01-20-1998 - Removal of "No Right Turn on Red" Sign for Northbound Temple Avenue at Amar RoadMemorandum
AGENDA
TO: City Manager and City Council
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FROM: Patrick J. Glover ITEM NO. B-4b
City Engineer/Public Works Director DATE January 20. 1998
SUBJECT: REMOVAL OF "NO RIGHT TURN ON RED" SIGN
FOR NORTHBOUND TEMPLE AVENUE AT AMAR ROAD
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SUMMARY: With the activation of the new traffic signal at Westport Drive and Amar
Road two weeks ago the primary reason for the "No Right Turn on
Red" 'restriction for northbound Temple Avenue at Amar Road has
been eliminated. The turn restriction was initially installed to provide
added breaks in traffic for vehicles to exit Westport Drive onto
westbound Amar Road. The restriction was later expanded from two
hours' in the morning to all day in an effort to discourage traffic from
using Temple Avenue as a way of avoiding the intersection of Amar
and Azusa. However, the "No Right Turn on Red" was causing driver
confusion and heavy congestion and was therefore removed.
BACKGROUND
Several years ago a "No Right Turn on Red" sign was installed on northbound Temple
Avenue at Amar Road with the effective hours between 7 and 9 a.m. to provide added
breaks in traffic for vehicles to exit Westport Drive. onto westbound Amar Road. A few
months ago the restriction was expanded to 24 hours a day in an effort to discourage the
use of Temple Avenue as a shortcut to avoid the busy intersection of Amar and Azusa. At
the direction of the City Council a stop sign was added on Temple Avenue at Woodgate
Drive to help controlitraffic along Temple Avenue.
With the activation of the new traffic signal at Westport Drive and Amar Road the initial
reason for the right turn restriction has been eliminated. Also, in observation of traffic on
Temple Avenue, the right turn restriction has not been an effective deterrent to traffic on
Temple Avenue. At the time of the expansion of the effective hours, the City Council
requested staff to observe the traffic operations on Temple Avenue to determine if future
adjustments should be made.
ANALYSIS
With the traffic conditions on Temple Avenue and with the turn -on of the new traffic
signal at Westport, Avenue and Amar Road, it was .determined that the right turn
restriction on Temple Avenue should be eliminated and the signs were removed on
January 5, 1998. The signs were a cause of confusion because some drivers were not
readily aware of the restriction since right turns on red are normally permitted. The
restriction also added to the congestion with vehicles queuing well beyond the
intersection southerly of Amar Road. Since the signs were installed at City Council
direction, staff is requesting City Council concurrence in their removal.
FISCAL IMPACT i
There is no fiscal impact on the City.
ALTERNATIVES
The City Council could direct that the "No Right Turn on Red" signs be reinstalled.
RECOMMENDATI
It is recommended' that the City Council approve the removal of the "No Right Turn on
Red" signs for northbound Temple Avenue at Amar Road.
FatriCk J.'Glover
City Engineer/Public Works Director
PJG:TMM Jmg 98-102