HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2008 0319 CC REG ITEM 09AMOORPARK CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REPORT
ITEM q.A.
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City Council Meeting
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TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Yugal K. Lail, City Engineer /Public Works Director
DATE: March 6, 2008 (CC Meeting of 03/19/08)
SUBJECT: Consider Options for the Modification of Traffic Flow on Lassen
Avenue East of Sierra Avenue
BACKGROUND
At the February 6, 2008, Council meeting, staff was directed to explore options and
provide recommendations to alleviate traffic problems in the Moorpark Estates
neighborhood, specifically at the intersection of Sierra Avenue and Lassen Avenue
(Exhibit 1). Double yellow center lane striping was recently installed on Sierra Avenue
and a portion of Shasta Avenue as a traffic calming measure. It is the opinion of staff
that speeding has been reduced as a result of the new center lane striping. This matter
was continued to March 5 and then again to March 19.
DISCUSSION
A. Traffic Volume
Staff has completed traffic counts for both directions on Lassen Avenue and on
Sierra Avenue north and south of Lassen Avenue. Traffic counts were taken by
placing "tube" counters across the road for two consecutive, 24 -hour periods on
Wednesday, February 27, 2008, and Thursday, February 28, 2008. This time frame
was utilized to represent the most typical traffic patterns and volumes for the area.
Traffic volumes from both days were averaged and are shown below for a 24 -hour
period and for morning, noon, and evening peak traffic periods. The traffic volumes
are also summarized in Exhibit 2.
SAPublic Works \Everyone\Staff Reports\2008 \March \LassenSierra Options.doc �� '
Honorable City Council
March 19, 2008
Page 2
TRAFFIC COUNTS FOR LASSEN AVENUE AND SIERRA AVENUE
Location
Lassen Ave.
A.M. Peak
Noon Peak
P.M. Peal
Number of Vehicles
(average of two 24 -hr. periods;
Eastbound Westbound
24 Hr. Total 789 821
— 8:00 to 10:00 117 162
— 12:00 to 2:00 123 126
— 4:00 to 6:00 135 188
Northbound Southbound
Sierra Ave. north of Lassen Ave.
24 Hr. Total 423 497
A.M. Peak — 8:00 to 10:00 62 88
Noon Peak — 12:00 to 2:00 42 48
P.M. Peak — 4:00 to 6:00 85 116
Sierra Ave. south of Lassen Ave
24 Hr. Total
639
754
A.M. Peak — 8:00 to 10:00
155
121
Noon Peak — 12:00 to 2:00
111
122
P.M. Peak — 4:00 to 6:00
165
149
The traffic count for the 24 hour period on Lassen Avenue reflects that 69% of the
total traffic on Sierra Avenue uses Lassen Avenue as a by -pass or alternative route.
During the morning, noon, and afternoon peak, 48 -55% of the traffic on Sierra
Avenue turned onto Lassen Avenue as a by -pass or to access the shopping center.
In summary, there is slightly more traffic from the parking lot into the Moorpark
Estates area than the traffic going into the parking lot. Significantly more traffic
approaches and leaves the intersection from the south of Lassen Avenue than from
the north. Cumulatively, 69% of the traffic that uses Sierra Avenue also used
Lassen Avenue as a by -pass or to access the shopping center.
B. Public Meeting
Residents of the Moorpark Estates neighborhood, and Mr. John Safi of the Mission
Bell Plaza, have been mailed a notice advising them of a public meeting before the
City Council on March 19, 2008, to discuss the subject traffic issues.
SAPublic Works \Everyone \Staff Reports\2008 \March \Lassen - Sierra Options.doc 3 00x)14
Honorable City Council
March 19, 2008
Page 3
C. Alternatives
The following alternatives to modify the flow of traffic on Lassen Avenue are
provided for consideration:
• No change
• Full closure of Lassen Avenue
Modify to allow one -way eastbound traffic only
1. Install striping and signs
2. Install tire spikes and signs
Staff has contacted the property owner of Mission Bell Plaza, Mr. John Safi, in relation
to providing curbs, extending the landscaping, and /or providing the tire spikes on the
Mission Bell property. Due to liability issues, Mr. Safi would not entertain the installation
of raised spikes, however, he would consider adding raised curbs within the parking lot
to increase the length of travel for by- passers, at the city's expense.
FISCAL IMPACT
Approximately $3,500 has been spent thus far for the center lane striping and traffic
counts. It is estimated to cost $5,000 to modify Lassen Avenue to one -way eastbound
traffic with striping and signs only. Installation of tire spikes and related signs is
estimated to cost $10,000. Funding would need to be appropriated from General Fund
Reserve or Moorpark Redevelopment Agency.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Direct staff as deemed appropriate.
ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit 1 — Vicinity Map
Exhibit 2 — Traffic Counts
SAPublic Works \Everyone \Staff Reports\2008 \March \Lassen - Sierra Options.doc + 00 01 S
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497
423 LASSEN AVENUE
—*-- 821
789 —�
754
639
24 HR. TOTAL
48
42 LASSEN AVENUE
an 126
123 —�
122
111
NOON PEAK
12pm - 2pm
PARKING
LOT
PARKING
LOT
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EXHIBIT 2
88
62 LASSEN AVENUE
a— 162
117
121
155
MORNING PEAK
8am -10am
116
' 85 LASSEN AVENUE
No -- 188
135 —�
149
165
EVENING PEAK
4pm - 6pm
PARKING
LOT
PARKING
LOT
LASSEN AVENUE AND SIERRA AVENUE
TRAFFIC COUNTS
Averages from two 24 -hour periods on Wednesday 2/27/08 and Thursday 2/28/08.
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