HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008/07/15 Item 6
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA STATEMENT
7/15/08, ItemL
ITEM TITLE:
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA REVISING THE
SPEED LIMIT FOR HIDDEN VISTA DRIVE BETWEEN EAST H
STREET AND SMOKY CIRCLE
~
SUBMITTED BY:
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING
REVIEWED BY:
CITY MANAGER ST +Or DteG,
ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER "'::. r
4/5THS VOTE: YES D NO ~
SUMMARY
An Engineering and Traffic survey has been completed for a segment of Hidden Vista Drive in
accordance with the California Vehicle Code which mandates that a speed survey be completed
and updated every seven years for each street with a posted speed limit within the City. Based
on the results of this speed survey, it was determined that the speed limit on Hidden Vista Drive
between East H Street and Smoky Circle should be increased from 25 mph to 30 mph. It was
also determined that the speed limit for Hidden Vista Drive between Smoky Circle and Terra
Nova Drive should retain the existing 25 mph speed limit.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Environmental Review Coordinator has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project qualifies
for a Class I categorical exemption pursuant to Section 153301 (c) (Existing Facilities) of the
State CEQA Guidelines because the streets are existing facilities. Thus, no further
environmental review is necessary.
RECOMMENDATION
Council adopt the ordinance.
BOARDS/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The Safety Commission, at their meeting of May 08, 2008, voted 6-0 with one Commissioner
absent, to concur with staffs recommendation that the speed limit on Hidden Vista Drive
between East H Street and Smoky Circle should be increased from 25 mph to 30 mph. It was
also determined that the speed limit for Hidden Vista Drive between Smoky Circle and Terra
Nova Drive should retain the existing 25 mph speed limit.
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DISCUSSION
City staff completed a speed survey along a segment of Hidden Vista Drive between East H
Street and Terra Nova Drive in accordance witb tbe California Vehicle Code which indicates tbat
the posting of speed limits be determined by an Engineering and Traffic Survey at least once
every seven years. As described in tbe California Vehicle Code, tbe survey shall include:
(I) Prevailing speeds as determined by traffic engineering measurements; and,
(2) Accident records; and
(3) Traffic/roadside conditions not readily apparent to tbe driver.
These roadway characteristics are then used to help determine an appropriate speed limit. In
addition, tbe Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (2003 MUTCD) states that speed
limits should be established at the nearest 5 mph increment to the 85th percentile speed (unless
engineering judgment recommends otherwise based on specific roadway characteristics) which is
defined as that speed at or below which 85 percent of tbe traffic is moving. Speed limits
established on this basis conform to the consensus of those who drive the street as to what speed
is reasonable and safe, and are not dependent on the judgment of one or a few individuals. Speed
limits higher than the 85th percentile speed are not generally considered reasonable and safe
while speed limits below the 85th percentile typically do not facilitate the orderly movement of
traffic. Only when roadside development results in traffic conflicts or unusual conditions not
readily apparent to drivers may speed limits be further reduced.
Physical Conditions:
The following table describes the existing conditions of different segments along Hidden Vista
Drive:
Segment Limits East H Street to Smoky Circle
Lenl!;th/Width 1,267 feet (0.24Mile)/ varies from 42' to 68' curb to curb
Classification Class III collector
ADT (Year) 8,286 (2005)
Exist. Speed Limit 25 mph
85'"% Sneed 36 mph
Number of Lanes 3 lanes (2 southbound and 1 northbound), 4 lanes (2 in each direction)
approaching East H Street intersection
Stripinl!; 3 to 4 lanes, stop signs, and speed limit legends
On-Street Parkinl!; Not allowed
Land Use Residential-no direct driveway access.
A horizontal curve located 260' east of Windjammer Circle witb a
Horizontal Alignment minimum radius of 1800' over 899' along the centerline produces a
design speed of 65 mph.
A crest vertical curve located 60' south of Sanibelle Circle and Hidden
Vertical Alignment Vista Drive, with a + 11.0% to 6% change in grade produces a design
speed of30 mph.
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Accident Rate: The accident rate along this segment is 0.00 (accidents per million
Segment 1 State vehicle miles) which is lower than the rate of 1.63 for similar roadways
in the State of California
Special Conditions Dense landscaping on both sides of the roadway. There are no private
properties fronting this segment of Hidden Vista Drive.
Segment Limits Smoky Circle to Terra Nova Drive
Lenl?:thlWidth 1,856 feet (0.35 Mile)/42' curb to curb
Classification Class III Collector
ADT /Year) 8,286 (2005)
Exist. Sneed Limit 25 mph
85th% Sneed 29mph
Number of Lanes 2 lanes (l per direction)
Stripin!! 2 lanes, stop signs
On-Street Parking Generally allowed with restriction in front of 435 and 457 Hidden Vista
Drive
Land Use Residential (with direct driveway access), public park and school
Horizontal curve located 90' east of Windrose Way with a minimum
Horizontal Alignment radius of 350' over 117.23' along the centerline produces a design speed
of25 moho
A crest vertical curve located between Smoky Circle and Windrose
Vertical Alignment Way, with a +6.0% to +3.8% grade change over 40' along the centerline
produces a design speed of 42 mph.
The accident rate along this segment is 0.47 (accidents per million
Accident Rate: Segment vehicle miles) which is lower than the rate of 1.95 for similar roadways
1 State in the State of California.
Special Conditions There is a school and a park along this segment. Most of the residential
units along this segment are fronting Hidden Vista Drive.
Hidden Vista Drive - East H Street to Smoky Circle
As described by the California Vehicle Code, the primary factor in setting a speed limit is the
prevailing speed measured along the roadway. Although the 36 mph 85% speed measured along
Hidden Vista Drive north of East H Street suggests that the majority of motorists traveling
through the area feel it is safe to travel at a speed higher than currently allowed by the existing
posted speed limit, the roadway characteristics do not support such speed for the following
reasons:
I) Vertical Alignment: A crest vertical curve located 60' south of the intersection of
Sanibelle Circle and Hidden Vista Drive with a grade change of 11.0% to 6% over 120'
along the centerline produce a design speed of 30 mph in accordance with CalTrans
Highway Design Manual.
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2) Roadway Characteristics: There are four access points (two private, two public) which
intersect this 1,267 lineal foot segment of Hidden Vista Drive that serve as main access
points to four different residential communities. A 30 mph speed limit along Hidden
Vista Drive would provide a reasonable speed limit that considers adjacent land uses, the
steep roadway grade, and the transition to the further reduced design speed of 25 mph
section of this road north of this segment.
Based on the vertical alignment and design speed of 30mph, staff recommends a 30 mph posted
speed limit.
Hidden Vista Drive - Smoky Circle to Terra Nova Drive
While conducting the speed survey, staff measured a 29 mph 85% speed along Hidden Vista
Drive between Smoky Circle and Terra Nova Drive which suggests that the majority of motorists
traveling through the area feel it is safe to travel at a speed higher than currently allowed by the
existing posted speed limit. However this residential neighborhood generates a significant
number of pedestrians. Therefore, staff recommends the segment of Hidden Vista Drive from
Smoky Circle to Terra Nova Drive retain the 25 mph speed limit for the following reasons:
a. Terra Nova Park. Terra Nova Park is an 8.25 acre neighborhood park that
serves the surrounding area. It is located at the northwest comer of the
intersection of Hidden Vista Drive and Parkside Drive. The park has a
playground, two tennis courts, restrooms and a large playing field. With so many
amenities, this park attracts a significant number of pedestrians and motorists
from the surrounding communities.
b. Clear View Elementary School: Clear View Elementary School is a public
school with 538 students and 26 faculties. The school is located at the northeast
comer of Windrose Way and Hidden Vista Drive. As is the case with all
elementary schools, Clear View Elementary generates a significant amount of
pedestrian activities within the area. The kindergarten classes dismiss at 2:00
p.rn., all other classes dismiss at 3:07 p.m. There is a pedestrian walkway
between the school and the park that exits onto Hidden Vista Drive and is heavily
used by students. During school dismissal many parents park their vehicles on
both sides of Hidden Vista Drive near the walkway, and wait to pick up their kids.
Staff visited the site on April 29, 2008, during school dismissal from 2:30 p.m. to
3:30 p.m., and observed 35 pedestrians that crossed Hidden Vista Drive at this
location. Although the location does not include a crosswalk, vehicles were
traveling at an appropriately slow speed, most likely due to the proximity of stops
signs and the existing 25 mph speed limit, and allowed pedestrians to cross
Hidden Vista Drive safely. In addition, staff observed 29 pedestrians that crossed
Hidden Vista Drive at its intersection with Woodhouse Avenue. This intersection
is controlled by stop signs in all directions, includes yellow crosswalks across
both streets, and as such, provides the best location for pedestrians to cross
Hidden Vista Drive.
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7/15/08, Item C:
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c. Residential Street: Hidden Vista Drive provides direct access to 25 residential
homes fronting the street within the 0.35 mile segment north of Smoky Circle.
Taking into consideration the residential nature of this segment, staff is
recommending a 25 mph speed limit.
4) Horizontal Alignment: This segment of Hidden Vista Drive has a horizontal curve
located 90' east of Windrose Way with a minimum radius of350' over 117.23' along
the centerline that produces a design speed of 25 mph in accordance with CalTrans
Highway Design Manual.
Based on the above, staff recommends a 25 mph speed limit from Smoky Circle to Terra Nova
Drive
CONCLUSION:
Should the City Council vote to establish the proposed 30 mph speed limit, Schedule X of the
register maintained in the office of the City Engineer would be revised to show the following:
10.48.020 Schedule X - Established Speed Limits in Certain Zones - Designated
Name of Street Beginning At Ending At Proposed Speed Limit
Hidden Vista Drive East H Street Smoky Circle 30 mph
Hidden Vista Drive Smoky Circle Terra Nova Drive 25 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.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The proposed speed limit modification would require the posting of two new speed limit signs as
well as the removal and replacement of two pavement legends. The cost to install these
improvements is approximately $602. There are sufficient funds in Capital Improvement Project
TF332, "Signing and Striping Program", to fully offset all costs associated with this
modification. Thus, there is no impact to the General Fund.
ATTACHMENT
1. Speed Survey
2. Location Plat
M:\Engineer\AGENDA\CAS2008\07-15-08\Hidden Vista Dr_Speed Survey.doc
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ATTAChMENT
SPEED LIMIT - ENGINEER1NG/TR~FIC SDRV~Y
I
STREET: Hidden Vista Drive
LTh'IlTS: Smoky Circle - Terra 010va Drive
Length of Segment (ft): 1,856' (0.35 miles)
Existing Posted Limit (mph): 25 mph
S1JMMARY OF SPEED S1JR\'EYS
Segment: Smoky Circle. - Terra Nova Drive
Date Taken: 6/12/2006
No. of Vehicles on Sample (cars): 100
85th Percentile (mph): 29
Range of Speeds Recorded (mph): 18 - 33
ROADWAY CHARACTERISTICS
Width (ft): 42' curb to curb
Total No. of Lanes: 2 lanes (one per direction)
. Horizontal Alignment: Horizontal curve located 90' east of Windrose Way with a minimum radius
0050' over 117.23' oflength along the centerli..TJe produces a design speed
0[25 mph.
Vertical Alignmen t: A crest vertical curve located between Smoky Circle and Windrose Way,
with a +6.0% to +3.8% grade change over 40' along the centerline
produces a design speed of 42 mph.
TRAFFIC CHARACTERISTICS
Average Daily Traffic: 5,565 (2005)
On-Street Parking: Restricted infrout of 453 and 457 Hidden Vista Drive.
Special Conditions: Clearview Elementary School is located at the intersection of Wind rose and
Hidden Vista Drive. Terra Nova Park is located at the intersection of Parks ide
Drive and Hidden Vista Drive. Single family dwellings with direct driveway
access.
Accident History: The accident rate at this segment is 0.47 (accidents per million vehicle
miles) which is lower than the rate of 1.95 for similar roadways in the
State of California.
SURVEY RESULTS
Study was Prepared by: Erica Mancilla
Date: 3/7/2008
b b
CITY OF CHULA VISTA - VEHICLE SPEED SURVEY
SEGMENT UNDER STUDY Hidden Vista Drive (Smoky Cirlce to Terra Nova Drive)
DATE 06/12/2006 SURVEY SITE 500' West ofTerra Nova Drive POSTED SPEED 25 mph
TIME START 1:20 PM TIME END 2:10 PM WEATHER Clear
DIRECTION:....L. =0 --Yi.. = \
MPH 5 10 '5 20 TOTAL % CUM%
45
44
43
42
41
40
39
38
37
36
35 .
34
33 / 1 1 100
32 / 1 1 99
31 '0 / / / 4 4 98
30 0 0 0 / / / / / / 9 9 94
'"
..: _il
28 0 0 0 0 0 / / / / / / 11 1"\ 72
27 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 / / / / / / 17 17 61
26 0 0 0 0 0 0 / / / / 10 10 44
25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 / / / / 11 11 34
24 0 0 / / / / / 7 7 . 23
23 0 0 0 0 0 / / 7 7 16
22 0 0 0 / 4 4 9
21 0 / 2 2 5
20 0 / 2 2 3
19
18 0 1 1 1
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
RECORDER: David Nuno TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES: 100
H:\HOME\ENGINEER\TRAFFIC\Speed Surveys\Hldden Vista (Terra Nova Dr - Smoky).xls
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SPEED LIMIT - ENGINEERlNG/TRAFFIC SURVEY
STREET: Hidden Vista Drive
LIMITS: East "H" Street - Smoky Circle
Length of Segment (ft): 1,267' (0.24 miles)
Existing Posted Limit (mph): 25 mph
SUMMARY OF SPEED SURVEYS
Segment: East "H" Street - Smoky Circle
Date Taken: 3/13/2008
No. ofVehic1es on Sample (cars): 100
85th Percentile (mph): 36
Range of Speeds Recorded (mph): 22 - 44
ROADWAY CHARACTERISTICS
Width (ft): 42' - 68' curb to curb
Total No. of Lanes: 3 lanes (2 southbound and 1 northbound). 85' north of Sanibelle Circle to
East "H" Street it turns to 4 total lanes (2 per direction).
Horizontal Alignment: A horizontal curve located 260' east of Windj amrner Circle with a minimum
radius of 1800' over 899' of length along the centerline.
Vertical Alignment: A crest vertical curve located 60' south of Sanibelle Circle and Hidden Vista
Drive, with a +11.0% to +6.0% grade change over 120' along the centerline
produces a design speed ono mph.
TRA.FFIC CHARACTERISTICS
Average Daily Traffic: 5,565 (2005)
On-Street Parking: Not allowed
Special Conditions: Segment contains 6% to 11 % grade along entire segment, 30' is the average
distance in feet required to achieve a 1 % change in grade produces a design
speed ono mph.
Accident History: The accident rate at this segment is 0.00 (accidents per million vehicle
miles) which is lower than the rate of 1.63 for similar roadways in the
State of California'.
SURVEY RESULTS
Study was Prepared by: Erica Mancilla
Date: 3/13/2008
Recommendation: Due to the design speed a 5 mph reduction
from the 85th percentile speed is
recommended. The speed limit shall be
increased to 30 mph.
Date Recommendation Approved:
By: Jim Newton, P.E.
Approved Speed Limit (mph): 30 mph
Per cve 40803, Survey Expires: 3/13/2015
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CITY OF CHULA VISTA - VEHICLE SPEED SURVEY
SEGMENT UNDER STUDY: Hidden Vista Drive (E "H" Street - Smoky Circle)
DATE: 03/13/2008 SURVEY SITE: Hidden Vista Dr & Sanibelle Circle
TIME START: 9:14 AM
TIME END: 9:51 AM
POSTED SPEED: 25 mph
WEATHER: Cloudy
DIRECTION: S -0 N -/
MPH 5 10 15 20 TOTAL % CUM%
50
49
48 .'
47
46
45
44 0 1 1 100
43 0 0 99
42 0 0 99
41 0 1 1 99
40 0 0 2 2 98
39 0 1 1 96
38 0 0 2 2 95
37 0 0 0 0 4 4 93
35 0 0 0 / / 5 5 84
34 0 0 0 0 0 0 / / / 9 9 79
33 0 0 0 0 / / / / / / 10 10 70
32 0 0 0 0 / / / / ! 9 9 60
31 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 / / ! / / 12 12 51
30 0 0 0 0 ! ! ! ! ! / / 11 11 39
29 0 0 0 / ! / / ! 8 8 28
28 0 / ! / / / 6 6 20
27 0 / ! / 4 4 14
26 0 ! / 3 3 10
25 0 / / / 4 4 7
24 / 1 1 3
23 / 1 1 2
22 ! 1 1 , 1
21 0 0 0
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
RECORDER: ERICA MANCILLA TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES: 100
H:IHOMEIENGINEERITRAFFICISpeed_SurveysIHidden 61:.t9 Drive R~DAR (E H Street -Smoky Circle).xls.xls
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ORDINANCE NO.
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA REVISING
THE SPEED LlMIT FOR HIDDEN VISTA DRIVE BETWEEN
EAST H STREET AND SMOKY CIRCLE
WHEREAS, based on the provisions of the California Vehicle Code and pursuant to authority
under the Chula Vista Municipal Code, the City Engineer has determined that the speed limit on Hidden
Vista Drive between East H Street and Smoky Circle should be 30mph; and
WHEREAS, the prevailing speeds, accident history, roadway design characteristics and land use
justify a 30 mph posted speed limit; and
WHEREAS, the Engineering and Traffic Survey was prepared pursuant to all provisions of the
California Vehicle Code and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices; and
WHEREAS, the Safety Commission concurs with staff's recommendation to revise the speed
limit on Hidden Vista Drive between East H Street and Smoky Circle to 30mph; and
WHEREAS, this recommendation and other information in the City Engineer's report has been
fully considered by the City Council;
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Chula Vista ordains as follows:
SECTION I: That the speed limit on Hidden Vista Drive between East H Street and Smoky Circle is
revised to 30mph.
SECTION II: That Schedule X of the Register of Schedules maintained by the City Engineer as
provided in Section 10.48.020 of the Chula Vista Municipal Code, "Established Speed Limits in Certain
Zones-Designated," is amended to include the following inforination:
10.48.020 Schedule X - Established Speed Limits in Certain Zones - Designated
Name of Street Beginning At Ending At Proposed Speed Limit
Hidden Vista Drive East H Street Smoky Circle 30 mph
Hidden Vista Drive Smoky Circle Terra Nova Drive 25 mph
SECTION III: This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force on the thirtieth day from and after its
adoption.
Presented by
Approved as to form by
Rick Hopkins
Director of Engineering
. . L
. -(~r!~^- tL . '~~ix 1--~
Bart Miesfeld {/ .
Interim City Attorney
N-\ENGINEER\OrdinancesIOrd2008\07-15-0S\Hiddel1 Vista Speed Limit-doc
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