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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2000 0405 CC REG ITEM 10DITEM / © , Council ( i. ACTION: Am - AGENDA REPORT � �� City of Moorpark To: The Honorable City Council From: Kenneth C. Gilbert, Director of Public Works Date: March 24, 2000 (Council Meeting 4 -5 -00) SUBJECT: Consider Resolution No. 2000- Designating the Intersections of Gabbert Road and Poindexter Avenue a STOP Intersections and Directing the Placement of STOP Signs at Certain Entrances Thereto DISCUSSION A. Use of STOP Signs The City often receives requests for the installation of STOP signs as means to control excessive speed in a residential neighborhood. As discussed by the City Council on several prior occasions, STOP signs should not be used for the purpose of speed control. The purpose of a STOP sign is to clarify which vehicle has the right of way at an intersection. Attached as Exhibit 1 is a "handout" which discusses the proper use of STOP signs. B. Warrants The Caltrans Traffic Manual recommends that STOP signs not be installed unless at least one of several Warrants are met. When at least one of these Warrants are met, the intersection is deemed to warrant the installation of one or more STOP signs. C. Subject Intersection The intersection of Gabbert Road and Poindexter Avenue is a "T" intersection with a STOP sign for the side street only (westbound on Poindexter Avenue). The recommended action is to designate this intersection to be a "Three -Way" STOP intersection, with a "free right- turn" for north -to -east turning traffic. Attached as Exhibit 2 is a diagram showing the proposed traffic controls for this intersection. Stop_gab -pndx 000092 STOP: Gabbert & Poindexter March 24, 2000 Page 2 D. Warrant Stud E. F. It is the recommendation of the City Traffic Engineer that STOP signs only be installed when Stop Sign Warrants are met. It is also the view of the City Traffic Engineer, a view shared by City staff, that the subject intersection would probably not meet any of the warrants for the installation of a "Three -Way STOP. It is, therefore, the recommendation of staff that a STOP sign Warrant Study not be performed. Design Immunity Cities rely on those provisions of the law pertaining to design immunity when faced with litigation involving the proper use and installation of traffic control devices. In order to be protected by design immunity the traffic controls in question must have been approved by the legislative body prior to installation, and the approval by the legislative body must have been based upon substantial reasonable evidence in support of said installation. Unique Circumstances In most cases, cities use as the evidence in support of the installation of STOP signs, the existence of one or more STOP sign warrants. As stated above, it is the view of staff that the subject intersections would probably not meet any of the warrants for a "Three -Way" STOP. It is the view of staff, however, that there are certain unique characteristics of this intersection which support the installation of a "three - way" STOP. Those unique characteristics are summarized as follows: a. Northbound Traffic - Geometrics: The geometrics of the intersection tend to cause confusion regarding which direction of traffic possesses the right -of -way, leading to potential conflicts between northbound through traffic and either southbound left -turn traffic or westbound left - turn traffic. b. Northbound Traffic - Vertical Alignment: The proposed construction of a cross gutter at the intersection will create a "DIP" for northbound traffic just south of the sloped approach to the rail crossing -- a condition which would be improved if northbound traffic were required to stop prior to proceeding through the intersection and the "DIP" created by the cross gutter. stop . gab -pndx 000090- STOP: Gabbert & Poindexter March 24, 2000 Page 3 c. Southbound Traffic - Proximity to Rail Crossing: The short distance for southbound traffic between the railroad crossing and the intersection, could cause confusion regarding driver intent leading to potential conflicts between said southbound traffic and traffic entering the intersection from the south or the east. d. Westbound Traffic: A STOP sign currently exists for westbound traffic. It is recommended that this STOP sign remain in place. In part this recommendation is based upon a finding that the geometrics of the intersection could cause confusion regarding which direction of traffic possesses the right -of -way, leading to potential conflicts between westbound traffic turning through the intersection, and traffic entering the intersection from other directions. G. Summary & Conclusion As, stated above, it is the view of staff that the above described unique characteristics at the subject intersection support an action to designate said intersection a "three - way" STOP intersection, with provisions for a "free -right turn for north -to -east right -turn traffic. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Adopt the subject Resolution. Attachments: Exhibit l: STOP SIGN Hand -out Exhibit 2: Diagram: Gabbert Road and Poindexter Avenue Exhibit 3: Resolution stop.gab -pndx 000094 eSTOP 6IGN8 WHY DON'T THEY PUT IN MORE STOP SIGNS? A stop sign is one of our most valuable and effective control devices when used at the right place and under the right conditions. It is intended to help drivers and pedestrians at an intersection decide who has the right -of -way. One common misuse of stop signs is to arbitrarily interrupt through traffic, either by causing it to stop, or by causing such an inconvenience as to force the traffic to use other routes. Where stop signs are installed as "nuisances" or "speed breakers, there is a high incidence of intentional violation. In those locations where vehicles do stop, the speed reduction is effective only in the immediate vicinity of the stop sign, and frequently speeds are actually higher between intersections. For these reasons, it should not be used as a speed control device. . A school crossing may look dangerous for children to use, causing parents to. demand a stop sign to halt traffic. Now a vehicle which had been a problem for 3 seconds while approaching and passing the intersection becomes a problem for a much longer period. A situation of indecision is created as to when to cross as a pedestrian or when to start as a motorist. Normal gaps in traffic through which crossings could be made safely no longer exist. An intersection which previously was not busy now looks like a major intersection. I t really isn't - it just looks Like it. It doesn't even look safer and it usually isn't. Most drivers are reasonable and prudent with no i6tention of maliciously violating traffic regulations; however, when an unreasonable restriction is imposed, it may result in flagrant violations. In such cases, the stop sign can create a false sense of security in a pedestrian and an attitude of contempt in a motorist. These two attitudes can and often do conflict with tragic results. Well - developed, nationally recognized guidelines help to indicate when such controls become necessary. These guidelines take into consideration, among other things, the probability of vehicle z.-riving at an intersection at the same time, the length of time traffic must wait to enter, and the availability of safe crossing opportunities. tlffi C111- Coro RESOLUTION NO. 2000 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING THE INTERSECTIONS OF GABBERT ROAD AND POINDEXTER AVENUE A STOP INTERSECTION AND DIRECTING THE PLACEMENT OF STOP SIGNS AT ENTRANCES THERETO WHEREAS, Section 21354 of the California Vehicle Code authorizes the City to designate any intersection under its jurisdiction a stop intersection and erect STOP signs at one or more entrances thereto; and WHEREAS, there is only one STOP sign at the intersection of Gabbert Road and Poindexter Avenue, said STOP sign being for westbound traffic only; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that, in order to better provide for the public safety at this intersection, it is necessary and appropriate to place additional STOP signs at certain other entrances to said intersection, as described herein. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. That certain conditions exist at and in the vicinity of the intersection of Gabbert Road and Poindexter Avenue which justify the placement of additional STOP signs at said intersection, said conditions being summarized as follows: a. Northbound Traffic - Geometrics: The geometrics of the intersection tend to cause confusion regarding which direction of traffic possesses the right -of -way, leading to potential conflicts between northbound through traffic and either southbound left -turn traffic or westbound left - turn traffic. b. Northbound Traffic - Vertical Alignment: The proposed construction of a cross gutter at the intersection will create a "DIP" for northbound traffic just south of the sloped approach to the rail crossing -- a condition which would be improved if northbound traffic were required to stop prior to proceeding through the intersection and the "DIP" created by the cross gutter. C. Southbound Traffic - Proximity to Rail Crossing: The short distance for southbound traffic between the railroad crossing and the intersection, could cause confusion regarding driver intent leading to potential conflicts between said southbound traffic and traffic entering the intersection from the south or the east. Resolution No. 2000 - Page 2 d. Westbound Traffic: A STOP sign currently exists for westbound traffic. It is recommended that this STOP sign remain in place. In part this recommendation is based upon a finding that the geometrics of the intersection could cause confusion regarding which direction of traffic possesses the right -of -way, leading to potential conflicts between' westbound traffic turning through the intersection, and traffic entering the intersection from other directions. SECTION 2. That the intersection of Gabbert Road and Poindexter Avenue, as identified on Exhibit 'A' attached hereto and made a part hereof, is hereby designated a stop intersection and that STOP signs shall be erected at all entrances thereto, except as provided for in Section 3 herein. SECTION 3. Provisions shall be made to maintain the "free right turn for north -to -east traffic turning through the intersection. SECTION 4. That the City Manager is hereby directed to provide for the installation and maintenance of appropriate signs and markings to effectuate these requirements. SECTION 5. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and shall cause a certified resolution to be filed in the book of original resolutions. PASSED AND ADOPTED this Attest: Deborah S. Traffenstedt, City Clerk Attachments: Exhibit 'A' day of , 2000. Patrick Hunter, Mayor Diagram: Gabbert Road & Poindexter Avenue Resolution No. 2000- Exhibit 'A' P00099 1