Agenda Information Sheet
DEPARTMENT: Engineering Services
CM/ ACM: Jon Fortune
Date: February 21, 2017
SUBJECT
Title
Consider adoption of an ordinance amending Chapter 18 of the Code of Ordinances to revise the speed limits along on W. University Drive (US 380) from IH 35 to the Westerly City limits; providing a penalty of a fine not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200.00); providing a severability clause, providing for publication; and declaring an effective date. The Traffic Safety Commission recommends approval (7-0).
Body
BACKGROUND
The primary criterion used in establishing a speed limit is called the 85th percentile speed which is determined by performing a speed study for calculating the speed at which 85 percent of the vehicles are traveling long a given stretch of roadway. The 85th percentile speed has been determined as being the speed at which a prudent driver, given the type of street, will drive that roadway under normal driving conditions.
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently conducted a speed study (attached) to determine the 85th percentile speed along the segment of W. University Drive (US 380) between IH 35 and the Westerly City limits. Based on the results of the study, TxDOT recommends the following speed limits along various segments of W. University Drive (US 380) between IH 35 and the Westerly City limits.
From IH 35 to 500 feet west of Cindy Lane/N. Western Boulevard 45 mph
From 500 feet west of Cindy Lane/N. Western Boulevard to Masch Branch Road 50 mph
From Masch Branch Road to Western City Limits 65 mph
City staff has reviewed the TxDOT speed study and finds the overall results and recommendations acceptable and consistent with state and federal guidelines. As such, staff requests the City Council to approve the updated speed limits on W. University Drive (US 380) from IH 35 to the Westerly City limits. Traffic Safety Commission agreed on the revised speed limits and recommended 7-0 that Council consider updating the speed limits along US 380 between IH 35 and Western City Limits.
OPTIONS:
1. Approve the updated speed limits on W. University Drive (US 380) from IH 35 to the Western City limits.
2. Reject the proposed speed limits on W. University Drive (US 380).
RECOMMENDATION
The Traffic Safety Commission considered this item at the February meeting and recommends Option 1 (7-0).
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
As this segment of W. University Drive (US 380) is under TxDOT jurisdiction and was recently opened to traffic as a six lane facility, the speed limits have been updated by TxDOT.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (Council, Boards, Commissions)
The Traffic Safety Commission considered this item at the February meeting.
FISCAL INFORMATION
The project will be funded by TxDOT.
STRATEGIC PLAN RELATIONSHIP
The City of Denton’s Strategic Plan is an action-oriented road map that will help the City achieve its vision. The foundation for the plan is the five long-term Key Focus Areas (KFA): Organizational Excellence; Public Infrastructure; Economic Development; Safe, Livable, and Family-Friendly Community; and Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship. While individual items may support multiple KFAs, this specific City Council agenda item contributes most directly to the following KFA and goal:
Related Key Focus Area: Public Infrastructure
Related Goal: 4.1 Enhance public safety in the community
EXHIBITS
1. TxDOT Speed Study
2. Map of W. University Drive (US 380)
3. Ordinance
Respectfully submitted:
Pritam Deshmukh
Senior Engineer - Traffic