CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

Transcription

1 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT TO: FROM: Honorable City Council Michael J. Egan, City Manager Date: October 20, 2015 BY: Kurt H. Anderson, Director of Community Development William Zimmerman, City Engineer Joanne Itagaki, Traffic Engineering Deputy John Tran, Assistant Engineer Kathy Tai, Senior Management Analyst SUBJECT: PROJECT NO REMOVAL OF EAST LEG CROSSWALK ON ALONDRA BOULEVARD AT ELMCROFT AVENUE FOR INSTALLATION OF A BUSPAD FOR BUS STOP AT ALONDRA BOULEVARD AND ELMCROFT AVENUE, ENGINEER S REPORT NO Background: A concrete bus stop is to be installed at the bus stop located on the northwest corner of Alondra Boulevard and Elmcroft Avenue across the street from Cerritos College (Project No. 7188). As part of this capital improvement project s design phase, drainage issues were evaluated and a crosswalk analysis conducted at this controlled intersection. Currently, there are marked yellow crosswalks on the east and west legs of Alondra Boulevard at Elmcroft Avenue. These crosswalks extend across the frontage road. There is also a white limit line on Elmcroft Avenue between Alondra Boulevard and the frontage road. Norwalk s traffic engineering firm, Willdan Engineering, conducted a crosswalk study for this intersection. A pedestrian count during a 3-hour period found that 116 pedestrians crossed Alondra Boulevard using the west leg crosswalk and 58 pedestrians crossed the street using the east leg crosswalk. Willdan also looked at reported collision history between July 1, 2012 and September 15, 2015 and there was one reported collision involving a pedestrian where the pedestrian crossed the street against a red light. Currently there is no catchbasin on the east side of Alondra Boulevard and Elmcroft Avenue. There have been repeated reports of flooding in the area during rain storms.

2 City Council October 20, 2015 Project No Removal of Crosswalk on Page No. 2 Alondra Boulevard at Elmcroft Avenue To address the drainage issue, a new catchbasin is to be installed on Elmcroft Avenue between Alondra Boulevard and the frontage road. The location of the new catchbasin will prohibit proper ADA accessibility features to support the east leg crosswalk. Based on the drainage issues and crosswalk analysis findings, it was recommended that the east leg crosswalk located at Elmcroft Avenue on Alondra Boulevard and Alondra frontage road be permanently removed. Pedestrians currently crossing Alondra Boulevard using the east leg crosswalk can be accommodated in the west leg crosswalk. The analysis further recommends that a yellow crosswalk be installed on the north leg of Elmcroft Avenue at Alondra frontage road. The proposed crosswalk will direct pedestrians on the northeast corner to cross Elmcroft Avenue, then Alondra frontage road, and finally Alondra Boulevard. The recommendations have been incorporated in the project s striping plan. On September 1, staff posted English and Spanish notices at the crosswalks regarding the proposed removal of the east leg crosswalk located on Alondra Boulevard at Elmcroft Avenue with information on how the public can comment on the proposal per Vehicle Code (Attachment 2). During the following thirty (30) day notice period, staff received no comments. The City Engineer recommends permanent removal of the east leg crosswalk on Alondra Boulevard and Alondra frontage road at Elmcroft Avenue. If City Council concurs with the recommendation, the east leg crosswalk will not be repainted when the street is restriped. Fiscal Impact: The project is fully funded with FTA Grants and Prop A funds. Citizens Advised: Notice of Public Comment was posted on the east and west sides of Alondra Boulevard at Elmcroft Avenue on September 1, 2015 through October 1, Strategic Action Plan Implementation: N/A Recommended Action: Staff recommends City Council authorize the removal of the east leg crosswalk on Alondra Boulevard and Alondra frontage road at Elmcroft Avenue.

3 City Council October 20, 2015 Project No Removal of Crosswalk on Page No. 3 Alondra Boulevard at Elmcroft Avenue Attachments: 1. Crosswalk Study 2. Notices 3. Location Map

4 Memo To: From: Bill Zimmerman, Interim City Engineer John Tran, Assistant Engineer Joanne Itagaki, Traffic Engineering Deputy Date: October 6, 2015 Re: Alondra Boulevard at Elmcroft Avenue Relocation of Pedestrians to West Leg Crosswalk As part of the Alondra Boulevard Street Rehabilitation Project, bus stop improvements and drainage needs at the intersection of Alondra Boulevard and Elmcroft Avenue are proposed. These improvements will maintain the west leg crosswalk and require the removal of the east leg crosswalk at this signalized intersection. EXISTING CONDITIONS Alondra Boulevard provides 2 lanes of traffic in each direction (eastbound and westbound). Generally, there is a raised median separating opposing lanes of travel. The posted speed limit on Alondra Boulevard is 40 mph. Elmcroft Avenue provides 1 lane of traffic in each direction (northbound and southbound) separated by a double yellow centerline in the immediate vicinity of Alondra Boulevard. It is a residential street with preferential parking and street sweeping parking restrictions posted on the street. The prima facie speed limit is 25 mph. There is a parallel frontage road to Alondra Boulevard at Elmcroft Avenue. This frontage road (Alondra Boulevard frontage) provides 1 lane of traffic in each direction. The frontage road is Stop controlled at its intersection with Elmcroft Avenue. Alondra Boulevard at Elmcroft Avenue is a signalized intersection. An eastbound left turn pocket is provided on Alondra Boulevard at Elmcroft Avenue. There is no westbound left turn lane provided due to the fact that the driveway on the southside of Alondra Boulevard is a one-way exit only driveway. In addition, the driveway does not align correctly for this westbound movement. Currently, there are marked yellow crosswalks on the east and west legs of Alondra Boulevard at Elmcroft Avenue. These crosswalks extend across the frontage road. There is also a white limit line on Elmcroft Avenue at Alondra Boulevard. Exhibit A is an aerial depiction of the existing conditions at Alondra Boulevard and Elmcroft Avenue. DATA COLLECTION

5 October 6, 2015 Alondra Boulevard at Elmcroft Avenue Relocation of Pedestrians to West Leg Crosswalk Page 2 of 3 Vehicle and Pedestrian Count Data The vehicle and pedestrian count data at Alondra Boulevard/Elmcroft Avenue was provided by AndersonPenna Partners (APP). The pedestrian data (Exhibit B) was collected on August 27, 2014, when Cerritos College was in summer session. 24-hour approach counts (Exhibit C) on Alondra Boulevard were taken on September 3, The pedestrian and traffic count data indicated: The afternoon peak traffic on Alondra Boulevard occurs in the: o Eastbound direction between 5:00 6:00 pm with a total hourly volume of 1,032 vehicles. o Westbound direction between 4:45 5:45 pm with a total hourly volume of 1,054 vehicles. The pedestrian counts taken between 2:45 6:00 pm revealed: o 116 pedestrians cross Alondra Boulevard using the west leg of the intersection during this period. o 58 pedestrians cross Alondra Boulevard using the east leg of the intersection during this period. Reported Collision Data (Exhibit D) The reported collision history between July 1, 2012 and September 15, 2015 identified: o One (1) pedestrian related collision occurring at the intersection. This collision occurred on Monday, December 16, 2013 at 12:26 pm. It involved a southbound pedestrian using the east leg crosswalk colliding with an eastbound vehicle proceeding straight. o According to the traffic collision report, the pedestrian was running across Alondra Boulevard against a red light and was struck by the eastbound vehicle. o There were no injuries reported with this collision. The pedestrian left the scene after refusing medical treatment. o The primary collision factor cited for this collision is California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 21456(b) which states: Whenever a pedestrian control signal showing the words "WALK" or "WAIT" or "DON'T WALK" or other approved symbol is in place, the signal shall indicate as follows: (b) Flashing or steady "DON'T WALK" or "WAIT" or approved "Upraised Hand" symbol. No pedestrian shall start to cross the roadway in the direction of the signal, but any pedestrian who has partially completed crossing shall proceed to a sidewalk or safety zone or otherwise leave the roadway while the "WAIT" or "DON'T WALK" or approved "Upraised Hand" symbol is showing. Recommendations

6 October 6, 2015 Alondra Boulevard at Elmcroft Avenue Relocation of Pedestrians to West Leg Crosswalk Page 3 of 3 The majority of pedestrians (116 pedestrians) crossing Alondra Boulevard during the time period reviewed crossed using the west leg crosswalk. The east leg crosswalk had 56 pedestrians during this same time period. The one reported collision involving a pedestrian at the intersection was the fault of the pedestrian crossing against a red light. Therefore, based on the pedestrian count data and the favorable reported collision history, I support the removal of the east leg crosswalk at the intersection of Alondra Boulevard and Elmcroft Avenue. The pedestrians currently crossing Alondra Boulevard using the east leg crosswalk can be accommodated in the west leg crosswalk. To accommodate pedestrians northeast of the east leg crosswalk, it is further recommended that a yellow crosswalk be installed on the north leg of Elmcroft Avenue at Alondra Boulevard. The north leg, as I have defined, is beyond the Alondra Boulevard frontage road (not between the frontage road and Alondra Boulevard itself). The proposed crosswalk will direct pedestrians on the northeast corner to cross Elmcroft Avenue (east/west) and then Alondra Boulevard frontage and Alondra Boulevard (north/south). California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section states: (a) An existing marked crosswalk may not be removed unless notice and opportunity to be heard is provided to the public not less than 30 days prior to the scheduled date of removal. In addition to any other public notice requirements, the notice of proposed removal shall be posted at the crosswalk identified for removal. (b) The notice required by subdivision (a) shall include, but is not limited to, notification to the public of both of the following: (1) That the public may provide input relating to the scheduled removal. (2) The form and method of providing the input authorized by paragraph (1). In accordance with this CVC, a notice of the proposed removal of the crosswalk on the east leg of Alondra Boulevard at Elmcroft Avenue was posted on September 1, The public was invited to provide the public comment on its removal. Exhibit A Existing Conditions Exhibit B Pedestrian Count Data Exhibit C Traffic Count Data Exhibit D Reported Collision History S:\TRAFFIC ENGINEERING\Alondra-Elmcroft WB Bus Stop\ Xwalk Removal Memo.doc

7 ALONDRA FRTG RD ALONDRA BLVD. CERRITOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE ELMCROFT AVE. EXHIBIT A: EXISTING CONDITIONS ALONDRA FRTG RD ALONDRA BLVD.

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12 City of Norwalk Alondra Boulevard W/ Longsworth Avenue 24 Hour Directional Volume Count Counts Unlimited, Inc PO Box 1178 Corona, CA Phone: Page 1 NWKALLO Site Code: Start 03-Sep-14 Eastbound Hour Totals Westbound Hour Totals Combined Totals Time Wed Morning Afternoon Morning Afternoon Morning Afternoon Morning Afternoon Morning Afternoon 12: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Total Combined Total AM Peak - 07: : Vol P.H.F PM Peak : : Vol P.H.F Percentag 34.8% 65.2% 40.7% 59.3% e ADT/AADT ADT 27,468 AADT 27,468

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14 CITY OF NORWALK NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT Removal of Marked Crosswalk On Alondra Boulevard at Elmcroft Avenue East Side NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Norwalk will hold a public comment period regarding the removal of the marked crosswalk on Alondra Boulevard at Elmcroft Avenue East side. The purpose of said public comment period is to comply with California Vehicle Code Section The marked crosswalk on Alondra Boulevard at Elmcroft Avenue West side will remain. All interested persons are invited to provide written comments regarding the removal of the marked crosswalk on Alondra Boulevard at Elmcroft Avenue East side. Your written comments can be sent to: City of Norwalk Community Development Department Engineering Division Norwalk Boulevard Norwalk, CA Attn: City Engineer You are also welcome to your comments to Kathy Tai at ktai@norwalkca.gov. All written or ed comments will be accepted until October 1, If you have any questions regarding this notification, please contact the Engineering Division at (562) Date Posted: September 1, 2015

15 CIUDAD DE NORWALK AVISO DE COMENTARIO PUBLICO Eliminacion de Marcas de Crucero de Peatones en la Bulevar Alondra y Avenida Elmcroft al lado Este POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que la Ciudad de Norwalk tendrá un periodo de comentario público acerca de la eliminación de las marcas de crucero de peatones en la Bulevar Alondra y Avenida Elmcroft al lado Este. El propósito de dicho comentario publico es para cumplir con la sección del Código de Vehículos de California. Las marcas de crucero de peatones en la Bulevar Alondra y Avenida Elmcroft al lado Oeste van a permanecer. Se les invita a todas las personas interesadas en este asunto a proporcionar comentarios por escrito acerca de la eliminación de marcas de crucero de peatones en la Bulevar Alondra y Avenida Elmcroft al lado Este. Sus comentarios escritos pueden ser enviados a: City of Norwalk Community Development Department Engineering Division Norwalk Boulevard Norwalk, CA Attn: City Engineer También puede enviar sus comentarios por correo electronico a Kathy Tai a ktai@norwalkca.gov. Todos los comentarios por escrito o por correo electronico serán aceptados hasta el 1 de Octubre del Si tiene alguna pregunta acerca de esta notificación, por favor de llamar a la División de Ingeniería al (562) Fecha de publicación: 1 de Septiembre del 2015

16 RI VE R ATTACHMENT 3 RD. NORWALK FIR ES TO NE IMPERIAL AVE. BLVD. BLVD. PIONEER ORR & DAY STUDEBAKER RD. RD. LAKELAND BLOOMFIELD ST. CECILIA HWY. CITY HALL DR. TER RD. FOSTER CEN DR. CIVIC NI O BL AVE. BLVD BLVD RD. SHOEMAKER NORWALK PIONEER ELMCROFT AVE. STUDEBAKER BLVD ALONDRA SUBJECT LOCATION ST 166TH CARMENITA DR. EXCELSIOR BLOOMFIELD GABRIEL ROSECRANS SAN RD SA N AN TO VD AVE. W FING LEF AVE.. RD ELL ELMCROFT AVE. PROPOSED NEW CROSSWALK ALONDRA FRTG RD BUS STOP PROPOSED CATCH BASIN ALONDRA BLVD. PROPOSED EAST-SIDE CROSSWALK REMOVAL PROPOSED TO KEEP WEST-SIDE CROSSWALK ALONDRA BLVD. CERRITOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE