nearest 5 mph
increment of the 85th percentile speed. Drivers adjust their vehicle speed to the readily apparent
roadway conditions such as special events, construction, or congestion. CVC Section 22358.5
specifically prohibits downward speed zoning for these conditions and any other conditions that
are readily apparent to the driver. Conditions not readily apparent to the motorist is a condition
which, if the motorist were aware, they would adjust their speed accordingly. An exemplary
condition not readily apparent to the driver that justifies a 5-mph reduction to the speed limit is
a higher than average collision rate. Other non-apparent conditions include high volume traffic
generators (vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian) and access points that are not visible to the motorist.
Every attempt should be made to make the motorist aware of non-apparent conditions (e.g.,
warning and advisory speed signs) before a decision is made to lower the speed limit. Speed limits
that have been lowered by 5 mph due to conditions not readily apparent to the driver are
sometimes successfully challenged in court. There are no conditions that are not readily apparent
to the driver on this section of Avenida Encinas, and therefore a 5-mph reduction to the speed
limit is not justified.
Advisory Speeds: An advisory speed sign (typically black lettering on a yellow background)
advises drivers of speeds recommended for certain roadway conditions, such as horizontal
curves. Advisory speeds are determined primarily by the physical and design characteristics of
the roadway, not the 85th percentile speed. They advise the driver of a roadway condition more
comfortably traversed at the recommended speed that is lower than the posted speed limit. It
is not necessary to lower the regulatory speed to conform to the advisory speed. A driver may
not be cited solely for exceeding the speed displayed on an advisory sign, but they can be cited
under the basic speed law (CVC Section 22350) if they encounter, or create, a problem when
exceeding the advisory speed.
Length of Speed Zone: The length of any section of roadway set for a particular speed zone should
be as long as possible and consistent with changes in roadway conditions, roadside development,
and land use. Speed zone or speed limit changes need to be coordinated with changes in roadway
conditions, roadside development, and land use. Speed zones of less than 0.5 miles should be
avoided. Separate speed zones should be created at City, County or other jurisdictional
boundaries with a consistent speed limit across the boundary.
Recommended Speed Limit: The proposed 35 mph speed limit on Avenida Encinas from Cannon
Road to Palomar Airport Road is reasonable and based on the methodology and criteria defined
in the CA MSSL, CVC and CA MUTCD. The City Council must adopt an Ordinance amending
Carlsbad Municipal Code to revise the speed limit on Avenida Encinas.
Necessary Council Action
To revise the speed limit on Avenida Encinas from Cannon Road to Palomar Airport Road the
City Council must adopt an ordinance at a public meeting.
Next Steps
Once an ordinance is adopted, appropriate regulatory speed limit signs are posted in
compliance with the CAMUTCD. Once the signs are installed, Police can cite violators that
exceed the posted speed limit that is legally defensible.
Exhibits
1. Location Map
2. Engineering and Traffic Survey
1
LOCATION MAP
EXHIBIT 1
~
NOT TO SCALE
t------------------__Jt I ~ EXHIBIT !
£ t ....__ _______________ L___J~
Avenida Encinas Speed Limit
STREET: Avenida Encinas
CITY OF CARLSBAD
ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEY
LIMITS: Cannon Road to Palomar Airport Road
A. Prevailing Speed Data:
Date of Speed Survey
Location of Speed Survey
85th Percentile
10 MPH Pace
Percent in Pace
B. Accident History:
(6/01/16 through 5/31/18)
Speed-Related Accidents
FACTORS
Direction: Northbound/Southbound
6/18/18
1, 100 feet north of Palomar Airport Road
36 MPH
28 to 38 MPH
89%
Pedestrian and/or Bicyclist Accidents
Total Accidents
2
1
6
C. Traffic Factors:
Average Daily Traffic
Traffic Controls
Pedestrian/Bicycle Traffic
Bicycle Lanes
On-Street Parking
Other
D. Roadway Factors:
10,970-North of Palomar Airport Road (6/12/18); 7,043 -South of Cannon Road (6/12/18)
Traffic Signal at Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road
Light
Bicycle Lanes Have Been Striped on the Roadway
Parking Prohibited on Each Side
Bike Route per Circulation Element of the General Plan
Circulation Element Street Classification
Length of Segment
Secondary Arterial
0.93 Mi.
50 to 64 Feet Roadway Width
Number of Lanes
Vertical Alignment
Horizontal Alignment
Sidewalks
Driveways
Street Li htin
One Lane Each Direction on Majority of Roadway Segment
Relatively Flat; 4% Grade Near Palomar Airport Road
Curvilinear
Sidewalk on Majority of Road
Numerous Closely Spaced Driveways
Street Lights on Each Side
E. Special Conditions: Roadway used by industrial park traffic, delivery trucks and commuters. Travel lanes are separated by either
a two-wa left-turn lane, ainted median, or raised median.
F. Ad"acent Land Uses: Freeway, Light Industrial, Restaurants, Hotel, Professional Offices, USPS Mailboxes
G. Remarks/Conditions Not Readil A arent: The curvilinear alignment limits sight distance at some driveways.
H. Traffic Engineer's Recommendation (Explanation): This speed zone satisfies the conditions of Section 627 of the California
Vehicle Code and has been prepared and evaluated in accordance with the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices, effective April 7, 2017 with respect to design and prevailing speeds, accident records, pedestrian and bicyclist safety,
intersection and driveway spacing, and roadside and traffic conditions not readily apparent to the driver. A speed limit posting of
35 MPH is found to be a ro riate and ·ustified.
I. Approvals:
D j\ecertification of existing speed zone per Sections 22357, 22358 and 40 02 of the California Vehicle Code.
[ij'Establishment of new speed zone. '
NOTE: Appropriate speed survey is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
DATE: 6/18/18 TIME: 1 :30 PM
WEATHER: Sunny & Mild
CITY OF CARLSBAD
SPEED SURVEY
TO 2:25 PM TOTAL VEHICLES:
CRITICAL SPEED:
LOCATION: Avenida Encinas-1, 100' n/o Palomar Airport Rd. VEHICLES IN PACE:
OBSERVER/RECORDER: J. Gale
NORTHBOUND
DIRECTION OF TRAVEL
MPH
65
64
63
62
61
60
59
58
57
56
55
54,
53
52
51
50
49
48
47
46
45
44
43
42
41
40
39 X
38 X X
37 X
36 X X X
35 X X
34 X X
33 X X X X
32 X X X X X X X
31 X X X X X X X X X
30 X X X X X X X
29 X X X X
28 X X X X X
27 X
26 X X
25
24
23
22
21
PACE SPEED(S):
# % :E # % %tile % #
1 1 100 2 1
2 2 99 4 2
1 2 1 1 97
2 4 4 4 96 4 2
1 2 3 3 92 4 2
3 6 8 8 89 10 5
2 4 7 7 81 10 5
2 4 6 6 74 8 4
4 8 13 13 68 18 9
7 14 12 12 55 10 5
9 18 13 13 43 8 4
7 14 11 11 30 8 4
4 8 8 8 19 8 4
5 10 8 8 11 6 3
1 2 1 1 3
2 4 2 2 2
Public Works Department
Traffic and Mobility Division
100
36 MPH
89 %
28 TO 38 MPH ----------
SOUTHBOUND
DIRECTION OF TRAVEL
MPH
65
64
63
62
61
60
59
58
57
56
55
54
53
52
51
50
49
48
47
46
45
44
43
42
X 41
X X 40
39
X X 38
X X 37
X X X X X 36
X X X X X 35
X X X X 34
X X X X X X X X X 33
X X X X X 32
X X X X 31
X X X X 30
X X X X 29
X X X 28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
Avenida Encinas Speed Limit
Cannon Road to Palomar Airport Road
Sept. 10, 2018
Avenida Encinas Speed Limit Extents
2
SDGECNGA
Fueling Station Y
Q westMart Carlsbad Buick GMC
Weseloh ALII0 Group 9 9 9
Hyatt Hou an ~
Diego/Carl t d T Weseloh Chevrolet
Toyota Carlsbad 9
Audi Carlsbad 9
Lexus Carlsbad 9
'a ~ 1 11
GIA (Gemological ft
Institute of America) T
9 Bob Baker Mazda
Bob Baker Auto Group 9 9 Hoehn Motors
Ken Grody l:,\
Ford• Carlsbad 'T'
Carlsbad Premium Outlets 9
State of California t,:.
Maintenance Stations Y
CVC Gives City Council Authority to Set
Speed Limits
•Set by ordinance
•Should be reasonable and safe
•Should use a defensible and uniform procedure
•Becomes effective when regulatory signs are installed
3
References
California Vehicle Code (CVC)
–published by the DMV
–establishes laws governing speed limits
California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD)
–published by FHWA/Caltrans
–Defines standards for traffic control (signing, striping, traffic signals)
California Manual for Setting Speed Limits
–published by Caltrans
–used to interpret CVC and CAMUTCD
4
Overview of Setting Speed Limits
•Voluntary compliance is a primary goal
•Studies show setting speed limits too low or too high
can result in increased collision rates
•Most drivers are rational and prevailing speed should
determine speed limits
5
Predetermined Speed Limits
6
Roadway Class Predetermined Speed (mph)
Uncontrolled Railroad Crossings 15
Blind Uncontrolled Intersections 15
Alleyways 15
Areas Immediately Around Senior Centers 25
School Zones 25
Business/Residential Districts 25
Prevailing Speed Determines Speed Limit
for Roads w/o Predetermined Speed
•Prevailing speed defined as 85th Percentile (1 standard
deviation)
•Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) reports data
supporting speed limit
•Speed limit set within 5 mph of 85% speed, except…
7
Discretion for 5 MPH Reduction
5 mph reduction is allowed if both conditions are met:
1.There is a condition “not readily apparent to driver” (e.g.,
a relatively high collision rate)
2.Must be reduced from the closest 5 mph increment to
85th percentile speed
8
Regulatory vs. Warning Signs
•Regulatory sign establishes Speed Limit
•Warning sign posts advisory speed
9
SPEED
LIMIT
20
When are Speed Limits Evaluated?
•E&TS speed survey is valid for 5 years
•The E&TS can be extended to 7 years if operator
certification and equipment calibration criteria are met
•The E&TS can be extended from 7 years to 10 years if
conditions have not significantly changed
•E&TS should be re-evaluated if conditions change
10
Location Map
11
SDGECNGA
Fueling Station Y
Q westMart Carlsbad Buick GMC
Weseloh ALII0 Group 9 9 9
Hyatt Hou an ~
Diego/Carl t d T Weseloh Chevrolet
Toyota Carlsbad 9
Audi Carlsbad 9
Lexus Carlsbad 9
'a ~ 1 11
GIA (Gemological ft
Institute of America) T
9 Bob Baker Mazda
Bob Baker Auto Group 9 9 Hoehn Motors
Ken Grody l:,\
Ford• Carlsbad 'T'
Carlsbad Premium Outlets 9
State of California t,:.
Maintenance Stations Y
What Changed?
12
E&TS Required
13
STREET: Avenida Encinas
CITY OF CARLSBAD
ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEY
LIMITS: Cannon Road to Palomar Airport Road
A. Prevailing Speed Data:
Date of Speed Survey
Location of Speed Survey
85th Percentile
10 MPH Pace Percent in Pace
B. Accident History:
(6/01116 through 5131118)
Speed-Related Accidents
Pedestrian and/or Bicyclist Accidents
Total Accidents
C. Traffic Factors:
FACTORS
Direction: Northbound/Southbound
6118/18
1,100 feet north of Palomar Airport Road
36MPH
28to 38 MPH 89%
Average Daily Traffic
Traffic Controls Pedestrian/Bicycle Traffic
Bicycle Lanes
10,970-North of Palomar Airport Road (6/12/18); 7,043 -South of Cannon Road (6112/18) Traffic Signal at Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road Light
On-Street Parking
Bicycle Lanes Have Been Striped on the Roadway
Parking Prohibited on Each Side
Other Bike Route per Circulation Element of the General Plan
D. Roadway Factors:
Circulation Element Street Classification
Length of Segment Roadway Width
Number of Lanes Vertical Alignment Horizontal Alignment Sidewalks Driveways
Street Liahtina
Secondary Arterial 0.93 Mi.
50 to 64 Feet
One Lane Each Direction on Majority of Roadway Segment
Relativety Flat; 4% Grade Near Palomar ,Ajrport Road
Curvilinear Sidewalk on Majority of Road Numerous Closely Spaced Driveways
Street Lights on Each Side
E. Special Conditions: Roadway used by industrial park traffic, delivery trucks and commuters. Travel lanes are separated by either
a two-way left-tum lane, painted median, or raised median.
F. Adjacent Land Uses: Freeway, Light Industrial, Restaurants, Hotel, Professional Offices, USPS Mailboxes
G. Remarks/Conditions Not Readilv Annarent: The curvilinear alianment limits siaht distance at some drivewavs.
H. Traffic Engineer's Recommendation (Explanation): This speed zone satisfies the conditions of Section 627 of the California
Vehicle Code and has been prepared and evaluated in accordance with the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, effective April 7, 2017 with respect to design and prevailing speeds, accident records, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, intersection and driveway spacing, and roadside and traffic conditions not readily apparent to the driver. A speed limit posting of 35 MPH is found lo be appropriate and justified.
I. Approvals:
• Recertification of existing speed zone per Sections 22357, 22358 and 40802 of the California Vehicle Gode • Establishment of new speed zone.
Approved~-=-----------~~-Doug Bilse Date
Senior Engineer
CA TR 2279
NOTE. Appropriate speed survey Is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
E&TS Result
Avenida Encinas: Cannon to PAR
•Prevailing speed= 85th % speed= 36 mph
•Proposed Speed Limit= 35 mph
•Lowered speed limit not support by conditions not readily
apparent to the driver
14
Speed Limit Status
•Current Speed Limit= 40 mph
•Proposed Speed Limit= 35 mph
•Ordinance required to revise speed limit
•New signs required to be installed before new speed
limit becomes effective
15
Staff Recommendation
•Recommend that City Council establish a 35 mile per
hour (mph) speed limit for Avenida Encinas between
Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road.
16
Report From Police Department
Sept. 10, 2018
Enforcement & Education
•Motors conducting Enforcement at all local schools for new School Year
•DUI Checkpoint on Carlsbad Blvd with CHP on 8/24/18 to honor Fallen CHP officers killed by drunk drivers
•CARS4 locations-Enforcement in specific areas receiving complaints (Cadencia, College/Cannon, RSF/Melrose, Tamarack Ave) Creates extra enforcement with Patrol & volunteers teaming up with Traffic Division to address.
•Carlsbad Blvd Enforcement every weekend this summer (Speed, loud exhaust/stereo, crosswalk, cellphone, etc.)
•Wrapped up a busy summer of Special Events throughout the city (Concerts in the Park every Friday, Triathlon, Art in the Village, etc)
18
Traffic Collisions
July 7th 1215 hours-Carlsbad Blvd/Solamar
•3 Motorcycles driving recklessly crashed-
•1 person succumbed to injuries and 2 others were seriously injured
July 8th 2258 hours-Kelly Dr/El Camino Real
•2 persons in stolen vehicle crashed into another vehicle.
•Suspects in stolen vehicle both taken to hospital for serious injuries
August 17 2013 hours-Carlsbad Blvd/Sycamore
•1 pedestrian struck in the crosswalk by a vehicle
•Pedestrian succumbed to injuries
July 21 2230 hours-ECR/Kelly
•Mentally ill subject jumped in front of vehicle
•Pedestrian seriously injured
19