HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-07; Traffic Safety Commission; ; Investigate the need to install a stop sign on Beech Avenue at Ocean StreetCITY OF CARLSBAD
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
COMMISSION MEETING OF: February 7, 2011
LOCATION:
INITIATED BY:
Ocean Street/Beech A venue Intersection
Bruce Pettibone
2633 Ocean Street, #2
Carlsbad, CA 92008
ITEM NO. 6C
REQUESTED ACTION: Investigate the need to install a stop sign on Beech Avenue at
Ocean Street.
BACKGROUND:
The Ocean Street/Beech A venue intersection is a low-volume T-intersection in the
northwesterly portion of Carlsbad used by tourists attracted to the adjacent coastline and
by vehicles from nearby residences. Ocean Street, which is considered the "top" of the T,
is controlled by stop signs. Beech Avenue, which is considered the "stem" of the T, is
currently uncontrolled. (see attached Exhibit 1)
DATA:
Beech Avenue and Ocean Street are low-volume two-lane roads that intersect to create a
T-intersection. Both roadways are unclassified on the Circulation Element of the General
Plan but function as local streets. The width of Ocean Street varies from 19 feet to 25 feet
north of Beech A venue and from 31 feet to 34 feet south of Beech A venue. Curb, gutter
and sidewalk exist only on the east side of Ocean Street south of Beech A venue. On-
street parallel parking occurs along both sides of Ocean Street.
Beech Avenue is 40 feet wide and has curb, gutter, sidewalk and street lights along the
south side of the roadway. A portion of the north side contains curb, gutter and sidewalk.
Parking is allowed on both sides. The roadway is about 525 feet in length between its
terminus at Ocean Street on the west and Carlsbad Boulevard on the east. Drivers using
westbound Beech A venue do not have a stop sign as they approach Ocean Street.
Ocean Street is traveled by several pedestrians who use the public beach access located
just south of Beech A venue. Pedestrians often walk in the travel lanes of Ocean Street
due to the lack of sidewalks and the roadway being narrow.
The intersection immediately to the north (Ocean Street/Cypress Avenue) is a T-
intersection with all three approaches stop-con'trolled. The intersection to the south
(Ocean Street/Christiansen Way) is also a T-intersection with all three approaches stop-
controlled.
Though there have been no reported traffic collisions at the intersection for the six-year
period from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2010, the requestor, Mr. Bruce
Pettibone, states that he has seen a number of near collisions over the 14 years he has
lived near the intersection. A factor in the near collisions may be the lack of stop control
Page I
CITY OF CARLSBAD
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
COMMISSION MEETING OF:
( continued)
February 7, 2011 ITEM NO. 6C
on Beech A venue at Ocean Street. Drivers on Ocean Street may erroneously assume that
Beech A venue is stop-controlled, increasing the chances of a potential collision.
Staff recommends that an all-way stop intersection be established by installing a stop sign
on Beech Avenue. The assignment of right-of-way will be clearly established for all
three legs of the intersection for both vehicles and pedestrians by creating an all-way stop
intersection. California Vehicle Code Section 21355(a) authorizes local authorities to
erect stop signs at any location for the purpose of controlling traffic within an
intersection.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee recommends establishing an all-way stop at
the intersection of Ocean Street/Beech A venue by installing a stop sign on Beech
Avenue.
NECESSARY CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
The City Council must adopt an ordinance to establish the stop control as recommended.
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