HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-02-2014 C4 Fixlini NTM Action PlanCity of San Luis Obispo, Council Agenda Report, Meeting Date, Item Number
FROM: Daryl R. Grigsby, Director of Public Works
Prepared By: Bryan Wheeler, Engr. I - Transportation
Jake Hudson, Traffic Ops. Manager
SUBJECT: FIXLINI NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt the Fixlini Neighborhood Traffic Management (NTM) Action Plan.
2. Authorize the City Engineer to approve the construction plans and release the construction
project for bids if final Engineer’s Estimates are within the available NTM budget.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City’s Neighborhood Traffic Management (NTM) program is intended to restore and maintain
safe and livable traffic conditions for residential streets that may be experiencing excessive speeds
or traffic volumes. In late 2007 the Fixlini neighborhood applied to this program and was accepted
in early 2008 due to excessively high speeds and traffic volumes. These issues were primarily
attributed to traffic peaks associated with the San Luis Obispo High School. Work on Fixlini did not
begin until 2012 due staff work on projects already in the queue, the temporary suspension of NTM
in 2010 due to budget constraints, and the work required for the Johnson Avenue EIR process
initiated by the San Luis Coastal Unified School District (SLCUSD).
Since 2012, City staff has conducted traffic studies, held community meetings, coordinated with
SLCUSD, installed temporary traffic control measures (diverter and guide signs described below)
to test final recommendations, and held a neighborhood ballot to receive support of the plan. The
temporary measures have proven to be effective solutions to concerns raised by the affected
residents and the majority of the neighborhood supports the action plan. Staff is recommending that
the Council adopt a resolution approving the action plan and direct staff to replace the temporary
measures with permanent, long term improvements.
Initial Traffic Conditions
The initial traffic study results are shown below in Table 1. Traffic volume counts showed that
the average daily volume (~200 vehicles) on Fixlini Street and Ella Street did not exceed
Circulation Element (CE) thresholds. The volume on Fixlini Street, however, is unusual. A
majority of the peak volume, 85-90% of the total daily volume, occurs in a 15-30 minute
window. The volume on Lizzie Street exceeded the CE threshold by 30%. Traffic speeds on
Lizzie & Ella were within acceptable CE thresholds; however the speed on Fixlini Street
exceeded the CE threshold by 25%.
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Fixlini Neighborhood Traffic Management Page 2
Table 1 – Traffic Volumes and Speeds
Traffic Speeds Traffic Volumes
Observed Speed Speed Limit Observed Circulation Element Desired
Fixlini 31 MPH 25 MPH 176 1,500
Lizzie 25 MPH 25 MPH 2,150 1,500
Ella 25 MPH 25 MPH 170 1,500
City staff also conducted a driver intercept study to better understand the reasons people choose
to cut thru the neighborhood to access the high school. Survey responses were collected from 35
drivers who provided an answer. The reasons can be seen in below in Figure 1.
Figure 1 - Driver Intercept Study
Action Plan Development
Neighborhood representatives and City staff developed three measures and one contingency
measure to help reduce the speed and volume issues. The overall objective of the plan is to provide
guidance for drivers going to the High School to use Johnson and San Luis Drive. In order to
achieve this objective, physical restrictions were placed within the neighborhood to reduce this
travel pattern. A map and summary of these measures are shown below.
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Fixlini Neighborhood Traffic Management Page 3
Proposed Action Plan Improvements
A. Fixlini & Iris Diverter: Small
concrete islands will be constructed
at the intersection of Fixlini and
Iris. These islands will divert NB
Fixlini through traffic to Johnson.
Bicycle access will be provided for
NB cyclists on Fixlini. SB traffic
will be permitted through the
intersection; however narrowing at
the intersection has proven to
reduce speeding in the SB
direction.
B. High School Guide Signs: Custom
High School guide signs will be
installed at the intersections of
Johnson and Fixlini, Ella, & Iris.
C. Pursue High School Access Plan:
City staff will pursue the
development of an access and
congestion management plan with
the SLCUSD in order to reduce
traffic generation in surrounding
neighborhoods. The development
of this plan will be contingent on
cooperation with the SLCUSD and
High School Administration.
D. Post Project Contingency: Speed
Humps: If prevailing traffic speeds
along Fixlini exceed 27.5 mph six
months after the implementation of
measures A & B, the City will proceed with the installation of speed humps at the
locations above. Speed humps are shown to effectively reduce speeds up to 18%, but also
have the side effects of increased road noise and impact emergency vehicle response
times, among other drawbacks.
Figure 2 - Proposed Action Plan Improvements
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Fixlini Neighborhood Traffic Management Page 4
Action Plan Testing
A temporary diverter and guide signs were installed in the summer of 2013 for testing the proposed
action plan and as an interim measure while the SLCUSD worked thru the Johnson Avenue
Housing Project development proposal and EIR. The application has since been withdrawn. The
temporary devices have shown that the proposed traffic calming measures are effective; the results
of those studies are shown below in table 2.
Table 2 – Action Plan Testing
Final Action Plan Neighborhood Voting Results
On June 10, 2014 the action plan was submitted to all neighborhood residents to vote on the
ultimate list of improvements. This procedure followed the standard process outlined in the NTM
Guidelines. Of the ballots sent to the neighborhood, 60% voted, with 93% of those respondents in
favor of the action plan. The results of this ballot achieves the minimum threshold of a 51%
response and 2/3 vote in support of the plan in order for it to be forwarded to Council for approval.
Figure 3 - Final Action Plan Voting Results
If the Action Plan is approved by City Council, permanent traffic control devices are planned to
be installed by spring of 2015.
Yes
56%
No
4%
No Response
40%
Final Action Plan
Traffic Speeds Traffic Volumes
Speeds With Diverter Speed Limit Volumes With Diverter Circulation Element Desired
Fixlini 25 MPH (↓20%) 25 MPH 45 (↓75%) 1,500
Lizzie 25 MPH (↓0%) 25 MPH 2,000 (↓7%) 1,500
Ella 25 MPH (↓0%) 25 MPH 120 (↓30%) 1,500
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Fixlini Neighborhood Traffic Management Page 5
CONCURRENCES
The Fire and Police Departments have both provided input on the action plan. Field tests were
conducted with the hook & ladder fire truck to ensure adequate clearance and access.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for neighborhood traffic calming projects has been allocated as part of the 2013-15
Financial Plan. The current NTM balance is $38,549 and the total estimate for this project is
$31,000, leaving a balance of approximately $7,500. The remaining balance after this project
will be used for minor neighborhood improvements. Funding of the next NTM project will be
requested as part of the 2015-17 Financial Plan.
Engineering & Design $8,000 NTM Acct. (99501)$33,718
Construction $20,000
15% Contingencies $3,000
Total Project:$31,000 Total Funds Available:$33,718
PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES 13-14 Approved Budget
ALTERNATIVES
1. Do not approve the Action Plan. The Council may choose not to approve the Fixlini
NTM Action Plan and defer further work in this neighborhood. Staff does not
recommend this alternative because these calming measures provide a measureable
benefit to the neighborhood as indicated by the temporary measures that have been in
place since September of 2013.
2. Modify the proposed Action Plan to include alternative features. The Council may
choose to modify the Fixlini NTM Action Plan to include additional and/or alternative
features. Staff does not recommend this alternative because the proposed Action Plan is
the product of several years of community outreach and input. The Action Plan includes
measures which received the support of the neighborhood as demonstrated by the ballot
results.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Neighborhood Vicinity Map
2. Fixlini NTM Action Plan
t:\council agenda reports\2014\2014-09-02\fixilini ntm action plan (grigsby-hudson)\car.docx
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1
Fixlini Neighborhood Traffic Management Action Plan (May 2014)
Background Statement
In October 2007, several residents in the Fixlini Street neighborhood contacted the San Luis
Obispo Public Works Department voicing their concerns regarding traffic speeds and cut-
through traffic volumes on Fixlini Street. The neighborhood was approved for the traffic
calming program, and placed in the queue behind several other neighborhoods.
In February of 2012, an initial kickoff meeting was held for the residents of the Fixlini Street
neighborhood to discuss their traffic concerns. An Action Team was formed from volunteers
at the meeting, and these volunteers and Public Works staff have worked to develop a cost
effective solution to resolve the issues identified by the residents.
Various traffic studies were collected up to October 2012. As part of Action Team
discussion a traffic diverter was identified as a potential measure and subsequently tested at
two different locations, Fixlini/Iris and Fixlini/Johnson. Although the Fixlini/Johnson
diverter was not effective, the Fixlini/Iris diverter did reduce speeds on Fixlini and reduced
traffic on both Fixlini and Lizzie.
In order for this plan to move forward for City Council review and approval, a minimum of
51% of the neighborhood households must vote on the action plan, and 2/3 of those votes
(one per household) must be in support of the plan.
Traffic Study Results
The results of the traffic studies confirmed the neighborhood concerns about traffic speeds
and volumes. As summarized in Table 1, speed surveys conducted on Fixlini Street indicate
that the prevailing speed ranged between 28-31 mph on Fixlini Street and 25-27 mph on
Lizzie Street. A driver intercept survey during the school commute hours confirmed that
nearly 100% of AM peak traffic was using Fixlini Street to access the high school. When
asked about using the neighborhood to access the school as opposed to Johnson Ave., the
number one survey response (44%) was that the San Luis High School parking lot was too
congested and it was faster to use the rear school access via the neighborhood.
Traffic volume counts indicated that the average daily volume of vehicles on Fixlini Street
were below the City’s Circulation Element desired maximum volume, but almost 30% of
the daily traffic occurred during the AM school commute hour. Traffic volume counts also
indicated that the average daily volume of vehicles on Lizzie (2,150) exceeds the Circulation
Element desired maximum volume for a residential street by 60%.
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Study Area
The boundaries for the study area were developed to include any residence that has direct
access to Fixlini or Iris, as well as the 1400 blocks of Lizzie and Ella. There are 92 voting
households in the study area.
Statement of Objectives
The Action Team (made up of neighborhood residents from the study area and City staff)
agreed upon goals that form the basis for this neighborhood traffic management plan. Those
include:
Current
NTM Max. Speed
Objectives
Current
NTM Max. Volume
Objectives
Fixlini 31 MPH 27.5 MPH 176 1,500
Lizzie 25 MPH 27.5 MPH 2,150 1,500
Ella 25 MPH 27.5 MPH 170 1,500
1. Reduce speeds on Fixlini St. between Lizzie and its intersection with Johnson Ave.
Speed surveys conducted on Fixlini Street indicated that the prevailing speeds within the
neighborhood ranged from 29 to 32 miles per hour. These speeds are in excess of the of
the 27.5 mph prima facie speed for residential streets.
Table 2- Action Plan Objectives
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2. Reduce AM peak hour traffic within the neighborhood.
Existing circulation patterns indicate that nearly 100% of AM traffic and 50% of daily
traffic on Fixlini is accessing the high school. These comparatively high peak volumes
have a significant impact on the residents on Fixlini St. Additionally, traffic volumes on
Lizzie Street are 60% higher than Circulation element thresholds. Field surveys indicate
that the majority of traffic using Fixlini & Lizzie is associated with the AM commute
into San Luis High School.
Traffic Calming Improvements
The Action Team considered several solutions to address the speed and volume issues
within the neighborhood. The preferred options included a diverter at the Fixlini/Iris
intersection, High School guide signs on Johnson Ave., and for the City and School District
to jointly develop an access and congestion management plan for the high school. Action
Team identified additional speed humps as a preferred follow-up contingency if the diverter
and guide signs are less effective than anticipated.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
1 Fixlini/Iris Diverter
2 High School Guide Sign
3 Pursue High School Access Plan W/ SLCUSD
4 Contingency Speed Humps (If measures 1&2 are not effective)
1
2 2 2
3
4 4 4
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Project Descriptions
1. Fixlini & Iris Diverter
Small concrete islands will be constructed at the intersection of Fixlini and Iris.
These islands will divert NB Fixlini through traffic to Johnson. Bicycle access will
be provided for NB cyclists on Fixlini. SB traffic will be permitted through the
intersection; however narrowing at the intersection has proven to reduce speeding in
the SB direction. As part of the diverter, parking would need to be restricted for 30
ft. west of Fixlini on Iris Street in order to accommodate Fire Truck access.
DIVERTER TEST RESULTS:
Traffic Speeds Traffic Volumes
Speeds With Diverter Speed Limit Volumes With Diverter Circulation Element Desired
Fixlini 25 MPH (↓20%) 25 MPH 45 (↓75%) 1,500
Lizzie 25 MPH (↓0%) 25 MPH 2,000 (↓7%) 1,500
Ella 25 MPH (↓0%) 25 MPH 120 (↓30%) 1,500
2. High School Guide Signs
The custom guide sign shown at right will be
installed at the intersections of Johnson and Fixlini,
Ella, & Iris. The signs will warn drivers on
Johnson of access restrictions on Fixlini.
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3. Pursue High School Access Plan
City staff will pursue the development of an access and congestion management
plan with the San Luis Coastal Unified School District (SLCUSD). The purpose of
the plan is to identify ways to improve access to the High School along Johnson
Avenue and reduce congestion associated with the school. The development of this
plan will be contingent on cooperation with the SLCUSD and High School
Administration.
4. Post Project Contingency: Speed Humps
If prevailing traffic speeds along Fixlini exceed 27.5 mph six months after the
implementation of measures 1 & 2, the City will proceed with the installation of
speed humps at the locations above. Speed humps are shown to effectively reduce
speeds up to 18%, but also have the side effects of increased road noise and impact
emergency vehicle response times, among other drawbacks.
Performance Monitoring
After traffic calming measures have been installed, staff will continue to monitor and test the
performance of the alterations. After six months, Fixlini Street will be studied to determine
the results of the Action Plan. Staff will look for unanticipated impacts from the alterations
made, such as diversion of traffic onto other residential streets. If the analysis reveals further
unacceptable impacts, the calming measures may be modified.
If the analysis concludes that traffic speeds have not decreased to the targeted 27.5 mph, or
peak hour volumes on Fixlini have not reduced, the City will move forward with installation
of speed tables as described above.
Cost Estimates & Funding
The Fixlini Street neighborhood is comprised of 92 households, each fronting or with main
access by way of Fixlini Street. The estimated cost to complete this work is $9,700, with an
additional $9,000 if the contingency speed humps are installed. These measures will be
funded from the City’s General Fund, Neighborhood Traffic Management Program.
1. Iris & Fixlini Diverter….$9,400
2. High School Guide Signs….$300
3. Pursuit of High School Access Plan….To be Determined
4. Follow Up Speed Tables…..$9,000
Total Preliminary Cost Estimate: $18,700
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