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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-08-03; Traffic Safety Commission; ; The State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has determined the methodology for establishing prima facie speed limitsC J CITY OF CARLSBAD TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION STAFF REPORT COMMISSION MEETING OF: August 3, 2009 LOCATION: Citywide INITIATED BY: City Engineer REQUESTED ACTION: Receive report. BACKGROUND: ITEMNO. 6A The State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has determined the methodology for establishing prima facie speed limits. DATA: Caltrans issued a Traffic Operations Policy Directive (attached) effective July 1, 2009 for speed limit determination. The subject of the directive is the change in the procedure for setting speed limits on California roads. This change will be reflected in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (California MUTCD). Staff will present a verbal report on this item. RECOMMENDATION: Information item only. Receive and file report. NECESSARY CITY COUNCIL ACTION: No City Council action required. ~ATE OF CALIFORNIA• DEP ARTMFNf O'ANSPORTATION POLICY DIRECTIVE TR-0011 (REV9/2006) TRAFFIC OPERATIONS POLICY DIRECTIVE Change in current California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (California MUTCD) policy and procedure for setting speed limits in California. DOES THIS DIRECTIVE AFFECT OR SUPERSEDE ANOTHER DOCUMENT? i8!YES □NO WlLL IBIS DIRECTIVE BE INCORPORATED IN THE CALIFORNIA MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES DIRECTIVE 1:81YES □NO NUMBER: 09-04 DATE ISSUED: June 29, 2009 DISTRIBUTION IZJ All District Directors PAGE: 1 of7 EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2009 {8J All Deputy District Directors -Traffic Operations {8J All Deputy District Directors -Maintenance {8J All Deputy District Directors • Construction {8J All Deputy District Directors • Design D All Deputy District Directors -Transportation Planning [g} Chief, Division of Engineering Services [g} Chief Counsel, Legal Division {8J Publications (California MUTCD Website) www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/signtech/mutcdsupp/ca_mutcd.htm D Headquarters Division Chiefs for: ff YES, DESCRIBE Amends Chapter 2B of the California MUTCD. rF YES, DESCRlBE Chapter 2B, Sections 28.13. Pursuant to the authority granted to the California Department of Transportation (Department) in Section 21400 and 21401 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC), the changes included in this directive for setting speed limits in California shall be included in Part 2 of the California MUTCD, dated September 26, 2006. C STA'TEOFCALIFORNJA•DEPARTMENTOFTRANSPORTATlON POLICY DIRECTIVE TR-0011 (REV 9/2006) Page 2 of7 IMPLEMENTATION In this section, for purposes of clarity, strikethrough text is used to denote text in the California MUTCD that is being deleted and italic text is used to denote text that is being added to the California MUTCD. All other formatting as defined under the Definitions section of this Policy Directive is still applicable. The following policies shall be included in the California MUTCD: Section 2B.13 Speed Limit Sign (Rl-1) Support: The setting ofspeed limits can be controversial and requires a rational and defensible determination to maintain public confidence. Speed limits are normally set near the 85th-percentile speed that statistically represents one standard deviation above the average speed and establishes the upper limit of what is considered reasonable and prudent. As with most laws, speed limits need to depend on the voluntary compliance of the greater majority of motorists. Speed limits cannot be set arbitrarily low, as this would create violators of the majority of drivers and would not command the respect of the public. Standard: After an engineering and traffic survey (E&TS) stu:dy has been made in accordance with established traffic engineering practices, the Speed Limit (R2-l) sign (see Figure 2B-1) shall display the limit established by law, ordinance, regulation, or as adopted by the authorized agency. The speed limits shown shall be in multiples of 10 km/h* (5 mph). Guidance: At least once every 5, 7 or 10 years. in compliance with eve Section 40802. States and local agencies should reevaluate non-statuto!Y speed limits on segments of their roadways that have undergone a significant change in roadway characteristics or surrounding land use since the last review. No more than three speed limits should be displayed on any one Speed Limit sign or assembly. When a speed Hmit is to be posted. it should be established at the nea-rest 10 kmth or 5 ffli)fl inoremeftt of the 85th aereeatile speed of free flowiflg traffic. Standard: When a speed limit is to be posted, it shall be established at the nearest 10 km!IJ (5 mph) increment of the 85th-percentile speed of free-flowing traffic, except as shown in the Option below. Option: The posted speed maybe reduced by 10 km/h (5 mph) from the nearest 10 km/her (5 mph) increment of the 85th•percentile speed, in compliance with eve Sections 627 and 22358,5. where eagineering stooy indicates the neea for a red-Hctioo in speed to mateh existing conditions with the traffic safety needs of the commanity. Standard: If the speed limit to be posted has had the 10 km/h (5 mph) reduction applied, then an E&TS shall document in writing the conditions and justification for the lower speed limit and be approved by a registered Civil or Traffic Engineer. The reasons for the lower speed limit shall be in compliance with CVC Sections 627 and 22358.5. ADA Notice For individuals with sensory disabilities. this document Is available in alternate formats. For information call (916) 653-3657 or TDD (916) 654-3880 or write Records and Forms Management, 1120 N Street, MS89, Sacramento, CA 95814. C STATE OF CALIFORNIA• DEPARlMENTOFTRANSPORTATJON POLICY DIRECTIVE TR-001 l (REV9/2006) Page3 of7 IMPLEMENTATION (Cont'd) Support: An example of the application of this speed limit criteria is as follows: • If the 85th percentile speed in a speed survey was 60 km/h (37 mph), then the speed limit would be posted at 35 mph or optionally reduced to 30 mph. However, • If the 85th percentile speed in a speed survey was 61 km/h (38 mph), then the speed limit would be posted at 40 mph or optionally reduced to 3 5 mph. This method of establishing posted speed limits applies to all engineering and traffic surreys (B&TS) performed after May 20, 2004. Thls seetion, as amended for use in California, does HOt apply to E&TS performed prior to May 20, 2004. Examples: • An BagiE:eeriag and Traffie Sur1ey (B&TS) perfermed oa t,:pril 6, 1999 dae for renev1al on 1\.pril 6, 2004 (5 years) would be performed per Chapter 8 of the 1996 Galtrans Traffie Mamial, which v,<as the applieable gaiaanee at the time. This v1ould then be &le for renev1al on April 6, 2009 using the California MUTCD criteria. • Rowe>,•er, ifeoaditions oftl¼e E&TS and the applicable enforcement ageney, iEB p0F6onne1 and equipment meet provisions of GVC 40802.c.2.B.I, the E&TS eoald have been e;i,;:tended tv,ro additional y-oars (for a total of7 years). In this ease, the posted speed limit(s) remain(s} enforoeable for the se•,•en year period and VIOtild then be due for rene>.val oa 1\pril 6, 2006 aad 1Nsuld be renevled usiag Galifomia MUTGD eriteria. • Farther, if at the end of the seven years, a registered engineer e>.ialuates the highv,cay section ood determines that no signi:acant ehaa.ges in roadway or traffie conditions have occurred (see CVC 40802.e.2.B.H), the engineer could ex.tend the E&TS for three additioaal )'ears (for a tot-al of 10 years}. Rene>Nal of the ex.tended E&TS •11ould then be deferred to April 6, 2009 and at that time perfonned with California MUTCD eriteria. This directive does not recommend any other changes for the remainder of this section at this time. In all applications of this policy, engineering judgment must be exercised. The objective is to provide unifonn applications of signs statewide. If there are any questions regarding implementation, districts should consult with the Headquarters Traffic Operations Liaison. DELEGATION No new delegations of authority are created under this policy. ADA Notice for individuals with sensory disabllities, lhis document is available in alternate formats. For information call (916) 653-3657 or TDD (916) 654·3880 or write Records and Forms Management, 1120 N Street, MS89, Sacramento, CA 95814. C STATE OF CALIFORNIA• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION POLICY DIRECTIVE TR-001 l (REV 9/2006) Page4 of7 BACKGROUND The purpose of this directive is to implement the changes proposed in the Decision Document entitled "Guidelines for Setting Speed Limits,, signed on May 15, 2009 by Director Will Kempton. This Decision Document was the result of many discussions about speed limit concerns held before the California Traffic Control Devices Committee (CTCDC) since June of 2007. During these discussions, many comments were received from local agencies and their officials representing law enforcement, public works, and the court system. A special hearing was held on March 19, 2009 and was attended by the Direc.,1or and the California Highway Patrol Commissioner. The purpose of this hearing was to bring closure to this discussion before the Director issued his Decision Document. After reviewing the concerns expressed by various participants involved with setting and enforcing speed limits, Caltrans determined there was a lack of consistency in the analysis and process that documents Engineering and Traffic Surveys to establish rational and enforceable speed limits. In 2004, the California Supplement to the 2003 Federal MUTCD changed the procedure setting speed limits used previously in the 1996 Caltrans Traffic Manual. These changes were made to bring California into compliance with the Federal MUTCD at that time, but the California Supplement included the option to allow a 5mph reduction from the nearest increment of the 85th percentile speed. The changes are summarized below: 1996 Traffic Manual: The speed limit normally should be established at the first five mile per hour (mph) increment below the 85th percentile speed. However, in matching existing conditions with the traffic safety needs of the community, engineering judgment may indicate the need for a further reduction of five mph. MUTCD 2003 (Federal Guidance, does not allow 5mph reduction): Guidance: When a speed limit is to be posted, it should be within 10 km/h or 5 mph of the 85th percentile speed of free- flowing traffic. May 2004 CA SuQPlement: Guidance: When a speed limit is to be posted, it should be established at the nearest 10 km/h or 5 mph increment of the 85th percentile speed of free-flowing traffic. Option: The posted speed may be reduced by 10 km/h (5 mph) from the nearest 10 km/h or 5 mph increment of the 85th percentile speed, where engineering study indicates the need for a reduction in speed to match existing conditions with the traffic safety needs of the community. ADA Notice For indMduals with sensory disabilities, lhls document is available in alternate formats. For information call (916} 653-3657 or TOD (916) 654-3660 or write Records and Forms Management, 1120 N Street, MS69, Sacramento, CA 95814. r" ""-' STATE OF CALlFORNlA• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION POLICY DIRECTIVE TR-0011 (REV 9/2006) Page 5 of7 SPEED LIMITS SET WITH 2004 CHANGES After applying the "nearest 5mph increment of the 85th percentile speed" criteria, many speed limits were being raised after the 2004 change in the California MUTCD speed limit procedures. Some agencies would then simply apply the 5 mph reduction to keep the speed limit at the same level or lower. Also, appropriate justification was not written up in the E&TS for many of these speed zones and speeding tickets were not upheld in court if the presiding official saw a speed limit set below the 85th percentile speed. PROCEDURE AFTER JULY 1, 2009 This directive clarifies the procedure for setting speed limits to address the issues discussed above. The two new standards for Section 2B.13 of the California MUTCD will be implemented to clarify the process and to help set speed limits that are uniform, rational and enforceable with full support of the judicial system. Requirements of the new standards are shown below: • The speed limit shall be established at the nearest 5mph increment of the 85th percentile. • If the 5 mph reduction is applied, the E&TS shall document in writing the conditions and justification for the reduced speed limit and be approved by a registered Civil or Traffic Engineer. ONE YEAR TRIAL and DATA COLLECTION In order to evaluate any impacts of the new standards, the following data needs to be collected and evaluated over the next twelve months (from E&TS's completed between July 1, 2009 and July 1, 2010): • Jurisdiction and Location identification • Existing posted speed limit • g5th percentile speed limit • 50th percentile speed limit • 10-mph pace (the speed range that includes the most vehicles surveyed) • List ofreasons for applying a 5.mph reduction (if used) • New posted speed limit This information should be sent to Caltrans at the following e-mail address: roherta.mclaughlin@dot.ca.gov The data will be reviewed for trends in the posting of new speed limits. After July 1, 2010 this information will be presented to the Caltrans Director, CHP Commissioner and the CTCDC for consideration to make additional changes to the policy for setting speed limits in California. ADA Notice For Individuals with sensory dtsabittties, this document is available in alternate formats. For information call (916) 653-3657 or TDD (916} 654-3880 or write Records and Forms Management, 1120 N Street, MS89, Sacramento, CA 95814. STATE OF CALIFORNIA• DEPARTMENT O~SPORTATlON POLICY DIRECTIVE TR-0011 (REV 9/2006) Page 6 of? ENGINEERING AND TRAF:nc SURVEY WORKSHOPS The Director's Decision Document also states that Caltrans will develop an E&TS training program for engineers, enforcement personnel, and judiciary officials. Specific workshop topics will include: • Conducting an Engineering and Traffic Survey • Selecting locations for speed data collection • Items to be included in the E&TS written report • Documenting reasons for applying the 5 mph reduction • Presenting findings to local government officials • Using the E&TS to review speeding citations challenged in court Workshops will be held in each of the 12 Caltrans District Offices and will be scheduled over the next 6 months. Workshop location, contact information and dates will be posted on the Office of Signs, Markings and External Support web site: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/signtech/ SPEED LIMIT IMPACTS ON YELLOW SIGNAL TIMING In the California MUTCD, Section 4D.10 -Yellow Change and Red Clearance Intervals, the Standard states that the yellow light change interval shall be set using the posted speed limit. When the posted speed limit is set below the 85th percentile speed as a result of a new E&TS, there may be a need to re-evaluate the length of time given to the yellow signal phase. Consideration should be given to use the 85th percentile speed to increase the yellow light change interval, as allowed by the option in the California MUTCD. An increase change of 5 mph or greater in the posted speed limit should result in the relocation of traffic signal vehicle detectors. The revision of the California MUTCD is a common practice based upon need. The Department, pursuant to CVC Section 21400; must conduct public hearings before it can revise existing traffic control device policies and approve new signs for use on public roadways. The California Traffic Control Devices Committee (CTCDC) is the forum used to satisfy this requirement. The Federal Highway Administration has reviewed the proposed modifications to the California MUTCD and has determined that they are in substantial compliance with the National MUTCD. This policy will be retired when it is incorporated in the next revision of the California MUTCD. ADA Notice For individuals with senSOfy disabilities, this document Is available in alternate formats. For information call (916) 653-3657 or TDD (916) 654-3880 or write Records and Forms Management, 1120 N Street, MS89, Sacramento, CA 95814. C STATE OF CALIFORNIA• DEPARTMENT OP TRANSPORTATION POLICY DIRECTIVE TR-001 l (REV 912006) Page 7 of7 DEFINITIONS When used in this Traffic Operations Policy Directive, the text shall be defined as follows: l) Standard -a statement ofrt--quired, mandatory or specifically prohibited practice. All standards text appears in bold type. The verb shall is typically used. Standards are sometimes modified by Options. 2) Guidance -a statement of recommended, but not mandatory, practice in typical situations, with deviations allowed if engineering judgment or engineering study indicates the deviation to be appropriate. All Guidance statements text appears in underline type. The verb should is typically used. Guidance statements are sometime modified by Options. 3) Option-a statement of practice that is a permissive condition and carries no requirement or recommendation. Options may contain allowable modifications to a Standard or Guidance. All Option statements text appears in nonnal type. The verb may is typically used. 4) Support -an informational statement that does not convey any degree pf mandate, recommendation, authorization, prohibition, or enforceable condition. Support statements text appears in normal type. The verbs shall, should and may are not used in Support statements. ATTACHMENTS None ADA Notice For individuals with sensory disabilities, this document 1$ available in alternate fonnats. For information call (916) 653-3657 or TDD {916) 654-3880 or write Records am:! Forms Management, 1120 N Street, MS89, Sacramento, CA 95814.