The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2022-07-05; Traffic and Mobility Commission; ; Update on Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street Pedestrian Signal ProjecMeeting Date: July 5, 2022 To: Traffic and Mobility Commission Staff Contact: John Kim, City Traffic Engineer John.Kim@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2757 Subject: Update on Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street Pedestrian Signal Project Recommended Action Receive a presentation regarding the Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street Pedestrian Signal Project and provide input to staff. Background On June 6, 2022, the Traffic and Mobility Commission approved a motion for staff to bring back an update to the Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street Pedestrian Signal project including the history of the project, the public noticing and public input process associated with the project and any recommendations regarding the traffic calming concerns expressed during the non- agenda public comment portion of the June 6th meeting. This staff report addresses that motion. Discussion Tamarack Avenue, in the vicinity of Valley Street, functions as a collector street even though it has a high number of single-family homes fronting it. The General Plan Mobility Element classifies Tamarack Avenue as a Neighborhood Connector Street. It is striped with a single vehicle lane, bicycle lane and on-street parking lane in each direction. The roadway is posted at 30 miles per hour and accommodates approximately 8,500 vehicles per day. In the five-year period from 2017 to 2022, there have been 11 reported collisions on Tamarack Avenue between Highland Drive and Park Drive. Six of those collisions were injury accidents. 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 children. 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 current project under construction at Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street is the latest effort in response to these concerns and is intended to improve pedestrian safety. The project will replace the rectangular rapid flashing beacon, or RRFB, and install a pedestrian hybrid signal that will require vehicles to stop when a pedestrian activates the signal via pushbutton. The project will also install curb extensions to make pedestrians more visible to July 5, 2022 Item #4 1 motorists and to decrease the pedestrian crossing time across Tamarack Avenue. The following is a timeline of milestones that preceded the approval, design and construction of this project. Project Timeline 2016 Installation of RRFB to aid pedestrian access at Tamarack Avenue/Valley Street 2018 Implementation of adult crossing guards at Tamarack Avenue/Valley Street 2018 Implementation of temporary speed feedback signs on Tamarack Avenue at Valley Street 2019 Installation of permanent speed feedback signs on Tamarack Avenue at Valley Street June 3, 2019 – Traffic Safety Commission meeting Based on requests to help facilitate pedestrian access across Tamarack Avenue at Valley Street, and to replace the RRFB with STOP signs, staff presented a report to the commission to determine if an ALL-WAY STOP was justified at the subject intersection. Based on guidelines and recommendations found in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or CA MUTCD, staff recommended that an ALL-WAY STOP not be considered at the subject intersection. After hearing staff’s presentation and considering public comments from six individuals, staff’s recommendation was unanimously supported by the Traffic Safety Commission. The Commission approved a motion for staff to consider alternative solutions consistent with the General Plan Mobility Element and various complete street solutions to address safety, speeding and visibility issues at the intersection. June 11, 2019 – City Council meeting A minute motion was made by City Council directing staff to explore other ideas for traffic calming at the intersection of Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street since STOP signs were not appropriate. Another minute motion was made directing staff to bring back an analysis of changing the physical character specifically for traffic calming on College Boulevard from Carlsbad Village Drive, or CVD, to Sage Creek High School, on Tamarack Avenue from Skyline Road to Carlsbad Boulevard and on Carlsbad Boulevard from the Agua Hedionda trailhead to State Street. September 24, 2019 – City Council meeting Based on the specific requests made by City Council, staff presented traffic calming recommendations for College Boulevard, Tamarack Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard. The General Plan Mobility Element classifies Tamarack Avenue as a Neighborhood Connector Street. As such, it recommends that, “mid-block pedestrian crossings and traffic calming devices should be considered, but only at locations with high pedestrian activity levels or major destinations/attractions.” Based on this guidance, staff proposed moving forward with a Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, project that would install curb extensions and a pedestrian hybrid signal at Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street. Recognizing that the recommended improvements would help address specific concerns near the vicinity of the subject intersection and that there were speeding concerns July 5, 2022 Item #4 2 throughout the corridor, staff asked for direction to investigate additional traffic calming measures on Tamarack Avenue between Skyline Drive and Adams Street including public outreach. The City Council received the informational report and gave no further direction for traffic calming on Tamarack Avenue. January 6, 2020 – Traffic and Mobility Commission meeting Staff presented an informational report summarizing the traffic calming recommendations for Tamarack Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard including the proposed curb extensions and pedestrian hybrid signal at Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street. The Traffic and Mobility Commission received the informational report and gave no further recommendation for traffic calming on Tamarack Avenue. July 28, 2020 – City Council meeting City Council unanimously adopted a resolution to approve the plans and specifications and authorize bidding for the Tamarack/Valley Pedestrian Improvements. April 20, 2021 - City Council meeting City Council unanimously adopted a resolution to accept bids and award a contract for construction of the Tamarack/Valley Pedestrian Improvements. Public Noticing In addition to the Brown Act required public noticing for all Traffic and Mobility Commission and City Council meetings described previously, the following public notices associated with the Tamarack Avenue/Valley Street project were made: June 3, 2019 - Traffic Safety Commission meeting A list of 15 individuals that had expressed concerns about the situation at Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street were notified before the commission meeting. June 11, 2019 - City Council meeting Minute motions were made by City Council directing staff to bring back traffic calming recommendations on College Boulevard (from CVD to Sage Creek High School), Tamarack Avenue (from Skyline Road to Carlsbad Boulevard) and Carlsbad Boulevard (from Agua Hedionda trailhead to State Street). Given the specificity of this request and the length of segments to be reported on, staff did not send out notifications to residents on the specified portions of College Boulevard, Tamarack Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard for subsequent City Council and Traffic and Mobility Commission staff reports associated with this minute motion. Before construction of the Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street pedestrian improvements project began in 2021, staff made the following notifications: • April 21, 2021 – An email notification describing the proposed pedestrian improvements was sent to 20 individuals that had expressed concerns about the situation at Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street, including the Valley Parent Association. July 5, 2022 Item #4 3 • April 22, 2021 – A news release describing the proposed pedestrian improvements was posted on the City Website by the Communications Department. • November 3, 2021 – An email notice describing the proposed pedestrian improvements was sent to Valley Middle School, Magnolia Elementary School and North County Academy. • November 12, 2021 – City Manager update was sent to over 10,000 contacts informing recipients of upcoming construction at Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street. • November 15, 2021 – A notification letter was mailed to residents in the vicinity of Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street of upcoming construction at the subject intersection. • November 19, 2021 – An email update informing recipients of construction status was sent to 20 individuals that had expressed concerns about the situation at Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street, including the Valley Parent Association. • November 19, 2021 – A project update was posted on Nextdoor with a distribution of over 12,000 members. • Other pre-construction notifications in November of 2021 included door hangers posted by the construction contractor and project banner displayed at construction site. Recommendations for Traffic Calming Although the City Council declined to give further direction to staff at its meeting on Sept. 24, 2019 regarding traffic calming measures beyond the proposed pedestrian improvements at Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street, staff now recognize that the community would likely support such measures. After completion of the pedestrian improvements at the subject intersection, staff will initiate a process to consider traffic calming on Tamarack Avenue between Skyline Road and Adams Street. This is the portion of Tamarack Avenue that is fronted by single family homes and would be the most conducive to receive the traffic calming measures and procedures outlined in the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program. Tamarack Avenue is also included in the Capital Improvement Program with funds budgeted in Fiscal Year 2022-2023 to begin design under our Sustainable Mobility Plan. The project name is the Tamarack Avenue Sustainable Mobility Plan Improvements and this project will feature many public outreach and public input opportunities. Necessary Council Action None. Next Steps July 5, 2022 Item #4 4 After completion of the proposed pedestrian improvements at Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street, staff will initiate an effort to consider traffic calming improvements on Tamarack Avenue between Skyline Road and Adams Street. Exhibits 1. June 3, 2019 - Traffic Safety Commission Notification 2. Tamarack/Valley Notices by Communication Department 3. November 2021 Valley Middle School Notification 4. Council Memorandum June 9, 2022 July 5, 2022 Item #4 5 Exhibit 1 July 5, 2022 Item #4 6 July 5, 2022 Item #4 7 July 5, 2022 Item #4 8 July 5, 2022 Item #4 9 July 5, 2022 Item #4 10 July 5, 2022 Item #4 11 July 5, 2022 Item #4 12 July 5, 2022 Item #4 13 July 5, 2022 Item #4 14 July 5, 2022 Item #4 15 July 5, 2022 Item #4 16 July 5, 2022 Item #4 17 July 5, 2022 Item #4 18 July 5, 2022 Item #4 19 July 5, 2022 Item #4 20 Letter Sent on 11/15/2021 Exhibit 2 July 5, 2022 Item #4 21 Distribution area: Emails Sent to project list on 4/21/2021 July 5, 2022 Item #4 22 Sent to project list on 11/19/2021 July 5, 2022 Item #4 23 Project email list: Brenda Harai Grace Martin Hannah Lane James Casper Joy Bryson Joy Bryson Kelly Bailey Laura Ferris Lousia Evans Melody Beauchamp Meredith Grueskin Michelle Dastyk Renee Hindman Renee M Holmes Stacy Jaramillo Valley Parent Association Tricia Benton Sharon Bodon Jenna Myers Tina Winn Sent to City Manager’s update list on 11/12/2021 (over 10,000 contacts) July 5, 2022 Item #4 24 Banner Installed at Tamarack and Valley 11/2021 News release Posted 4/22/21 July 5, 2022 Item #4 25 Doorhanger Distributed 11/2021 July 5, 2022 Item #4 26 Nextdoor post Sent on 11/19/2021 Distribution area: July 5, 2022 Item #4 27 From:Alicia Padilla To:Emily Hasegawa Subject:Re: new project starting on Valley & Tamarack Date:Tuesday, November 9, 2021 7:29:57 AM Got it and the administrators and staff have been made aware. Alicia Padilla Administrative Assistant Valley Middle School 760.331.5395 Hours 7:00am-3:30pm alicia.padilla@carlsbadusd.net "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better do better." ~Maya Angelou On Wed, Nov 3, 2021 at 3:58 PM Emily Hasegawa <Emily.Hasegawa@carlsbadca.gov>wrote: Alicia, I’m the project manager for the Tamarack Ave. & Valley St. Pedestrian Improvementsproject that is starting this month. I was told that you would be the person to notify about theproject. The City is installing a hybrid pedestrian signal on the corner of Tamarack Ave. andValley St. along with curb extension to slow traffic in that area. You should see mark outson the street at the end of next week followed by a survey crew the following week.Demolition should start on Nov. 22 and construction is scheduled until Feb. 2022. The work will require traffic control between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.Pedestrian access will be limited in the project area with pedestrians asked to follow signsfor alternative crossing. Parking in the project area will be impacted also. Can you notify your staff and families about this construction? We appreciate your patienceand are excited about the new safe crossing for your school. Let me know if you have any questions. Emily Hasegawa, PE, QSD Municipal Projects Manager Public Works Department Exhibit 3 July 5, 2022 Item #4 28 City of Carlsbad 1635 Faraday Ave. Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314 www.carlsbadca.gov 760-271-4193 mobile |emily.hasegawa@carlsbadca.gov CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. July 5, 2022 Item #4 29 Exhibit 4 July 5, 2022 Item #4 30 July 5, 2022 Item #4 31 July 5, 2022 Item #4 32 July 5, 2022 Item #4 33 July 5, 2022 Item #4 34 July 5, 2022 Item #4 35 From:Jason Oziel To:Traffic; Matthew Hall; Manager Internet Email Cc:Peder Norby Subject:Re: Kids" safety Date:Wednesday, June 29, 2022 11:39:59 AM Attachments:Accident 3.jpgAccident 2.jpgAccident 1.jpg Hello, A little over two weeks ago I wrote this commission concerning safety issues on Tamarack Avenue across from Valley Middle School. Unfortunately, today I am writing to inform youwe had our first accident yesterday afternoon at pick up. Please see attached photos. While I didn't witness the accident myself, I heard it and walked outside to see what had happened. I do not have any details but it appears as though one car may have tried to make au-turn and side swiped another car. This message is simply to inform the commission that an accident has occurred. I plan to attend the next meeting on July 5th where I understand staff will be making recommendationsconcerning the cross walk and safety issues in this area. Thank you, Jason Oziel On Jun 13, 2022, at 5:32 PM, Jason Oziel <jason_oziel@icloud.com> wrote: Hello, Last week I wrote the Traffic & Mobility Commission concerning the issues withthe construction project and HAWK signal going in at Tamarack Ave and Valley St. New concerns have surfaced today that you should be aware of. Our child attends the summer program and enrichment camps through CarlsbadEducational Foundation along with several hundred Carlsbad children. This year, they have consolidated all camps into one location- Valley Middle School. Wewere notified today that due to the new construction project that started today on Magnolia (between Monroe and Brady Circle), ALL pick-up and drop offs willoccur on Tamarack Ave at the entrance to the track and lower field at Valley Middle School. Simultaneously, I was informed today that the HAWK signal that was supposedto be installed beginning tomorrow at Valley and Tamarack has now been delayed until late July at the very earliest due to supply chain constraints and thecontractors inability to secure the proper parts. I confirmed this with city officials. This now creates another set of problems as you have children from all parts ofCarlsbad (some not familiar with the speed issues here) being picked up and dropped off on Tamarack Ave morning and afternoon with no safe crosswalk toget across Tamarack. The rapid flashing beacon lights in the crosswalk at Valley have been removed pending installation of the new signal. The school crossingguard is not present as school is out for summer. And there is no crosswalk towards the lower field at James (or any way to slow traffic down coming downthe hill from Highland). It's a recipe for disaster and unsafe for our children. I am not sure what the short term solution is- that is for you folks to figure out. However, this further exemplifies why we need a better permanent long-termsolution as proposed last week by resident Jim Young at the Traffic & Mobility Commission Meeting on June 6th. Thank you for your time. Respectfully,Jason Oziel 1589 Tamarack Ave(619) 300-6173 CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. From:Brenda Harai To:Traffic Cc:John Kim Subject:Traffic meeting agenda item 4 Date:Friday, July 1, 2022 6:29:39 AM Dear Traffic and Mobility Commission, Unfortunately I will be out of town next week and unable to attend the meeting in person. I will watch the recordedsession when I return. I wanted to thank the commission, Mr. Kim, and City Council for their efforts and funding for safety improvementsat the Valley/Tamarack intersection. I appreciate you listening and responding to community members’ concerns. The changes will enhance safety of our children pedestrians as well as residents living or visiting in the area. Sincerely,Brenda HaraiParent of former Valley Middle School students Sent from my iPhoneCAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Lindy Pham, Associate Engineer John Kim, City Traffic Engineer July 5, 2022 Tamarack Ave and Valley St Pedestrian Signal Project Update RECOMMENDED ACTIONS •Receive informational report ITEM 4 BACKGROUND •On June 6, 2022, the Traffic and Mobility requested an update on the Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street Pedestrian Signal Project including –History of the project –Public noticing and public input process associated with the project –Any recommendations regarding traffic calming concerns expressed by residents ITEM 4 PROJECT •Based on concerns of pedestrian safety, the proposed project is installing curb extensions and a pedestrian hybrid signal at the intersection of Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street. ITEM 4 PROJECT LOCATION ITEM 4 Valley Middle School Magnolia Elementary School North County Academy Project Location PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS ITEM 4 6 Curb Extension Curb Extension Pedestrian Hybrid Signal Pedestrian Hybrid Signal Blank-Out Sign PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS ITEM 4 7 Pedestrian Hybrid Signal BLANK-OUT SIGN ITEM 4 CITY OF SAN DIEGO CITY OF CHULA VISTA ITEM 4 CONSTRUCTION UPDATE ITEM 4 •Curb extensions •Signage & Striping •Pedestrian Hybrid Signal •Temp Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon •Anticipated date of completion August 2022 TAMARACK/VALLEY SAFETY MEASURES TO DATE ITEM 4 •2016 –Installation of rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) •2018 –Implementation of adult crossing guards •2019 –Installation of permanent speed feedback signs ITEM 4 TAMARACK/VALLEY MEETINGS JUNE 2018 Traffic Safety Commission decides not to consider all-way stop JUNE 2019 City Council directs staff to consider options for traffic calming SEPT 2019 City Council received presentation on traffic calming options JAN 2020 Traffic & Mobility Commission received presentation on traffic calming options JULY 2020 City Council approves plans for intersection APRIL 2021 City Council awards construction contract JUNE 3, 2019 -TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION •Staff presented report on whether ALL-WAY STOP was appropriate. •California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) provides guidance on all-way stop consideration based on such factors as vehicle and pedestrian traffic volumes and collision history •Based on guidelines in the CA MUTCD, staff recommended that STOP signs not be considered. •After hearing staff presentation and six public comment speakers, the Commission voted unanimously to support staff’s recommendation •The Commission requested staff to consider alternative solutions ITEM 4 JUNE 11, 2019 –CITY COUNCIL •A minute motion was made directing staff to explore ideas for traffic calming at the subject intersection since STOP signs were not appropriate. •A minute motion was made directing staff to analyze traffic calming options for three corridors: 1. College Boulevard (from Carlsbad Village Drive to Cannon Road) 2. Tamarack Avenue (from Skyline Road to Carlsbad Boulevard) 3. Carlsbad Boulevard (from Agua Hedionda Lagoon to State Street) ITEM 4 SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 –CITY COUNCIL •In response to minute motions made by City Council, staff presented traffic calming recommendations for College Boulevard, Tamarack Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard ITEM 4 SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 –CITY COUNCIL Basis for Recommendations on Tamarack Avenue •Posted speed limit = 30 mph, not considered under Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program (CRTMP) •Classified as Neighborhood Connector in Mobility Element •Mobility Element recommendation for Neighborhood Connector: “mid-block pedestrian crossings and traffic calming devices should be considered, but only at locations with high pedestrian activity levels or major destinations/attractions”. ITEM 4 SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 –CITY COUNCIL Proposed project at Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street •Curb extensions to increase visibility of pedestrians and shorten pedestrian crossing time. •Replace RRFB with pedestrian hybrid traffic signal. •Staff requested further direction for additional traffic calming measures on Tamarack Avenue between Skyline Drive and Adams Street, including public outreach effort. ITEM 4 SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 –CITY COUNCIL •Council received the report and made no additional comment on the proposed Tamarack Avenue/Valley Street project or additional traffic calming measures on Tamarack Avenue. ITEM 4 JANUARY 6, 2020 –TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION •Staff presented informational report summarizing traffic calming recommendations for Tamarack Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard including proposed CIP project for curb extensions and pedestrian hybrid signal at Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street. ITEM 4 JULY 28, 2020 –CITY COUNCIL •Council unanimously approved plans and specifications for Tamarack Avenue/Valley Street project and to authorize bidding. ITEM 4 APRIL 20, 2021 –CITY COUNCIL •Council unanimously accepted bids and awarded contract for construction of Tamarack Avenue/Valley Street project. •Low bidder was Blue Pacific at $358,391 ITEM 4 PUBLIC NOTIFICATION ITEM 4 Meeting notices: •Provided public notices for all Traffic & Mobility Commission and City Council meetings. •Notified additional 15 people of the June 3, 2019 Traffic & Mobility Commission meeting. Six people provided public comment. EMAIL NOTIFICATION April 21, 2021 –email notification describing proposed improvements sent to 20 individuals, including Valley Parent Association ITEM 4 NEWS RELEASE April 22, 2021 –posted on the city website describing proposed improvements ITEM 4 CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE November 12, 2021 –sent to over 10,000 contacts with an update on project construction ITEM 4 LETTER November 15, 2021 –mailed to distribution area updating residents on project construction ITEM 4 EMAIL NOTIFICATION November 19, 2021 –email notification sent to 20 individuals (including Valley Parent Association) updating recipients on project construction ITEM 4 NEXTDOOR POSTING November 19, 2021 –posted project construction update on the social media app ITEM 4 PROJECT CONSTRUCTION BANNER November 2021 –posted at construction site ITEM 4 DOOR HANGER NOTICE November 2021–posted by contractor at homes adjacent to project site ITEM 4 TRAFFIC CALMING RECOMMENDATIONS ITEM 4 •Although City Council did not give further direction for traffic calming on Tamarack Avenue at its meeting on September 24, 2019, staff recognizes that the community would likely support such measures. CARLSBAD RESIDENTIAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM •Developed in 2001 and revised in 2011 •Outlines process and procedure for traffic calming measures on residential streets •Designed for residential streets with low volumes and low speeds (25 mph) ITEM 4 EXAMPLE OF TRAFFIC CALMING FEATURES ITEM 4 Raised X-Walk (Gateway Rd) Speed Cushion on (Oriole Ct) Traffic Circle (Hillside Dr) FUTURE TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT •Will be community-based and feature neighborhood meetings to gather input and help shape conceptual plan ITEM 4 NEXT STEPS •Pedestrian signal at Tamarack Avenue and Valley Street will be complete by August 2022 •Staff will explore traffic calming options on Tamarack Avenue after completion of project ITEM 4 THANK YOU! ITEM 5 SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 –CITY COUNCIL •Due to the specific nature of the minute motion requests and the length of segments to be reported on, staff did not send out notifications to residents on College Boulevard, Tamarack Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard for subsequent City Council and Traffic and Mobility Commission agenda items associated with the minute motions. ITEM 4