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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4094 RESOLUTION NO. 4094 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON, APPROVING REVISIONS TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC CALMING PROGRAM WHEREAS, the City of Auburn not unlike other cities, has growing concerns related to traffic congestion and the flow of traffic in certain neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, in order to maximize efforts to control speed and volumes, so as to provide safe streets for the citizens and travelers of Auburn, the City implemented a program from neighborhood traffic calming; and WHEREAS, the program has been in effect for more than nine months; and WHEREAS, revisions to improve the neighborhood traffic calming program have been identified in Exhibit "A". NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN, HEREBY RESOLVES as follows: Section 1. That the revised neighborhood traffic calming program, as identified on the Exhibit attached hereto, marked as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by this reference, be, and the same hereby is, approved in substantial conformity therewith. Section 2. That the Mayor is authorized to implement such administrative procedures as may be necessary to carry out the directives of this legislation. Resolution No. 4094 September 7,2006 Page 1 of 2 Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect and be in full force upon passage and signatures hereon. Dated and Signed this / g 0-day of .~~~ ,2006. ~.Q CITY OF.A U. ~N. . ___~=::>. . ...~ PETE~LE~ -.:=;:.. ." .~C)_ MAYOR ATTEST: Resolution No. 4094 September 7,2006 Page 2 of 2 September 2006 i\lJi WASHINGTON Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program "Traffic Calming is the combination of mainly physical measures that reduce the negative effects of motor vehicles, alter driver behavior and improve conditions for non-motorized street users". Adopted by ITE International. 1997 The City of Auburn is dedicated to improving the quality and livability of Auburn's neighborhoods and recognizes that traffic management is an importance component of building strong neighborhoods. Hence, the City Council adopted the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program to assist residents and the City in developing sustainable solutions to speeding and traffic safety concerns on residential streets. The objectives of the program are to: . Promote safe driving speeds in residential neighborhoods, . Discourage cut-through vehicle traffic, . Develop pleasant livable neighborhoods, . Encourage citizen involvement in the process, . Facilitate communication amongst neighbors, and . Ensure neighborhood streets are safe for all travelers including motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program is structured as a multi-phase toolkit to help residents and the City work together to achieve the objectives of the program. During Phase I of the program, residents notify the City of a traffic safety concern, and the City conducts a technical analysis to determine the extent of the problem. As part of the technical analysis, the City conducts a speed study, and reviews existing traffic volumes and recent accident history. As necessary, the City installs signage, refreshes pavement markings, and conducts targeted law enforcement. Based upon the findings of Phase I, the City and neighborhood may proceed to Phases II and III, which include installation of temporary or permanent devices that physically force traffic to slow down, such as speed humps or traffic circles. The Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program is a process, rather than a fixed solution, in which City staff, elected officials, and neighborhood residents work together closely to develop tailored solutions. Thus, ongoing communication and evaluation are essential to the success of the effort and will help ensure that neighborhood safety concerns are addressed in an effective and sustainable manner. City of Auburn Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program Page 1 of 11 September 2006 PHASE I - DATA COLLECTION, REVIEW OF SIGNAGE/PAVEMENT MARKINGS, AND POLICE ENFORCEMENT When a Citizen of Auburn submits a neighborhood traffic complaint about a residential location (usually related to speeding and/or safety), it initiates the beginning of "Phase I" of the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program (NTCP). During the NTCP First Phase, transportation staff will review the situation in the neighborhood; data will be collected from speed studies and accident histories. After data is collected and the data confirms there is a problem, staff will work with the neighborhood utilizing the following "Tool Box" of items: . Review effectiveness of current signage and update signage as needed: o Speed limit signs o Dead End Signs o No Parking Signs o Stop or Yield Signs o Other signs as needed or requested. o Stationary Radar Signs . Review pavement markings and refresh or install new as needed: o Adequate Crosswalks o Stop Bars Refreshed o School Zone Markings o Lane Narrowing using Striping. . Target police enforcement . Review Sight Distance Concerns: o Trim brush if necessary o Review parking restrictions. A study will be performed approximately 6 months after implementation of Phase I. If traffic safety in the neighborhood does not improve during Phase I, Phases II and III, which include physical measures that change the roadway environment, such as traffic circles or speed humps, may be considered. PHASE 11- TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CALMING TREATMENTS After Phase I items have been implemented or if it is determined by the Traffic Engineer that additional Phase I tool box items are unnecessary or inappropriate, temporary traffic calming devices may be considered. Temporary traffic calming devices are available in a number of designs including speed tables, speed humps and speed cushions (see description pgs 4-6). They are rubber or composite devices in the same configuration as permanent traffic calming devices but are bolted to the ground and can be more easily installed and removed. Temporary traffic calming devices serve the same function as permanent devices, and are useful when testing their efficacy in reducing speeding and improving safety. They offer a chance for the neighborhood to determine if permanent devices are desired, and enable the City to collect additional data to determine whether the streeUneighborhood is a good candidate for permanent devices. Similar to PHASE I, after a 6 month trial period if temporary physical installations have proven effective and desirable, Phase III (permanent physical installations) may be considered. Petition Process: For Phase II only, the streeUneighborhood must submit a petition with signatures from at least 51 % of residents located within the project boundaries indicating that the majority of residents are in favor of the temporary installations. Boundaries will be identified on a case by case basis and may include residents up to 4 blocks in any direction from the proposed device. Temporary devices are 100% funded by the City if the need has been documented and sufficient funding is available. City of Auburn Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program Page 2 of 11 September 2006 PHASE 11I- PERMANENT TRAFFIC CALMING TREATMENTS After Phase I and II items have been implemented, City staff will again collect data, and then compare it to the previously gathered information. If residents still have concerns about traffic and the location meets the City's guidelines, the location will be reviewed for possible installation of permanent physical devices. Note, Phase II can be bypassed with approval of the City's Traffic Engineer if the neighborhood so desires. The City has developed a "Tool Box" of items that may be selected from depending on need, neighborhood feedback, cost, road classification, topography of the area, and geometry of the roadway. The following is a list of items that may be considered (each one has advantages and disadvantages): . Speed Tables . Speed Humps . Speed Cushions . Traffic Circles (not Roundabouts) . Chicanes . Bulb Outs . Neighborhood Entry Treatments . Stationary Radar Signs . Ped Islands (wi or wlo detection) Each of the devices is unique and specific guidelines need to be established for when and where they may be used. Neighborhood meetings are required and the majority of residents must support the proposed improvements before the City will proceed with the construction of any permanent physical device. This program has been developed with local neighborhood streets in mind. In some cases it may be appropriate to evaluate classified streets such as collectors or arterials. In those cases additional and/or different criteria may apply. FUNDING PHASE I: With exception to the Stationary Radar Speed Sign (approximately $3000 to $6000) all PHASE I devices are 100% funded by the City, and costs are considered minimal. Stationary Radar Signs installed on a short-term basis during Phase I are 100% city funded. However, Stationary Radar Signs installed on a permanent basis, as part of Phase III, will be paid 100% by the neighborhood. PHASES II and III: If the City has verification of need, the City will fund the improvements 100%. However, funding limitations require the City to prioritize improvements on an annual basis. Hence, a neighborhood with a verified need may have to wait until funding becomes available. If there is no verification of a need, but a neighborhood perception remains, and the neighborhood desires to have such devices installed, the neighborhood will be responsible for funding said devices. Criteria: . High accident location - accidents must be types that would have been prevented had the traffic calming devices been in place; OR . 85th percentile speeds on road are equal to or in excess of 10 mph over the posted speed limit; OR . Five (5) or more drivers per 24 hour period driving at maximum speeds in excess of 15 mph over the posted speed limit; OR . Evidence of cut through traffic from parallel high volume arterials present; OR . The above criteria is nearly met and the City's Traffic Engineer deems there to be a significant speeding problem. City of Auburn Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program Page 3 of 11 September 2006 Speed Tables DESCRIPTION: Speed Tables vertically deflect vehicles. They are typically 22 feet wide, as long as the roadway is wide, and 3- 4 inches high. They are designed to slow the majority of vehicles down to approximately 25 -30 mph. ADVANTAGES: . Reduces vehicle speed. More effective if used in a series at 300' to 500' spacing or in conjunction with other traffic calming devices. . Can reduce vehicular volumes. . Minimal restrictions to on-street parking. . Requires minimum maintenance. DISADVANTAGES: concerns. . May divert traffic to parallel streets that do not have traffic calming measures, creating other traffic . Impacts emergency response vehicles and potentially their response times. . Not aesthetically pleasing. COST: Moderate ($2000 to $5000 each.) CRITERIA for SPEED Tables: . Local Streets Only . Fire and Police must approve the locations, so as to accommodate emergency response. . Cannot be used on streets with a significant grade. . 85th percentile speeds on road are equal to or in excess of 10 mph over the posted speed limit; OR Five (5) or more drivers per 24 hour-period driving at maximum speeds in excess of 15 mph over the posted speed limit; OR Evidence of cut through traffic from parallel high volume arterials present; OR The above criteria is nearly met and the City's Traffic Engineer deems there to be a significant speeding problem. . 40% of residents on street must participate in voting process, 70% of which need to be in support of the installation. Boundaries will be identified on a case by case basis and may include residents up to 4 blocks in any direction from the proposed device. City of Auburn Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program Page 4 of 11 September 2006 Speed Humps DESCRIPTION: Speed Humps vertically deflect vehicles. They are typically 12 to 14 feet wide, as long as the roadway is wide, and 3 inches high. They are designed to slow the majority of vehicles down to approximately 20 to 25 mph. . Reduces vehicle speed. More effective if used in a series at 300' to 500' spacing or in conjunction with other traffic calming devices. . Can reduce vehicular volumes. . Minimal restrictions to on-street parking. . Requires minimum maintenance. ADVANTAGES: DISADVANTAGES: . May divert traffic to parallel streets that do not have traffic calming measures, creating other traffic concerns. . Impacts emergency response vehicles and potentially their response times. . Not aesthetically pleasing. COST: Moderate ($1500 to $3000 each.) CRITERIA for SPEED HUMPS: . Local Streets Only . Fire and Police must approve the locations, so as to accommodate emergency response. . Cannot be used on streets with a significant grade. . 85th percentile speeds on the road,'are equal to or in excess of 10 mph over the posted speed limit; OR Five (5) or more drivers per 24 hour-period are driving at maximum speeds in excess of 15 mph over the posted speed limit; OR Evidence of cut through traffic from parallel high volume arterials is present; OR The above criteria is nearly met and the City's Traffic Engineer deems there to be a significant speeding problem. . 40% of residents on street must participate in voting process, 70% of which need to be in support of the installation. Boundaries will be identified on a case by case basis and may include residents up to 4 blocks in any direction from the proposed device. City of Auburn Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program Page 5 of 11 September 2006 Speed Cushions DESCRIPTION: Speed cushions are made out of asphalt and are about 3 inches in height. The length of the cushion is about 10 ft. The spaces between the cushions allow emergency vehicles to partially straddle the device. ADVANTAGES: . Reduces vehicle speed. More effective if used in a series at 300' to 500' spacing or in conjunction with other traffic calming devices. . Can reduce vehicular volumes. . Minimal restrictions to on-street parking. . Does not restrict access for residents. . Requires minimum maintenance. . Minimal impact to emergency response times for fire trucks and motorcycle police officers. DISADVANTAGES: . May divert traffic to parallel streets that do not have traffic calming measures, creating other traffic concerns. . May increase emergency vehicle response times. . Not aesthetically pleasing. . Motorbikes can use the "spaces" to avoid the device. COST: Moderate ($1500 per each to $3000 per each.) CRITERIA for SPEED CUSHIONS: . Local Streets Only . Fire and Police must approve the locations, so as to accommodate emergency response. . Cannot be used on streets with a significant grade. . 85th percentile speeds on the road are equal to or in excess of 10 mph over the posted speed limit; OR Five (5) or more drivers per 24 hour-period are driving at maximum speeds in excess of 15 mph over the posted speed limit; OR Evidence of cut through traffic from parallel high volume arterials is present; OR The above criteria is nearly met and the City's Traffic Engineer deems there to be a significant speeding problem. . 40% of residents on street must participate in voting process, 70% of which need to be in support of the installation. Boundaries will be identified on a case by case basis and may include residents up to 4 blocks in any direction from the proposed device. City of Auburn Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program Page 6 of 11 September 2006 Traffic Circles DESCRIPTION: Traffic circles are raised islands constructed at the center of intersections. Treatments include decorative paving such as stamped asphalt, or landscaping. Traffic circles require drivers to slow to a speed that allows them to comfortably maneuver around them. Motorists travel in a counter-clockwise direction around the circle. Traffic circles are "yield upon entry" meaning that vehicles in the circle have the right of way and vehicles entering the circle must wait until the path is clear. Design Standard will most likely vary between retrofit design and new construction. ADVANTAGES: . Reduces vehicle speed. . Reduces ve,hicle conflicts at uncontrolled intersections. . Provides equal access to intersection for all drivers. . Does not restrict access to residents. . Traffic circles can improve the aesthetics of a street. . Can be used on streets with grade challenges that would prevent other types of treatments such as speed humps and cushions. DISADVANTAGES: . May increase conflicts with cyclists and pedestrians. . May divert traffic to parallel streets. . Some curbside parking must be prohibited at each corner of the intersection. . May increase emergency response time. The construction of a mountable curb minimizes this. . May impact access for large trucks and longer buses. COST: High ($7500 to $15,000 per each location). CRITERIA for TRAFFIC CIRCLES: . Must be installed at an intersection of two Local Streets Only (either T intersection or 4 way) . Fire and Police must approve the locations, so as to accommodate emergency response. . 85th percentile speeds on the road are equal to or in excess of 10 mph over the posted speed limit; OR Five (5) or more drivers per 24 hour-period are driving at maximum speeds in excess of 15 mph over the posted speed limit; OR Evidence of cut through traffic from parallel high volume arterials is present; OR The above criteria is nearly met and the City's Traffic Engineer deems there to be a significant speeding problem. . 40% of residents on street must participate in voting process, 70% of which need to be in support of the installation. Boundaries will be identified on a case by case basis and may include residents up to 4 blocks in any direction from the proposed device. City of Auburn Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program Page 7 of 11 DESCRIPTION: September 2006 Chicanes A chicane is a series of two or more staggered curb extensions on alternating sides of the roadway. Horizontal deflection requires motorists to reduce speed through the chicane. A raised island is typically added to the center of the road to prevent motorist from crossing the centerline. As with the Traffic Circles, either landscaping or decorative paving may be used. ADVANTAGES: . Reduces speed. . Minimal impact to emergency vehicles. . Chicanes can improve the aesthetics of a street. . Can be used on streets with grade challenges that would prevent other types of treatments such as speed humps and cushions. DISADVANTAGES: . May restrict access to residents. . Curbside parking must be prohibited. . Maintenance responsibility, if landscaped. . May divert traffic to parallel streets. . May increase conflicts with cyclists and pedestrians. COST: High ($22,500 - $37,000 each) CRITERIA for CHICANES: . For use on Local Streets and Collectors. . Fire and Police must approve the locations related to emergency response. . 85th percentile speeds on the road are equal to or in excess of 10 mph over the posted speed limit; OR Five (5) or more drivers per 24 hour-period are driving at maximum speeds in excess of 15 mph over the posted speed limit; OR Evidence of cut through traffic from parallel high volume arterials is present; OR The above criteria is nearly met and the City's Traffic Engineer deems there to be a significant speeding problem. . 40% of residents on street must participate in voting process, 70% of which need to be in support of the installation. Boundaries will be identified on a case by case basis and may include residents up to 4 blocks in any direction from the proposed device. City of Auburn Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program Page 8 of 11 DESCRIPTION: September 2006 Bulb Outs The intersection is narrowed by extending the curbs toward the center of the roadway or by building detached raised islands to allow for drainage and bike lane passage. Bulbs outs are traditionally used at intersections, but can also be used in mid-block locations with heavy pedestrian volumes. ADVANTAGES: . Reduces crossing distance for pedestrians. . May reduce cut-through traffic. . Minimal impact to emergency vehicles. . Can be aesthetically pleasing. DISADVANTAGES: . Curbside parking must be prohibited at adjacent residences. . Minimal impact to mid-block speeding, unless a bulb out is placed mid-block. . Maintenance responsibility, if landscaped. . May impact access for large trucks and longer buses. COST: High ($16,500 each) CRITERIA for BULB OUTS: . Bulb outs are preferred as part of new construction rather than retrofit of an existing situation, but they are not excluded as a solution for existing streets. . Either a local, collector, or arterial street. . Street width must be wide enough to allow two lanes of traffic to pass. . Must be approved as part of the plat approval process: OR . The City's Traffic Engineer must determine it is an appropriate treatment for a retrofit situation. City of Auburn Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program Page 9 of 11 September 2006 Entry Treatments DESCRIPTION: There are two main types of Entry Treatments: a raised island in the center of a roadway, or a decorative pavement treatment such as stamped asphalt. Either treatment alerts the driver of an entrance to a neighborhood. ADVANTAGES: . Notifies drivers that they are entering a neighborhood or residential area. . Opportunity for landscaping and/or neighborhood signs. . Can discourage non-local traffic. . Minimal impact to emergency vehicles. . Can be aesthetically pleasing. . Minimal impacts to access for residents. DISADVANTAGES: . May require parking removal near the treatment. . Maintenance responsibility . Matching decorative paving during repair work, such as utility trenching. COSTS: Moderate to High CRITERIA for ENTRY TREATMENTS: . Must be an entry onto a Local Street. . 40% of residents on street must participate in voting process, 70% of which need to be in support of the installation. City of Auburn Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program Page 10 of 11 Septelnber 2006 Stationary Radar Sign DESCRIPTION: Stationary Radar Signs direct a motorist's attention to the posted speed limit and displays the driver's speed on a message board. Once a certain speed is reached (e.g. 10 mph over the limit), some signs will flash "SLOW DOWN" and display the speed limit, rather than the actual driving speed. A: For drivers complying with the speed limit - steady display. B: For drivers going 1 to 9 mph over the speed limit - flashing display. C: For drivers going 10 or more mph over the speed limit - flashing display. ADVANTAGES: . Notifies driver of speed. . Can be used on streets with grade challenges that would prevent other types of treatments such as speed humps and cushions. . Zero impact to emergency vehicles. . Slows drivers 5 to 8 mph at the sign location. . No impact to on street parking. . Flexible in the location/placement. . Easy to remove. DISADVANTAGES: . Only isolated impacts to speeding vehicles. Potential for impact to lessen as motorist become accustomed to seeing the sign. . If simpler radar sign is used (with "your speed" display only), drivers may try to see how high they can register on the sign. . Needs electric or solar power. COST: Moderate ($3000 to $6000 each) City of Auburn Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program Page 11 of 11