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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-08 TSC Agenda Packet Date:Thursday, January 8, 2026 Time:6:00 p.m. Location:Council Chambers, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA Traffic Safety Commission Regular Meeting ______________________________________________________________________________ In-Person Public Comments: Join us for the Traffic Safety Commission meeting at the time and location specified on this agenda to make your comments. Each person will be allotted three minutes to address the Commission, unless otherwise adjusted by the presiding officer. Electronic Public Comments: At  www.chulavistaca.gov/boardmeetings, locate this meeting and click on the comment bubble icon. Select the item and click on "Leave Comment." The deadline to submit e-comments or any comments emailed to TSC@chulavistaca.gov will be noon on the day of the meeting. Accessibility: Individuals with disabilities are invited to request modifications or accommodations in order to access and/or participate in a Traffic Safety Commission meeting by contacting the commission staff at TSC@chulavistaca.gov (California Relay Service is available for the hearing impaired by dialing 711) at least forty-eight hours in advance of the meeting. Pages 1.CALL TO ORDER 2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3.ROLL CALL Commissioners Becerra Firsht, Caudillo, DeMarco, Galicia, Luke, Marroquin, and Chair Orso-Delgado 4.PUBLIC COMMENTS The public may address the Commission on any subject matter within the Commission’s jurisdiction that is not listed as an item on the agenda. State law generally prohibits the Commission from discussing or taking action on any issue not included on the agenda. The Commission may schedule the topic for future discussion or refer the matter to staff. 5.ACTION ITEMS Action items are considered individually by the Commission and are expected to elicit discussion and deliberation. 5.1 RESOLUTION OF THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AMEND CITY COUNCIL POLICY NO. 576-16 “INSTALLATION OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS” 4 Staff Recommendation: Commission adopt resolution. 6.PRESENTATIONS The following item(s) will be presentations given to the Commission. Action on these item(s) is typically limited to the Commission receiving the presentation and providing direction or feedback to staff, as appropriate. 6.1 PURVIEW OF THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION 18 Staff Recommendation: Commission hear the presentation. 6.2 POLICE DEPARTMENT TRAFFIC COLLISIONS/CITATIONS UPDATE 24 Staff Recommendation: Commission hear the presentation. 6.3 BIKEWAYS AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES CIP PROJECT UPDATE 28 Staff Recommendation: Commission hear the presentation. 7.OTHER BUSINESS 7.1 Election of Chair and Vice Chair 8.STAFF COMMENTS 9.COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS City of Chula Vista Safety Commission 01/08/2026 TSC 2 of 40 10.ADJOURNMENT to the regular meeting on February 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Materials provided to the Traffic Safety Commission related to any open-session item on this agenda are available for public review by contacting the Engineering Department at TSC@chulavistaca.gov. City of Chula Vista Safety Commission 01/08/2026 TSC 3 of 40 TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Item 5.1 Meeting Date 1/8/2026 ITEM TITLE: RESOLUTION OF THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMEND CITY COUNCIL POLICY NO. 576-16 “INSTALLATION OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS” SUBMITTED BY: City Traffic Engineer As part of its ongoing operational activities, Traffic Engineering staff conducted a comprehensive review of the City’s existing City Council policy regarding Installation of Pedestrian Crosswalks #576-16 that was adopted in 1978 (the “Policy”). Staff is proposing a comprehensive update to the Policy to address newer t raffic control and pedestrian access standards, technologies, and modal shift priorities that make it better align with more recent policies such as the Complete Streets Policy. RECOMMENDATION That the Traffic Safety Commission adopt the resolution recommending City Council amend the Policy. DISCUSSION The existing Policy was approved in April 1978, when Chula Vista’s population was nearly 76,000 people, there were no disabled pedestrian access standards, curb ramps, or pedestrian-activated flashing beacon crossings, and the primary motivation in the field of Traffic Engineering was conveying the most passenger vehicles with minimal delay while accommodating pedestrians where they would minimally impact drivers. Since that time, Chula Vista has far more than tripled in size, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Public Right of Way Access Guidelines (PROWAG) have be come standards for pedestrian access, and focus has shifted from solely conveying passenger vehicles to providing infrastructure and traffic control measures for all transportation modes including pedestrians. Staff is presenting a comprehensive update to the Policy to guide future crosswalk installation decisions. The existing Policy provided warrant criteria for the installation of an uncontrolled pedestrian crosswalk using the following factors as criteria: 1.Pedestrian Volume – how many pedestrians are observed crossing during the peak hour 2.“General Conditions” – site-specific conditions that would support pedestrian crossingsuch as helping with pedestrian navigation, directing pedestrians to shorter crossingdistances, improving visibility of pedestrians, and limiting pedestrian exposure to vehicles.3.Gap Time – How many gaps between vehicles are sufficiently large for a pedestrian to cross without conflicting with a passing vehicle in an average five-minute period. 01/08/2026 TSC 4 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission Page 2, Item Meeting Date 1/8/20 The proposed Policy preserves the point-based criteria and some of the existing factors, but updates point weights and site conditions criteria to reflect current standards for pedestrian traffic control and right-of-way. The proposed Policy begins with screening criteria that are primarily relevant to mid-block conditions, but can be applicable to any uncontrolled crossing. The screening criteria are: • Do at least 5 pedestrians cross the location during the peak hour or does it serve a major pedestrian generator? • Is the crossing at least 300 feet from the nearest pedestrian crossing? • Is the prevailing speed of vehicles less than 40 mph? • Is there a sight distance of at least 10 times the speed limit or will it be improved? The proposed Policy then introduces the points criteria similar to the existing policy, evaluating the following factors: 1. Pedestrian Volume – similar to existing Policy 2. Pedestrian Setting/Generators – whether the crossing connecting pedestrian generators or dedicated pedestrian pathways 3. General Factors – site-specific factors of the crossing such as distance to the nearest controlled crossing, pedestrian visibility to motorists, proximity to a transit stop, the road being crossed is lower volume and speed. 4. Gap Time – similar to existing Policy In addition to the warrant criteria, the proposed Policy provides guidance for appropriate crossing treatments at a warranted crossing based on vehicular volume, crossing distance, and prevailing vehicular speeds. Depending on the combination of these factors, crossing treatments may range from a marked crosswalk with standard signage to a crosswalk with signage and rectangular rapid flashing beacons or a pedestrian hybrid beacon crossing. The updated criteria in the proposed Policy equip staff with updated standards for implementing pedestrian crossings and appropriate crossing treatments using established methods that efficiently determine how to address a request for an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing using modern criteria and crossing treatments. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact of this item. Attachments: 1. Existing City Council Policy 576-16 2. Proposed Amendment to City Council Policy 576-16 01/08/2026 TSC 5 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission 01/08/2026 TSC 6 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission 01/08/2026 TSC 7 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission 01/08/2026 TSC 8 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission 01/08/2026 TSC 9 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission CITY COUNCIL POLICIES POLICY NAME:POLICY NUMBER: Effective Date: Last Revised Date: Status:Page: I. BACKGROUND Per California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 275, a crosswalk is defined as either that portion of a roadway included within the prolongation or connection of the boundary lines of sidewalks at intersections where the intersecting roadways meet at approximately right angles, except the prolongation of such lines from an alley across a street or any portion of a roadway distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface. Crosswalks can be categorized as either marked or unmarked. Marked crosswalks are delineated by white or yellow painted markings placed on the pavement that extend from curb to curb. Crosswalks without white or yellow painted markings on the pavement are considered as unmarked crosswalks. Pedestrians have the right-of-way in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Crosswalks function to connect pedestrians through a network of sidewalks. Marked crosswalks are typically placed at intersections where there is substantial conflict between pedestrians and vehicles, where there is significant pedestrian activity, and/or where traffic movements are controlled, such as all-way stop-controlled intersections and signalized intersections. Marked crosswalks serve the purpose of guiding pedestrians onto the suggested path, encouraging pedestrians to use a particular crossing. To enhance pedestrian safety, California enacted the “Daylighting Law” via Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413) which became effective in January 2025. This new state law made it illegal to park within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, regardless of whether red curbs or signage is posted. As a result, CVC 22500 (n) prohibits stopping, parking, or leave standing any vehicle within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalks or within 15 feet of any crosswalks with curb extension. It is important to note that the City of Chula Vista already had a similar law in place under Municipal Code Section 10.52.070. The City’s original “Installation of Pedestrian Crosswalks” Council Policy was adopted on April 25, 1978 per Council Resolution No. 9086. This latest revision to the City’s “Installation of Pedestrian Crosswalks” policy was developed to provide a methodology that is representative of current best practices that have been implemented in the San Diego region and elsewhere, but suited to the context of Chula Vista. In addition, this revised policy considers several factors and criteria described in the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Guide for Improving Pedestrian Safety at Uncontrolled Crossing Locations which provides guidance on the use of various pedestrian-related safety measures, such as uncontrolled crossings, crosswalk visibility enhancements, pedestrian refuge islands, rectangular rapid flashing beacons, pedestrian hybrid beacons, and other measures. 01/08/2026 TSC 10 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission CITY COUNCIL POLICIES POLICY NAME:POLICY NUMBER: Effective Date: Last Revised Date: Status:Page: II. PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to establish minimum criteria for the installation of pedestrian crosswalks between intersections or at intersections that are not controlled by stop signs or traffic signals and provide guidance for crosswalk treatments based on roadway conditions. III. POLICY Staff shall conduct the following analysis in order to determine whether installation of a marked crosswalk is warranted at a given location. If a location being considered for installation of a marked crosswalk does not meet the criteria of this policy, the City Traffic Engineer or designee may exercise engineering judgment in determining whether a marked crosswalk is necessary or appropriate at that location. STEP 1: BASIC SCREENING CRITERIA EVALUATION The following basic screening criteria are evaluated to determine if a proposed crosswalk location is suitable for further evaluation: • Pedestrian Demand: Is the pedestrian volume at the proposed crosswalk equal to 5 pedestrians1 or more per hour during the peak pedestrian hour? If “No”, is the proposed crosswalk on a direct route to or from a pedestrian generator, such as a school, library, senior center, shopping center, park, or employment center? • Distance to Nearest Controlled Crossing: Is the proposed crosswalk location farther than 300 feet from the nearest controlled pedestrian crossing2 (measured from the nearest edge of the proposed marked crosswalk to the closest edge of the controlled crossing)? • Approach Speed: Is the 85th percentile approach speed of the roadway that the proposed crosswalk would traverse less than 40 mph3? 1 The California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD) addresses mid-block crossings for signalization using 20 persons per hour demand as the lowest threshold for pedestrian hybrid beacon installation on higher speed roadways. However, existing volume of pedestrian demand is difficult to assess in the absence of a crossing; therefore, observed existing crossing demand of five pedestrians per hour is appropriate for an unmarked and uncontrolled location for consideration of a marked crosswalk. 2 Per the CAMUTCD, midblock crossings should not be signalized if located within 300 feet of another traffic control signal unless the new signal will not restrict the progressive movement of traffic. 3 Per the CAMUTCD, midblock crosswalks shall not be installed if posted speed limits exceed 40 mph. 01/08/2026 TSC 11 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission CITY COUNCIL POLICIES POLICY NAME:POLICY NUMBER: Effective Date: Last Revised Date: Status:Page: • Sight Distance: Does the proposed crosswalk location have a sight distance (in feet) that is greater than 10 times the posted speed limit (in mph)4 or will the sight distance be improved prior to installation of the crosswalk? STEP 2: POINT SYSTEM EVALUATION If all basic screening criteria are satisfied (i.e., answered as “Yes”), then the proposed crosswalk shall be evaluated based on a point system, utilizing the following four warrant categories: 1. Pedestrian Volume – Assigns points based on the number of pedestrian crossings in a peak hour at the proposed crosswalk 2. Pedestrian Setting/Generators – Assigns points based on where the proposed crosswalk is located relative to pedestrian paths and land uses 3. General Factors – Assigns points based on various factors such as distance to nearest controlled crossing and vehicle volume 4. Gap Time – Assigns points based on the average number of adequate gaps in vehicle traffic at the proposed crosswalk Table 1 presents the point system scoring evaluation, noting the point value to be awarded by each question within the warrant categories. The point system includes a combination of “Yes/No” questions and data-related questions. In order for a location to satisfy the point system warrant evaluation, a threshold of 24 points must be achieved, which equates to 48% of the possible 50 points. STEP 3: CROSSWALK TREATMENT EVALUATION If the proposed crossing location meets both the Basic Screening and Point System warrants, then the most appropriate crossing treatments to be installed with the marked crosswalk are evaluated. The crossing treatments are based on: 1. Roadway Average Daily Traffic (ADT); 2. Roadway Configuration; and 3. Roadway Speed Limit. Table 2 presents thresholds for identifying supplemental crossing treatments to be considered with the installation of new marked crosswalks. 4 Per the CAMUTCD, sight distance in feet is 10 times the posted speed limit in miles per hour. 01/08/2026 TSC 12 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission CITY COUNCIL POLICIES POLICY NAME:POLICY NUMBER: Effective Date: Last Revised Date: Status:Page: The installation of any supplemental traffic control devices at a proposed uncontrolled crossing meeting both the Basic Screening and Point System warrants will be as determined by the City Traffic Engineer or designee. 01/08/2026 TSC 13 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission CITY COUNCIL POLICIES POLICY NAME:POLICY NUMBER: Effective Date: Last Revised Date: Status:Page: Table 1: Marked Crosswalk Point System Evaluation 01/08/2026 TSC 14 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission CITY COUNCIL POLICIES POLICY NAME:POLICY NUMBER: Effective Date: Last Revised Date: Status:Page: Table 2: Crosswalk Treatment Screening 01/08/2026 TSC 15 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission CITY COUNCIL POLICIES POLICY NAME:POLICY NUMBER: Effective Date: Last Revised Date: Status:Page: HISTORY DATE ACTION RESOLUTION NO. 01/08/2026 TSC 16 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission RESOLUTION NO. SC-2026-_____ RESOLUTION OF THE TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMEND CITY COUNCIL POLICY NO. 576-16 “INSTALLATION OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS” WHEREAS, on April 25, 1978, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 9086 that established City Council Policy No. 576-16 “Installation of Pedestrian Crosswalks” (“Policy”); and WHEREAS, the new federal and City standards have been adopted and new pedestrian crossing treatments have been developed subsequent to the Policy that reflect evolving priorities since the initial adoption of the Policy; and WHEREAS, Chula Vista’s population has more than tripled since adoption of the Policy and its roadway network has grown correspondingly; and WHEREAS, as part of its routine operational activities, Traffic Engineering staff determined that an amendment to the Policy to reflect current transportation priorities, technologies, and standards would be appropriate to inform future evaluations and procured the services of a consultant to prepare said amended Policy. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Traffic Safety Commission of the City of Chula Vista does hereby recommend that the City Council amend the Policy in accordance with staff’s recommendation. ACTION by the Traffic Safety Commission of the City of Chula Vista, California, this 8th day of January 2026, by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners: NAYS: Commissioners: ABSENT: Commissioners: ____________________________________ Pedro Orso-Delgado, Chair ATTEST: ______________________________________ Florence Picardal, Secretary 01/08/2026 TSC 17 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission 01/08/2026 TSC 18 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission Traffic Safety Commission TSC’s Role and Authority City Engineer presents traffic control measures for TSC consideration and approval (10.04.030.A; 10.12.020.A) If TSC objects to proposed action, the matter is referred to Council for final decision (10.04.030.A; 2.44.020) TSC can recommend to City Engineer proposed traffic control measures for consideration (10.04.030.A) TSC cannot initiate or order implementation of a measure (10.04.030.B) If City Engineer declines recommended measure, TSC can refer matter to Council with majority vote (10.04.030.A; 2.44.020) TSC and City Engineer must adhere to Vehicle Code, MUTCD, and established Council Policies (10.04.030.C,D) If a request is contrary to Vehicle Code, MUTCD, and/or established Council Policies after analysis, Staff denies without referral to TSC (10.04.030.C,D; 10.12.020.B) 01/08/2026 TSC 19 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission Traffic Safety Commission City Council Reserved Authority Traffic control measures included in capital improvement projects (10.04.030.G.1) Road closures, One-way Designations (10.04.030.G.2) Traffic control measures affecting businesses including angle parking and street parking in business districts (10.04.030.G.3) Parking regulations on private property (10.04.030.G.4) Amending authority of City Engineer (10.04.030.G.5) Setting parking meter zones and fees (10.04.030.G.6) Setting speed limits (10.04.030.G.7) Staff presents these items to TSC as part of community outreach in advance of presenting to Council (2.44.020) 01/08/2026 TSC 20 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission Traffic Safety Commission City Engineer Delegated Authority Traffic control measures related to temporary road construction activities (unless 3 Councilmembers vote against; City Engineer must provide Council 7 day’s notice for certain conditions) –no TSC oversight (10.04.030.H.1) Emergency traffic regulations with concurrence from Chief of Police –TSC oversight is optional (10.04.030.H.2; 10.12.030) Special event regulations for special events in the public right-of-way (10.04.030.H.3) Determining installation, proper timing, and maintenance of traffic control devices after analysis of collision data and traffic patterns (10.12.020.B) No parking zones up to 200 feet (10.52.070.C) 01/08/2026 TSC 21 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission Traffic Safety Commission Planning Commission’s Authority Planning Commission is given the authority to: Recommend to the Council, the adoption, amendment, or repeal of a Master Plan or any part thereof for the physical development of the City; and Exercises such functions with respect to land subdivisions, planning, and zoning as may be prescribed by ordinance. (2.42) The section vests the Planning Commission with the power to recommend to Council issues over “physical development of the City,” which would authorize the Planning Commission to review and determine development issues such as traffic impact studies, improvements, and issues before Council consideration Such authority is not identified in the CVMC for the TSC 01/08/2026 TSC 22 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission 01/08/2026 TSC 23 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission January 2026 01/08/2026 TSC 24 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission Traffic Safety Commission Traffic Collisions 01/08/2026 TSC 25 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission Traffic Safety Commission Traffic Citations* * NOT counting parking citations 01/08/2026 TSC 26 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission 01/08/2026 TSC 27 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission January 2026 01/08/2026 TSC 28 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission 01/08/2026 TSC 29 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission Safety Commission TRF0415 3 Project to construct a new raised median to restrict westbound left-turns out of Old Telegraph Canyon Road and provide U-turn pocket and traffic signal modification at Telegraph Canyon Road & Medical Center Drive. 01/08/2026 TSC 30 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission Safety Commission TRF0411 4 Project will construct a pedestrian mid-block uncontrolled crosswalk on Quintard Street for Castle Park Middle School. 01/08/2026 TSC 31 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission Safety Commission TRF0426 5 Project will expand the existing adaptive traffic signal system along Telegraph Canyon Road & Otay Lakes Road 01/08/2026 TSC 32 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission Safety Commission STM0386/STM0388 6 STM0386 - Project will complete the Heritage Road bridge improvements on Heritage Road from Entertainment Circle North (Amphitheater) to Main Street intersection crossing the Otay River STM0388 – Main Street widening from Nirvana Avenue to Heritage Road & Main Street intersection 01/08/2026 TSC 33 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission 01/08/2026 TSC 34 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission Safety Commission TRF0429 8 Project will incorporate concrete curb “bulb-outs” to provide additional sidewalk space for pedestrians, shortening the crossing distance on the crosswalk. The project will also install pedestrian- activated rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs). *Estimated advertisement in Fall 2026 01/08/2026 TSC 35 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission Safety Commission TRF0436 9 Project includes upgrades to existing flashing beacon crossing at Fourth Avenue & Orsett Street in front of Lauderbach Elementary School to a pedestrian hybrid beacon *Estimated advertisement in Spring 202601/08/2026 TSC 36 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission Safety Commission TRF0441 Valle Lindo Elementary School Mid-Block Pedestrian Crossing 10 Project will construct curb extensions at the pedestrian crossing located in the vicinity of Valle Lindo Elementary School. *Project advertisement estimated for Spring 2026 01/08/2026 TSC 37 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission Safety Commission TRF0443 L Street & Industrial Blvd Intersection Improvements 11 Project will upgrade traffic signal hardware, install accessible pedestrian signal equipment and install ADA curb ramps. *Project advertisement estimated for Spring 2027 01/08/2026 TSC 38 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission Safety Commission STL0464 *Project currently undergoing consultant selection for design services01/08/2026 TSC 39 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission 01/08/2026 TSC 40 of 40 City of Chula Vista Safety Commission