HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/19/1992, C-5 - NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: CHORRO/BROAD STREETS, CITY PLAN NO. P-11B. iIIIN�I���'I�II�� I�=ull� MEETING DATE:
CcityO f San 11S OBISPO May 19, 1992
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT 1T°"' N111:C-5
FROM:
Wayne Peterson, City Engineer .p
Prepared. by: Barbara Lynch, Engineering Assistant
SUBJECT:
Neighborhood Improvement Project: Chorro/Broad Streets, City Plan
No. P-11B.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
By motion, direct staff to remove the four way stops at
Me inecke/Broad/Ramona and defer bulbouts and crosswalk installations
to reconsideration as part of the 1993-95 budget.
DISCUSSION:
BACKGROUND:
Traffic Management is one of the City Council's high priority goals in
the 1989-91 Financial Plan and was adopted as part of the Council Work
Program. This project was postponed to this year to allow the completion
of the crosstown sewermain construction which went through the
intersection of Chorro and Lincoln, and to allow for the collection of
traffic data before and after the installation of the four way stops in
February of 1991.
The City has been responding to traffic concerns along both Broad Street
and Chorro Street north of the freeway since the 19701s. The limitations
to the circulation system cause these two streets to serve conflicting
needs. They are both very residential in nature and both attract through
traffic because of their linkage between Foothill, the freeway and
downtown. Stop signs on these streets were installed in the 701s, road
bumps in the 80 's and now we are considering bulbouts for the 901s.
As part of its review of the Circulation Element, the Planning Commission
has recommended that Broad Street be classified as a "Residential
Collector, " and Chorro Street as a "Neighborhood Arterial. " Neighborhood
arterials are defined as "Arterial streets with residential frontage
where preservation of neighborhood' s character is more important than
providing for traffic flow, where speeds should be controlled, and
traffic growth avoided" (Re 5. 2 .F, p. 15) .
In reviewing the traffic patterns that have appeared after each of the
City's endeavors we begin to see another pattern emerge. When the stop
signs were installed in the 70 's along Broad Street, traffic shifted to
Chorro Street. The point of shift was at the first stop sign, Murray
Street. When the Murray Street residents complained the City addressed
the problem by installing road bumps on Broad Street in the hopes of
reducing traffic there. Traffic continued to shift from Broad to Chorro
above the first road bump. This resulted in an increase in traffic on
Meinecke.
As part of the Circulation Element, the consultants hired by the City met
with different neighborhoods in the community to listen to their
concerns. As a result of the discussions with the neighbors in the
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Broad/Murray area, the consultant recommended bulbouts, stop signs and
textured crosswalks be installed at Meinecke/Chorro and
Meinecke/Broad/Ramona and textured crosswalks be installed at j
Lincoln/Chorro to address the continuing concerns.
TRAFFIC STUDY:
During the preliminary design of the project, an environmental review was
done by the Planning Department. There was some concern that the
addition of stop signs at Chorro and Meinecke would tend to make Meinecke
more attractive as a route from Santa Rosa to Chorro or Broad for through
traffic as there would be less delay in entering the intersection of
Chorro. The environmental impact review for this project recommended
that the stop signs be installed on a one year trial basis and traffic
monitored to see the effects. If there appeared to be traffic diversion,
the Council was to be informed, if not the bulbout project could proceed
as planned.
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The monitoring indicates that traffic on Meinecke between Broad and
Chorro has again increased. In actual numbers, the traffic on Meinecke
is similar to that on other residential streets which serve as
collectors. It is similar in volumes to that on Murray (2261) , Broad
near Mt. View (2223) , Ferrini (1910) , High (2680) , Mill (2595) and Toro
near Monterey (2088) .
However, statistics show that these stop signs have not encouraged
traffic from Santa Rosa Street to use Meinecke (i.e. , the -12% decrease) .
Meinecke may be acting as an alternative connector between Broad, Chorro
Street corridors, an alternative for Murray Street.
STREET $ CHANGE FROM $ CHANGE FROM CURRENT
1 YEAR AGO BEFORE ROAD BUMPS VOLUME
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Meinecke (Broad/Chorro) +28% +35% 2110
Meinecke(Chorro/SantaRosa) -12% +5% 2300
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Broad (Meinecke/Murray) -2016 4370
Broad (Meinecke/Ramona) +6% +21% 6930
Chorro (Meinecke/Murray) -9% +13% 9030
City-wide (Average) -2% +21%
If the traffic growth is acceptable, the bulbouts can be installed with
little impact on traffic volumes. With four way stops already in place,
the addition of bulbouts and crosswalks are unlikely to affect traffic
volume changes. They will therefore serve solely an aesthetic purpose
at a cost estimated at $100, 000.
Accident levels at these intersections have never been high. There were
only one or two a year prior to the installation. There were no
broadside accidents at Chorro and Meinecke in the last year.
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MINGs COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Broad/Murray area, the consultant recommended bulbouts, stop signs and
textured crosswalks be installed at Meinecke/Chorro and
Meinecke/Broad/Ramona and textured crosswalks be installed atl
Lincoln/Chorro to address the continuing concerns.
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TRAFFIC STUDY:
During the preliminary design of the project, an environmental review was .
done by the Planning Department. There was some concern that the
addition of stop signs at Chorro and Meinecke would tend to make Meinecke ;
more attractive as a route from Santa Rosa to Chorro or Broad for through ;
traffic as there would be less delay in entering the intersection of ;
Chorro. The environmental impact review for this project recommended ;
that the stop signs be installed on a one year trial basis and traffic
monitored to see the effects. If there appeared to be traffic diversion,
the Council was to be informed, if not the bulbout project could proceedi
as planned. i
The monitoring indicates that traffic on Meinecke between Broad ands
Chorro has again increased. In actual numbers, the traffic on Meinecke ;
is similar to that on other residential streets which serve as !
i collectors. It is similar in volumes to that on Murray (2261) , Broad !
near Mt. View (2223) , Ferrini (1910) , High (2680) , Mill (2595) and Toroi
near Monterey (2088) .
However, statistics show that these stop signs have not encouraged ;
traffic from Santa Rosa Street to use Meinecke (i.e. , the -12% decrease) . ,
Meinecke may be acting as an alternative connector between Broad, Chorro ':
Street corridors, an alternative for Murray Street.
STREET $ CHANGE FROM $ CHANGE FROM CURRENT
1 YEAR AGO BEFORE ROAD BUMPS VOLUME
Meinecke (Broad/Chorro) +28$ +35% 2110 l
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Meinecke(Chorro/SantaRosa) -12% +5% 2300
Broad (Meinecke/Murray) -20% 4370 !
Broad (Meinecke/Ramona) +6% +21% 6930
Chorro (Meinecke/Murray) -9% +13% 9030
City-wide (Average) -2% +21%
If the traffic growth is acceptable, the bulbouts can be installed with
little impact on traffic volumes. With four way stops already in place,
the addition of bulbouts and crosswalks are unlikely to affect traffic
volume changes. They will therefore serve solely an aesthetic purpose
at a cost estimated at $97 , 000.
Accident levels at these intersections have never been high. There were
only one or two a year prior to the installation. There were no
broadside accidents at Chorro and Meinecke in the last year.
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
In addition to the study done by the City for this project, another
traffic study was done by a private consultant as a follow up done for
the medical complex on Meinecke between Santa Rosa and Chorro. It !
indicated that the traffic impacts from the complex have not been
significant. The consultant indicated the drop in traffic experienced
in this block was most likely due to the closure of the bank at the
corner of Santa Rosa. It is doubtful that the recently approved school
will have any significant impact.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION:
After the installation of the four way stop, some citizens phoned to say
the combination of the offset intersection at Broad/Ramona/Meinecke and
a four way stop was difficult for them as drivers because of the
confusion over right of way when turning, and entering the secondary part
of the intersection. !
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Written Comments:
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Number Comment Home
Commenting Address
2 Slower speed on Chorro would be better. Chorro
Meinecke
1 Great idea. o
1 New 4-way stop on Chorro is too close N.Chorro
to other 4-way stop and signal. Indicated
this had come up at a Board meeting.
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1 Stop signs have not improved things Ramona/Broad
for pedestrians.
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1 Stop signs have aggravated conditions San Jose Ct.
for pedestrians. Broad/Ramona/Meinecke
intersection is difficult to drivers.
CONCURRENCES:
Planning has, given the original project proposed in the Circulation
Element Phase I Study, environmental clearance.
RECOMMENDATION:
Based upon the public comments and the data gathered, staff recommends
the removal of stop signs on Broad Street at Meinecke and Ramona, and the
retention of the 4-way stop at Chorro & Meinecke. Inasmuch as the
bulbouts and textured crosswalks are primarily aesthetic in nature, and
due to current fiscal concerns, staff recommends deferral of the
construction portion of this project and that it be reconsidered in the
1993-95 financial plan.
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NNIZe COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
FISCAL IMPACT:
tThe 1989/91 Financial Plan (page E-8) includes $97 , 000 for this project,
$7, 000 for design and $90, 000 for construction. The cost estimate toj
complete the construction project is $100, 000. With design to bei
performed in-house, there would be a possible shortfall of $3 , 000 which
would be funded from the capitol control account.
The recommended project will have no construction costs.
COST BREAKDOWN:
Location Textured Crosswalks Bulbouts
Lincoln/Chorro $23, 000
Meinecke/Chorro $17, 000 $17, 000
$22 , 000 without bulbouts due to greater ,
length
Meinecke/Broad/Ramona $17, 000 $26, 000
$20, 500 without bulbouts
ALTERNATIVES:
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1) Remove stop signs at Broad/Ramona/Meinecke. Leave the stop signs at ;
Chorro/Meinecke. (Recommended Alternative)
Cost: Approximately 12 man hours - City staff.
Pros: The stop signs at Chorro would remain to provide some benefit to :
the residents in the area in terms of ease of access at Meinecke,
possible accident reduction and reduced speed in the vicinity of
the stop signs. This is the most economical alternative. This ;
would eliminate the confusion on Broad Street caused by the wide- :
spaced intersections.
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Cons: Residents may feel the City has not been responsive to their !
concerns.
2) Remove the stop signs installed a year ago on Meinecke and Broad and
install bulbouts at Meinecke & Broad & Ramona intersections. Do not !
install textured crosswalks. j
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Cost: Engineer's estimate - $20, 500
Pros: Bulbouts will serve their intended purpose of slowing traffic atl
the locations recommended in the Phase I Circulation Element )
Study. Meinecke should experience a reduction in traffic to
previous levels. Pedestrians will have a shorter distance to
cross and better visibility of oncoming traffic. There will be
a greater visual impact for the neighborhood of something
attractive being done in the area.
Cons: Drivers may be used to the presence of the stop signs and be out
of the habit of exercising caution needed for a two-way stop
situation.
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�`;;�n�l�l�►Ilfifilll�' �����11 city of San I ,s OBISp0
MUZe COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
3) Remove the stop signs on Meinecke at Broad and install bulbouts (no
crosswalks) at Meinecke & Broad and Meinecke & Chorro.
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Cost: Engineer's estimate - $43 , 000
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Pros: Meinecke should experience a reduction in traffic to previous '
levels. Cost to the City is minimal. Similar benefits as
Alternative 2 at both intersections.
Cons: This project is more costly than recommended alternative.
4) Remove the stop signs at Broad/Meinecke/Ramona, leaving those at ,
Chorro/Meinecke. Install bulbouts and textured crosswalks at both '
intersections and textured crosswalks at Lincoln and Chorro asl
planned.
Cost: Engineer's estimate - $100, 000
Pros: Bulbouts will serve their intended purpose of slowing traffic at ,
Broad/Ramona/Meinecke. The reduction in accidents from the
installation of the four way stops will remain at Chorro/Meinecke.
Pedestrians will have a shorter distance to cross and better :
visibility of oncoming traffic. There will be a greater visual '
impact for the neighborhood of something attractive being done in
the area. The problems which have resulted from the installation
of the stop signs at Broad/Meinecke/Ramona, will be removed.
Cons: The impact of additional traffic will continue to be felt on
Meinecke. This is the most costly alternative.
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ATTACHMENTS:
Written Public Comments
Environmental Impact Review
Preliminary Construction Plans
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p:\barbara\p 11 b rev.wp
Ann FitzGerald
P.O. Box 1596
San Luis Obispo, CA 95406
April 16. 1991
Barbara Lynch
Traffic Control Department
City of San Luis Obispo Interse.ctionProblems:Broad-Meineke-Ramona
San Luis Obispo, CA 9.401
Dear Ms. Lynch:
The installation of boulevard stops for north-south traffic on Broad Street at Ramona/Meineke needs to
be reconsidered.
This is a route my neigbbors and I travel frequently and therefore understand why your department made
the recent cbanees. However, we all bare rapidly assembled a collection of war stories--tales of near
misses as we've attempted to make left-hand turns onto either Ramona or Meineke. Drivers travelling
north or south on Broad Street do not seem to perceive that cars already in the long, unconventional
intersection and preparing to make a left-band turn have the right-of-way. My observation is that many
Broad Street drivers are making only courtesy besitations at the stop signs,f ollowed by jack-rabbit starts
so that they don't have to wait f or drivers turning left. As presently arranged,the intersection is likely to
be particularly baffling to strangers who have some difficulty--especially at night--seeing whether or not
cars on Ramona and Meineke are required to stop. And one of those dinky"4-Way Stop"signs on top of
the signposts (when our resident vandals haven't made off with them) isn't going to be much help.
The new arrangement, strangely enough, also creates a danger for pedestrians trying to cross Broad
Street. Before the stop signs were posted, traffic on Broad Street was generally spread out enough to
allow pedestrians time to cross safely. NTow,however;traffic on Broad Street bunches up at the stop signs
but,having made a stop, the driver can still work up a fair amount of speed before reaching the places
wbere pedestrians cross from either Ramona or from Meineke. A number of people have complained
about having some very-close calls.and I doubt you need a reminder that the neighborhood is home to a
number of elderly people who take their daily walks quite seriously.
Thank you for your attention to this problem.
Sin elv,
Ann FitzG
138 San Jose Court
San Luis Obispo, CA 9=405
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city osan tuis oBispo
955 Morro Street • San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
June 18, 1991
Dear Resident:
Associated with the stop sign which was installed per City
Council directive on Broad Street north of Ramona, it has been
determined that an additional 40 feet of red curb striping will
be needed to allow buses and trucks enough room to complete the
turn from eastbound Ramona to northbound Broad. This additional
no-parking zone will be located along the frontageof the home at
32 Broad St. The work order to install the no-parking zone will
be delayed for two weeks pending neighborhood notification and
comment.
If you have any questions, please contact John Rawles at
549-7190.
Sincerely,
WAYNE A. PETERSON R E C p
CITY ENGINEER JUN 2
4 1991
/ ENGIpEERip
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John Ra s
Engineering Assistant/Traffic
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Traffic Engineer R E C E I V E D
955 Morro Street 10AR 7 1991
San Luis Obispo, Ca. 93401
Dear Mr. John Rawles , ENG114EERINGGJviSWN
CITY OF SAN LUIS OE!S?G
I am writing you concerning the new stop sign that has been
put up on Chorro and Meinecke. I have been told that as Traffic
Engineer you are responsible for the placement of this new traffic
sign .
I currently live on North Chorro Street and I can ' t see the
reason why you felt there was a need to place a stop sign on that
section of Chorro. The section on which you placed that stop sign
had already been controlled by a traffic light and a stop sign .
The distance between these traffic controlling measures was about
2 blocks. Now because of this new stop sign traffic must stop at
each individual block. I feel that this stop sign helps to congest
traffic and it adds additional pollution to San Luis Obispo by
causing unnecessary stopping and starting of vehicles.
.The reason I am writing you about this, besides for being
confronted with the extra stop every day, is because it was
recently brought up by a citizen at a board meeting I recently
attending on February 19, 1991 . A San Luis citizen also felt like
this was an additional stop that needed explanation.
I hope you will read this letter and respond with an
explanation as to why this stop sign was needed on Chorr.d Street.
Sincerely,
z
Paul Nagy
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CITY CONCERN FORM
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�i��!!►!lilll�; �;!j':.!! l' l INITIAL STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
SITE LOCATION Three intersections on Broad & Chorro APPLICATION NO. 27-90
PROJECT DESCRIPTION Installation of stop signs, bulb-outs, and textured paving
at the Meinecke-Ramona-Broad and Meinecke-Chorro intersections;
installation of textured paving at Chorro-Lincoln intersection.
APPLICANT City of San Luis Obispo
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
x NEGATIVE DECLARATION X MITIGATION INCLUDED
EXPANDED INITIAL STUDY REQUIRED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT REOUIRED
PREPAREDBY Judith Lautner, Associate Planner DATE October 24, 1990
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR'S ACTIO DATE lot 31/ 30
- - -
--SUMMARY- OF INITIAL STUDY FINDINGS -
L DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
IL POTENTIAL IMPACT REVIEW POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
A. COMMUNITY PLANS AND GOALSNONE*
....................
8. POPULATION DISTRIBUTION AND GROWTH.......................................... NONE
C. LAND USE ..................:..................................................... NONE
D. TRANSPORTATION ANDCIRCULATION NONE*
E PUBUCSERVICES NONE
F. UTILITIES.................. ................................................ NONE
• G. NOISE LEVELS NONE
H. GEOLOGIC&SEISMIC HAZARDS d TOPOGRAPHIC MODIFICATIONS ....................... NONE
L AIR QUALITY AND WIND CONDITIONS............................................... NONE*
J. SURFACE WATER FLOW AND QUALITY ._..._...... NONE
-K. PLANT LIFE......................:............................................... NONE
L ANIMAL LIFE......................:.............................................. NONE
M. ARCHAEOLOGICALIHISTORICAL NONE
N. AESTHETIC NONE
0. ENERGVRESOURCE USE NONE
P. OTHER ......................................................................... NONE
111.STAFF RECOMMENDATION
NEGATIVE DECLARATION, WITH MITIGATION
'SEE ATTACHED REPORTy
SUMMARY OF MITIGATION MEASURES
1. Do not install a bulbout on the northwest corner of the Ramona-Broad
intersection.
2 . Monitor traffic (do traffic and turning movement counts) on all
affected intersections prior to installation of stop signs. Install
stop signs at the two Meinecke intersections, but not bulbouts and
crosswalks. Monitor traffic levels on Broad, Chorro, Meinecke, and
Murray for one year, with one of the counts done as close as possible
to the same date as the pre-stop sign counts were taken. If increases
in traffic levels on Meinecke are not significant (no greater than the
average increases in the vicinity) , install bulbouts and textured
walkways. If traffic levels increase by more than the average,
continue monitoring, and report findings to the City Council.
Since pedestrian and bicycle safety is an issue for the residents, it
is recommended that the stop signs be installed first, followed by the
bulbouts. The bulbouts should add to the effectiveness of the stop
signs and encourage motorists to slow_down.
Mitigation Monitoring: Public Works Department will add these tasks to its
traffic counts project list.
C-5-13
5
ENVIRONMENTAL INITIAL STUDY ER 27-90
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The project is the installation of improvements to three
intersections:
1. Ramona-Broad-Meinecke: Installation of. bulbouts, stop signs,
and textured crosswalks at this offset intersection. Bulbouts
(also called "chokers") would be a maximum of four feet in
width and include landscaping. Stop signs are to be installed
at every corner in the intersection.
2. Chorro-Meinecke: Installation of bulbouts, stop signs, and
textured crosswalks similar to the Ramona-Broad-Meinecke
proposal above.
3 . Chorro-Lincoln: Installation of textured crosswalks only.
These improvements are shown on the attached map.
The three intersections are near the boundaries of what is termed
the Murray-Broad neighborhood in the Circulation Study Phase 1
report,- prepared by DRS -Associates- for the city in 1988: That
study identified five "near-term improvements" that could be made
to reduce speed and volume of "through traffic in the Murray-Broad
neighborhood and improve safety and enjoyment by residents. This
report evaluates three of the suggested improvements, approved by
the City Council for installation.
The neighborhood is defined by hillsides on the west, Foothill
Boulevard, Santa Rosa, and U.S. 101 on the other three sides. The
neighborhood is primarily low-density housing, with some offices
and retail uses on the fringes. Higher-density housing exists
along Ramona Drive. Chorro and Broad Streets serve as the primary
routes through the neighborhood connecting Foothill Boulevard with
downtown and the Highway 101 on-ramp. Santa Rosa Street, at the
easterly edge of the neighborhood, is a major arterial street,
carrying the majority of traffic between the north and south ends
of town.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
Community Plans and Goals
The 1982 Circulation Element identifies Chorro as an arterial
street, and Broad Street in this neighborhood as a collector. One
of the objectives of that element is to "manage traffic so that it
is concentrated on arterial streets and thoroughfares and not
disbursed throughout residential areas."
The proposed improvements are intended to facilitate meeting this
objective. Installation of the stop signs on Chorro may tend to
increase westbound traffic on Meinecke, and some traffic now on
ER 27-90
Page 2
Murray may move to Meinecke (see additional discussion below) .
Overall, however, the stop signs are expected to discourage traffic
from entering the neighborhood from Foothill Boulevard, and lessen
the impacts from traffic on the neighborhood. The project is
therefore consistent with city plans and goals.
Transportation and circulation
The proposed improvements would affect the circulation in the
Broad-Murray neighborhood. Vehicles may experience a psychological
as well as physical deterrent to speeding when they reach the
textured crosswalks at Lincoln and the two narrower intersections.
The effect of the proposed changes on these streets will therefore
be to slow traffic and possibly reduce the number of vehicles
travelling into the neighborhood. There may be some reduction of
traffic on some- local streets, and an increase of traffic on one.
. Pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle safety: Traffic from all
directions at the Broad-Meinecke, Chorro-Murray, and Chorro-
Meinecke intersections have reached levels where the neighborhood
feels it is unsafe-to cross these streets -on foot or- bicycle, and
that it may be a hazard for motor vehicles as well, according to
-a survey done for the phase 1 circulation study.' The proposed
installation of stop signs should lessen the perceived hazards at
these intersections for pedestrians, bicycles, and automobiles.
Truck and bus movement: When large trucks or buses are turning at
these intersections, their movements will require nearly the whole
intersection. At these times, automobile congestion will increase,
and bicycles will be precluded from entering the intersection.
The intersection of Broad Street with Ramona Drive will not be wide
enough to allow large delivery trucks to turn on Ramona to make
deliveries to the Lucky shopping center. This is the only access
route for these trucks.
Conclusion: May be significant.
Recommended mitigation: Do not install a bulbout on the northwest
corner of the Ramona-Broad intersection.
Bicycle lanes: Bicycle traffic on Chorro is accommodated by a
bicycle route indicated by signage only (class III) . The bulb-
outs would result in narrower travel lanes at the intersections.
The Chorro-Meinecke intersection would be reduced in width to 32 '
at the narrowest. This dimension allows for two 11' travel lanes,
with five feet on either side to accommodate bicycles.
There currently are no designated bicycle paths on Broad Street,
but class III routes are proposed. The Broad-Meinecke-Ramona
intersection would be reduced in width to a minimum of 301 , which
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ER 27-90
Page 3
allows for two 11' automobile lanes plus two four-foot-wide bicycle
lanes.
Conclusion: The proposed bulbouts would not have a significant
negative impact on bicycle lanes.
Meinecke: There may be an increase in traffic on Meinecke, as the
stop signs will improve access to that street, simplifying access
eastbound from Broad to Meinecke to Chorro and westbound from the
Meinecke neighborhood and northbound Santa Rosa to Broad Street.
More vehicles travelling south on Chorro may also cut over on
Meinecke rather than Murray to Santa Rosa. The stop sign at
Meinecke and Broad may cause cars to back up there, thus
discouraging some of the traffic on Foothill from entering Broad
in the first place. Drivers who enter Broad from Foothill, whose
destination is downtown, will normally use Chorro Street to get
there, and will cross from Broad on Murray rather than Meinecke,
to avoid the extra stop sign on Chorro.
Drivers travelling north on Santa Rosa will cut over on Meinecke
if conditions are favorable: if the northbound traffic is stopped
at the Santa Rosa-Foothill Signal, -and if the southbound lanes are
clear. The stop signs may influence some of these drivers, who
will realize that the stop sign at Meinecke and Chorro simplifies
turns (and vehicle safety) at that intersection. Increases in
traffic from this movement are not expected to be significant.
Shortly after speed bumps were installed on Broad Street .in January
1984, traffic levels increased on Meinecke and Chorro and decreased
on Broad and Murray. Traffic levels on Meinecke grew from 1185
daily trips before the bumps were installed, to 1555 daily trips
six months later, to 1948 trips one year later, an increase of 64%
in one year. The year following this large increase (1986) ,
traffic levels on Meinecke increased by 98 trips, or 5%. The
proposed improvements are not expected to bring about a similar
pattern of increase, since some drivers who normally used Murray
may switch to Meinecke or may stay on Foothill, and others who
normally used Meinecke may use Murray.
conclusion: The impacts are not expected to be significant.
However, to gauge the impacts of these improvements accurately, the
following is recommended:
Recommended Mitigation: Monitor traffic (do traffic and turning
movement counts) on all affected intersections prior to
installation of stop signs. Install stop signs at the two Meinecke
intersections, but not bulbouts and crosswalks. Monitor traffic
levels on Broad, Chorro, Meinecke, and Murray for one year, with
one of the counts done as close as possible to the same date as the
pre-stop sign counts were taken. If increases in traffic levels
on Meinecke are not significant (no greater than the average
C -S 'lCo
ER 27-90
Page 4
increases in the vicinity) , install bulbouts and textured walkways.
If traffic levels increase by more than the average, continue
monitoring, and report findings to the City Council.
Since pedestrian and bicycle safety is an issue for the residents,
it is recommended that the stop signs be installed first, followed
by the bulbouts. The bulbouts should add to the effectiveness of
the stop signs and encourage motorists to slow down.
Santa Rosa: The possible reduction of traffic on Broad and Chorro,
together with an increase along Meinecke to Santa Rosa, may force
an increase on Santa Rosa, a major thoroughfare. That additional
traffic would increase congestion on Santa Rosa, but not
significantly.
Conclusion: Not significant.
Stop signs on Chorro: The installation of a stop sign at Chorro
and Meinecke would result in two stop signs one block apart, since
a four-way stop exists at Chorro and Murray. The additional stop
sign will mean longer queues during rush hours: The majority of
traffic flow is on Chorro Street, not on the two cross streets.
The increased congestion may encourage some southbound drivers to
turn on Meinecke to maintain movement. Or drivers may choose to
stay on Foothill and use Santa Rosa instead.
Conclusion: May be significant.
Recommended mitigation: Same as above: monitor traffic, make
changes as necessary.
Air. Quality and Wind Conditions
stop signs increase air pollution. Stop-and-go traffic is one of
the.. causes of the greatest amount of pollution caused by
automobiles. In this region, according to the Air Pollution
Control District, air pollution standards will be exceeded only
when queuing at a stop sign reaches approximately twenty vehicles.
These stop signs are not expected to create that level of queuing,
although during rush hour when Cal Poly is in session, several cars
do stack up at the signals on Foothill and at the stop sign on
Murray and Chorro. While it is preferable from an air quality
standpoint to avoid stop signs wherever possible, in this case the
impacts from the proposed stop signs on air pollution will not be
significant.
Conclusion: Not significant.
CS- fr7
ER 27-90
Page 5
Surface Water Flow and Quality
If no drains are installed within them, the proposed bulbouts could
cause storm water to rush into the center of the intersections.
The Public works Department is responsible for directing drainage,
and will be preparing the plans for the bulbouts.
Conclusion: Not significant. The . Public Works Department will
incorporate drains into the design of the bulbouts, to mitigate
hazards from storm water.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Grant a negative declaration of environmental impact, with the
following:
Mitigation measures:
1. Do not install a bulbout on the northwest corner of the
__. Ramona-Broad intersection. _
2. Monitor-. traffic (do traffic and turning movement counts) on
all affected intersections prior to installation of stop
signs. Install stop signs at the two Meinecke intersections,
but not bulbouts and crosswalks. Monitor traffic levels on
Broad, Chorro, Meinecke, and Murray for one year, with one of
the counts done as close as possible to the same date as the
pre-stop sign counts were taken. If increases in traffic
levels on Meinecke are not significant (no greater than the
average increases in .the vicinity) , install bulbouts and
textured walkways. If traffic levels increase by more than
the average, continue monitoring, and report findings to the
City Council.
Since pedestrian and bicycle safety is an issue for the
residents, it is recommended that the stop signs be installed
first, followed by the bulbouts. The bulbouts should add to
the effectiveness of the stop signs and encourage motorists
to slow down.
Mitigation Monitoring: Public Works Department will add these
tasks to its traffic counts project list.
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MEEnNG AGENDA
112 Broad StreetDATE �M31# "
San Luis Obispo
CALIFORNIA 93405
May 18, 1992
May 19 Agenda: Stop Signs, Broad/Ramona/Meinecke COPlE70-
9 P 9 ❑'Dgwtn Adi= ❑ FYI
eCDDDIIL
The City Counc i lEl FIId•DIR.
s ❑ FIRE CHW
City of San Luis Obispo leyYWDUL
Imo'
990 Palm Street ORIG LYPOUCEOL
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 1FerMCivfiu[rAM ❑. RECDIR
❑ C READ FILE VIIL DIR
,Dear City Council : -iicE
1 am astonished to see the removal of the above mentioned stop signs
appearing on your agenda as a consent item.
There has been no talk in the community of this possibility, .and I can
assure you that proceeding with it , on the basis of a handful of
complaints from people who prefer to rush through the neighborhood,
will not set well with those persons most immediately affected by the
signs.
'•r«-
I offer the following observations as a 20 year resident of the
immediate neighborhood, and as a modal shifter ( i .e . , someone whose
driving and pedestrian patterns are helping the city meet its traffic
congestion and clean air goals) .
THE LONG—NEEDED PLACEMENT OF THESE SIGNS HAS IMPROVED SAFETY AT THIS
INTERSECTION FOR BOTH PEDESTRIANS AND MOTORISTS.
First , for PEDESTRIANS, crossing Ramona at Broad is at best hazardous.
The street is wide , and cars approach the intersection from all
directions at excessive rates of speed.
The stop signs have improved the odds of a pedestrian's making it
across Ramona in one piece by eliminating the idiot drivers who would
approach from either direction on Broad at 50 mph , and whip around the
corner , with no regard whatsoever for pedestrians.
Whether one is able bodied like myself , Young, like many of those who
must cross the street , or old and feeble , like many residents of The
Village located at this corner , safety is improved markedly with the
stop signs on Broad.
As FOR CARS, the simple act of stopping traffic , which means cars
progressing through the intersection are going slowly instead of 50
mph , has improved safety. Before the stop signs, you'd see cars
dukeing it out at this complicated intersection , usually by making
quick , short turns in front of oncoming traffic , and turning into the
wrong lane on both Meinecke and Ramona, causing near miss head on
collisions. The folks who are complaining have apparently forgotten
these simple , irrefutable facts.
I URGE YOU NOT TO REMOVE THESE STOP SIGNS. THEY ARE AN IMPORTANT
RECEIVED
M AY 1 8 1992
CITY CLERK
NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY IMPROVEMENT.
Instead, I urge you to do two things:
1 . Get on with completing the bulbouts at both ends of Meinecke , as
originally planned.
2. Modify the Broad Ramona intersection as part of this work . On the
southerly side of Ramona, the turning radius at Broad is very wide .
This is the only one of the four corners that is wide ; the others are
nearly rectangular . The wide radius presents a safety problem for
pedestrians by 1 , placing them so far to the side of the line of
traffic that drivers often do not see them until they are atop them;
2, making it difficult for pedestrians waiting to cross to see traffic
coming on Ramona for the same reason as in 1 ; and 3, exposing
pedestrians to vehicular mayhem for a longer stretch of street than is
necessary.
The only reason for the broad turning radius is to encourage cars to
go around this corner at a high speed with a minimal or non-existent
stop , and that conflicts with pedestrian safety. The interests of
pedestrian safety demand that this corner be modified. Please see the
sketch .
IF THE CITY IS SERIOUS ABOUT ACHIEVING ITS MODAL SHIFT OBJECTIVES, IT
MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT MAKING STREETS SAFER AND MORE ENJOYABLE FOR
°ALTERNATIVES° LIKE WALKING. THE PROPOSED REMOVAL OF THESE STOP SIGNS
IS A STEP IN THE WRONG DIRECTION. The city must learn to stand up to
the single-minded automobile interests, including those on its own
staff .
Sincerely,
Richard Schmidt
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FIXING THE,MEIK .PRAJEC'!'
The original goals of this endeavor remain obscure, in spite of the
large :paper trail . Perhaps someone was challenged to .find in the City a place
to tuild bulbouts (a classic- "solution in search of a problem") . . And if the
APM had been up to speed, the project would probably have died aborning. But
Pak is prologue; we now-have stcps::on Charm and Broad at Meinecke (3) and
Ramona (1) . While we must wait a'few months for the. traffic counts, many of
the project's consequences are apparent from frequent walks to the
neighborhood shopping plazas.
The traffic on Meinecke between road and Chorro has certainly increased,
particularly that turning- left (northbound) off Chorro and that continuing to
and from Santa Rosa. While this may be a convenience• to residents of Valencia
aril the homes to the South, is this really what the Meinecke/Benton Way
residents had in mind?
The stops at Chorro were perhaps supposed to slow traffic, but.with the
existing stops at Murray and the traffic light at Foothill, that has not been
our principal speed problem (see Attachment 2) . There supposedly was some
concern about pedestrian traffic crossing Chorro,. but with the few residences
on the North side and the two block-long gaps in sidewalks, there are few
users. I am now seeing Chorro/Meinecke used as a bypass for even right turns
around the Foothill traffic light.
Because of its four-car-length offset, the Meinecke/Broad/f="stops
have some special problems. For the Meinecke/Ramona drivers there is apparent
confusion over who has the right-of-way. The right.-to-left turner, who
legitimately enters the intersection first, believes he. has the right-of- way
to,continue thru the stretched 4Way intersection. But the Broad street thru
driver stops and then enters the intersection because he expects the left-
turner to yield. Everyone is moving slowly, so there is little or no contact
(and if so it's cost would be too small to report) . But is 'this smart traffic
management?
There IS significant pedestrian traffic north and east out of Foothill
Plaza. The problem, for walkers and drivers alike, is where is the Broad
crosswalk supposed to be? The westernmost candidate, at the eastbound Broad
Stop sign where there's no ramp, leads up:a resesidenV s driveway on the north
side. The easternmost candidate: at the `westbound Broad Stop sign, has no
•'southside ramp and leads to the side of Meinecke where there's no sidewalk.
The.best candidate, with ramps on both sides; is' in ,the MIMT F' of the
stretched intersection. Of course none of"7 candidates are marked, 'cause
marking crosswalks is currently out of favor in the traffic engineering
community. There are similar, although less severe, confusions about
crosswalk locations on Murray at Chorro and,'at Broad...
Sumestions Remove the Stop signs on Chorro and Broad (or wait for the
traffic counts to show what they are doing to the Meinecke neighborhood) .
Mark a cross walk where the ramps/sidewalks are on Broad; mark a crosswalk on
Chorro if there really is a reason, .give anabsolution to the City traffic
engineers so they won't be ostracized by their peers. Consider warning of the
marked crosswalks with the standakd "PED XING" signs, and Bo
street for alerting (see Attach 2) . ❑,D„a;Ac*w
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