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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013/07/16 Item 03CITY COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT ~, ~ .. ~~lli c11v of CHUTAVISTA 7/16/13, Item 3 ITEM TITLE: ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA INCREASING THE SPEED LIMIT ON BRANDYWINE AVENUE BETWEEN OLYMPIC PARKWAY AND EAST PALOMAR STREET FROM 35 MPH TO 40 MPH, AND AMENDING SCHEDULE X OF THE REGISTER MAINTAINED IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY ENG EER TO REFLECT THE REVISED SPEED LIMIT SUBMITTED BY: DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS ASSISTANT DIRECT R OF ENG G REVIEWED BY: CITY MANAGE ASSISTANT CIT MANAGED 4/STHS VOTE: YES ^ NO SUMMARY Staff completed an Engineering and Traffic Survey for a segment of Brandywine Avenue in accordance with the California Vehicle Code, which indicates that the posting of speed limits be determined by an Engineering and Traffic Survey for each street with a posted speed limit. Based on the results of this speed survey, staff has determined that the speed limit on Brandywine Avenue between Olympic Pazkway and East Palomaz Street should be increased from 35 mph to 40 mph (see Attachment 1, Location Plat). ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project qualifies for a Class 1 (c) categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the State CEQA Guidelines because the proposed project consists of increasing the posted speed limit on an existing street resulting in negligible or no expansion of the street use. Thus, no further environmental review is required. RECOMMENDATION Council place Ordinance on first reading. BOARDS/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION The Safety Commission, at their meeting on June 5, 2013, voted (4-0-3) to concur with staffls recommendations to increase the posted speed limit from 35 mph to 40 mph on Brandywine Avenue, between Olympic Parkway and East Palomar Street. 3-1 7/16/13, Item Page 2 of 4 DISCUSSION ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEY City Staff completed a speed survey along a segment of Brandywine Avenue between Olympic Pazkway and East Palomaz Street in accordance with the Califomia Vehicle Code which indicates that the posting of speed limits be determined by an Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) (see Attachment 2). As described in the California Vehicle Code, the survey shall include: (1) Prevailing speeds as determined by traffic engineering measurements; (2) Accident records; (3) Traffic/roadside conditions not readily appazent to the driver. These roadway characteristics aze then used to help determine an appropriate speed limit. In addition, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) states that the speed limit shall be established at the nearest 5 mph increment of the 85a' percentile speed. In addition, if the 5 mph reduction procedure is applied, the Engineering and Traffic Survey shall document in writing the conditions and justification for the lower speed limit and be approved by a registered Civil or Traffic Engineer. Speed limits established on the basis of the 85a' percentile speed conform to the consensus of those who drive the street as to what speed is reasonable and safe, and aze not dependent on the judgment of one or a few individuals. Speed limits posted higher than the 85a' percentile speed aze not generally considered reasonable and safe while speed limits posted below the 85a' percentile typically do not facilitate the orderly movement of traffic. Only when roadside development results in traffic conflicts or unusual conditions not readily appazent to drivers may speed limits be further reduced. The Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) determined that the 85'x' percentile speed on Brandywine Avenue between Olympic Pazkway and East Palomar Street is 39 mph. Per speed limit establishment protocol, this was measured during the off-peak hours under normal driving conditions, as required per the MUTCD. SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING On June 5, 2013, the E&TS was brought before the Safety Commission for their consideration. The Safety Commission approved staffls recommendations to increase the speed limit on Brandywine Avenue between Olympic Parkway and East Palomaz Street from 35 mph to 40 mph (see Attachment 3). In addition, the Safety Commission approved the recommendation to revise Schedule X of the register maintained in the office of the City Engineer. Also, the Safety Commission approved staffs recommendations to add more speed limit signs with pavement legends be added including the installation of a flashing beacon by Fire Station No. 3 which is located along Brandywine Avenue. 3-2 7/16/13, Item =' Page 3 of 4 Physical Conditions Brandywine Avenue between Olympic Parkway and East Palomar Street is 2,411 feet (0.46 miles) long and 64'-80' wide curb-to-curb with a striped median. The street is classified as a 4- Lane Major. The street has bike lanes on both sides of the road. There is no pazking allowed along the entire segment, except along 200' of the easterly side of Brandywine Avenue north of Olympic Parkway. This is to accommodate three (3) single-family dwellings fronting Brandywine Avenue with direct driveway access. The following table describes the existing conditions along the segment of Brandywine Avenue: Segment Limits Brandywine Avenue between Olympic Parkway and East Palomar Street Len h/Width 2,411 feet (0.46 miles)/ 64'-80' wide curb to curb with a stri ed median Classification 4-Lane Ma or ADT ear 12,503 (2008) Exist. S eed Limit Posted 35 m h 85` % S eed 39 m h between Ol m is Pazkwa and East Palomar Street Number of Lanes 4 total lanes (2 per direction). 4 lanes, right-turn and left-turn pockets, crosswalks, limit lines and bike Striping ]apes. Parking and Bike No parking allowed with bike lanes, except along 200' of the easterly Facilities side of Brandywine Avenue north of Olym is Parkway. Land Use Residential. A horizontal curve with a radius of 1100 ft over a length of 792 ft Horizontal Alignment roduces a desi n s eed of 55 m h. A crest vertical curve over a distance of 500 ftwith a -2.00% to -7.00% Vertical Alignment grade difference produces a design speed of 45mph. The accident rate at this segment is 0.48 (accidents per million vehicle Accident Rate: miles) and is lower than the rate of 1.93 for similar roadways in the State Segment /State of California (2010). Fire Station located within the segment Three single-family dwellings Special Conditions with direct driveway access on east side of Olym is Pazkwa . CONCLUSION When speed limits are appropriately established (set at the 5 mph increment of speed in the upper half of the normal pace of traffic (85th percentile)) the following objectives aze achieved: - Meaningful, unambiguous enforcement - Voluntary public compliance - Cleaz identification of the unreasonable violator - Elimination of unjustifiable "tolerances" of higher speed travel Based on the 850i percentile speed of the roadway, as well as a low collision rate outlined in the E&TS, staff has determined that the speed limit on Brandywine Avenue should be increased to 40 mph from Olympic Pazkway and East Palomar Street. Retaining the 35 mph speed limit 3-3 7/16/13, Item 3 Page 4 of 4 makes a significantly high proportion (67%) of motorists be considered as violators and based on the study findings it is not justified. Should the City Council establish the proposed 40 mph speed limit, Schedule X of the register maintained in the office of the City Engineer would be amended to reflect the revised speed limit as follows: 10.48.020 Schedule X -Established Speed Limits in Certain Zones -Designated Name of Street Beginning At Ending At Proposed Speed Limit Brandywine Avenue Olympic Parkway East Palomar Street 40 mph DECISION MAKER CONFLICT Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the City Council and has found no property holdings within 500 feet of the boundaries of the property, which is the subject of this action. Staff is not independently aware, nor has staff been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter. CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT The proposed speed limit modification would require the replacement and posting of new speed limit signs, marking of new speed legends, and the installation of a flashing beacon. The proposed modification, at a total cost of approximately $11,205, will be installed once the Ordinance is in effect. This cost will be funded by an existing Traffic Engineering Capital Improvement Project, TF-332, Signing and Striping Program, which is funded by TransNet. Therefore, there is no direct impact to the General Fund. ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT Upon completion of the project, the improvements will require minor routine maintenance of the street facilities. ATTACHMENTS 1. Location Plat Brandywine Avenue 2. Speed Survey Brandywine Avenue Prepared by: Muna Cuthbert, Sr. Civil Engineer, Public Works Dept. J: IEngineerlAGENDAICAS2073107-16-131Brandywinespeed revisionlBEPORT-PW-Brandywinespeed revision.doc 3-4 C: el h Gi,tta vyal ,, TI 4 � rj � �' F'tdsir �y v �;�' F3.rn>rewt dbAK ����`� *• � � #9, � a � s,�ti stir %� � : a 4r #may q.'P k ty t >k i Yt A R ;• � };•� � t 4a b k �' k� �ayt� 5'4L �%. x z y a P t yVA 7 � r k 'TMs:+ � -':i � _fit , � ,� � -d� •'�a' ""sir � '� • � j�Mv� sf�¢1 ?'` 4 a — n .y h #x It Em -7f wr an x y < 4 " t rl a SPEED LIMIT -ENGINEERING/TRAFFIC SURVEY STREET: Brandywine Avenue LIMITS: Olympic Parkway to East Palomaz Street Length of Segment (ft): 2,411' (0.46 miles) Existing Posted Limit (mph): 35 MPH SUMMARY OF SPEED SURVEYS Segment: East Palomar Street -Ingram Street Date Taken: 2/26/2013 No. of Vehicles on Sample (cars): 100 85`h Percentile (mph): 39 mph Range of Speeds Recorded (mph): 32 - 41 mph ROADWAY CHARACTERISTICS Width (ft): 64' - 80' with a striped median. Total No. of Lanes: 4 lanes (2 per direction) Horizontal Alignment: Horizontal curve with a radius of 1100' over a distance of 792' along the centerline, produces a design speed of 55 mph. Vertical Alignment: Crest vertical curve located south of E Palomar Street over a distance of 500' along the centerline with a -2.00%to -7.00% grade difference produces a design speed of 45 mph. TRAFFIC CHARACTERISTICS Average Daily Traffic. 12,503 (2008) On-Street Parking: Allowed along the 200' of the easterly side of Brandywine Avenue north of Olympic Parkway. Special Conditions: City of Chula Vista Fire Station located at 1410 Brandywine Ave. Bike Lanes along both sides of the segment. Three single family dwellings with direct driveway access located on the east side of the segment at Olympic Parkway. Retai] center located directly at the north of the segment. Accident History: The accident rate at this segment is 0.48 (accidents per million vehicle miles) which is lower than the rate of ] .93 for similar roadways in the State of California (2010). SURVEY RESULTS Study was Prepared by: Ben Herrera Date: 12/19/2012 Recommendation: Increase speed limit to 40 mph based on the 85th percentile speed and roadway characteristics. Date Recommendation Approved: By: Muna Cuthbert , P.E. Approved Speed Limit (mph): 40 mph Per CVC 40802, Survey Expires: 2/26/2020 3-6 CITY OF CHULA VISTA -VEHICLE SPEED SURVEY SEGMENT UNDER STUDY: Brandywine -Olympic Parkway to East Palomar Street DATE: 2/26/2013 SURVEY SITE: 1000' S of E. Palomar St POSTED SPEED: 35 mph (E. Palomar St -Ingram St.) TIME START: 2:20 PM TIME END: 2:52 PM WEATHER: Sunny/Clear MPH DIRECTION: NB = O SB = / s io is zo TOTA % CUM 55 54 53 52 51 50 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 42 41 \ \ \ \ 4 4 100 40 \ \ \ \ \ \ \ O 8 8 96 39 \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ O O O O O O O O 17 17 88 38 \ \ \ \ \ \ \ O O O O O O O 14 14 71 37 \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ O O O O O O O O O O 19 19 57 36 \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ O O O O O O O O O 17 17 38 35 \ \ \ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 12 21 34 \ \ \ O O 5 5 9 33 O O O 3 3 4 32 O 1 1 1 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 RECORD ER: Roberto Ruvalcaba TO TAL NU MBER OF V EHICLES: 100 H:\HOME\ENGINEER\TRAFFIC\Speed_Surveys\Brandywine (E Palomar - Olympic Pkwy) RADAR.xls.xls 3-7 ORDINANCE NO. ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA INCREASING THE SPEED LIMIT ON BRANDYWINE AVENUE BETWEEN OLYMPIC PARKWAY AND EAST PALOMAR STREET FROM 35 MPH TO 40 MPH, AND AMENDING SCHEDULE X OF THE REGISTER MAINTAINED IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY ENGINEER TO REFLECT THE REVISED SPEED LIMIT WHEREAS, City staff completed Engineering and Traffic Survey for Brandywine Avenue between Olympic Parkway and East Palomar Street in accordance with the California Vehicle Code, which indicates that the posting of speed limits be determined by an Engineering and Traffic Survey for each street with a posted speed limit within the City; and WHEREAS, as described in the California Vehicle Code, the speed survey shall include 1) Prevailing speeds as determined by traffic engineering measurements; 2) Accident records; and 3) Traffic/roadside conditions not readily appazent to the driver; and WHEREAS, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) states that the speed limit shall be established at the neazest Smph increment of the 85`h percentile speed. Also, if the Smph reduction is applied, the Engineering and Traffic Survey shall document in writing the conditions and justification for the lower speed limit and be approved by a registered Civil or Traffic Engineer; and WHEREAS, based on the 85th percentile speed of the roadway, as well as other roadway chazacteristics outlined in the Engineering/Traffic Survey, staff has determined that the speed limit on Brandywine Avenue should be increased to 40 mph from Olympic Parkway to East Palomaz Street; and WHEREAS, on June 5, 2013, the City of Chula Vista Safety Commission concurred with staff's recommendation that the speed limit on Brandywine Avenue between Olympic Parkway and East Palomar Street should be 40 mph; and WHEREAS, this recommendation and other information in the City Engineer's report has been fully considered by the City Council. J:Wttomey\FINAL RESOS AND ORDINANCES\2013\07 16 13\ORD-PW-ESTABLISH speed limit on Brandywine.doc 6/28/2013 2:31 PM 3-8 Ordinance No. Page 2 NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Chula Vista does hereby ordain as follows: I. ESTABLISH SPEED LIMIT That the speed limit on Brandywine Avenue between Olympic Parkway and East Palomar Street be established at 40 mph and Schedule X of the register maintained in the office of the City Engineer be amended to reflect the revised speed limit as follows: 10.48.020 Schedule X -Established Speed Limits in Certain Zones -Designated Name of Street Beginning At Ending At Proposed Speed Limit Brandywine Avenue Olympic Parkway East Palomar Street 40 mph II. EFFECTIVE DATE This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force on the thirtieth day from and after its final adoption. Presented by Richard A. Hopkins Director of Public Works .I:\Attorney\FINAL RESOS AND ORDINANCES\2013\07 ]6 13\ORD-PW-ESTABLISH speed limit on Brandywine.doc 6/28/2013 2:31 PM 3-9