TO: City Traffic Commission
THRU: Larry Tay, City Traffic Engineer
FROM: Dave Allenbach, Transportation Analyst
1. Subject
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Request for the installation of a STOP control at the intersection of Culver Avenue and Pixley Street.
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2. Summary
The request is to install a STOP control at the intersection of Culver Avenue and Pixley Street.
3. Recommended Action
recommendation
It is recommended that the Traffic Commission approve the installation of a two way stop control for east and west bound Culver Avenue at Pixley Street.
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4. Fiscal Impact
The total expenditure for the project is $500 and will be funded in Minor Traffic Control Devices (16302) through Traffic Improvement Measure M2 (263).
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 1: Provide for a safe community
b. Provide and maintain infrastructure necessary to ensure the safety of the public.
6. Discussion and Background
A resident of South Pixley Street is requesting the installation of a STOP control at the intersection of Culver Ave. and Pixley St. to enhance motorist safety. Pursuant to the request, a STOP control traffic study was conducted at the subject intersection. The results are as follows.
Existing Conditions
Both Culver Ave. and Pixley St. are classified as Local streets in the study area. Culver Ave. runs in an east-west direction terminating east of the subject intersection at Montgomery Way. Pixley St. runs in a north-south direction. Both streets are residentially developed with a mixture of single-family dwelling units and small apartment buildings. Curbside parking is allowed on both streets in the study area and demand is moderate during the day and quite high in the evening. The speed limit for both streets is a prima fascia 25 MPH. The subject intersection is uncontrolled; however both streets meet at right angles with adequate sight distance.
Accident History
The accident history at the subject intersection was reviewed for the past three-year period. Our records indicate that there have been no reported accidents at this location during that time.
Traffic Volume Characteristics
Turning movement counts were conducted at the subject intersection for both the AM and PM peak traffic hours. 83 vehicles were counted entering the intersection from all approaches during the AM peak hour (7:30-8:30 AM). 94 vehicles were counted entering the intersection during the PM peak hour (4:30-5:30 PM).
Intersection Geometry
The subject intersection has good sight distance for all approaches.
Warrant Analysis
The Traffic Engineering Division has a policy of recommending STOP controls based on the following criteria:
1. Accident History - Three or more correctable accidents in a 12-month period. There were no reported accidents for the past 12-month period.
2. Traffic Volume - A total of 100 vehicles entering the subject intersection from all approaches during each of the peak hours of a typical day. 83 vehicles presently enter the intersection during the AM peak hour. 94 vehicles presently enter the intersection during the PM peak. Close to meeting the volume warrant.
3. Intersection Geometry/ Design - A geometric problem exists to the extent that a controlled flow of vehicular traffic through the intersection is required and such control cannot be accomplished by less restrictive means. Culver Avenue and Pixley Street intersects at a right angle, sight distance is good for all approaches. Geometry does not create a problem for motorists.
Based on the above warrant analysis the subject intersection is reasonably close to meeting the traffic volume warrant. Traffic volumes have been depressed due to the lock down, it is reasonable assume that as the state begins to open up these traffic volumes will meet or exceed the minimum volume warrant within a few months. Staff therefore recommends that the Traffic Commission approve the installation of a two way stop control on Pixley Street at Culver Avenue.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• Letter of Request
• Location Map
• Site Sketch