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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 1997 1015 CC REG ITEM 10C,7A 'R • a a_ I .� 1s�.a � x O • �� CITY OF MOORPARK. CALIFORNIA City Council Meeting of 199,7- AC; , .� I : 611 7 AGENDA REPORT — - -- C = TY O F MOORPARKBY: .J TO: The Honorable City Council I FROM: Kenneth Gilbert, Director of Public Works DATE: October 7, 1997 (Meeting of 10- 15 -97) SUBJECT: Discussion of Truck Traffic on New Los Angeles Avenue and Los Angeles Avenue [State Route 118] 1. In an attempt to reduce the amount of traffic congestion caused by truck traffic on that portion of Route 118 west of the freeway, staff submitted an Encroachment Permit Application to Caltrans last June to allow the City to place signs restricting truck traffic to the right lane only. 2. In July the City received a letter from Caltrans denying the City's Permit Application. That letter stated that the City would have to prepare a Traffic Study Report and provide other information to justify the establishment of this type of traffic restriction. 3. In August the City Council considered this matter but decided to defer any action until after the next meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Highway 118 Committee meeting. 4. In late August City staff was informed that Caltrans had decided to post signs on this segment of Highway 118 directing slower traffic to keep right. Those signs have been installed. 5. Also in late August Mayor Hunter sent a letter to Caltrans Headquarters in Sacramento requesting a meeting with the Director of Caltrans to discuss this and other matters. 6. In late September the Mayor received a response letter indicating that he had directed his assistant to attend the next Chamber of Commerce Highway 118 Committee meeting. trk_rit5 000153 Trucks: Right Lane Only October 15, 1997 Page 2 DISCUSSION The Chamber Highway 118 Committee met on October 7, 1997 . Caltrans representatives were present from Headquarters (Sacramento) , District 7 (Los Angeles) and the Ventura Branch Office. Representatives of the California Highway Patrol were also present. The City was represented by Councilmember Rogers-Teasley and the Public Works Director. Discussion included the following: Engine Braking: Caltrans stated that it was their intent to approve the City's revised permit application submitted last August, to allow the placement of advisory signs (black on yellow) to urge truckers to not use engine braking (Jake Brakes) . Caltrans stated that they believed that this permit may require some type of before and after noise level testing to allow for an evaluation of the effectiveness of the signs. When the permit is received, staff will proceed with implementation, provided no significant expenditure of time or money is required. Should a significant level of resources be required, the matter will be brought to the City Council . Subsequent to the installation of these signs (if they are installed) , it is hoped that staff and affected residents will be able to notice a reduction in noise levels. Truck Traffic -- Right Lane Only: As stated above, Caltrans has placed "SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT" signs on Route 118. It is the opinion of Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol that these signs will be effective in reducing truck-related traffic congestion on this segment of highway. Accordingly, no further action by Caltrans is proposed. Although somewhat subjective in nature, it is hoped that a reduction in truck related traffic congestion will result from the recent installation of these signs. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council direct staff to report back to the City Council in April 1998 with a report discussing the effectiveness of the signing programs discussed herein. trk_rlt5 0 0015 4