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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 1995 0607 CC REG ITEM 11HkTEM_fl . He _ G'� counc v Mewng of,�,%Z.� A �Ll 7 AGENDA REPORT C Z TY OF MOORPARK TO: The Honorable City Council FROM: Kenneth C. Gilbert, Director of Public Works DATE: May 22, 1995 (Council Meeting 6 -7 -95) SUBJECT: Discuss the Feasibility of Constructing a Temporary Traffic Signal at the Intersection of Tierra Rejada Road and Moorpark Road The County of Ventura is proceeding with the preparation of an environmental document and the design for a project to reconstruct and realign Moorpark Road south of the City. That project includes the assessment of a number of alternative alignments, including one which would leave the intersection at it present location. Other possible alignments would move the intersection to Science Drive or Spring Road. If the road alignment selected leaves the intersection at its present location, the project would include the construction of a traffic signal at this three way intersection. If the road alignment is moved to Science Drive, the project would include a traffic signal at this four -way intersection. If the road alignment is moved to Spring Road, the project would include the modification of the existing traffic signal at this intersection to accommodate the new four -way intersection.. DISCUSSION A. Concerns It is anticipated that it will be at least two years before the above described County project is constructed. This, of course, will delay the installation of a traffic signal at this intersection. In the meantime, increased vehicle speeds, increased delays for northbound traffic and an increased number of traffic accidents at this intersection have raised concerns. Some see the installation of a traffic signal as a means to address the problem. npk_tr Traffic Signal @ Moorpark Rd & Tierra Rejada Rd June 1995 Page 2 B. Traffic Signal Warrants The most recent traffic analysis indicates that this intersection is operating at Level of Service (LOS) "A." It is obvious, therefore, that a traffic signal at this intersection would not be warranted on the basis of traffic congestion. It is possible, however, that one or more of the other Traffic Signal Warrants might be met. These signal warrants include the following: a) interruption of continuous flow; b) peak hour delay; c) accident history, eti::. C. Permanent Traffic Signal It is estimated that the construction of a permanent traffic signal at this location would cost in excess of $150,000. Again, the construction of a permanent traffic signal is included in the scope of work for the County's Moorpark Road Reconstruction Project. D. Temporary Traffic Signal Most temporary traffic signals are controlled by a fixed -time coontroller. This type of a controller operates on a fixed time schedule regardless of traffic volumes or demands. For example, a given direction of traffic experiencing high volumes may receive a RED light at, a time when there is no cross traffic. City staff has obtained a bid for the construction of a temporary traffic signal at the subject intersection. The preliminary design which this bid was based on, calls for the installation of a fixed -time controller and the utilization of some surplus City -owned poles and mast arms. The amount of the bid, which was received last August, is $17,800. Based on this bid price, is estimated that the total cost of the project would be approximately $25,000. It is estimated that the project could be completed in approximately sixty (60) days. mpk_tr Traffic Signal @ Moorpark Rd & Tierra Rejada Rd June 1995 Page 3 E. Engineering Study As stated above, it is not yet known any of the Traffic Signal Warrants. safety and traffic operations impacts "fixed- time" traffic signal are also reasons, it is recommended that performed before any decision is made proposed project. F. County Participation if this intersection meets Furthermore, the traffic of installing a temporary not yet known. For these an Engineering Study be with regard to the subject Due to the manner in which the City boundaries were drawn, the entire intersection is within the City limits. However, all of the traffic using the south leg of the intersection is coming from or going to a location outside of the City. In addition, as stated above, it is the intent of the County to install a permanent traffic signal to serve this traffic in the near future. For these reasons, should the City Council wish to proceed with this project, it is recommended that the City Council request, that the County fund one -third of the cost of the project.. RECOMMENDATIONS If further consideration is to be given to the subject proposed project, it is recommended that the City Traffic Engineer be directed to prepare an Engineering Study assessing the need for and the impacts of constructing the subject project. npk_tr