02-07-1995 - Approval of Plans & Specs - Traffic Signal Modification at Amar & Shadow Oak DriveTO:
FROM:
City Manager and City Council
Patrick 1. Glover
City Engineer/Public Works Director
City Of West Covina
Memorandum
AGENDA
ITEM NO. C-111-d
DATE February 7, 1995
®PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
SUBJECT: CITY PROJECT TS-95112 - APPROVAL OF PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS - TRAFFIC SIGNAL MODIFICATION AT AMAR AND
SHADOW OAK DRIVE
SUMMARY: As directed by the City Council, plans and specifications have
been prepared for adding protected left turn indications for
east and west bound Amar Road at Shadow Oak Drive. The
next step in the installation process is the advertising for and
receipt,of bids.
BACKGROUND
Due to the number of accidents at Amar Road and Shadow Oak Drive the warrants for protected
left turn phasing have now been met. The Traffic Committee reviewed this location and due to
the severity of the accidents, they recommended that the left turn phasing be added on a priority
basis in advance of the normal Capital Improvement Program process. The City Council
concurred in that recommendation. The plans and specifications have been prepared; and are
ready for advertising.
ANALYSIS
The addition of east -west left turn phasing should reduce the number and severity of �left turn
accidents. An added benefit is that U-turns will be permitted so that the long standing
difficulties of cars exiting Westport to go west on Amar will finally be eased. Those cars will
be able to go east a short distance and then make a protected U-turn.
Unfortunately, the original controller at this location is of an older vintage and can not be
expanded to include the left turn phase. It is necessary to purchase a new controller with the
left turn phasing included. For a number of years the City has consistently been purchasing
standardized controller equipment to provide for easier/less costly system. maintenance and to
provide the ability to interconnect various traffic signals without the need. to purchase and install
additional equipment. j As has been previously done, the City Council should authorize the
purchase of this specified controller rather than permitting other types of controllers.
Due to the long lead times to obtain materials, the installation of the left turn phasing will
probably be in August or September 1995. Staff will attempt to accelerate the deliveryl,as much
as possible.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no funding established for this project. The estimated acquisition and construction cost
is $47,000 and engineering costs are estimated at $3,000 for a total of $50,000. This project
can be funded from Gas Tax, Citywide Maintenance District or General Funds. There are
sufficient funds available in Gas Tax Reserves. There are sufficient funds available in Citywide
Maintenance District Reserves. However, the use of these reserves would increase future years'
assessment rates by about 1.5%. There are sufficient funds available in General Fund Reserves.
These funds are normally used as a last resort.
Therefore, the preferred funding is from Gas Tax Reserves in the amount of $50,000.
ALTERNATIVE
The only alternative is not to do this project.
City Manager and City Council
February .7, 1995
Page Two
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:..
1) Establish Project No. TS-95112
2) Appropriate $50,000 from Gas Tax Reserves to Project TS-95112
3) Approve the plans and specifications for Project TS-95112 and authorize the City
Engineer to call for bids.
4) Authorize the sole source purchase of a controller for this project from IDC Traconix due
to compatibility with existing equipment.
Patrick J. 1 er
City Engineer/Public Works Director
PJG:jmg
CAWP51\FHMUGENDAM95112 .
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