HomeMy WebLinkAboutE- 5 Staff Report Traffic Control StudyCONSENT CALENDAR
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: NASSER ABBASZADEH, CITY ENGINEER
VIA: RICK COLE, CITY MANAGER
DATE: APRIL 7, 2003
SUBJECT: TRAFFIC CONTROLS ON SUNSET AT FIFTH AND SIXTH STREETS
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve installation of four-way stop signs on Sunset at Sixth
Street.
BACKGROUND
Staff received a request to study the intersections of Sunset at Fifth and Sixth Streets for potential traffic
controls.
Current Controls
The intersection of Sunset and Sixth is controlled by two-way stops in the east/west directions.
The intersection of Sunset and Fifth is a T intersection and there is a stop sign on the south leg.
Since the general vicinity of Sunset Avenue is controlled by stop signs (please see the attached vicinity
map), staff conducted multi-way stop sign studies at both intersections.
Multi-way Stop Signs
Multi-way stop signs are posted when there is a right of way conflict. The conflict manifests itself in form
of accidents and if the accidents are susceptible to correction by installing stop signs. This type of right of
way conflict is characterized by broad side type collisions.
The two main warrants applicable to multi-way stop signs are:
1. An accident problem, where five or more accidents within the past 12 months have occurred and
stop signs may prevent such accidents in the future.
2. Traffic volumes, where the numbers of vehicles on all the approaches are nearly equal.
Findings
Accidents
There were no reported accidents in calendar year 2002 at Sunset/Fifth or Sunset/Sixth.
Traffic Volumes
Twenty-four hour counts were taken on studied streets and show the following (count sheets are
attached):
On Sunset, 03/04/03, 772 total daily trips
On Fifth, 03/12/03, 2,238 total daily trips
On Sixth, 03/20/03, 1,153 total daily trips
Speeding
Staff conducted a speed study on February 20, 2003. The average speed on Sunset was recorded at
29MPH, while the critical speed was 33MPH. Sunset is a 25MPH zone. The recorded speeds are typical on
residential streets and no anomalies were detected.
Conclusions
The accident history on Sunset at Sixth and Fifth does not support multi-way stop signs.
The traffic volumes, on the other hand, show that multi-way stop signs are warranted only at the
intersection of Sixth and Sunset. Currently, more vehicles have to stop on Sixth, while Sunset traffic, a
lower volume, drives through the intersection without controls. A four-way stop will reduce conflicts at
this intersection.
No additional controls are recommended for Fifth and Sunset.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost to add two more signs and legends to the intersection of Sixth and Sunset is $300. Public Works
will handle the installation of the signs.
Attachments