Agenda Information Sheet
DEPARTMENT: Capital Projects
CM/ ACM: Mario Canizares
Date: August 7, 2017
SUBJECT
Title
Receive a report, hold a discussion, and provide direction regarding installation of additional pavement markings to address speeding concerns along Mack Drive between McKinney Street and Paisley Street.
Body
BACKGROUND
In the recent past, City staff has received several requests from concerned residents regarding the segment of Mack Drive between McKinney Street and Paisley Street. The primary issue is speeding of vehicles along this wide segment of Mack Drive.
City staff conducted speed survey along Mack Drive and the results showed that the 85% percentile speed is under the posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour (mph). The 85th percentile speed is the speed at which 85 percent of the drivers drive safely and comfortably and is the basis to determine speed limits in accordance with the state and federal laws. While majority of the vehicles are traveling at speeds lower than the posted speed limit there are occasional instances where vehicle speed along Mack Drive between McKinney Street and Paisley Street. Given the width of the subject street segment, its type (Collector Street) and use, certain pavement markings and signage can be implemented to improve conditions and alleviate resident concerns.
A field review of the existing conditions along Mack Drive between McKinney Street and Paisley Street shows that it is a two lane (one lane each direction) facility with on-street parking on both sides. The curb-to-curb width of the street ranges from 38 feet (section near McKinney Street) to 40 feet (closer to Paisley Street). The street is currently unstriped (no pavement markings) and the segment passes through a residential neighborhood (Single Family Dwelling units on either side) with very low usage of on-street parking. As a result of low usage of on-street parking, the travel lanes appear to be extra wide (19+ feet) with very low friction (due to parked vehicles) resulting in occasional speeding along this segment of Mack Drive between McKinney Street and Paisley Street. Staff recommends eliminating the appearance of a wide pavement area between parked vehicles by striping double yellow centerline that will delineate the travel lanes which will help in slowing down vehicles. Given the 85th percentile speed is below 30 mph, additional pavement markings are not recommended at this time. After implementation of the pavement marking staff will continue to monitor the traffic conditions along this segment of Mack Drive.
Staff has notified the property owners and residents on Mack Drive about the proposed discussion item regarding installation of pavement marking to ensure residents have an opportunity to voice any concerns they may have. Letters were mailed on August 1st and door hangers were placed on August 4th on residential addresses on both sides of Mack Drive.
Installing pavement markings that clearly delineate the travel lanes will change the perception of a wide street and help reduce the average vehicle speed and improve overall safety along Mack Drive between McKinney Street and Paisley Street.
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
It is anticipated the work could be scheduled for completion within a three weeks of Traffic Safety Commission approval.
OPTIONS
1. Recommend approval of installing pavement markings to delineate travel along Mack Drive between McKinney Street and Paisley Street.
2. Decline recommendation of installing pavement markings and provide staff with additional direction
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Option 1.
FISCAL INFORMATION
The project funding would be covered by existing Operation Budget funding.
EXHIBITS
1. Map of Mack Drive
Respectfully submitted:
Pritam Deshmukh
Traffic Engineer