HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/21/2007, C10 - TRAFFIC SIGNAL MODIFICATION AT MARSH & SANTA ROSA, SPECIFICATION NO. 90677 � I
council 8,21/2007
agenba Report Cid
CITY OF SAN LUIS O B I S P O
FROM: Jay D. Walter,Director of Public-Wor
Prepared By: Jake Hudson,Engineer III raffid5iPA—
SUBJECT: TRAFFIC SIGNAL MODIFICATION AT MARSH& SANTA ROSA,
SPECIFICATION NO. 90677
CAO RECOMMENDATION
1. Approve plans and specifications for the "Traffic Signal Modifications at Marsh& Santa Rosa,
Specification No. 90677.
2. Authorize staff to advertise for bids and authorize the CAO to award the contract if the lowest
responsible bid is within the Engineer's Estimate of$170,000.
3. Approve the transfer of $43,000 from the Traffic Safety Report Implementation account to
cover cost increases for the Traffic Signal Reconstruction at Marsh& Santa Rosa.
4. Approve the transfer of$87,000 in completed projects funding to cover cost increases forthe
Traffic Signal Modification at Marsh& Santa Rosa.
DISCUSSION
Background
Signal modifications at Marsh & Santa Rosa were originally identified in the 2001 Annual
Traffic Safety Report, and the City Council approved funding for an improvement project in the
2003-05 Financial Plan. This project, along with a traffic signal installation at Broad & Pacific,
and a traffic signal upgrade at Marsh & Osos, were bid together in September..2005. Only one
proposal was received, which was significantly over budget and therefore rejected. In May of
2006, the three signal projects were split up and put back out to bid, but the results were similar,
with the bids coming in significantly over budget.
At that point the three locations were prioritized based on collision history and traffic volumes
(#1 Broad & Pacific, #2 Marsh & Santa Rosa, and #3 Marsh & Osos), and funding for all three
projects was consolidated in order to the fund the highest priority signal at Broad & Pacific
(Attachment 1). Staff was directed to review the Santa Rosa& Marsh signal project and return to
Council with recommendations for project changes, additional funding possibilities, or project
deferral. Because the signal installation at Broad & Pacific is now complete, staff is requesting
authorization to move forward with the #2 priority (signal modification at Marsh & Santa Rosa).
Staff will return to council with recommendations for the #3 priority (signal modification at
Marsh& Osos) as part of the 2006 Annual Traffic Safety Program.
From 2001 to 2006, the intersection of Marsh & Santa Rosa was consistently identified as a high
collision rate location, and at the November 14th, 2006 meeting, the City Council approved an
appropriation of$60,000 from the General Fund balance (Attachment 2) to cover cost increases
for the signal upgrades at Marsh& Santa Rosa, in order to move forward with the project.
exp —�
Traffic Signal Modification Marsh&Santa Rosa,Specification No.90677 Page 2
The original project was funded out of the Annual Traffic Safety Report from the 2003-05
Financial Plan, and was designed using outside consultant services. However, since that time
staff has identified some changes to the project, which will require additional funds to complete
the project. Redesign will be completed in-house; therefore all additional funding will be used
for construction.
Design Changes
Traffic Signal Cabinet: The existing traffic signal cabinet, originally installed in 1958, is a small
cabinet intended for the use of an older-style electro-mechanical signal controller, which is no
longer in service. Since the existing cabinet cannot be modified for the newer equipment, the
traffic signal cabinet and components need to be upgraded in order for this project to be
constructed. Upgrading this cabinet also allows this intersection to be fully integrated into the
City's traffic signal system, which includes video detection and central control capabilities. There
is sufficient area to locate the new,, arger, signal cabinet,without aesthetic or access issues.
Conduit & Conductors: The majority of existing conduits were also installed in 1958, and with
almost 50 years of service they are failing and too small to meet the capacity needs of the current
City standards. The proposed modifications require additional wiring that will not fit into the
existing conduit, so new conduit and conductors need to be installed in order for this signal to
function properly.
It was initially believed that the existing controller and conduits could be reused as part of the
upgrade project. However, since that time staff has determined that the existing cabinet and
conduits lack the capacity and structural condition to accommodate the proposed upgrades.
New Federal Standards
N/E Pole Location: In 1996, the sidewalk on the N/E comer of Marsh& Santa Rosa was widened
as part of a private development project. However, the signal pole on that corner was not
relocated accordingly. This pole should be relocated as part of the project in order to conform to
new Federal standards and improve signal head visibility.
Crosswalk Illumination: The State Signal & Lighting Design Guide calls for overhead
illumination of crosswalks at signalized intersections. However, the EB Marsh approach
crosswalk does not currently have overhead lighting and the initial scope of work does not
include any additional overhead lighting. Additional lighting should be installed as part of this
project to conform to State guidelines and increase pedestrian safety.
Staff has weighed the options, and has determined that the original scope of work needs to be
modified to include the changes outlined above. Staff has completed redesign of the project in
house, to include the changes, so that the project can be built to provide the intended operation.
The new scope essentially calls for a completely new traffic signal. Staff believes that due to the
age of the existing equipment, the appropriate time to make these improvements is now, because
construction costs will continue to increase and collisions will continue to occur.
Traffic Signal Modification Marsh&Santa Rosa,Specification No.90677 Page 3
FISCAL IMPACT
This project is identified in the 2005-07 Financial Plan where $60,000 is allocated for
construction. An additional $43,000 is also available for this project out of the Traffic Safety
Report Implementation account. $95,000 was originally allocated for use on both the
modifications at Marsh & Osos and Marsh& Santa Rosa. However, $52,000 of that $95,000 was
transferred to complete the Broad & Pacifc signal installation. This leaves the additional $43,000
available for this project. However, this still leaves a funding gap of $87,000 necessary to
complete the project. Staff is recommending a transfer of the remaining $87,000 from the
Completed Projects account. After the 919 Palm project is closed out there will be a balance of
approximately$175,000 in the completed projects account.
2005-07 Tragic Safety Report Imp. Completed Projects New Project
Financial Plan Account Account Budget
Engineer's Estimate: $60,000 NA NA $170,000
Construction Allocation: $60,000 $43,000 $67,000 $170,000
10%Contingencies: $0 $17.000 $17,000
Project Total: $60,000 $43,000 $84,000 $187,000
Miscellaneous $0 $3,000 $3,000
(PGE Permitting,Printing,etc.):
Total Cost: $60,000 $43,000 $87,000 $190,000
Funds Available: $60,000 $43,000 $87,000 $190,000
The 2007-09 Financial Plan projects adequate resources are available to fund the proposed budget amendment.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council may defer construction until a later date. However, staff anticipates construction
costs will only continue to increase over time. This intersection has a significant recurring traffic
collision pattern; if the project does not proceed it is highly likely that traffic collisions will
continue to occur.
ATTACHMENTS
1. June 21St, 2006 CAO Report
2. November 14`h, 2006 Council Agenda Report
Project Plans and specifications are available for review in the Council reading file.
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ATTACHMENT I
CAO REPORT
Final CAO Approval Approver Name Date Approved
City Administration S.Stanwyck 06/21/06
Reviewer Routing List Reviewer Name Date Reviewed
City Attorney Jonathan Lowell June 19,2006
City Engineer Barbara Lynch June 21,2006
Finance&Information Technology Bill Stader June 21,2006
June 14, 2006
FROM: Jay Walter,Public Works Director BL
PREPARED BY: Jake Hudson,Engineer H-Traffic
SUBJECT: Traffic Signal Installation Project, Specification No. 90440
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Award a contract to Lee Wilson Electric Co. of Arroyo Grande,in the amount of$156,200 for
the"Traffic Signal Installation at Broad and Pacific Streets; Specification No. 90440."
2. Approve processing of Contract Change Order 1,in the amount of$51;250 to complete the
Traffic Signal Interconnect.
3. Approve the transfer of$52,000 from the Traffic Safety Report Implementation project.
4. Approve the transfer of$26,000 from the Parking Completed Projects Account.
5. Direct Staff to review the signal modification projects for Santa Rosa/Marsh and
Marsh/Osos with additional recommendations for project changes,additional funding
possibilities or project deferral.
DISCUSSION:
Background
Initial Rejection of Bids. At its May 3, 2005 meeting, the Council authorized the CAO to advertise
plans and specifications for the installation of a traffic signal at Broad & Pacific Street including
traffic signal modifications at Marsh and Santa Rosa, Marsh and Osos, and Traffic Signal
Interconnect, Specification No. 90440. The Council also authorized the City Administrative Officer
to award the construction contract if the lowest responsible bid was within the engineer's estimate.
The engineer's estimate for the project was $225;000.
During the initial advertisement only one bid was received for the project and was opened on
Thursday, September 22, 2005. The bid was $355,000 received from Lee Wilson Electric of Arroyo
Grande, California. This bid was substantially above the engineer's estimate ($225,000) or 58%
above the expected cost of the project.
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ATTACID4ENT 1
CAO REPORT—Traffic Signal Installation Project, Specification No. 90440
At its November 1", 2005 meeting, the City Council rejected all construction bids received on
September 22, 2005 and authorized the CAO to approve a revised bid package to reduce possible
costs, solicit new bids from traffic signal contractors who have not historically bid on projects
within the City, and award the contract if bids were within the engineer's estimate of$225,000.
Re-bidding: Still Only One Bidder. The bid package was revised to separate out work for each
signal improvement location to determine the exact cost for each, and to separate out non-essential
work such as intersection paving that may be accomplished by another project. In addition, staff
requested Council approve funding the higher priority portions of the project (signal and
interconnect at Broad/Pacific) if its cost of installation was within the total project budget. The goal
of the revised bid package was to allow staff to delete portions of work if the rebid cost is again
over budget amounts and complete the highest priority project components within existing budget
amounts.
During the second advertisement several traffic signal contractors within the region were contacted
and expressed no interest in bidding on projects within the City. Again, only one bid was received
for the project and was opened on Thursday, May 25, 2006. The total bid was $320,450 received
from Lee Wilson Electric of Arroyo Grande, California.
Recommended Project
This bid was again substantially above the engineer's estimate, but lower than their previous bid.
The revised bid package does, however, allow us to award the contract on the base bid of$156,200
for the traffic signal installation at Broad & Pacific. Although there are not enough funds to award
all the additive alternative bids, the traffic signal interconnect portion alternative in the amount of
$51,250 is a key element of this project and should be constructed in conjunction with the
signalization of Broad & Pacific. Unfortunately the contract was bid with the Signal Interconnect
lumped together with the modifications at Marsh/Santa Rosa and Marsh/Osos, therefore it will be
necessary to authorize this portion of the work via a contract change order as opposed to awarding it
as an additive alternate. Therefore staff is recommending moving forward with the signal
installation at Broad/Pacific and signal interconnect as part of this bid and returning to Council with
an action plan for the two remaining signal modifications at Marsh/Osos and Marsh/Santa Rosa.
Impacts of the Reduced Project Scope
1. Removed Locations. The Bid received for modifications at Marsh/Santa Rosa and Marsh/Osos
was in the amount of $113,000, which was significantly above the engineer's estimate
($63,647). Due to the priority of the Broad & Pacific Signalization & Broad Street Interconnect
it is necessary to postpone modifications at these two locations in order to fund the Signal at
Broad & Pacific including the Broad Street Interconnect. The impact of postponing these two
projects will most likely be a continuation of the existing collision pattern.
2. Removed Paving. The initial bid included paving on Pacific Street to accommodate installation
of vehicle detector loops; however this portion of the project was not included in the second bid
since it is already included in another scope of work which will follow this project.
G:\Stati-Reports-Agendas-Minutes\_CAO\2006\Tramporation\90440 Broad&Pacific\90440Award.doc
ATTACHMENT I
CAO REPORT—Traffic Signal Installation Project, Specification No. 90440
Engineer's Estimate Versus Contract Cost
The current bid market continues to cause significantly higher costs for certain materials such as
steal, concrete and asphalt. In addition the bid climate this project has been determined to be more
expensive due to labor rates, project design specifics inherent to the locations, limited staging areas
for construction purposes, and lack of competition.
Staff is proposing to move forward with the highest priority items in the bid package: the signal
installation at Broad/Pacific and signal interconnect along Broad Street. The two miscellaneous
signal modifications for Marsh/Santa Rosa and Marsh/Osos will be reviewed to determine if project
modifications can be made to reduce cost, additional funding allocations from Council will be
needed or if the projects can be deferred until a later time.
FISCAL UVIPACT:
As part of the 2003-05 Financial Plan Council allocated $120,000 for construction of the Broad &
Pacific signal and$95,000 for the traffic signal modifications at Marsh/Santa Rosa and Marsh/Osos.
On November 1, 2005 Council also approved the transfer of$26,125 in signal interconnect grant
monies from the Bill Roalman bicycle boulevard project for construction of the signal interconnect
on Broad Street. Therefore the total construction budget for this project is approximately$241,125.
Although the total recommended bid award is within the $241,125 available, the Traffic Safety
Report Implementation Funds ($95,000 for Marsh/Santa Rosa & Marsh/Osos) are not currently in
the Broad/Pacific Signal installation project account. In order to award the recommended bid an
additional $78,000 will be required. Staff is recommending transferring $52,000 from the $95,000
available in the Traffic Safety Report Implementation account and transferring $26,000 from the
Parking Fund Completed Projects account (note: the Parking Fund is responsible for approximately
50% of the construction costs of the Broad/Pacific traffic signal as a result of the mitigation
program for the Marsh Street Structure Expansion project).
The following summarized current and proposed project costs and funding sources for the
construction phase of this project.
Project Bud et and Funding Sources: Construction Phase
Project . . -
Current Proosed Variance
Construction —[-1136,006 207,450 71,444
Contingencies 7.4% 10,119 16,675. 6,556
Total Construction 1 $146,125_ $224,125 $78;000
Project-lFuncling Sources
Current Proposed I Variance
Capital Outlay Fund
General Fund (Traffic Safety Report Imp.) 0 52,000 52,000
General Fund (Broad & Pacific) 40,000 40,000 0
Grant(Transfer from Bill. Roalman Bicycle Blvd) 26,125 26,125 0
Parking Fund 80,000 106,000 26,000
Total $146,125 1 $224,125 $78,000
Excludes$35,000 in design costs previously funded
6:\Staff-Reports-Agendas-Minutes\_CAO\2006\Transporation\90,40 Broad&Pacific\9044OAward.doc
( � ATTACHMENT
CAO REPORT—Traffic Signal.Installation Project, Specification No. 90440
As reflected above,there will be no net fiscal impacts from the revised project scope: $52,000 will be
funded by a transfer of$52,000 from available funds in the Traffic Safety Report Implementation
account(which has a current balance of$95,000)and the Parking Fund completed projects(which has
a current balance of$58,698).
Staff 'will be working on the fiscal impact assessment of the delay, re-bid or redesign of the
Marsh/Santa Rosa and Marsh/Osos traffic signal modifications and return to the CAO or Council with
the necessary direction and approvals for the projects.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Defer construction of Broad/Pacific and interconnect until a later date. Staff does not
recommend this alternative because construction costs continue to escalate. Also, if these
projects do not proceed, collision patterns are likely to continue at all locations.
2. Award base bid only (Broad/Pacific traffic signal) and defer construction of traffic signal
interconnect until a later date. If the traffic signal interconnect is not completed in conjunction with
Broad & Pacific signalization it will not be possible to operate this corridor in coordination which
may lead to excessive delay and congestion. Implementing the interconnect at a later time will
probably be more costly due to additional mobilization and start-up costs.
ATTACEAIENTS
1. Bid Summary
2. Copy of original report authorizing advertising
3. Copy of original report rejecting all bids and reauthorizing advertising
4. Contract
5. Contract Change Order 1
6. Budget Amendment Request#1
7. Budget Amendment Request#2
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G:\Staff-Reports-Agendas-Minutes\_CAO\2006\Transporation\90440 Broad&Pacific\9044OAward.doc
ATTACHMENT 2
council ° °°°ft
November 14,2006
agenda RepoRt h�.Nubw
CITY OF SAN LU I S O BIS PO
FROM: Jay D. Walter, Public Works Director
Via: Tim Bochum, Deputy Director Public Works
Prepared By: Jake Hudson, Engineer R-Traffic
SUBJECT: 2005 ANNUAL TRAFFIC SAFETY REPORT
CAO RECOMMENDATION
1. Review and discuss the 2005 Annual Traffic Safety Report and associated mitigation strategies.
2. Appropriate$60,000 from the General Fund balance to cover cost increases for signal upgrades
at Marsh& Santa Rosa
3. Consider funding as part of the 2007-09 Financial Plan for the permanent realignment of Buena
Vista& Garfield at Monterey,estimated at$290,000.
4. Consider funding as part of the 2007-09 Financial Plan for the landscaping new medians along
the South Street Corridor,estimated at$500,000.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF
As part of the City's Traffic Safety Program, the Public Works and Police Departments have
completed the fifth annual Traffic Safety Report(TSR). The TSR reviews all intersections and street
segments in the City for collision rates and patterns for calendar year 2005. Based on these patterns,
recommendations are made for altering or monitoring the five most critical locations of each
intersection and street segment classification. Of these locations the most notable are: Marsh at
Santa Rosa, Chorro at Pismo,Pismo and Santa Rosa,Monterey and Osos,and Morro at Pismo.
Since the City initiated the Traffic Safety Report in 2002, traffic collisions have been on a
downward trend, with the exception of 2004 when the City experienced a spike in accidents largely
due to an influx of construction within City right-of-way. In 2005 total collisions were down 10%,
injury collisions were down 10%,and fatal collisions were down 25%.
Two major projects still remain either unfunded or not programmed from previous reports: traffic
signal upgrades at Marsh & Santa.Rosa; and permanent realignment of Buena Vista & Garfield at
Monterey. Signal upgrade at Marsh & Santa Rosa was originally funded by the 2003-05 Financial
Plan along with the traffic signal installation at Broad & Pacific and the upgrade at Marsh & Osos.
Due to increased construction costs, additional funding to the amount of $60,000, is required to
complete this project Permanent realignment of Buena Vista & Garfield at Monterey is currently
not programmed. A temporary realignment is currently in place. However, additional project
funding will be required to complete a permanent realignment which is currently estimated at
$290,000.
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ATTACHMENT 2
2005 Annual Traffic Safety Report
Paae.2_
DISCUSSION
TSR Overview
The collision data and corresponding analysis was compiled and completed by the Public Works
Department in August of 2006. The TSR identifies patterns at highest collision rate locations of
similar classification. We then narrow each list and analyze the top five locations to identify
possible mitigations to address safety issues. For example, all arterial segments are compared to
each other to establish the highest rated locations that will potentially receive mitigation or safety
improvements. The analysis technique utilizes an advanced collision records software program that
aids staff in determining collision patterns and potential corrective measures. In order to determine
if corrective measures could reduce the likeliness of a collision type identified in the pattern, a
comprehensive review of each location is conducted, including a survey of the field conditions and
travel behavior.
The significance of a location's "collision rate" is that it is a "normalized" indicator when
comparing intersections or street segments. Under most conditions, the more vehicles entering
the intersection, the more likely a collision is to occur. The collision rate is the ratio between the
volume of vehicles and the number of collisions. Collision rates are used by police departments
to target traffic enforcement and by engineers to establish traffic safety mitigation measures.
Collision statistics within this report are based on actual police reports.
While the TSR reviewed over 30 high collision rate locations, many,high incident locations were in
construction zones or other temporary situations that no longer exist.As such, many locations have
received a recommendation for continued monitoring..The 2005 TSR makes 11 recommendations
to improve traffic safety at the remaining high collision rate locations. All but one of these 11
recommendations are low cost measures that have already been implemented or are in the process
of being implemented. The remaining high cost measure,traffic signal upgrades for Marsh& Santa
Rosa, is carried over from the previous year. As noted above, in order to complete this project
additional funding will be required. Key tables and figures excerpted from the TSR provide a
valuable insight to trends and results of our previous actions. In addition to this remaining high cost
measure, the realignment of Buena Vista at Garfield is left over from the previous report. The .
temporary realignment currently in place has mitigated the collision pattern and therefore this
location no longer ranks in the 2005 TSR. The permanent realignment is not currently funded.
TSR Results& Safety Trends
Figure 3.1 of the TSR shows the seven-year comparison of total traffic collisions that have been
reported within the City of San Luis Obispo. Although traffic collisions were on an upward trend
in San Luis Obispo for the four year period from 1999 to 2002, in 2003 the number of reported
collisions actually dropped and was, at the time, the lowest in the three years of the traffic safety
program. In 2004, traffic collisions spiked, due largely in part to an increase in construction,
including the Foothill Bridge closure and major construction activity such as the County
Administration Building, Court Street Project, and 919 Palm Street Parking Structure. In 2005,
the number of reported collisions was again the lowest in the five years of the traffic safety
ATTACHMENT 2
2005 Annual Traffic Safety Report
Page 3
program. There were 1,089 total collisions reported in 2005, approximately 10% lower than the
previous 12-month period.
Figure&I -Seven Year Collision Trend(excerpt from the 2005 TSR)
1,300
,. 1,206
1200
� 1,09 089
1,100 —
1,0 �
1,000 —
910 -..1..__
900 — —i—
i
800
i
700
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Safety Program
Figure 3.2 shows trends of seven-year injury collisions. Injury collisions, a primary benchmark
of traffic safety indices, were also down by 10%in 2005 compared to 2004. Injury collisions as a
percentage of all collisions have.historically been on the rise (25% in 2002 rising to 28% in
2003). However, in 2004 and 2005, the injury collisions as a percentage of all collisions remined
static at 26%, approximately 2%lower than the previous year.
Figure 3.2-Seven Year Injury Collision Trend(excerpt from the 2005 TSR)
340
320 .309-----307- 315
300
280 269 265—" ,
260 i
240
240
220
200
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 .2004 2005
2005 Fatalities Satety Pr�oeram
Traffic collisions resulting in fatalities occur randomly and often do not occur at intersections
with high collision rates; rather, they are usually the result of unique situations and conditions
(including driver error) that often may not represent typical conditions correctible by mitigation.
A high collision rate may be indicative of deficient roadway conditions that may be correctable
by mitigation or alteration..Fatality analysis, while very important, should not be the sole focus
for safety mitigations because individual collisions may not reflect broader factors causing
collisions or leading to correctible measures. Traffic fatalities are often high profile incidents that
ATTACHMENT
2005 Annual Traffic Safety Report
Page 4-
receive
_receive the most attention from the public, media.and Council. Over the past seven years, the
City has averaged two fatalities per year.
Table 3.2 of the TSR compares injuries and fatalities by year to demonstrate this point.
Table 32-City-wide Annual Injury and Fatal Collisions(excerpt frorn the 2005 TSR)
Table Total Injury %of Total Fatal Annual
Annual Collisions Change
Change
1999 240 - 26.4% 2 -
2000 269 +12.1% 26.2% 2 0
2001 265 -1.5% 23.3% 1 -50%
2002 309 +16.6% 24.7% 1 0
2003 307 -0.6% 28.1% 0 -100%
2004 315 +2.1% 26.1% 4 +400%
2005 .285 -9.5% 26.1% 3 -25%
Three fatalities were reported in 2005 within City limits. Of the 3 fatalities, 2 occurred on State
Highways which are under State (Caltrans)jurisdiction: one was related to not yielding the right-
of-way from a stop on Hwy 227 (Broad Street); and the other involved a child crossing Hwy 227
(South Street) on Halloween night. The only fatality that occurred within the City's jurisdiction
was related to `'driving while under the influence" (DUI) on Santa Barbara Street.
Mitigation Strategies for the 2005 TSR
Mitigation strategies for the high collision rate locations for 2005 are identified in Section 6 of
the 2005 Traffic Safety Report. Many of the mitigation measures are relatively low cost traffic
improvements and will be completed using the annual traffic safety budget ($15,000). These
include installation of additional signing and striping, miscellaneous visibility improvements,
traffic control changes, and they will be implemented by staff. Some of the notable locations and
recommended miti ations include:
Location Classification- Mitigation/Notes
Rankin
Marsh/Santa Rosa A/A-#2 The predominant collision pattern involves signal head visibility. Mast
arm and additional signal indications were identified as mitigation,
additional funds required to complete construction. Interim signal
modifications are to be installed November 2006.
Chorro/Pismo A/C-41 Collision warrant met for all-way stop control. All-way stop control is
to be installed November 2006.
Pismo/Santa Rosa A/C #2 Continued S13 right vs. SB right sideswipe collision pattern. Right tum
si m &striping to be revised to improve lane designation.
Monterey/Osos A/L-91 Continued collisions as a result of parking maneuvers. Existing parking
stalls do not conform to City standards,the length of parking stalls are
to be increased to meet City standards.
Morro/Pismo L/L-#1 Continued NB/SB Thru vs. WB Thru from #1 lane. Physical sight
distance restriction due to on-street parking. Restricted parking zone to
be extended & adjacent intersection Chorro/Pismo is to have all-way
stop control installed.
Ranking Classification:(example:A/A=Arterial/Arterial intersections)A-Arterial,C-Collector,L- Local
ATTACHMENT 2
2005 Annual Traffic Safety Report
Page 5
Malting permanent improvements at the intersection of Marsh and Santa Rosa is the only significant
improvement project that remains unfunded from the 2004 TSR and is still a high collision location.
The permanent realignment of Buena Vista and Garfield is an unfunded project from previous
traffic safety reports but the temporary realignment using construction devices has corrected the
collision pattern and this location no longer ranks highly in the 2005 TSR. The Fiscal Analysis
section of this report discusses these issues in more depth.
2004 TSR:.Completed Safety Improvements
Each year we report on traffic safety mitigation implemented as a result of the previous year
TSR. Pursuant to recommendations in the .2004 Annual Traffic Safety Report, various safety
improvements were implemented throughout the City during 2004. These included twelve sight
distance improvements, eight signing & striping reconfiguration improvements, three roadway
configuration improvements, and three pedestrian and bicycle improvements. Additionally, five
,traffic signal improvements have been completed or are in progress. Attachment 1 contains the
full list of these completed improvements.
2005 Bicycle&Pedestrian Safety Review
Table 4.1 of the TSR shows the annual comparison of total pedestrian collisions. Attachment 2
shows specific pedestrian collision information as identified in the safety report for the types and
locations of collisions that occurred. Pursuant to previous Council direction; the TSR now
includes information of whether the motor vehicle or pedestrianibicyclist was at fault for each
collision.
Table 4.1 -1999.2005 Pedestrian Collisions(excerpt from 2005 TSR)
Total Reported 45 _ 4i
Year Pedestrian Collisions on 40 a
Public Streets 35 _
Pedestrian % Change 30z 2a
_ zs — i
1999 24 20 ._ _
2000 37 +54% 15
2001 19 -49% 10
2002 41 +54% s
o .
2003 24. -41% 1999 2000 2001 2002 zoos 2004 .2005
2004 41 +41% Year
2005 26 1 -36%
Source: City of San Luis Obispo Traffic Collision Database
In general the number of annual pedestrian collisions fluxuates. up and down as seen over the
past seven years. There were 26 total pedestrian related collisions reported in 2005, 36% lower
than the previous year but at approximately the same level as 2003. Of these collsions,
approximately two-thirds (58%)were caused by the motor vehicle involved in the crash.
In general, bicycle collisions have been on an upward trend over the past seven years. In 2005,
bicycle collisions were 10% higher than the previous year. There were 55 total bicycle related
collisions reported in 2005. Table 4.4 of the TSR shows the annual comparison of total bicycle
i
ATTACHMENT 2
2005 Annual Traffic Safety Report
Page 6
collisions, while Attachment 3 to this report shows specific bicycle collision information as
identified in the safety report for the types of collisions that occurred. Of these collsions,
approximately half(51%) were caused by the cyclist involved in the crash.
Although pedestrian and bicycle collisions have been increasing over the past few years, these
collisions are often difficult to mitigate. This is because they are primarily non-correctable
incidents attributed to cyclist, driver,and/or pedestrian negligence.
Table 4.4-1999.2005 Bicycle Collisions (excerpt from the 2005 TSR)
Total Reported
Year Bicycle Collisions on 60 _ — 54 55
Public Streets 55 52 52
Bicycle % Change o 50 45 50
46�
1999 52 - e 45
2000 46 -12% v 40 —
2001 45 -2%
2002 52 +13% 35
2003 54 +3.7% 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 .2005
2004 50 -7.4% Year
2005 55 +10%
Source: City of San Luis Obispo Traffic Collision Database
To address this concern, the Public Works Department has developed a public education
campaign involving public service announcements (PSA) on Channel 20 and at the downtown
movie theaters. These PSA's address the predominant bicycle and pedestrian collision types
occurring in the City and suggest how to avoid them. In addition, the Police Department hosts
the "Bicycle Rodeo", an annual bicycle safety education event that teaches proper bicycle riding
techniques to children in the community.
Buena Vista& Garfield
One location identified in previous safety reports is the intersection of Buena Vista & Garfield.
In 2003, staff identified a significant collision pattern at this location which involved westbound
(WB) vehicles turning off of Monterey crossing the intersection diagonally and colliding with
southbound (SB) Buena Vista vehicles. Staff attributed the pattern primarily to the geometry and
alignment of the intersection, and recommended realignment to correct the pattern. In February
2005, a temporary realignment was installed in order to correct the pattern while staff met with
adjacent property owners and developed the permanent solutions. The temporary realignment
included closure of the SB right turn slip lane, realignment of Garfield at a 90 angle to Buena
Vista, and decreasing the northeast curb radius. The realignment consisted of signing, striping,
raised pavement markers, delineators, and barricades. Since the temporary realignment was
installed in February 2005, only one collision(pedestrian)has been reported.
In December 2005, staff held its first meeting with adjacent property owners and businesses to
discuss the temporary closure and alternatives for the permanent realignment. The meeting was
attended by representatives of La Cuesta Inn, the Sands Suites,the gas station and the Days Inn.
The group discussed safety and access needs for the intersection and staff presented various
ATTACHMENT 2
2005 Annual Traffic Safety Report
Page 7
alternatives and concepts which could potentially be designed into the permanent solutions. In
July 2006, staff held its second meeting to present two refined concepts which incorporated
property owner comments. The group identified their preferred alternative and asked staff to
"clean up"the existing temporary installation. The cleanup was completed in September.
The permanent realignment will consist of installing curb, gutter, and sidewalk along the;
Garfield realignment to Buena Vista, across the existing right turn slip lane on Monterey, and at
the northeast corner of the intersection along with partial demolition of the exiting island and
construction of a new pedestrian refuge island. Based on current estimates, the project will cost
approximately $290,000. Since this far exceeds the annual safety budget of$15,000, additional
funding will be required to design and construct this project. The final design for this project will
result in unused right-of-way; once the final design is complete staff will return to Council with
recommendations on what to do with this remainder area.
South Street(Hwy 227) & King Street
As stated previously, fatal collisions occur randomly and are often not at intersections with high
collision rates. As such, they may not represent typical conditions correctible by mitigation.
However, in response to a fatal accident on Halloween night that claimed the life of a child,
Caltrans and the City hosted a town hall meeting in January.2006 to receive input from the
community about safety issues on South Street. As a result of the meeting, a focus group was
created to develop recommendations for Caltrans and the City to consider safety enhancements
safety for pedestrians and bicycles that travel the South Street corridor. The focus group was
facilitated by Caltrans and was comprised of 11 community members, including representatives'
from the City's Public Works and Police Departments.
The focus group compiled a package of recommendations supported by City'staff: eight short
term, three medium term, and three long term. Of these recommendations, the most significant is
the reconfiguration of South Street to two through lanes, a center turn lane with medians, bike
lanes, and increased parking. At its June 6, 2006 meeting, Council voted to support making these
recommendations to Caltrans including the lane reconfiguration concept. The CalTrans median
project consists of median islands along South Street from Higuera Street to Broad Street with
the intention of providing pedestrian refuge islands and slowing traffic. Having these medians
landscaped is necessary to maximize the intent of their installation and improve aesthetics.
However, due to funding limits, CalTrans has decided to exclude landscaping as part of it's
construction plans and delegate the option to landscape these medians to the City. Currently
there is not enough funding available in the traffic safety budget to landscape these medians.
Therefore additional funding will be required. Staff recommends considering this funding as
part of the FY 2007-09 Financial Plan process.
CONCURRENCES
The City of San Luis Obispo Police Department has reviewed the 2005 Annual Traffic Safety
Report and concurs with its findings. The Parking Services Division of the Public Works
Department has reviewed the 2005 Annual Traffic Safety Report and concurs with its findings.
ATTACHMENT 2
2005 Annual Traffic Safety Report
Page 8
FISCAL IMPACT
Most of the mitigation strategies identified the 2005 Traffic Safety Report will be funded from
the 2005-07 Financial Plan through it's allocation of $15,000 annually for safety related
purposes. It is important to note that as part of the City's past budget balancing actions, the
annual allocation for traffic safety purposes was reduced by $20,000 annually (prior year
allocations were $35,000) and this limits our ability to immediately respond to identified
problem areas.
As discussed previously in this report, there are two "higher" cost mitigations that are
significantly underfunded.
From the 2005 Traffic Safety report the project includes the installation of traffic signal mast
arms and additional vehicle indications at the intersection of. The current additional funding
needed for signal upgrades at Marsh & Santa Rosa is estimated at $60,000. The permanent
realignment of Buena Vista & Garfield has not been funded. This project includes the
reconfiguration of Buena Vista at Garfield and Monterey and conversion of the successful
temporary mitigation devices to a more permanent improvement. The current estimate for the
project is $290,000. Currently there is not enough funding in the traffic safety budget, therefore
additional funding will be required for design and construction:
We recommend funding the traffic signal upgrades at Marsh and Santa Rosa at this time from the
General Fund balance. Due to its one-time cost and high priority in reducing collisions; this is an
appropriate use of General Fund reserves; and the remaining balance will be significantly higher
than our policy minimum.
As detailed in the interim financial report for 2005-06, we ended last fiscal year in better
condition than we projected in the 2006-07 Financial Plan Supplement by $2.9 million. This
results in a General Fund balance that is above our minimum fund balance policy. As discussed
in the report, this improvement was largely due to one-time factors, and as such, should not be
used for ongoing costs. However, this modest use of reserves ($60,000) above our policy
minimum is appropriate in funding high-priority, one-time projects like this one.
On the other hand, we believe that any significant use of our reserves — even for one-time
projects— that is significant, should be considered as part of the 2007-09 Financial Plan process,
where funding can be placed in the context of Council goal-setting and other high-priority needs.
The $290,000 expenditure for the Buena Vista improvements fall in this category.
Summary
The engineering safety program is in its fifth year of operation and, in order for it to continue to
be successful, a prolonged commitment both financially and through staff resources is necessary
to properly implement safety mitigation and reduce collisions. Similar to the Pavement
Management program, annual expenditure commitments will be necessary (even in difficult
financial times) if it is the goal of our City and community to improve traffic, pedestrian and
bicycle safety along our roadways.
ATTACHMENT
2005 Annual Traffic Safety Report
Page 9
ALTERNATIVES
1. Council may wish to fund the realignment of Buena Vista& Garfield at this time out of the
unreserved General Fund balance. This alternative would allow for the improvements to be
installed much sooner as opposed to consider funding as part of the FY 2007 Financial Plan.
However,given the cost of the project,we believe it should be evaluated in the context of all
other City needs.
2. Council may wish to defer the additional funding for signal upgrades at Marsh & Santa
Rosa until a later date. This is not recommended given it's continued collision pattern and
need for immediate corrections.
Attachments
1. 2005 Completed Traffic Safety Improvements
2. Pedestrian Collision Types 2001 through 2005
I Bicycle Collision Types 2001 through 2005
A copy of the 2005 Annual Traffic Safety Report is in the Council reading file.
The 2005 Annual Traffic Safety Report is available for review at the City Clerk's Office in City
Hall (990 Palm Street), the Public Works. Department (919 Palm Street), and online at
WWW.SLOCITY.ORG.
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