01-04-1994 - Traffic Committee Minutes - 12/21/93City of West Covina
Memorandum
TO: City Manager and City Council
FROM: David L. Nelson, Secretary
.AGENDA
SUBJECT: TRAFFIC COMMITTEE MINUTES ITEM NO. C-5
DATE January 4, 1994
Aftached are the Minutes of the Traffic Committee Meeting held on December 21, 1993.
David L. Nelson, Secretary
Traffic Committee
• •.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRAFFIC COMMITTEE
CITY OF WEST COVINA
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1993
2:00 P.M.
POLICE DEPARTMENT CONFERENCE ROOM
PRESENT: Lieutenant Ross Keaton, Thomas M. Mayer, and David L. Nelson.
I. REQUEST:
City request and Sid Mousavi, Director of Public Works, City of Baldwin Park.
THAT A TWO-WAY LEFT -TURN LANE BE INSTALLED ON SAN
BERNARDINO ROAD BETWEEN ORANGE AVENUE AND T14E WEST CITY
LIMIT.
THAT THE NORTH AND SOUTH SIDES OF SAN BERNARDINO ROAD
BETWEEN THE EAST AND WEST CITY LIMITS BE DESIGNATED AS "NO
STOPPING ANYTIME".
THAT A DOUBLE HEAD ARROW WARNING SIGN (W-56) BE INSTALLED
ON SAN BERNARDINO ROAD AT AZUSA CANYON ROAD.
SUMMARY:
The City Council returned this item to, staff for further study. Staff has prepared
channelization plans and collision diagrams for this segment of San Bernardino Road.
West Covina has a 1000-foot segment of San Bernardino Road under our its
jurisdiction.. Left -turn lanes and two-way left -turn lanes can mitigate both left -turn
and rear -end type collisions. The continuation of the existing two-way left -turn lane
along the 1000 foot segment of San Bernardino Road within West Covina will
conform to the channelization within the adjoining jurisdictions.
TRAFFIC COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
THAT A TWO-WAY LEFT -TURN LANE BE INSTALLED ON SAN
BERNARDINO ROAD BETWEEN ORANGE AVENUE AND THE WEST CITY
LIMIT.
THAT THE NORTH AND SOUTH SIDES OF SAN BERNARDINO ROAD
BETWEEN THE EAST AND WEST CITY LIMITS BE DESIGNATED AS "NO
STOPPING ANYTIME".
THAT A DOUBLE HEAD ARROW (W-56) WARNING SIGN BE INSTALLED
ON SAN BERNARDINO ROAD AT AZUSA CANYON ROAD.
II. REOUEST:
Orson Beesley, Beesley Construction, 523 King Street, Monrovia 91016.
THAT THE FIRE LANE INSTALLATION PLANS FOR 2506-2516 WORKMAN
AVENUE BE APPROVED.
SUMMARY:
The owner of the business and commercial center located along the south side of
Workman Avenue east of the Eastland Theater is remodelling his building. In
accordance with California Vehicle Code Section 22500.1, the City enforces
designated Fire Lanes when they are properly installed providing reasonable notice to
vehicle operators.
deMsum
Traffic Committee Meeting •.
December 21, 1993
i
!
II. Orson Beesley - Continued !
I
TRAFFIC COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
i
THAT THE FIRE LANE INSTALLATION PLANS FOR 2506-2516 WORKMAN
AVENUE BE APPROVED.
III. REQUEST:
City initiated. j
i
THAT THE INTERSECTION •OFj SUNSET AVENUE WITH VINE AVENUE
AND THE QUEEN OF THE VALLEY HOSPITAL BE REVIEWED
REGARDING THE WARRANTS; FOR STATIONING AN ADULT CROSSING
GUARD.
SUMMARY:
The City has recently completed the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection
on Sunset Avenue with Vine Avenue and the Queen of the. Valley Hospital main
entrance. There has been an adult crossing guard stationed at this intersection. One
of the basic requirements for warranting an adult crossing guard is that the
intersection should not be controlled by a traffic signal. However, there is an
"Excessive Turning Movement Warrant" that is applied to signalized intersections.
TRAFFIC COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
THAT THE REQUEST BE HELD OVER FOR FURTHER STUDY..
THAT THE ADULT CROSSING GUARD REMAIN AT THE. INTERSECTION
OF SUNSET AND VINE AVENUES UNTIL THE TRAFFIC COMMITTEE
COMPLETES THEIR REVIEW:
nl
dec93sum
Traffic Committee Meeting
December 21, 1993
C1
I. REOUEST:
City request and Sid. Mousavi, Director of Public Works, City of Baldwin Park.
THAT A TWO-WAY LEFT -TURN LANE BE INSTALLED ON SAN
BERNARDINO ROAD BETWEEN ORANGE AVENUE AND THE WEST CITY
LIMIT.
THAT THE NORTH AND SOUTH SIDES OF SAN BERNARDINO ROAD
BETWEEN THE EAST AND WEST CITY LIMITS BE DESIGNATED AS "NO
STOPPING ANYTIME1%
THAT A DOUBLE HEAD ARROW WARNING SIGN (W-56) BE INSTALLED
ON SAN BERNARDINO ROAD AT AZUSA CANYON ROAD.
FINDINGS:
This Traffic Committee item was returned to staff for further study. _ Staff has
attached drawings of the existing and proposed channelization. Three collision
diagrams are attached. They show mid -block and intersection accidents on San
Bernardino Road.
The City of Baldwin Park is planning to construct a 12-foot wide raised and
landscaped median on Ramona Boulevard west of the West- Covina boundary. They
have submitted a channelization plan for our review. Ramona Boulevard is actually
San Bernardino Road within the West Covina City limits. Their plans require our
approval because the proposed channelization and parking restrictions extend 75 feet
into West Covina.
West Covina has a 1000-foot segment of San Bernardino Road under its jurisdiction..
The segment begins at the centerline intersection of Orange Avenue and extends to
550 feet west of Azusa Canyon Road. This segment of San Bernardino Road is 60
feet in width curb -to -curb.. There are four 11-foot wide travel lanes. and two 8-foot
wide parking lanes along most of this segment of San Bernardino Road. Except for
RTD bus stops, parking is unrestricted along the south side of this segment of San
Bernardino Road. Parking is unrestricted along the north side from Azusa Canyon
Road to 550 feet westerly to the City limit. Parking is restricted along the north side
from Azusa Canyon Road extending past the eastern City limit.at the centerline of
Orange Avenue. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works has
jurisdiction over San Bernardino Road east of the centerline of Orange Avenue. San
Bernardino Road and Azusa Canyon Road are designated truck routes. , There is a
two-way left -turn lane existing on San Bernardino Road east of Orange Avenue in the
Los Angeles County jurisdiction. There is no left -turn lane on the eastbound
approach of San Bernardino Road to the signalized intersection at Azusa Canyon
Road. There are numerous drive approaches along the north side of San Bernardino
Road.
Left -turn lanes and two-way left -turn lanes can mitigate both left -turn and rear=end
type collisions. A two-way left -turn lane will provide a reflectively safe haven for
vehicles waiting to execute a left -turn. Removing left -turning vehicles from the
through -traffic lanes can reduce the probability of rear -end type collisions. Left -turn
lanes can also improve visibility and sight distance. These conditions will generally
reduce the probability of left -turn type collisions.
The attached collision diagram for the intersection of San Bernardino Road with
Azusa Canyon Road illustrates the collisions reported from January 1988 through June
1993. There were nine left -turn collisions reported at this intersection. Two
additional left -turn collisions have occurred since July 1993; however, these
collisions are not yet entered into the computerized data base. Eleven left -turn
-1-
dec93rep
Traffic Committee Meeting*
December 21, 1993
I. City request and Sid Mousavi, Director of Public Works, City of
Baldwin Park - Continued
collisions over a six -year period is not excessive. However, the collision diagram
.does show a pattern of left -turn type collisions involving an eastbound vehicle
executing a left turn being struck by westbound through traffic. This is to say that
the frequency of left-tum collisions',is disproportionately high relative to all other
types of collisions. There is no left -turn lane on the eastbound approach of San
Bernardino Road to Azusa Canyon Road. Left turn lanes can mitigate the frequency
of left -turn type collisions by improving the sight distance. Left -turn lanes can also
reduce the frequency of rear -end collisions by isolating left -turning vehicles from the
through traffic.
The collision diag ram`for the intersection of San Bernardino Road with Orange
Avenue shows only those collisionsi, occurring west of the centerline of Orange
Avenue. All accidents occurring east of the centerline of Orange Avenue would be
recorded by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. These accident reports
are not readily available to staff. However, the traffic signal is warranted in part by
the excessive frequency of right angle collisions at the intersection. Historically,
many of the right angle collisions occurring at this intersection are within the Los
Angeles County jurisdiction:
There were three run -off -the -road type accidents reported at the intersection of San
Bernardino Road with Azusa Canyon Road. All three collisions occurred when a
southbound vehicle on Azusa Canyon Road proceeded across San Bernardino Road
and struck the south curb. This isa "T" type intersection with Azusa Canyon as the
minor leg. According to the California Traffic Manual, "The Double Head Arrow
sign (W56) may be used on the far side of a "T" intersection in line with and at right
angles to approaching traffic". Although these three run -off -the -road type collisions
occurred in excess of four years ago, a warning sign may increase driver awareriess
that this is a "T" type intersection.I
I
Staff is preparing .the plans and specifications for the installation of a traffic signal at
the .intersection of San Bernardino iRoad and Orange Avenue. This project is part of
the 1993-94 Capital Improvement Program. Because of .the proximate location of the
signalized intersection at San Bernardino Road and Azusa Canyon Road 'it is proposed
that both traffic signals be operated by a�single controller. The controller will
provide multiple phases with overlapping to minimize delay and conflicts. It is
proposed to provide east and west pprotected left -turn phases (green arrows) at these
intersections. These left -turn phasles will be coordinated or overlap with the east and
westbound through traffic according to demand. A' protected left -turn phase with
overlapping will require that left -turning vehicles be separated from the through -traffic
with a left -turn lane.
Uniformity of traffic controls along streets and highways can mitigate driver
confusion. Because San Bernardino Road extends through many jurisdictions, it is
not uncommon for the channelization to change: This may be confusing to some
vehicle operators particularly during the hours of darkness and when the pavement is
wet. The attached drawings illustrate the existing and proposed channelization.. San
Bernardino Road east of the centerline of.Orange Avenue is under the Los Angeles
County jurisdiction. There is an existing two-way left -turn lane east of Orange
Avenue within the unincorporated; area. The City of Baldwin Park abuts the west
City limit and will be constructing the raised median near our City limit. The .
continuation of the existing two-way left -turn lane along this 1000 foot segment of
San Bernardino Road within West Covina will conform to the channelization within
the adjoining jurisdictions. The channelization plan also provides for the installation
of raised reflective markers. Raised reflective markers are highly visible during the
hours of -darkness even under wet conditions.
-2
dec93rep
Traffic Committee Meeting. •
December 21, 1993
I. City request and Sid Mousavi, Director of Public Works, City of
Baldwin Park -Continued
The installation of a 12-foot wide two-way. left -turn lane along this segment of San
Bernardino Road will require additional pavement width. The installation of parking
restrictions along the north. and south sides of San Bernardino Road will provide
sufficient pavement width. The south side of this segment of San Bernardino Road
abuts a block wall and the rear property lines of residential homes. There are no
driveways abutting the south side along this segment of San Bernardino Road. There
are seven businesses abutting the proposed parking restrictions along the north side of
San Bernardino Road. Staff has contacted all seven businesses. The owners or
managers of these businesses have no objections to the proposed parking restrictions.
.STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
THAT A TWO-WAY LEFT -TURN .LANE BE INSTALLED ON SAN
BERNARDINO ROAD BETWEEN ORANGE AVENUE AND THE WEST CITY
LIMIT.
THAT THE NORTH AND SOUTH SIDES OF SAN BERNARDINO ROAD
BETWEEN THE EAST AND WEST. CITY LIMITS BE DESIGNATED AS "NO
STOPPING ANYTIME
THAT A DOUBLE HEAD ARROW (W-56) .WARNING SIGN BE INSTALLED
ON SAN BERNARDINO ROAD AT AZUSA CANYON ROAD.
TRAFFIC COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
THAT A TWO-WAY LEFT=TURN LANE BE INSTALLED ON SAN
BERNARDINO ROAD BETWEEN ORANGE AVENUE AND THE WEST CITY
LIMIT.
THAT THE NORTH AND SOUTH SIDES OF SAN BERNARDINO ROAD
BETWEEN THE EAST AND WEST CITY LIMITS BE DESIGNATED AS "NO
STOPPING ANYTIME".
THAT A DOUBLE HEAD ARROW (W-56) WARNING SIGN BE INSTALLED
ON SAN BERNARDINO ROAD AT AZUSA CANYON ROAD.
-3-
1
dec93rep
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�m
Traffic Committee Meetin • •
g
December 21, 1993
II. REQUEST:'
Orson Beesley, Beesley Construction, 523 King Street, Monrovia 91016.
THAT THE FIRE LANE INSTALLATION PLANS FOR 2506-2516 WORKMAN
AVENUE BE APPROVED.
FINDINGS:
The owner of the business and commercial center located along the south side of
Workman Avenue east of the Eastland Theater is remodelling his building. The Fire
Department has requested that the owners install a Fire Lane along the south side of
the building.
In accordance with California Vehicle Code Section 22500.1, the City enforces
designated Fire Lanes when they are properly installed providing reasonable notice to
vehicle operators.. The developer has submitted a drawing of proposed Fire Lane.
Pavement messages and signs installed as shown on the submittal will provide
reasonable notice to operators.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
THAT THE FIRE LANE INSTALLATION PLANS FOR 2506-2516 WORKMAN
AVENUE ' BE APPROVED.
TRAFFIC COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
THAT THE FIRE LANE INSTALLATION PLANS FOR 2506-2516 WORKMAN
AVENUE BE APPROVED.'
- 9 -
dec93rep
Traffic Committee Meeting •. •
December 21, 1993
III. REQUEST:
City initiated.
THAT THE INTERSECTION OF SUNSET AVENUE WITH VINE AVENUE
AND THE QUEEN OF THE VALLEY HOSPITAL BE REVIEWED
REGARDING THE WARRANTS FOR STATIONING AN ADULT CROSSING
GUARD.
The City . has recently completed the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection
on Sunset Avenue with Vine Avenue and the Queen of the Valley Hospital main
entrance. There has been an adult crossing guard stationed at this intersection. One
of the basic requirements for warranting an adult crossing guard is that the
intersection should not be controlled by a traffic signal. However, there. is an.
"Excessive Turning Movement Warrant" that is applied to signalized intersections.
This warrant hinges on the question of whether traffic conflicts between vehicles and
pedestrians are excessive. A signalized intersection with heavy vehicle turning
movements in conflict with large numbers of elementary school age pedestrians can
cause excessive delay, and confusion: Under these conditions, an adult crossing guard
can platoon the children during the gaps in the traffic movements. The guard
eliminates loitering and staggered crossing of the street by the pedestrians. One of
the ways of measuring conflicts is the use of the following warrant:
Conflicting turning movement traffic volume in thousands of
' vehicles per hour multiplied by the number of pedestrians per
hour must exceed 25.
The California Traffic Manual warrants regarding the stationing of an adult crossing
guard at a signalized intersection are as follows:
"At traffic signal -controlled crossings:
a. When the number of vehicular turning movements
through the school crosswalk exceeds 300 per
hour while school pedestrians are going to or
from school; or.
b. Where there are circumstances not normally
present at a signalized intersection, such as
crosswalks more than 80 feet long with no
intermediate refuge; or an abnormally high
proportion of large commercial vehicles.
These warrants require that traffic movements and pedestrians be manually recorded.
Because of the holidays near the end of each year, pedestrian and traffic counts
recorded during December may not be indicative of the typical conditions. The
manual traffic counts of the vehicle and pedestrian movements should be conducted
during January 1994.
Adult crossing guards will typically remain at intersections that have been signalized
for a short period. During this period, the adult crossing guard can instruct school
age children regarding the use of the pedestrian push buttons and pedestrian signal
heads.
10 -
dec93rep
Traffic Committee Meeting
December 21, 1993
III. City initiated - Continued
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
THAT THE REQUEST BE HELD OVER.
THAT THE ADULT CROSSING GUARD REMAIN AT THE INTERSECTION
OF SUNSET AND VINE AVENUES UNTIL THE TRAFFIC'COMMITTEE
COMPLETES THEIR REVIEW,
TRAFFIC COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
THAT THE REQUEST BE HELD OVER.
THAT THE ADULT CROSSING GUARDREMAIN AT THE INTERSECTION
OF SUNSET AND VINE AVENUES UNTIL THE TRAFFIC COMMITTEE
COMPLETES THEIR REVIEW.
dec93rep