HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance No. 2025-01 - Amending Prima Facie Speed Limits CitywideORDINANCE NO.2025-01
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA
AMENDING SECTION 74-231 AND 74-232 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING TO PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS CITYWIDE
WHEREAS, The City of Azusa ("City") is required to comply with the California Vehicle
Code (CVC) by having street segment posted speed limits surveyed every seven years; and
WHEREAS, The segments were last surveyed in 2015; and
WHEREAS, An Engineering and Traffic Survey Report has been completed to justify
and update the posted speed limits along 48 street segments throughout the City; and
WHEREAS, Six (6) street segments in the Engineering and Traffic Survey Report have
been recommended for a speed limit reduction of 5 miles per hour.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA DOES
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Azusa hereby approves of the updated prima
facie speed limit survey in the 2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report, attached hereto as
Exhibit "A" to this Ordinance.
SECTION 2. AMENDMENT. Section 724-231 of the Azusa Municipal Code is hereby
amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
"Section 74-231. - "Streets where speed decreased".
It is determined upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation and survey that
the speed permitted by state law outside of business and residence districts, as applicable, upon
the following public streets within the city limits is more than is reasonable or safe under the
conditions found to exist upon such streets, and it is determined and declared that the prima facie
speed limit shall be as set forth in this section on those streets or parts of streets designated in this
section when appropriate signs are erected giving notice thereof:
Name of Street Portion Affected
Declared Prima
Facie Speed Limit
(in miles per hour)
Arrow Highway between 855' East of Citrus Ave to Cerritos Avenue
40
Foothill Boulevard between Vernon Avenue to Todd Avenue
40
Foothill Boulevard between Todd Avenue to Westerly City Limit
40
Gladstone Street between Grandin Avenue to Vernon Avenue
40
Gladstone Street between Vernon Avenue to Westerly City Limit 1 40
Vincent Avenue between Gladstone Street to Arrow Highway 1 40 1
SECTION 3. DELETION. Section 74-232, of the Azusa Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
"Section 74-232. - "Reserved".
SECTION 4. CEQA. This action is exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the
Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which states that a project is
exempt from CEQA if the activity is covered by the commonsense exemption that CEQA applies
only to projects that have a potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it
can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a
significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. The action merely
reaffirms and makes minor amendment to existing speed limits on certain street segments, and
there is no possibility that approving the amendment will have a significant effect on the
environment. Therefore, no environmental analysis is required.
SECTION 5. This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after its adoption.
SECTION 6. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Ordinance.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 171h day of March 2025.
Robert Got les
Mayor
ATTEST:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF AZUSA )
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance No. 2025-01 was duly introduced
and placed upon its first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Azusa held
on the 17'" day of March 2025, and that thereafter, said ordinance was duly adopted and passed at
a regular meeting on the 7th day of April 2025, by the following vote of the Council:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GONZALES, ALVAREZ, AVILA, MENDEZ, BOW
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Best, BeA & Krieger, L
City Attorney
EXHIBIT "A"
City of Azusa
2024 Engineering and
Traffic Survey Report
September 2024
Willdan Engineering
13191 Crossroads Pkwy N Suite 405
City of Industry, CA 91746
562.908.6200
SPEED
LIMIT
CITY OF AZUSA ,
September 3, 2024
Christina Curiel
Public Works Project Manager
213 E. Foothill Boulevard
Azusa, CA 91702
Subject: 2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey
Dear Ms. Curiel:
W'W I LLDAN
As requested, Willdan has completed an Engineering and Traffic (E&T) Survey to justify and update the
posted speed limits along 48 street segments in the City of Azusa. These segments were last surveyed in
2013 and require an update to comply with the 10-year limitation set forth in the California Vehicle
Code (CVC).
We are pleased to submit the enclosed Report that describes the E&T survey procedures and contains
recommendations for posted speed limits on the City's arterial and collector street system. A summary
of these recommendations is included in the Analysis. Supporting documentation for each speed zone
recommendation is provided in the Appendices.
The Report was conducted in accordance with applicable provisions of the CVC, following procedures
outlined in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices Revision 8 (California MUTCD)
dated January 2024, and as required by Section 627 of the CVC. The Report is intended to satisfy the
requirements of Section 40802 of the CVC to enable the continued use of radar for traffic speed
enforcement.
We appreciate the opportunity to serve the City of Azusa and the assistance and cooperation afforded
to us during the course of this study.
Very truly yours,
W I LLDAN
No. 91787 TR 2933
Ale— < G m W < L r.
* * *
Nicolle Spann, P.E., T.E. �f� C 1 V 1 V 1\! ��4 TRA F
Traffic Engineer if CF CAI•ylF Of CAI• ,
Enclosure
562.908.6200 1 800.499.4484 1 fax: 562.695.2120
13191 Crossroads Parkway North, Suite 405, Industry, California 91746-3443 1 www-willdan.com
2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report
Table of Contents
Introduction........................................................................................................2
Elements Of the Engineering and Traffic Survey.......................................................................................3
SpeedSampling......................................................................................................................................3
CrashHistory ..........................................................................................................................................5
Conditions Not Readily Apparent to Motorists......................................................................................5
Retain Currently Adopted or Restore Immediately Prior Speed Limit — New from AB 43...................... 5
SurvevConditions...............................................................................................6
SurveyLocations........................................................................................................................................6
DataCollection..........................................................................................................................................6
SpeedData.............................................................................................................................................
6
FieldReview Data..................................................................................................................................
6
CrashData.............................................................................................................................................7
Analvsis..............................................................................................................8
Criteria.......................................................................................................................................................
8
Results and Engineering and Traffic Survey Recommendations...............................................................8
Retain Currently Adopted or Restore Immediately Prior Speed Limit Application...................................9
Speed Limit Recommendations.................................................................................................................9
Table 1- Summary of Recommendations.............................................................................................10
Table 2- Street Segments with Recommended Speed Changes...........................................................17
Segments with Special Conditions..........................................................................................................18
LegislativeReferences.......................................................................................23
Applicable Sections of California Vehicle Code.......................................................................................23
Engineering and Traffic Surveys...........................................................................................................23
BasicSpeed Law...................................................................................................................................24
SpeedLaw Violations...........................................................................................................................24
PrimaFacie Speed Limits.....................................................................................................................24
BusinessActivity Districts.............................. .......................................................................................
26
Minimum and Maximum Prima Facie Speed Limits............................................................................27
DownwardSpeed Zoning.....................................................................................................................28
Safety Corridors (Added code from AB 43)..........................................................................................28
Maintaining Posted Speeds (Added code from AB 43)........................................................................
29
BoundaryLine Streets..........................................................................................................................29
SpeedTrap Prohibition............................................................... :.........................................................
30
SpeedTrap...........................................................................................................................................
30
SpeedTrap Evidence............................................................................................................................
32
2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report
APPENDIX A
Street Segment Data
APPENDIX B
Radar Speed Distribution Forms
APPENDIX C
Speed Limit Map
APPENDIX D
Survey Equipment
APPENDIX E
Segments within the County of Los Angeles jurisdiction
2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report
Introduction
This Engineering and Traffic (E&T) Survey is intended to be the basis for the establishment, revision, and
enforcement of speed limits for selected streets within the City of Azusa. This E&T Survey presents
recommended speed limits for 48 street segments in the City of Azusa. E&T Surveys are required by the
State of California to establish intermediate speed limits on local streets and to enforce those limits
using radar or other speed measuring devices. Historically, these surveys must be updated every 7 to 10
years to ensure the speeds reflect current conditions.
E&T Surveys are prepared under the direction of California Vehicle Code (CVC). The CVC also requires
that the surveys be conducted based on the methodology required by the California MUTCD Revision 8
(California MUTCD) dated January 2024.
Assembly Bill No. 43 (AB 43), signed in October 2021, has given local agencies more leeway to lower and
maintain speed limits. The California Vehicle Code was amended in 2022 and the California MUTCD was
amended in January 2024 to implement laws and guidelines with the changes set forth in AB 43. There
were three major changes to how speed limits can be recommended under AB 43 as follows:
1. An E&T Survey conducted more than 7 years ago may be extended to 14 years (previously to 10
years) if a traffic engineer certifies that no changes in roadway or traffic conditions have
occurred [CVC 40802 (c)(2)(8)(i)(II)].
2. A local authority may establish and designate safety corridors throughout their jurisdiction. The
local authority may recommend a speed limit with an additional five mile per hour reduction on
segments designated as safety corridors. Local authorities may not lower a speed limit under
this section until June 30, 2024, or until the Judicial Council has developed an online tool for
adjudicating infraction violations statewide, whichever is sooner.
3. If a local authority, after completing an E&T Survey, finds that the speed limit is still reasonable
or safe, the local authority may retain the current speed limit or restore the immediately prior
speed limit if that speed limit was established with an E&T Survey and if a registered engineer
has evaluated the section of highway and determined that no additional general purpose lanes
have been added to the roadway since completion of the traffic survey that established the
prior speed limit.
This E&T survey was requested by the City for the proper posting of speed limits and to enable the
Police Department to utilize radar or other electronic speed measuring devices for speed enforcement.
CVC Sections 40801 and 40802 require E&T Surveys that verify the prima facie speed limit before
enforcement by such a device is legal. The law further specifies that these surveys be conducted every 5
years. The surveys can be extended to 7 years provided the City's Police Department(s) have completed
a 24-hour radar operator course [CVC 40802(c)(2)(13)(i)(I)].
Posted speed limits are established primarily to protect the general public from the reckless and
unpredictable behavior of dangerous drivers. They provide law enforcement with a clearly understood
method to identify and apprehend violators of the basic speed law (CVC Section 22350). This law states
2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report
that "No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent
having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of the highway, and in
no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property." The posted speed limit gives
motorists a clear warning of the maximum speed that is reasonable and prudent under typical driving
conditions.
The basic fundamentals for establishing speed limits recognize that the majority of drivers behave in a
safe and reasonable manner, and therefore, the normally careful and competent actions of a reasonable
driver should be considered legal. Speed limits established on these fundamentals conform to the
consensus that those who drive the highway determine what speed is reasonable and safe, not on the
judgment of one or a few individuals. A radar speed study is usually conducted to record the prevailing
speed of reasonable drivers.
Speed limits are also established to advise drivers of conditions which may not be readily apparent to a
reasonable driver. For this reason, accident history, roadway conditions, traffic characteristics, and land
use must also be analyzed before determining speed limits. Speed limit changes are usually made in
coordination with physical changes in roadway conditions or roadside developments. Unusually short
zones of less than one-half mile in length should be avoided to reduce driver confusion.
The E&T Surveys for the City were conducted in accordance with procedures outlined in the California
MUTCD and as required by Section 627 of the CVC. The Code further describes three elements of an
E&T Survey:
1. Measurement of prevailing speed;
2. Accident history; and
3. Roadway characteristics not readily apparent to the motorist.
Additionally, it is generally accepted that speed limits cannot be successfully enforced without voluntary
compliance by a majority of drivers. Consequently, only the driver whose behavior is clearly out of line
with the normal flow of traffic is usually targeted for enforcement.
Elements Of the Engineering and Traffic Survey
The California MUTCD specifies the methodology to be used for completing E&T Surveys. This
methodology includes an evaluation of current vehicle speeds, accident history and conditions not
readily apparent to motorists. The basic elements of the E&T Survey are discussed in more detail as
follows:
Speed Sampling
Existing vehicle speeds are surveyed by a certified radar operator with a calibrated radar unit in an
unmarked vehicle. Speed samples are taken for each segment representing a statistically significant
sample of current traffic. This data is then evaluated to identify the distribution of speeds. A key
element in the evaluation is the identification of the 85th percentile speed. The 85th percentile speed is
the speed at or below which 85 percent of the traffic travels. This threshold represents what is
2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report
historically found to be a safe and reasonable speed for most drivers based on common roadway
conditions. A speed limit is established in the three options below.
Options:
Closest to 85" Percentile Speed — A speed limit is established at the nearest 5-mile per hour
increment to the 85`h percentile speed.
California MUTCD Option 2 - For cases in which the nearest 5 mph increment of the 85th-
percentile speed would require a rounding up, then the speed limit may be rounded down to the
nearest 5 mph increment below the 85th percentile speed, if no further reduction is used. Refer
to CVC Section 21400(b).
• Reduction using Segments with Special Conditions - For cases in which the nearest 5 mph
increment of the 85th-percentile speed would require rounding down, the posted speed may be
reduced by an additional 5 mph from the nearest 5 mph increment of the 85th-percentile speed,
in compliance with CVC Section 627 and 22358.5.
If the speed limit to be posted has had the 5 mph reduction applied, then an E&T Survey shall document
in writing the conditions and justification for the lower speed limit. The reasons for the lower speed
limit shall be in compliance with CVC Section 627 and 22358.5.
The following examples are provided to explain the application of these speed limit criteria:
If the 851h percentile speed in a speed survey for a location was 33 mph, the 3 options may be applied as
follows:
• Closest to 85" Percentile Speed -The 85th percentile speed would roundup to the nearest 5-
mph increment. The speed limit would be established at 35 mph since it is the closest 5 mph
increment to the 33 mph speed.
California MUTCD Option 2 -Instead of rounding up to 35 mph, the speed limit can be
established at 30 mph, but no further reduction can be applied.
Reduction using Segments with Special Conditions - The first step is to round up, then the speed
limit would be established at 35 mph since it is the closest 5 mph increment to the 33 mph speed.
As indicated by this option, this 35 mph established speed limit could be reduced by 5 mph to 30
mph if conditions and justification for using this lower speed limit are documented in the E&T
Survey. However, it is best to apply MUTCD Option 2 in these scenarios as it will not require
documentation of conditions and justification to lower the speed limit.
If the 851h percentile speed in a speed survey for a location was 37 mph, the 3 options may be applied as
follows:
Closest to 85" Percentile Speed - The 851h percentile speed would round down to the nearest 5-
mph increment. The speed limit would be established at 35 mph since it is the closest 5 mph
increment to the 37 mph speed.
2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report
California MUTCD Option 2—This option is not applicable to 85" percentile speeds that already
round down to the nearest 5-mph increment using the "Closest to 85" Percentile Speed" option.
Reduction using Segments with Special Conditions - The first step is to round down, then the
speed limit would be established at 35 mph since it is the closest 5 mph increment to the 37 mph
speed. As indicated by this option, this 35 mph established speed limit could be reduced by 5
mph to 30 mph if conditions and justification for using this lower speed limit are documented in
the E&T Survey.
Crash History
Reported crashes are reviewed for each street segment to determine if there is a higher than expected
average rate of crashes. A segment that has an above -average crash rate typically suggests conditions
that are not readily apparent to motorists.
Conditions Not Readily Apparent to Motorists
Each street segment is field inspected to identify roadway conditions that may not be readily apparent
to motorists. A determination is made whether any conditions are significant and warrant the
recommendation of the speed limit 5 mph below the basic speed limit.
Retain Currently Adopted or Restore Immediately Prior Speed Limit — New from AB 43
The City may retain the currently adopted speed limit without further reduction or restore the
immediately prior adopted speed limit without further reduction as provided in CVC Section 22358.8,
added through AB 43.
The currently adopted speed limit or immediately prior adopted speed limit shall only be retained, by
ordinance, if after completing an E&T Survey, the City finds that the speed limit is still more than
reasonable or safe, and that speed limit was established with an E&T Survey and if a registered engineer
has evaluated the section of highway and determined that no additional general purpose lanes have
been added to the roadway since completion of the traffic survey that established the prior speed limit.
If the City decides to use a lower speed limit based on CVC Section 22358.8, after completing an E&T
Survey and finding that the speed limit is still more than is reasonable or safe, it shall not be reduced by
any more than 5 mph from the currently adopted speed limit or not below the immediately prior speed
limit. Refer to CVC Section 22358.8(b).
2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report
Survey Conditions
Survey Locations
The procedures described below describe the criteria and methods used to survey selected streets
within the City of Azusa. The specific location of the radar speed survey for each street segment was
selected after considering the following:
1. Minimum stop sign and traffic signal influence.
2. Minimum visibility restrictions.
3. Non -congested traffic flow away from intersections and driveways.
4. Minimum influence from curves or other roadway conditions that would affect the normal
operation of a vehicle.
Data Collection
Data of existing conditions was obtained including prevailing speed of vehicles, traffic crashes, visibility
restrictions, and roadway conditions within the community. Speed data and field reviews were
conducted at 48 locations during the months of December 2023 and January 2024.
Speed Data
Radar speed measurements were conducted at 48 locations during the month of December 2023. The
radar speed distribution forms are in Appendix B. All surveys were conducted in good weather
conditions, during off-peak hours on weekdays. The radar unit was operated from an unmarked vehicle
to minimize any influence on driver behavior. Typically, a minimum sample size of 100 vehicles or the
total samples during a maximum period of 2 hours were obtained for each segment. Traffic speeds in
both directions were recorded for individual segments.
Field Review Data
A field review was conducted for each of the selected street segments in the City with consideration for
the following factors:
1. Street width and alignment;
2. Pedestrian activity and traffic flow characteristics;
3. Number of lanes and other channelization and striping patterns;
4. Frequency of intersections, driveways, and on -street parking;
5. Location of stop signs and other regulatory traffic control devices;
6. Visibility obstructions;
2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report
7. Land use and proximity to schools;
8. Pedestrian and bicycle usage;
9. Uniformity with existing speed zones and those in adjacent jurisdictions; and
10. Any other unusual condition not readily apparent to the driver.
Crash Data
Crash data was obtained from the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records
System (SWITRS) electronic crash database. For this study, crash data was used from the latest 2 years
of reported accidents from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022. To calculate these rates, 24-hour
traffic volumes were collected for each street segment. This information was then entered into the
following formula to determine the crash rate:
C C = Number of midblock crashes overtime period
R. = t RQ = Actual Crash Rate (crashes/year)
t = Time Period Covered (in years)
The segment crash rate was then compared to the average statewide crash rate of similar roadways.
The average statewide crash rates were obtained from 2021 Collision Data on California State Highways
published by Caltrans. To convert the units of the Caltrans average 2021 Collision Rates from crashes per
million vehicle miles to crashes per year, the following information was entered into the following
formula to determine the expected crash rate:
Re = Crash Rate (crashes/year)
E x 365 year x 1 x v E = Expected Crash Rate (crashes/million vehicle miles)
Re 1,000,000 1 = Length of Segment (miles)
v = Traffic Volume (average daily traffic)
2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report
Analysis
Criteria
Survey data was compiled and analyzed to determine the recommended speed limit in accordance with
several criteria contained in The California MUTCD. Some of the criteria used are:
A. The critical speed or 85th percentile speed is that speed at or below which 85 percent of the
traffic is moving. This speed is the baseline value in determining what the majority of drivers
believe is safe and reasonable. Speed limits set higher than the critical speed are not considered
reasonable and safe. Speed limits set lower than the critical speed make a large number of
reasonable drivers "unlawful," and do not facilitate the orderly flow of traffic. The "basic speed
limit" is the nearest 5 mph increment to the 85th percentile speed.
B. The 10 mile per hour (mph) pace speed is the 10 mph increment that contains the highest
percentage of vehicles. It is a measure of the dispersion of speeds across the range of the
samples surveyed. An accepted practice is to keep the speed limit within the 10 mph pace while
considering the critical speed and other factors that might require a speed lower than the
critical speed.
C. The crash rate for each street segment is compared to average crash rates that can be
reasonably expected to occur on streets and highways in other jurisdictions, in proportion to the
volume of traffic per lane mile. These average crash rates have been developed by the State of
California and are considered reasonable for use in the City of Azusa.
Results and Engineering and Traffic Survey Recommendations
The Engineering and Traffic Survey Forms, presented in Appendix A, illustrate results of a thorough
evaluation of available data and recommend a speed limit for each street segment surveyed based on
the guidelines for an Engineering and Traffic Survey set forth by the California MUTCD and the CVC. A
complete summary of all recommendations is shown in Table 1. In each case, the recommended speed
limit was consistent with the prevailing behavior as demonstrated by the radar speed measurements.
Typically, a speed limit in the upper range of the 10-mile pace was selected unless a crash rate
significantly higher than expected was discovered or roadway conditions not readily apparent to the
driver were identified. Any segments with recommended speed limits 5 mph or more below the basic
speed limit are fully explained later in this report.
The Legislature, in adopting Section 22358.5 of the CVC, has made it clear that physical conditions, such
as width, curvature, grade and surface conditions, or any other condition readily apparent to a driver, in
the absence of other factors, would not be the basis for special downward speed zoning. In these cases,
the basic speed law (CVC Section 22350) is sufficient to regulate such conditions.
2024 Engineering and Traffic survey Report
Retain Currently Adopted or Restore Immediately Prior Speed Limit Application
Using CVC Section 22358.8, a new section added due to AB 43, the City can choose to use previous
speed limits from the currently adopted or immediately prior Engineer's E&T recommendations. This
decision is made by the City after an Engineering and Traffic Survey has been completed and is
applicable if each of the following three conditions are met:
1. The agency identifies that the posted speed limit is reasonable or safe
2. An Engineer has verified that no general purpose lanes have been added
3. The speed limit was established with an Engineering and Traffic Survey
For segments with limits that have been redefined and currently have two different posted speed limits
along the segment, the lower of the two speed limits may be retained since the segment has consistent
roadway and land use conditions and is adequately combined as a single segment, verified by an
Engineer.
The recommendations set forth using this section are considered separate from the Engineering and
Traffic Survey Recommendations. After the E&T Survey recommendations have been made, City staff
and an Engineer may decide that the posted speed limit is appropriate and can retain currently adopted
or restore immediately prior speed limits set by previous E&T Surveys.
When this 2024 adopted E&T Survey expires after either 7 or 14 years, a new E&T Survey will be
prepared to recertify the speed limits. It should be noted that the Engineer's E&T recommendation shall
be used as the currently adopted speed limit, as opposed to the City's speed limit recommendation. On
roadway segments when the City's speed limit recommendation is different than the Engineer's E&T
speed limit recommendation, future recommendations may be made to retain currently adopted or
restore immediately prior speed limits using CVC Section 22358.8. In cases where the City
recommendation is different than the Engineer's E&T recommendation, the City's speed limit
recommendation should not be used to retain the currently adopted speed limit in a future E&T Survey
prepared either 7 or 14 years after this E&T Survey has been adopted. For future use, the City and
Engineer preparing the next E&T Survey should refer to the Engineer's E&T recommendation identified
in the segments with special conditions section in this report.
Speed Limit Recommendations
The recommendations contained in this Report are intended to establish prima facie speed limits. They
are not intended to be absolute for all prevailing conditions. All prima facie speed violations are actually
violations of the basic speed law (CVC Section 22350). This statute states that a person shall not drive a
vehicle at a speed greater than is safe having regard for traffic, roadway, and weather conditions. A
prima facie limit is intended to establish a maximum safe speed under normal conditions.
Table 1 summarizes the data collected and recommended speed limit for each segment in this E&T
Survey.
Table 2 identifies the street segments with recommended changes in posted speed limit
2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report M.
Table 1 - Summary of Recommendations
Collision
Posted Rec.
Dist.
Rate***
Speed 85% 10 mi. j % in I Speed
No.
Street From To
(mi.)
ADT
Exp. Act.
Limit Speed Pace Pace Limit
Comments
1
Alameda Avenue Third Street First Street 0.32 2,885
0.36
0.50
25
34
25 - 34 72 % 25
2
Alameda Avenue Fifth Street Third Street
0.25
1,821
0.18
0.00
25
31
21-30
75 %
25
3
Alosta Avenue Barranca Avenue Citrus Avenue
0.5
26,139
3.05
2.50
40
38
30-39
80 %
40
Closest to 85th Speed
4
Alosta Avenue Citrus Avenue Foothill Boulevard
0.55
15,329
1.97
3.00
40
44
33 - 42
71 %
40
California MUTCD Option 2
5
Arrow Highway 855' East of Citrus Cerritos Avenue
0.4
33,539
3.77
2.50
45
42
32 - 41
64 %
40
Closest to 85th Speed
Ave
(Segment within City of Azusa
and LA County jurisdictions)
6
Arrow Highway Cerritos Avenue Azusa Avenue 0.5
26,754
3.22
1.50
40
40
28 - 37
68 %
40
Closest to 85th Speed
7
Arrow Highway Clydebank Avenue Vincent Avenue 0.3 28,101
2.37
0.00
45
45
32 - 41
60 %
45
Closest to 85th Speed
(Segment within City of Azusa
and LA County jurisdictions)
* See "Segments with Special Conditions" Section for Comments
** 25 mph when children are present
*** Accident rate units: Collisions per Year
Act.: Actual Collision Rate
Exp.: Expected Collision Rate based on the Caltrans 2021 Crash Data on California State Highways Rate 2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report 10
Table 1 - Summary of Recommendations
Collision
Posted
Rec.
Dist.
Rate***
Speed
85% 10mi.
%in
Speed
No.
Street From To (mi.) ADT
Exp. Act.
Limit
Speed Pace
Pace
Limit
Comments
8
Azusa Avenue Gladstone Street Arrow Highway
California MUTCD Option 2
0.5
24,270 2.83 0.00 40 1 44
35-4 71 %
40
9
Azusa Avenue First Street Gladstone Street
California MUTCD Option 2
0.5
27,752
3.24
2.00
35 38 28 - 37 75 % 35
I
10
Azusa Avenue Fifth Street First Street
California MUTCD Option 2
0.57
9,501
1.48
2.00
35
38
30 - 39
74 % 35
11
Azusa Avenue Ninth Street Fifth Street
0.5
6,892
0.80
3.00
25
30
22 - 31
77 %
25
12
Azusa Avenue Sierra Madre Ninth Street
0.66
3,883
0.70
0.50
35 40
28 - 37
71 °�
35
Avenue
13
Baseline Road Citrus Avenue Cerritos Avenue
0.53
11,515
1.43
0.50
40** 46
37-46
72%
40**
14
Cerritos Avenue First Street Arrow Highway
1
12,403
2.99
1.00
°
35** 43 34 - 43 69 / 35**
" See "Segments with Special Conditions" Section for Comments
*" 25 mph when children are present
**" Accident rate units: Collisions per Year
Act.: Actual Collision Rate
Exp.: Expected Collision Rate based on the Caltrans 2021 Crash Data on California State Highways Rate 2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report 11
Table 1 - Summary of Recommendations
Collision
Posted
Rec.
Dist.
Rate***
Speed
85%
10mi.
%in
Speed
No.
Street From To
(mi.) ADT
Exp. Act.
Limit
Speed
Pace
Pace
Limit
Comments
15
Cerritos Avenue Foothill Boulevard First Street
0.83 4,728
1.53
0.00
30**
40
31-40
73 %
30**
16
Citrus Avenue Alosta Avenue Mauna Loa
California MUTCD Option 2
0.25
20,184
1.97
0.00
35
39
27 - 36
75 %
35
Avenue
17
Citrus Avenue Foothill Boulevard Alosta Avenue
0.5
14,018
1.69
0.00
35
37
28 - 37
83 %
35
Closest to 85th Speed
18
Encanto Parkway North City Limit Huntington Drive
1.25
2,376
1.16
0.00
40
41
32 - 41
70 %
40
Closest to 85th Speed
19
Fifth Street Alosta Avenue Cerritos Avenue
0.35
5,207
0.43
0.00
30**
33
25 - 34
84 %
30**
California MUTCD Option 2
20
First Street Cerritos Avenue Azusa Avenue
0.47
13,697
2.51
•0.00
35**
42
33 -42
72 %
35**
21
First Street Azusa Avenue Vernon Avenue
0.5
7,359
1.44
0.00
35
37
27 - 36
70 %
35
Closest to 85th Speed
* See "Segments with Special Conditions" Section for Comments
** 25 mph when children are present
*** Accident rate units: Collisions per Year
Act.: Actual Collision Rate
Exp.: Expected Collision Rate based on the Caltrans 2021 Crash Data on California State Highways Rate 2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report 12
Table 1 - Summary of Recommendations
Collision posted
Rec.
Dist.
Rate*** Speed
85% 10mi.
%in
Speed
No. Street From To
(mi.) ADT
Exp. Act. Limit
Speed Pace
Pace
Limit
Comments
22 Foothill Citrus Avenue Pasadena Avenue
Closest to 85th Speed
0.7
22,794
3.73
0.00
35
37 28 - 37
84 %
35
Boulevard
23
Foothill Pasadena Avenue San Gabriel
0.36
19,942
1.68
0.00
35
36
27 - 36
92 %
35
Closest to 85th Speed
Boulevard Avenue
24
Foothill San Gabriel Avenue Vernon Avenue
0.42
19,010
1.87
0.00
35
38
27 - 36
82 %
35
California MUTCD Option 2
Boulevard
25
Foothill Vernon Avenue Todd Avenue
Closest to 85th Speed
0.5
21,431
3.64
2.00
45
41
32 - 41
76 %
40
Boulevard
26
Foothill Todd Avenue West City Limit
Closest to 85th Speed
0.25
39,675
3.37
0.50
45
42
34 -43
86 %
40
Boulevard
27 Gladstone Street Barranca Avenue Citrus Avenue
0.54
13,619
1.77
0.00
40**
41
32 -41
80 %
40**
Closest to 85th Speed
(Segment within City of Azusa
and LA County jurisdictions)
28 Gladstone Street Citrus Avenue Grandin Avenue
0.97
li 16,445
3.84
0.00
40
39
29 - 38
77 %
40
Closest to 85th Speed
(Segment within City of Azusa
and LA County jurisdictions)
* See "Segments with Special Conditions" Section for Comments
** 25 mph when children are present
*** Accident rate units: Collisions per Year
Act.: Actual Collision Rate
Exp.: Expected Collision Rate based on the Caltrans 2021 Crash Data on California State Highways Rate 2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report 13
Table 1 - Summary of Recommendations
Collision
Posted
Rec.
Dist.
Rate***
Speed
85%
10mi.
%in
Speed
No.
Street From To (mi.) ADT
Exp. Act.
Limit
Speed
Pace
Pace
Limit
Comments
29
Gladstone Street Grandin Avenue Vernon Avenue
0.3
13,698
1.15
0.50
45
45
34 - 43
66 %
40
30
Gladstone Street Vernon Avenue West City Limit
1
12,974
4.40
1.50
45
45
34 - 43
o
71 /a
40
31
Irwindale Avenue First Street Gladstone Street
California MUTCD Option 2
0.5
26,884
3.24
0.00
40
44
33 - 42
70 %
40
32
Lark Ellen Gladstone Street Arrow Highway
0.5
13,877
1.67
0.00
35 **
43
33 - 42
71 %
35 **
Avenue
33
Pasadena McKinley Street Gladstone Street
0.44
1,259
0.22
0.00
25
31
20 - 29
69 %
25
Avenue
34
Pasadena Foothill Boulevard First Street
0.82
2,010
0.64
0.00
25
30
22 - 31
86 %
25
Avenue
35
Pasadena Tenth Street Foothill Boulevard
0.38
4,360
0.65
1.00
25
34
25-34
Avenue
See "Segments with Special Conditions" Section for Comments
** 25 mph when children are present
*** Accident rate units: Collisions per Year
Act.: Actual Collision Rate
Exp.: Expected Collision Rate based on the Caltrans 2021 Crash Data on California State Highways Rate 2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report 14
Table 1 - Summary of Recommendations
Collision
posted
Rec.
Dist.
Rate***
Speed
85%
10mi.
%in
Speed
No.
Street From To
(mi.)
ADT
Exp. I Act.
Limit
Speed
Pace
Pace
Limit
Comments
36
San Gabriel Foothill Boulevard Second Street
0.82
11,211
2.52
2.50
35
41
32 - 41
66 %
35
Avenue
37 San Gabriel Ninth Street Foothill Boulevard
Closest to 85th Speed
0.25
11,154
0.76
0.00
35
36
27 - 36'
72 %
35
Avenue
38
San Gabriel Twelfth Street Ninth Street
0.37
5,925
0.60
0.50
35
45
32 - 41
61 %
35
Avenue
39
San Gabriel Sierra Madre Twelfth Street
0.28
4,467
0.34
1.00
35
44
34 - 43
68 %
35
Avenue Avenue
40
San Gabriel Start of State Route Sierra Madre
0.27
6,118
0.65
0.00
40
47
38 -47
62 %
40
Canyon Road 39 Avenue
41
Sierra Madre East City Limit Nobhill Drive
Closest to 85th Speed
0.89
8,528
2.96
1.00
35
35
27 - 36
86 %
35
Avenue
42
Sierra Madre San Gabriel Avenue Lori Ann Avenue
0.41
11,046
1.06
1.50
40
47
34 - 43
68 %
40
Avenue
• See "Segments with Special Conditions" Section for Comments
*' 25 mph when children are present
***Accident rate units: Collisions per Year
Act.: Actual Collision Rate
Exp.: Expected Collision Rate based on the Caltrans 2021 Crash Data on California State Highways Rate 2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report 1s
Table 1 - Summary of Recommendations
Collision
Posted
Rec.
Dist.
Rate***
Speed 85%
10mi.
%in
Speed
No.
Street From To (mi.)
ADT
Exp. Act.
Limit Speed
Pace
Pace
Limit Comments
43
Sierra Madre Lori Ann Avenue Todd Avenue
0.61
11,104
1.58
1.50
40 46
37 - 46
63 %
40
Avenue
44
Todd Avenue Sierra Madre Foothill Boulevard
Closest to 85th Speed
0.68
14,704
2.41
0.50
40
40
31- 40
43 %
40
Avenue
45
Vernon Avenue First Street Gladstone Street
0.5
13,595
2.65
1.00
35
37
29 - 38
74 %
35
Closest to 85th Speed
46
Vernon Avenue Third Street First Street
0.28
13,545
1.48
0.00
25
38
30 - 39
65 %
25
47
Vernon Avenue Sierra Madre Foothill Boulevard
0.66
2,559
0.41
0.00
35**
40
29 - 38
66 %
35**
Avenue
48
Vincent Avenue Gladstone Street Arrow Highway
0.5
11,612
1.63
0.00
45
42
33 - 42
59 %
40
Closest to 85th Speed
" See "Segments with Special Conditions" Section for Comments
25 mph when children are present
*** Accident rate units: Collisions per Year
Act.: Actual Collision Rate
Exp.: Expected Collision Rate based on the Caltrans 2021 Crash Data on California State Highways Rate 2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report 16
Table 2 - Street Segments with Recommended Speed Changes
No.
S� treet
From
To
Existing
New
Change
5
Arrow Highway
855' East of Citrus Ave
Cerritos Avenue
45
40
- 5
25
Foothill Boulevard
Vernon Avenue
Todd Avenue
45
40
- 5
26
Foothill Boulevard
Todd Avenue
West City Limit
45
40
- 5
29
Gladstone Street
Grandin Avenue
Vernon Avenue
j 45
40
- 5
30
Gladstone Street
Vernon Avenue
West City Limit
45
40
- 5
48
Vincent Avenue
Gladstone Street
Arrow Highway
45
40
- 5
NP= Not Posted
PL= Post Limit 2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report 17
Segments with Special Conditions
The following segments surveyed had recommended speed limits that were 5 miles per hour (mph) or
more above or below the 85th percentile speed due to conditions not readily apparent to the driver.
Each segment is discussed below.
Segment 1—Alameda Avenue —Third Street to First Street
This segment is currently posted at 25 mph and has one through lane in each direction with an ACT of
2,885 vehicles per day. The adjacent land is residential along the 0.32-mile-long segment. The 85th
percentile speed is 34 mph and would normally justify a 30 mph posted speed limit using the MUTCD
Option 2 to round down to the nearest 5 mph speed. Since the 2013 E&T Survey, this segment has not
added any additional through lanes and the speed limit was properly set by an E&T Survey. This segment
was identified by the City to apply Section 22358.8 of the California Vehicle Code to retain the existing
speed limit from the 2013 E&T Survey to keep the speed limit posted at 25 mph.
Segment 2 — Alameda Avenue — Fifth Street to Third Street
This segment is currently posted at 25 mph and has one through lane in each direction with an ADT of
1,821 vehicles per day. The adjacent land is residential along the 0.25-mile-long segment. The 85th
percentile speed is 31 mph and would normally justify a 30 mph posted speed limit. However, due to
hidden driveways that may not be apparent to unfamiliar drivers, a lower speed limit is prudent. It is
recommended that the speed limit remain posted at 25 mph for the above reason.
Segment 11— Azusa Avenue — Ninth Street to Fifth Street
This segment is currently posted at 25 mph and has two lanes in the northbound direction with an ADT
of 6,892 vehicles per day. The adjacent land is residential and commercial along the 0.5-mile-long
segment. The 85th percentile speed is 30 mph and would normally justify a 30 mph posted speed limit.
However, due to uncontrolled crosswalks and moderate pedestrian traffic that may not be apparent to
unfamiliar drivers, and a crash rate higher than the statewide average crash rate, a lower speed limit is
prudent. It is recommended that the speed limit remain posted at 25 mph for the above reason.
Segment 12 — Azusa Avenue — Sierra Madre Avenue to Ninth Street
This segment is currently posted at 35 mph and has three through lanes in the northbound direction
divided with an ADT of 3,883 vehicles per day. The adjacent land is residential along the 0.66-mile-long
segment. The 85th percentile speed is 40 mph and would normally justify a 40 mph posted speed limit.
However, due to hidden driveways that may not be apparent to unfamiliar drivers, a lower speed limit is
prudent. It is recommended that the speed limit remain posted at 35 mph for the above reason.
2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report
Segment 13 — Baseline Road — Citrus Avenue to Cerritos Avenue
This segment is currently posted at 40 mph and has two lanes in each direction, divided by a raised
median with an ADT of 11,515 vehicles per day. The adjacent land is residential with a school zone along
the 0.64-mile-long segment. The 85th percentile speed is 46 mph and would normally justify a 45 mph
posted speed limit. However, due to uncontrolled crosswalks that may not be apparent to unfamiliar
drivers and to maintain uniformity with adjacent segments, a lower speed limit is prudent. It is
recommended that the speed limit remain posted at 40 mph for the above reason. In addition, 25 mph
school zones are recommended to remain in place per Section 22352 of the California Vehicle Code.
Segment 14 — Cerritos Avenue — First Street to Arrow Highway
This segment is currently posted at 35 mph and has two lanes in each direction with an ADT of 12,403
vehicles per day. The adjacent land is residential and commercial with a school zone along the 1.0-mile-
long segment. The 85th percentile speed is 43 mph and would normally justify a 40 mph posted speed
limit using the MUTCD Option 2 to round down to the nearest 5 mph speed. Since the 2013 E&T Survey,
this segment has not added any additional through lanes and the speed limit was properly set by an E&T
Survey. This segment was identified by the City to apply Section 22358.8 of the California Vehicle Code
to retain the existing speed limit from the 2013 E&T Survey to keep the speed limit posted at 35 mph. In
addition, 25 mph school zones are recommended to remain in place per Section 22352 of the California
Vehicle Code.
Segment 15 — Cerritos Avenue — Foothill Boulevard to First Street
This segment is currently posted at 30 mph and has one lane in each direction with an ADT of 4,728
vehicles per day. The adjacent land is residential with a school zone along the 0.83-mile-long segment.
The 85th percentile speed is 40 mph and would normally justify a 40 mph posted speed limit. Since the
2013 E&T Survey, this segment has not added any additional through lanes and the speed limit was
properly set by an E&T Survey. This segment was identified by the City to apply Section 22358.8 of the
California Vehicle Code to retain the existing speed limit from the 2013 E&T Survey to keep the speed
limit posted at 30 mph. In addition, 25 mph school zones are recommended to remain in place per
Section 22352 of the California Vehicle Code.
Segment 20 — First Street — Cerritos Avenue to Azusa Avenue
This segment is currently posted at 35 mph and has one through lane in each direction with an ADT of
13,697 vehicles per day. The adjacent land is residential and commercial with a school zone along the
0.47-mile-long segment. The 85th percentile speed is 42 mph and would normally justify a 40 mph
posted speed limit. However, due to hidden driveways that may not be apparent to unfamiliar drivers, a
lower speed limit is prudent. It is recommended that the speed limit remain posted at 35 mph for the
above reason. In addition, 25 mph school zones are recommended to remain in place per Section 22352
of the California Vehicle Code.
2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report
Segment 29—Gladstone Street—Grandin Avenue to Vernon Avenue
This segment is currently posted at 45 mph and has two through lanes in each direction with an ADT of
13,698 vehicles per day. The adjacent land is residential and commercial along the 0.3-mile-long
segment. The 85th percentile speed is 45 mph and would normally justify a 45 mph posted speed limit.
However, due to hidden driveways that may not be apparent to unfamiliar drivers and to maintain
uniformity with adjacent segments, a lower speed limit is prudent. It is recommended that the speed
limit be posted at 40 mph for the above reason.
Segment 30 — Gladstone Street —Vernon Avenue to West City Limit
This segment is currently posted at 45 mph and has two through lanes in each direction with an ADT of
12,974 vehicles per day. The adjacent land is industrial along the 1.0-mile-long segment. The 85th
percentile speed is 45 mph and would normally justify a 45 mph posted speed limit. However, to
maintain uniformity with adjacent segments, a lower speed limit is prudent. It is recommended that the
speed limit be posted at 40 mph for the above reason.
Segment 32 — Lark Ellen Avenue — Gladstone Street to Arrow Highway
This segment is currently posted at 35 mph and has two lanes in each direction with an ADT of 13,877
vehicles per day. The adjacent land is residential and commercial with a school zone along the 0.5-mile-
long segment. The 85th percentile speed is 43 mph and would normally justify a 40 mph posted speed
limit using the MUTCD Option 2 to round down to the nearest 5 mph speed. Since the 2013 E&T Survey,
this segment has not added any additional through lanes and the speed limit was properly set by an E&T
Survey. This segment was identified by the City to apply Section 22358.8 of the California Vehicle Code
to retain the existing speed limit from the 2013 E&T Survey to keep the speed limit posted at 35 mph. In
addition, 25 mph school zones are recommended to remain in place per Section 22352 of the California
Vehicle Code.
Segment 33 — Pasadena Avenue — McKinley Street to Gladstone Street
This segment is currently posted at 25 mph and has one lane in each direction with an ADT of 1,259
vehicles per day. The adjacent land is residential along the 0.44-mile-long segment. The 85th percentile
speed is 31 mph and would normally justify a 30 mph posted speed limit. However because the roadway
width is 40-feet, there are traffic control devices every 0.2 miles, has one travel lane in each direction,
and there are 31 residences the west side of the road in the 0.44-mile segment length, this segment can
be classified as a residential zone per Section 40802 of the California Vehicle Code. It is recommended
that the speed limit remain posted at 25 mph for the above reason.
Segment 34 — Pasadena Avenue — Foothill Boulevard to First Street
This segment is currently posted at 25 mph and has one through lane in each direction with an ADT of
2,010 vehicles per day. The adjacent land is residential along the 0.82-mile-long segment. The 85th
percentile speed is 30 mph and would normally justify a 30 mph posted speed limit. However, due to
hidden driveways that may not be apparent to unfamiliar drivers, a lower speed limit is prudent. It is
recommended that the speed limit remain posted at 25 mph for the above reason.
2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report
Segment 35— Pasadena Avenue —Tenth Street to Foothill Boulevard
This segment is currently posted at 25 mph and has one through lane in each direction with an ADT of
4,360 vehicles per day. The adjacent land is residential and commercial with a school zone along the
0.38-mile-long segment. The 85th percentile speed is 34 mph and would normally justify a 30 mph
posted speed limit using the MUTCD Option 2 to round down to the nearest 5 mph speed. Since the
2013 E&T Survey, this segment has not added any additional through lanes and the speed limit was
properly set by an E&T Survey. This segment was identified by the City to apply Section 22358.8 of the
California Vehicle Code to retain the existing speed limit from the 2013 E&T Survey to keep the speed
limit posted at 25 mph.
Segment 36 — San Gabriel Avenue — Foothill Boulevard to Second Street
This segment is currently posted at 35 mph and has four lanes in the southbound direction with an ADT
of 11,211 vehicles per day. The adjacent land is residential and commercial along the 0.82-mile-long
segment. The 85th percentile speed is 41 mph and would normally justify a 40 mph posted speed limit.
However, due to a crash rate along this segment higher than the statewide average crash rate and due
to hidden driveways that may not be apparent to unfamiliar drivers, a lower speed limit is prudent. It is
recommended that the speed limit remain posted at 35 mph for the above reason.
Segment 38 — San Gabriel Avenue —Twelfth Street to Ninth Street
This segment is currently posted at 35 mph and has four lanes in the southbound direction with an ADT
of 5,925 vehicles per day. The adjacent land is residential with a school zone along the 0.37-mile-long
segment. The 85th percentile speed is 45 mph and would normally justify a 45 mph posted speed limit.
Since the 2013 E&T Survey, this segment has not added any additional through lanes and the speed limit
was properly set by an E&T Survey. This segment was identified by the City to apply Section 22358.8 of
the California Vehicle Code to retain the existing speed limit from the 2013 E&T Survey to keep the
speed limit posted at 35 mph. In addition, 25 mph school zones are recommended to remain in place
per Section 22352 of the California Vehicle Code.
Segment 39 — Cerritos Avenue — Foothill Boulevard to First Street
This segment is currently posted at 35 mph and has four lanes in the southbound direction with an ADT
of 4,467 vehicles per day. The adjacent land is residential along the 0.28-mile-long segment. The 85th
percentile speed is 44 mph and would normally justify a 40 mph posted speed limit using the MUTCD
Option 2 to round down to the nearest 5 mph speed. Since the 2013 E&T Survey, this segment has not
added any additional through lanes and the speed limit was properly set by an E&T Survey. This segment
was identified by the City to apply Section 22358.8 of the California Vehicle Code to retain the existing
speed limit from the 2013 E&T Survey to keep the speed limit posted at 35 mph.
2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report
Segment 40— San Gabriel Canyon Road —Start of State Route 39 to Sierra Madre Avenue
This segment is currently posted at 40 mph and has one lane in each direction, divided by a raised
median with an ADT of 6,118 vehicles per day. The adjacent land is residential along the 0.27-mile-long
segment. The 85th percentile speed is 47 mph and would normally justify a 45 mph posted speed limit.
However, due to uncontrolled crosswalks that may not be apparent to unfamiliar drivers and to
maintain uniformity with adjacent segments, a lower speed limit is prudent. It is recommended that the
speed limit remain posted at 40 mph for the above reason.
Segment 42 — Sierra Madre Avenue — San Gabriel Avenue to Lori Ann Avenue
This segment is currently posted at 40 mph and has two lanes in each direction, divided by a raised
median with an ADT of 11,046 per day. The adjacent land is residential along the 0.41-mile-long
segment. The 85th percentile speed is 47 mph and would normally justify a 45 mph posted speed limit.
However, due to uncontrolled crosswalks that may not be apparent to unfamiliar drivers and a crash
rate higher than the statewide average crash rate, a lower speed limit is prudent. It is recommended
that the speed limit remain posted at 40 mph for the above reason.
Segment 43 — Sierra Madre Avenue — Lori Ann Avenue to Todd Avenue
This segment is currently posted at 40 mph and has two lanes in each direction, divided by a raised
median with an ADT of 11,104 per day. The adjacent land is residential along the 0.61-mile-long
segment. The 85th percentile speed is 46 mph and would normally justify a 45 mph posted speed limit.
However, due to uncontrolled crosswalks that may not be apparent to unfamiliar drivers, a lower speed
limit is prudent. It is recommended that the speed limit remain posted at 40 mph for the above reason.
Segment 46 —Vernon Avenue — Third Street to First Street
This segment is currently posted at 25 mph and has one through lane in each direction with an ADT of
13,545 vehicles per day. The adjacent land is residential along the 0.28-mile-long segment. The 85th
percentile speed is 38 mph and would normally justify a 35 mph posted speed limit using the MUTCD
Option 2 to round down to the nearest 5 mph speed. Since the 2013 E&T Survey, this segment has not
added any additional through lanes and the speed limit was properly set by an E&T Survey. This segment
was identified by the City to apply Section 22358.8 of the California Vehicle Code to retain the existing
speed limit from the 2013 E&T Survey to keep the speed limit posted at 25 mph.
Segment 47 — Vernon Avenue — Sierra Madre Avenue to Foothill Boulevard
This segment is currently posted at 35 mph and has two lanes in each direction with an ADT of 2,559 per
day. The adjacent land is residential and industrial with a school zone along the 0.66-mile-long segment.
The 85th percentile speed is 40 mph and would normally justify a 40 mph posted speed limit. However,
due to uncontrolled crosswalks that may not be apparent to unfamiliar drivers, a lower speed limit is
prudent. It is recommended that the speed limit remain posted at 35 mph for the above reason. In
addition, 25 mph school zones are recommended to remain in place per Section 22352 of the California
Vehicle Code.
2024 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report
Legislative References
Applicable Sections of California Vehicle Code
The following sections of the CVC are from the most recently published CVC as of August 2023 and
contain new sections pertaining to AB 43.
Engineering and Traffic Surveys
Section 627.
(a) "Engineering and traffic survey," as used in this code, means a survey of highway and traffic
conditions in accordance with methods determined by the Department of Transportation for use by
state and local authorities.
(b) An engineering and traffic survey shall include, among other requirements deemed necessary by the
department, consideration of all of the following:
(1) Prevailing speeds as determined by traffic engineering measurements.
(2) Accident records.
(3) Highway, traffic, and roadside conditions not readily apparent to the driver.
(c) When conducting an engineering and traffic survey, local authorities, in addition to the factors set
forth in paragraphs (1) to (3), inclusive, of subdivision (b) may consider all of the following:
(1) Residential density, if any of the following conditions exist on the particular portion of highway
and the property contiguous thereto, other than a business district:
(A) Upon one side of the highway, within a distance of a quarter of a mile, the contiguous
property fronting thereon is occupied by 13 or more separate dwelling houses of business
structures.
(8) Upon both sides of the highway, collectively, within a distance of a quarter of a mile, the
contiguous property fronting thereon is occupied by 16 or more separate dwelling houses or
business structures.
(C) The portion of highway is longer than one -quarter of a mile but has the ratio of separate
dwelling houses or business structures to the length of the highway described in either
subparagraph (A) or (B).
(2) Safety of bicyclists and pedestrians, with increased consideration for vulnerable pedestrian
groups including children, seniors, persons with disabilities, users of personal assistive mobility
devices, and the unhoused.
2024 Engineering and Traffic survey Report is
Basic Speed Law
Section 22350.
No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having
due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no
event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.
Speed Law Violations
Section 22351.
(a) The speed of any vehicle upon a highway not in excess of the limits specified in Section 22352 or
established as authorized in this code is lawful unless clearly proved to be in violation of the basic
speed law.
(b) The speed of any vehicle upon a highway in excess of the prima facie speed limits in Section 22352
or established as authorized in this code is prima facie unlawful unless the defendant establishes by
competent evidence that the speed in excess of said limits did not constitute a violation of the basic
speed law at the time, place and under the conditions then existing.
Prima Facie Speed Limits
Section 22352.
The prima facie limits are as follows and shall be applicable unless changed as authorized in this code
and, if so changed, only when signs have been erected giving notice thereof:
(a) Fifteen miles per hour:
(1) When traversing a railway grade crossing, if during the last 100 feet of the approach to the
crossing the driver does not have a clear and unobstructed view of the crossing and of any
traffic on the railway for a distance of 400 feet in both directions along such railway. This
subdivision does not apply in the case of any railway grade crossing where a human flagman is
on duty or a clearly visible electrical or mechanical railway crossing signal device is installed but
does not then indicate the immediate approach of a railway train or car.
(2) When traversing any intersection of highways, if during the last 100 feet of the driver's approach
to the intersection, the driver does not have a clear and unobstructed view of the intersection
and of any traffic upon all of the highways entering the intersection for a distance of 100 feet
along all those highways, except at an intersection protected by stop signs or yield right-of-way
signs or controlled by official traffic control signals.
(3) On any alley.
(b) Twenty-five miles per hour:
(1) On any highway other than a state highway, in any business or residence district unless a
different speed is determined by local authority under procedures set forth in this code.
2024 Engineering and Traffic survey Report
Section 22357.1.
Notwithstanding Section 22357, a local authority may, by ordinance or resolution, set a prima facie
speed limit of 25 miles per hour on any street, other than a state highway, adjacent to any children's
playground in a public park but only during particular hours or days when children are expected to use
the facilities. The 25 mile per hour speed limit shall be effective when signs giving notice of the speed
limit are posted.
Section 22358.4
(a)
(b)
(1) Wherever a local authority determines upon the basis on an engineering and traffic survey that
the prima facie speed limit of 25 miles per hour established by subdivision (b) of Section 22352
is more than reasonable or safe, the local authority my, by ordinance or resolution, determine
and declare a prima facie speed limit of 20 or 15 miles per hour, whichever is justified as the
appropriate speed limit by that survey.
(2) An ordinance or resolution adopted under paragraph (1) shall not be effective until appropriate
signs giving notice of the speed limit are erected upon the highway and, in the case of a state
highway, until the ordinance is approved by the Department of Transportation and the
appropriate signs are erected up on the highway.
(1) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) or any other provision of law, a local authority may, by
ordinance or resolution, determine and declare prima facie speed limits as follows:
(A) A 15 miles per hour prima facie limit in a residence district, on a highway with a posted
speed limit of 30 miles per hour or slower, when approaching, at a distance less than 500
feet from, or passing, a school building or the grounds of a school building, contiguous to a
highway and posted with a school warning sign that indicates a speed limit of 15 miles per
hour, while children are going to or leaving the school, either during school hours or during
the noon recess period. The prima facie limit shall also apply when approaching, at a
distance of less than 500 feet from, or passing, school grounds that are not separated from
the highway by a fence, gate, or other physical barrier while the grounds are in use by
children and the highway is posted with a school warning sign that indicates a speed limit of
15 miles per hour.
(B) A 25 miles per hour prima facie limit in a residence district, on a highway with a posted
speed limit of 30 miles per hour or slower, when approaching, at a distance of 500 to 1,000
feet from, a school building or the grounds thereof, contiguous to a highway and posted
with a school warning sign that indicates a speed limit of 25 miles per hour, while children
are going to or leaving the school, either during school hours or during the noon recess
period. The prima facie limit shall also apply when approaching, at a distance of 500 to 1,000
feet from, school grounds that are not separated from the highway by a fence, gate, or
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other physical barrier while the grounds are in use by children and the highway is posted
with a school warning sign that indicates a speed limit of 25 miles per hour.
(2) The prima facie limits established under paragraph (1) apply only to highways that meet all of
the following conditions:
(A) A maximum of two traffic lanes.
(B) A maximum posted 30 miles per hour prima facie speed limit immediately prior and after
the school zone.
(3) The prima facie limits established under paragraph (1) apply to all lanes of an affected highway,
in both directions of travel.
(4) When determining the need to lower the prima facie speed limit, the local authority shall take
the provisions of Section 627 into consideration.
(5)
(A) An ordinance or resolution adopted under paragraph (1) shall not be effective until
appropriate signs giving notice of the speed limit are erected upon the highway and, in the
case of a state highway, until the ordinance is approved by the Department of
Transportation and the appropriate signs are erected upon the highway.
(B) For the purposes of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1), school warning signs indicating a
speed limit of 15 miles per hour may be placed at a distance up to 500 feet away from
schoolgrounds.
(C) For the purposes of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1), school warning signs indicating a
speed limit of 25 miles per hour may be placed at a distance between 500 and 1,000 feet
away from school grounds.
Business Activity Districts
Section 22358.9.
(a)
(1) Notwithstanding any other law, a local authority may, by ordinance, determine and declare a 25
or 20 miles per hour prima facie speed limit on a highway contiguous to a business activity
district when posted with a sign that indicates a speed limit of 25 or 20 miles per hour.
(2) The prima facie limits established under paragraph (1) apply only to highways that meet all of
the flowing conditions:
(A) A maximum of four traffic lanes.
(B) A maximum posted 30 miles per hour prima facie speed limit immediately prior to and after
the business activity district, if establishing a 25 miles per hour speed limit.
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(C) A maximum posted 25 miles per hour prima facie speed limit immediately prior to and after
the business activity district, if establishing a 20 miles per hour speed limit.
(b) As used in this section, a "business activity district" is that a portion of a highway and the property
contiguous thereto that includes central or neighborhood downtowns, urban villages, or zoning
designations that prioritize commercial land uses at the downtown neighborhood scale and meets
at least three of the following requirements in paragraphs (1) to (4), inclusive:
(1) No less than 50 percent of the contiguous property fronting the highway consists of retail or
dining commercial uses, including outdoor dining, that open directly onto sidewalks adjacent to
the highway.
(2) Parking, including parallel, diagonal, or perpendicular spaces located alongside the highway.
(3) Traffic control signals or stop signs regulating traffic flow on the highway, located at intervals of
no more than 600 feet.
(4) Marked crosswalks not controlled by a traffic control device.
(c) A local authority shall not declare a prima facie speed limit under this section on a portion of a
highway where the local authority has already lowered the speed limit as permitted under Section
22358.7, has retained the currently adopted speed limit under Section 22358.8, or has restored the
immediately prior adopted speed limit under Section 22358.8.
(d) A local authority shall issue only warning citation for violation of exceeding the speed limit by 10
miles per hour or less for the first 30 days that a lower speed limit is in effect as authorized by this
section.
Minimum and Maximum Prima Facie Speed Limits
Section 22357.
(a) Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that a
speed greater than 25 miles per hour would facilitate the orderly movement of vehicular traffic and
would be reasonable and safe upon any street other than a state highway otherwise subject to a
prima facie limit of 25 miles per hour, the local authority may by ordinance determine and declare a
prima facie speed limit of 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 or 60 miles per hour or a maximum speed limit of 65
miles per hour, whichever is found most appropriate to facilitate the orderly movement of traffic
and is reasonable and safe. The declared prima facie or maximum speed limit shall be effective
when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the street and shall not thereafter be
revised except upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey. This section does not apply to
any 25-mile-per-hour prima facie limit, which is applicable when passing a school building or the
grounds thereof or when passing a senior center or other facility primarily used by senior citizens.
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Section 22358.
(a) Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that a
speed greater than 65 miles per hour is more than is reasonable or safe upon any portion of any
street other than a state highway where the limit of 65 miles per hour is applicable, the local
authority may by ordinance determine and declare a prima facie speed limit of 60, 55, 45, 40, 35, 30,
25, 20, or 15 miles per hour, whichever is found most appropriate to facilitate the orderly
movement of traffic and is reasonable and safe, which declared prima facie limit shall be effective
when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the street.
Section 22358.3.
Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that the
prima facie speed limit of 25 miles per hour in a business or residence district or in a public park on any
street having a roadway not exceeding 25 feet in width, other than a state highway, is more than
reasonable or safe, the local authority may, by ordinance or resolution, determine and declare a prima
facie speed limit of 20 or 15 miles per hour, whichever is found most appropriate and is reasonable and
safe. The declared prima facie speed limit shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof
are erected upon the street.
Section 22360.
(a) Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that the
speed limit of 65 miles per hour is more than is reasonable or safe upon any portion of a highway
other than a state highway for a distance of not exceeding 2,000 feet in length between district,
either business or residence, the local authority may determine and declare a reasonable and safe
prima facie limit thereon lower than 65 mile per hour, but not less than 25 miles per hour, which
declared prima facie speed limit shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are
erected upon the street or highway.
Downward Speed Zoning
Section 223585.
It is the intent of the Legislature that physical conditions such as width, curvature, grade and surface
conditions, or any other condition readily apparent to a driver, in the absence of other factors, would
not require special downward speed zoning, as the basic rule of Section 22350 is sufficient regulation as
to such conditions.
Safety Corridors (Added code from AB 43)
Section 22358.7.
(a) If a local authority, after completing an engineering and traffic survey, finds that the speed limit is
still more than is reasonable or safe, the local authority may, by ordinance, determine and declare a
prima facie speed limit that has been reduced an additional five miles per hour for either of the
following reasons:
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(1) The portion of highway has been designated as a safety corridor. A local authority shall not
deem more than one -fifth of their streets as safety corridors.
(2) A portion of the highway is adjacent to any land or facility that generates high concentrations of
bicyclists or pedestrians, especially those from vulnerable groups such as children, seniors,
persons with disabilities, and the unhoused.
(3) A local authority may not lower a speed limit as authorized by this section until June 30, 2024, or
until the Judicial Council has developed an online tool for adjudicating infraction violations
statewide as specified in Article 7 (commencing with Section 68645) of Chapter 2 of Title 8 of
the Government code, whichever is sooner.
(4) A local authority shall issue only warning citations for violations of exceeding the speed limit by
10 miles per hour or less for the first 30 days that a lower speed limit is in effect as authorized
by this section.
Maintaining Posted Speeds (Added code from AB 43)
Section 22358.8.
(a) If a local authority, after completing an engineering and traffic survey, finds that the speed limit is
still more than is reasonable or safe, the local authority may, by ordinance, retain the currently
adopted speed limit or restore the immediately prior adopted speed limit if that speed limit was
established with an engineering and traffic survey and if a registered engineer has evaluated the
section of highway and determined that no additional general purpose lanes have been added to
the roadway since completion of the traffic survey that established that speed limit.
(b) This section does not authorize a speed limit to be reduced by any more than five miles per hour
from the currently adopted speed limit nor below the immediately prior speed limit.
(c) A local authority shall issue only warning citations for violations of exceeding the speed limit by 10
miles per hour or less for the first 30 days that a lower speed limit is in effect as authorized by this
section.
Boundary Line Streets
Section 22359.
With respect to boundary line streets and highways where portions thereof are within different
jurisdictions, no ordinance adopted under Sections 22357 and 22358 shall be effective as to any such
portion until all authorities having jurisdiction of the portions of the street concerned have approved the
same. This section shall not apply in the case of boundary line streets consisting of separate roadways
within different jurisdictions.
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Speed Trap Prohibition
Section 40801
No peace officer or other person shall use a speed trap in arresting, or participating or assisting in the
arrest of, any person for any alleged violation of this code nor shall any speed trap be used in securing
evidence as to the speed of any vehicle for the purpose of an arrest or prosecution under this code.
Speed Trap
Section 40802.
(a) A "speed trap" is either of the following:
(b)
(1) A particular section of a highway measured as to distance and with boundaries marked,
designated, or otherwise determined in order that the speed of a vehicle may be calculated by
securing the time it takes the vehicle to travel the known distance.
(2) A particular section of a highway with a prima facie speed limit that is provided by this code or
by local ordinance under subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 22352,
or established under Section 22354, 22357, 22358, or 22358.3, if that prima facie speed limit is
not justified by an engineering and traffic survey conducted within five years prior to the date of
the alleged violation, and enforcement of the speed limit involves the use of radar or any other
electronic device that measures the speed of moving object. This paragraph does not apply to a
local street, road, or school zone.
(1) For purposes of this section, a local street or road is one that is functionally classified as "local"
on the "California Road System Maps," that are approved by the Federal Highway
Administration and maintained by the Department of Transportation. It may also be defined as a
"local street or road" if it primarily provides access to abutting residential property and meets
the following three conditions:
(A) Roadway width of not more than 40 feet.
(B) Not more than one-half of a mile of uninterrupted length. Interruptions shall include official
traffic control signals as defined in Section 445.
(C) Not more than one traffic lane in each direction.
(2) For purposes of this section "school zone" means that area approaching or passing a school
building or the grounds thereof that is contiguous to a highway and on which is posted a
standard "SCHOOL" warning sign, while children are going to or leaving the school either during
school hours or during the noon recess period. "School zone" also includes the area
approaching or passing any school grounds that are not separated from the highway by a fence,
gate, or other physical barrier while the grounds are in use by children if that highway is posted
with a standard "SCHOOL" warning sign.
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(c)
(3) For purposes of this section, "senior zone' means that area approaching or passing a senior
center building or other facility primarily used by senior citizens, or the grounds thereof that is
contiguous to a highway and on which is posted a standard "SENIOR" warning sign, pursuant to
Section 22352.
(4) For purposes of this section, "business activity district" means a section of highway described in
subdivision (b) of Section 22358.9 in which a standard 2S miles per hour of 20 miles per hour
speed limit sign has been posted pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of that section.
(1) When all the following criteria are met, paragraph (2) of this subdivision shall be applicable and
subdivision (a) shall not be applicable:
(A) When radar is used, the arresting officer has successfully completed a radar operator course
of not less than 24 hours on the use of police traffic radar, and the course was approved and
certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
(B) When laser or any other electronic device is used to measure the speed of moving objects,
the arresting officer has successfully completed the training required in subparagraph (A)
and an additional training course of not less than two hours approved and certified by the
Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
(C)
(i) The prosecution proved that the arresting officer complied with subparagraphs (A) and
(B) and that an engineering and traffic survey has been conducted in accordance with
subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2). The prosecution proved that, prior to the officer
issuing the notice to appear, the arresting officer established that the radar, laser, or
other electronic device conformed to the requirements of subparagraph (D).
(ii) The prosecution proved the speed of the accused was unsafe for the conditions present
at the time of alleged violation unless the citation was for a violation of Section 22349,
22356, or 22406.
(D) The radar, laser, or other electronic device used to measure the speed of the accused meets
or exceeds the minimal operational standards of the National Traffic Highway Safety
Administration, and has been calibrated within the three years prior to the date of the
alleged violation by an independent certified laser or radar repair and testing or calibration
facility.
(2) A "speed trap" is either of the following:
(A) A particular section of a highway measured as to distance and with boundaries marked,
designated, or otherwise determined in order that the speed of a vehicle may be calculated
by securing the time it takes the vehicle to travel the known distance.
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R
(i) A particular section of a highway or state highway with a prima facie speed limit that is
provided by this code or by local ordinance under paragraph (1) of of subdivision (b) of
Section 22352, or established under Section 22354, 22357, 22358, or 22358.3, if that
prima facie speed limit is not justified by an engineering and traffic survey conducted
within one of the following time periods, prior to the date of the alleged violation, and
enforcement of speed limit involves the use of radar or any other electronic device that
measures the speed of moving objects:
(1) Except as specified in subdause (II), seven years.
(II) If an engineering and traffic survey was conducted more than seven years prior to
the date of the alleged violation, and a registered engineer evaluates the section of
the highway and determines that no significant changes in roadway or traffic
conditions have occurred including, but not limited to, changes in adjoining property
or land use, roadway width, or traffic volume, 14 years.
(ii) This subparagraph does not apply to a local street, road, or school zone, senior zone,
business activity district, or speed limit adopted under Section 22358.7 or 22358.8.
Speed Trap Evidence
Section 40803.
(a) No evidence as to the speed of a vehicle upon a highway shall be admitted in any court upon the
trial of any person in any prosecution under this code upon a charge involving the speed of a vehicle
when the evidence is based upon or obtained from or by the maintenance or use of a speed trap.
(b) In any prosecution under this code of a charge involving the speed of a vehicle, where enforcement
involves the use of radar or other electronic devices which measure the speed of moving objects,
the prosecution shall establish, as part of its prima facie case, that the evidence or testimony
presented is not based upon a speed trap as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section
40802.
(c) When a traffic and engineering survey is required pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of
Section 40802, evidence that a traffic and engineering survey has been conducted within five years
of the date of the alleged violation or evidence that the offense was committed on a local street or
road as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 40802 shall constitute a prima facie
case that the evidence or testimony is not based upon a speed trap as defined in paragraph (2)
subdivision (a) of Section 40802.
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APPENDIX A
Street Segment Data
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