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Home My WebLink AboutAGENDA REPORT 1990 1003 CC REG ITEM 08GBERNARDO M.PEREZ Mayor SCOTT MONTGOMERY Mayor Pro Tern ELOISE BROWN Councilmember CLINT HARPER, Ph.D. Councilmember PAUL W. LAWRASON, Jr. Councilmember LILLIAN KELLERMAN City Clerk MOORPARK OORPAW, CAUFORN1A City cow" me$" of IaZ3 1 7/ j / ITEM-Ij STEVEN KUENY City Manager CHERYL J.KANE City Attorney PATRICK RICHARDS, A.I.C.P. Director of Community Development R. DENNIS DELZEIT City Engineer JOHN V. GILLESPIE Chief of Police RICHARD T. HARE City Treasurer M E M O R A N D U M TO: The Honorable City Council FROM: Kenneth C. Gilbert, Director of Public Works DATE: September 24, 1990 (Council Meeting 10 -3 -90) SUBJECT: Traffic Speed Study (Phase II) OVERVIEW This presents for consideration Phase II of the Traffic Speed Study (Exhibit 2) recommending speed limits for State Highways within the City. On the basis of this study, speed limits can be established by the City Council by adoption of the attached Resolutions (Exhibits 3 & 4). BACKGROUND 1. On April 4, the City Council retained the services of Charles Abbott Associates to prepare a Traffic Speed Study for the City. This study was prepared in order to comply with the provisions of the California Vehicle Code pertaining to the use of radar for the enforcement of speed laws. 2. On May 16, the City Council directed that the State Highways within the City be added to the Scope of Work. 3. On July 25, the City Council approved Phase I of the Traffic Speed Study and (based on the recommendation contained therein) adopted a resolution establishing speed limits for certain street segment throughout the City. The speed limits established by this phase of the study have been posted and are being enforced. 799 Moorpark Avenue Moorpark, California 93021 __ _ (805) 529 -6864 Speed Study II Page 2 DISCUSSION A. Study A final Draft of the attached as Exhibit 2. the report are summari Street Segment Route 23: New Los Angels Avenue Los Angeles Ave Moorpark Ave Walnut Canyon Ave Route 118: Phase II Traffic Speed Study is The street segments addressed in zed as follows: From To 23 Freeway Science Drive Science Dr Moorpark Ave Los Angeles Ave N/O Casey Rd NIO Casey Rd City Limit Los Angels Avenue West City Limit Spring Rd Spring Road Los Angeles Ave High Street Los Angeles Ave High Street 118 Freeway Mr. Kevin Smith, of Charles Abbott Associates, is the Project Manager for this study. Mr. Smith will be available to describe themethods and procedures used to develop his findings and to answer any questions. B. Speed Limits A summary of recommended Speed Limits for the above street segments is attached as Exhibit 1. As you can see, it is recommended that speed limits remain unchanged. C. Caltrans' Role The Speed Study has been reviewed and approved by Caltrans. Upon adoption, certified copies of the resolutions establishing the new speed limits are to be sent to Caltrans for their records. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council... 1. Approve the Consultant's report pertaining to Speed Limits for State Highways within the City (Exhibit 2). 2. Adopt Resolution No. _ (Exhibit 3) establishing speed limits for street segments on Highway 23. 3. Adopt Resolution No. (Exhibit 4) establishing speed limits for street segments on Highway 118. SPEED SURVEY St"AARY SKEET MOORPARK SPEED SURVEYS ROUTE 23 EXISTING PROPOSED STREET FROM TO SPEED UMI•T SPEED LIMIT NEW LOS ANGELES AVENUE FREEWAY (P.M. 11.00) SCIENCE DR. (P.M. 11.95] 55 55 LOS ANGELES AVENUE SCIENCE DR. (P.M. 11.95) MOORPARK AVE. (P.M. 12.90) 45 45 MOORPARKAVENUE 1-• A• AVE. (P.M. 12-90) 700 FT. NORTH OF CASEY RD. (P.M. 13.74) 30 30 WALNUT CANYON AVENUE 700 FT. NORTH OF CASEY RD. NORTH CRY LIMIT I (P.M. 13.74) (P.M. 14.60) 40 40 ROUTE 118 EXISTING PROPOSED STREET FROM TO SPEED LIMIT SPEED LIMIT LOS ANGELES AVENUE & WEST CITY LIMIT (P.M. 16.00) HIGH ST. (P.M. 18.38) 45 45 SPRING ROAD LOS ANGELES AVENUE HIGH ST. (P.M. 18.38) FREEWAY (P.M. 21.04) 40 40 Al x .j CA CHARLES ABBOTT ASSOCIATES, INC. CITY OF MOORPARK ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEYS INTRODUCTION This Engineering and Traffic Survey is intended to be the basis for the establishment and enforcement of a speed limit for two state routes within the City of Moorpark. The survey was re- quested by the City and the Sheriff's Department so that speed limits can be posted to enable the Police Department to deploy radar for enforcement. Engineering and Traffic Surveys that sup- port the prima facie speed limit are required by Sections 40801 and 40802 of the California Vehicle Code before enforcement by radar is applied. The Vehicle Code (Section 40802) offers an exception to the required survey on "local streets ". These are streets which are not federal -aid system streets as submitted to the Federal High- way Administration. These maps nave been filed, and the copies supplied by Caltrans were used to make "local street" determina- tions. Because the roads in this study are state routes, Section 40802 does not apply. California Vehicle Code 22353 allows for the local authority to establish by ordinance, a prima facie speed limit lower than 55 mph. This is applicable where such a reduction is justified by an Engineering and Traffic Survey. In the case of state routes, the report must also be reviewed and approved by Caltrans. These Engineering and Traffic Surveys were conducted in ac- cordance with procedures outlined in the State of California Traffic Manual as required by Section 627 of the California Vehicle Code. This section of the' code further specifies the elements of an Engineering and `, ,ffic Survey to include: 1. Measurement of prevai 1 , -Ig ;peed. 2. Accident history. 3. Roadway characteristics not readily apparent to the motorist. Posted speed limits are primarily established to protect the general public from the unreasonable behavior of reckless, un- reliable, or otherwise dangerous drivers. They provide law en- forcement with the means to identify and apprehend violators of the basic speed law (Section 22350 of the Vehicle Code). This statute states that "No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, she traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and rice event at a speed which en- dangers that safety of persons Li 3-nper t, FING_1 \ELRING PROIA'SSIONALS n , -71 CHARLES ABBOTT ASSOCIATES, INC. (Zo�F�i CITY OF MOORPARK ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEYS PAGE 2 The basic fundamentals for the establishment of speed limits recognize that the majority of drivers behave in a safe and reasonable manner, and that normally careful and competent ac- tions of a reasonable driver should be considered legal. Speed limits established on these fundamentals conform to the concensus of those who drive the highway as to what speed is reasonable and safe, and are not dependent on the udgment of one or a few in- dividuals. A radar speed survey, is usually done to deg ermine that prevailing speed of reasonable drivers. Speed limits are also established to advise of conditions which may not be readily apparent to a reasonable driver. For this reason, collision history, roadway conditions, traffic characteristics, and land use must: also be analyzed before deter- mining speed limits. Speed limit changes are usually coordinated with visible changes in roadway ;conditions or roadside develop- ments. Unusually short zones of less than one -half mile in length should be avoided to reduce confusion. DATA COLLECTION Data was obtained regarding tlze following: Prevailing speed of vehicles, collisions, visibility restrictions, roadway condi- tions, pedestrian activities, on street parking, proximity of schools, and land use adjacent' to the roadways. Radar speed measurements were conducted between June 25 and July 3, 1990 and were charted on Motor Vehicle Speed Forms which are available un- der separate cover. The results of the speed measurements are presented on the Engineering and Traffic Survey forms in the Ap- pendix of this report. Highway, -r::affic, and roadside conditions were analyzed for conditions not ksadily apparent --o motorists. The criteria and operational procedures described below were applied for utilization of electronic radar to measure vehicle speeds on various streets within Moorpark. The specific location of data collection was selected a,iter considering the following: a. Minimum stop sign or trci, f i : s: final influence. b. Minimum visibility rests.ction:. C. Non - congested traffic glow away from intersections, major driveways, crosswalks, - ailroad crossings, and unusual turning movement . d. Minimum influence from marked vehicles, dips, curves, or roadway conditions- hat would affect the normal operation of a vehicle 4 SV Z CHARLES ABBOTT ASSOCIATES, INC. r �( CITY OF MOORPARK ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEYS PAGE 3 The hours of radar operation were restricted to day time off -peak periods (8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.). The surveys were con- ducted in clear weather. A radar Emit was utilized and used in an unmarked vehicle. While performing the speed survey, the specific location along the street was chosen in order to pick up a maximum amount of samples traveling at a stable cruising speed (not accelerating or decelerating). The accident rate is expressed in accidents per million vehicle miles (A /MVM). The accident data was obtained from com- puterized Statewide Integrated Traffic Records Systems (SWITRS) reports which are maintained b� the California Highway Patrol, and from the County Sheriff's records. For the purpose of this study, information from calendar ✓ears 1988 and 1989 was used. PROCEDURES The results of the radar 'speed measurements were computed and analyzed and are summarized on the Engineering and Traffic Survey Forms found in the Appendix. Significant values obtained from the computations are as follows: The Critical Speed, or 85th percentile speed, is that speed at or below which 85 percent of the traffic is moving. This speed is the primary guide. in determining what the majority of drivers believe is safe-and reasonable. Speed limits set higher than the Critical Speed are not considered reasonable and safe. Speed limits set significar;tly lower than critical speed make a large number of reasonable drivers "unlawful ", and do not facilitate the orderly flow of traffic. Therefore, the accepted practice is to set the speed limit at or within the 5 mph increment below the - itical Speed unless other fac- tors require a lower limit. Speed limits set on this basis provide law enforcement 3ff kills ,with a means of control- ling reckless or unreliabif drivets who do not conform to what the majority finds The 10 mph pace is the 10 mfr, speed most vehicles. It is a mea:ijre of within the samples surveyed. The keep the speed limit within the 10 ing the Critical Speed ancA ar,v lower that the Critical Spef . range which contains the the dispersion of speeds accepted practice is to mph pace after consider - 3ctor requiring a speed CHARLES ABBOTT ASSOCIATES. INC. Z (4��5) CITY OF MOORPARK ENGINEERING AND 'TRAFFIC SURVEYS PAGE 4 Accident rates calculated from available data were compared to accident rates that can be reasonably expected to occur on streets and highways considering the volume of traffic accom- modated. These anticipated accident rates have been developed by Los Angeles County and are considered reasonable for use in the City of Moorpark. As previously indicated, speed limits are usually se,t.. "at or near the Critical Speed unless there are other factors not readily apparent to a reasonable motorist which may justify a lower limit. The field reviews considered the following factors: 1. Street width and alignment. 2. Pedestrian activity and traffic flow characteristics. 3. Number of lanes, and other channelization and striping patterns. 4. Frequency of intersecti,)ns, driveways, and on- street parking. 5. Location of stop signs and other regulatory traffic control devices. 6. Visibility obstructions. 7. Land use and the proximity of schools. 8. Uniformity with existing speed zones in adjacent juris- dictions. 9 Any other unusual condit.on not readily apparent to the driver. STATE REVIEW The results of any traffic study on a state route are sub- ject to review by the California Department of Transportation Traffic Operations Branch. The speed studies and plans were sub- mitted to Caltrans for a preliminary check. Their suggestions were incorporated into the report and re- submitted for a final review. Upon final revision the complete report is presented to the City Council of Moorpark for adoption and implementation. Caltrans must then receive four certified copies of each adopted resolution. CHARLES ABBOTT ASSOCIATES, INC. L CITY OF MOORPARK ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEYS PAGE 5 SUMMARY The Engineering and Traffic Survey Sheets, presented in the Appendix, illustrate results of a thorough evaluation of the available data and indicate recommended speed limits for the routes surveyed. Attachment 11A" summarizes these results and represents the speed limits proposed for the survey. The City Council should adopt two resolut h ionsest k', a h blishing speed limits on the state routes per Attacment A �� . The City Clerk needs to forward four certified copies of each adopted resolution to the California Department of Transportation Traffic Operations Branch to the attention of C.G. Bork for final adop- tion. This will bring the Engineering and Traffic Studies for state routes within Moorpark into conformance with all applicable sections of the California Vehicle Code thus allowing enforcement of speed limits with radar or .other electronic speed measuring devices. It should be noted the recommendations contained in this report are intended to establish prima facie speed limits. Prima facie limits attempt to advise the motorist, and enforcement, of the reasonable speed for a particular section of highway for prevailing conditions. They are not intended to be absolute. All violations of these speed limits are actually violations of the basic speed law (Section 22350 of California Vehicle Code). This statute states that a person shall not drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is safe having regard for traffic, roadway, and weather conditions. A prima facie limit merely suggests a safe speed under normal condition.,,. EX `�ttyl� 5 RESOLUTION NO. 90 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING SPEED LIMITS AND THE POSTING OF SPEED LIMIT SIGNS ON STATE ROUTE 23 WITHIN THE CITY OF MOORPARK THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA, does hereby find, determine and declare as follows: SECTION 1. Engineering speed surveys have been conducted on state routes within the City of Moorpark listed on Attachment "A ". SECTION 2. The Speed Limits on the routes listed on Attachment "A" are hereby established as those shown on Attachment "A". SECTION 3. Based on the aforementioned findings the City Council hereby authorizes the posting of speed limit signs on those streets listed per Attachment "A ". SECTION 4. The City Clerk is hereby directed to send four certified copies of the final report to the California Department of Transportation Traffic Operations Division (Attention C. G. Bork), for final adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 3rd day of October, 1990. ATTESTED: City Clerk Mayor, City of Moorpark, California a ATTACHMENT A CITY OF MOORPARK STATE ROUTES SPEED SURVEY SUMMARY SHEET ROUTE FROM TO EXISTING SPD LIMIT (MPH) PROPOSED SPD LIMIT (MPH) 23 11.00 11.81 55 55 23 11.81 12.00 _ 55 55 23 12.00 12.25 _ 45 45 23 12.25 12.89 - -_ 45 45 23 12.89 13.11 _ 30 30 23 13.11 13.17 30 30 23 13.17 13.68 - 30 30 23 13.68 13.74 _ 30 30 23 13.74 14.47 40 40 23 14.47 14.60 __ 40 40 Dlk�'; i t `{- RESOLUTION NO. 90 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING SPEED LIMITS AND THE POSTING OF SPEED LIMIT SIGNS ON STATE ROUTE 118 WITHIN THE CITY OF MOORPARK THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA, does hereby find, determine and declare as follows: SECTION 1. Engineering speed surveys have been conducted on state routes within the City of Moorpark listed on Attachment "A ". SECTION 2. The Speed Limits on the routes listed on Attachment "A" are hereby established as those shown on Attachment "A". SECTION 3. Based on the aforementioned findings the City Council hereby authorizes the posting of speed limit signs on those streets listed per Attachment "A"'. SECTION 4. The City Clerk is hereby directed to send four certified copies of the final report to the California Department of Transportation Traffic Operations Division (Attention C. G. Bork), for final adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 3rd day of October, 1990. ATTESTED: City Clerk Mayor, City of Moorpark, California d ATTACHMENT A CITY OF MOORPARK STATE ROUTES SPEED SURVEY SUMMARY SHEET ROUTE FROM TO EXISTING SPD LIMIT (MPH) PROPOSED SPD LIMIT (MPH) 118 16.00 16.08 45 45 118 16.08 16.13 45 45 118 16.13 16.66 45 45 _ 118 16.66 16.74 _ 45 45 118 16.74 17.47 _ 45 45 118 17.47 17.55 45 45 118 17.55 18.34 45 45 118 18.34 18.40 40 40 118 18.40 18.89 _ 40 40 118 18.89 18.95l...� 40 40 1 1 8 18.95 19.5 3_ -_Y 4 0 40 118 19.53 19.59_.____ 40 _40 118 19.59 20.20_ _ _40 40 118 20.20 20.11 40 40 1 1 8 2 0.1 1 20.94 _- 0 40 _4 1 1 8 20.94 21 .04 __- 40 40