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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/12/2008, C6 - TRAFFIC SIGNAL MODIFICATION AT MARSH & OSOS, SPECIFICATION NO. 90792 Councit Md 6,D� 2/12/2008 acEnbA RepoRt 1mmNum6n ///, CITY OF SAN LUIS OBI SPO ` FROM: Jay D. Walter, Director of Public Works Prepared By: Jake Hudson, Engineer III-Traffic SUBJECT: TRAFFIC SIGNAL MODIFICATION AT MARSH &OSOS, SPECIFICATION NO. 90792 CAO RECOMMENDATION 1. Approve plans and specifications for the "Traffic Signal Modifications at Marsh & Osos, Specification No. 90792. 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. DISCUSSION Background Traffic Signal modifications at Marsh & Osos were originally identified in the 2001 Annual Traffic Safety Report and funded out of the 2003-05 Financial Plan. This project was grouped with the signal installation at Broad & Pacific and the signal modification at Marsh & Santa Rosa. All three signal projects were put out to bid as a single package, however only one proposal was received which was significantly over budget and was therefore rejected. In May of 2006, the three projects were split up and put out to bid individually with the same results. 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), funding for all three projects was consolidated in order to fund the highest priority signal at Broad & Pacific which is now complete. At its August 21", 2007 meeting, the Council approved additional funding to proceed with the second priority project at Marsh & Santa Rosa which has been awarded and is scheduled to go under construction in late February or early March. At that same meeting the Council also approved additional funding to proceed with this third priority and final project of the group, and now that staff has completed design the project is ready to advertise for construction. FISCAL IMPACT As part of the 2006 Traffic Safety Report, the Council approved $190,000 for use on this project (Attachment 1). Traffic Signal Modification Marsh &Osos, Specification No.90792 Page 2 Project Budget Engineer's Estimate: $170,000 Construction Allocation: $170,000 10%Contingencies: $17,000 Project Total: $187,000 Miscellaneous $3,000 (PGE Permitting,Printing,etc.): Total Cost: $190,000 Funds Available: $190,000 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. ATTACHMENT August 21 St, 2007 City Council Report Project Plans and specifications are available for review in the Council reading file. gAstaff-r ortsagwdas-minutes\_caA2008VransportaUon\90792 marsh&MM traffic signahcar 90792 advertise.doc C�-,2. _ ATTACHMENT lcouncil "�nD' 8/21,2007 acenaa izepont CITY O F SAN LUIS O B I S P O FROM: Jay D. Walter,Public Works Director Prepared By: Jake Hudson,Engineer III -Traffic SUBJECT: 2006 ANNUAL TRAFFIC SAFETY REPORT CAO RECOMMENDATION 1. Review and discuss the 2006 Annual Traffic Safety Report and associated mitigation strategies. 2. Receive an update on the realignment of Buena Vista&Garfield Streets at Monterey Street. 3. Approve the transfer of$32,000 from the completed projects account to cover cost increases for signal upgrades at Marsh and Osos Streets. 4. Approve the transfer of$158,000 from the unappropriated general fund balance to cover cost increases for signal upgrades at Marsh and Osos Streets . REPORT-IN-BRIEF As part of the City's Traffic Safety Program, the Public Works and Police Departments have completed the sixth annual Traffic Safety Report (TSR). The TSR reviews all intersections and street segments in the City for collision rates and patterns for the calendar year 2006. 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: Chorro and Higuera Streets, Chorro and Palm Streets, Broad and Pismo Streets, Higuera and Nipomo Streets,Marsh and Nipomo Streets, Marsh and Santa Rosa Streets,Marsh and Osos Streets, 101 NB Off Ramp and Grand Avenue,and Fredericks/Hope Streets and Grand Avenue. In 2006 total collisions were down 20%, injury collisions were down 12%,and fatal collisions were down 33%. The reductions are considered significant when compared to other State and national statistics. Since the City initiated the Traffic Safety Report in 2002, traffic collisions have continued 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 and failure of the Foothill Bridge. The current report identifies that two major projects from previous year remain under funded:traffic signal upgrades at Marsh and Santa Rosa Streets, and traffic signal upgrades at Marsh and Osos Streets. Additional funding for Marsh and Santa Rosa Streets is being requested under a separate Council item. However, the traffic signal upgrades at Marsh and Osos Streets still remain under funded. Due to increased construction costs and prior budget shifts in order to deliver priority projects,additional funding in the amount of$190,000 is required to complete this project. DISCUSSION TSR Overview The collision data and corresponding analysis from the current report was compiled and completed C 6 -3 ATTACHMENT 2006 Annual Traffic Safety Report Page 2 by the Public Works Department in July of 2007. The TSR identifies patterns at the 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 likelihood of a collision type identified in the patter, 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 40 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 2006 TSR makes nine recommendations to improve traffic safety at the remaining high collision rate locations. All but two of these nine recommendations are relatively low cost measures that have already been implemented or are under design and in the process of being implemented. The two remaining high cost measures; traffic signal upgrades for Marsh & Santa Rosa, and traffic signal upgrades for Marsh & Osos are underfunded and are discussed in more depth later in this report. TSR Results & Safety Trends—Measured Improvements Over Time With five years of data now completed after initiation of the focused traffic safety program, we can clearly see the benefits of expenditures at our high collision locations and increased enforcement. Figure 3.1 -tight Year Collision Trend(excerpt from the 2006 TSR) 1,300 1,206 1.2W _ 1,100 069 1,097 ' MO )71 1 600 ' i 700 1 1999 2000 2001 2002 20M 2004 20M 2006 Sq�Acarmn B�gbis ATTACHMENT 2006 Annual Traffic Safety Report Page 3 In 2006, the number of reported collisions was the lowest in the six years of the traffic safety program. There were 871 total collisions reported in 2006, approximately 20% lower than the previous 12-month period. Figure 3.1 of the TSR shows the NVEIRMIMMIM eight-year comparison of total traffic collisions that have been reported within the City of San Luis Obispo. Historically traffic o 20%reduction in reported collisions had been on an upward trend in San Luis Obispo. collisions from 2005 That was until 2002, when the TSR and traffic safety program • 8 year historical low was initiated. Since that time, the number of reported collisions • Injury collisions were down has declined annually except in 2004, when traffic collisions 12% spiked due to an increase in construction, including the Foothill Bridge closure and major construction activity such as the County Administration Building, Court Street Project, 919 Palm Street Parking Structure, and many seismic retrofit projects within the downtown. The reported collisions in 2006 were the lowest recorded during the six years the program has been in place and were below the 1999 collision records, the date when the City Public Works Department started collision tracking. Injury collisions (a primary benchmark of traffic safety indices due to their higher likelihood of being reported) were also down in 2006 (by 12%) compared to 2005. Figure 3.2 shows an eight year trend of injury collisions within the City of San Luis Obispo. Injury collisions as a percentage of all collisions have historically been on the rise (25% in 2002 rising to 28% in 2003). This was again the case in 2006 with the injury collisions as a percentage of all collisions at 29%, approximately 3%higher than the previous year. Figure 3.2-89M Year Injury Collision Trend(excerpt from the 2006 TSR) 340 320 315 300 ' I 280 - _ .dole 260 24 � 240 220 t 200 1 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2006 Fatalities 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. Whereas high collision rates may be indicative of deficient roadway conditions that may be correctable by mitigation, fatality locations are oftentimes sporadic in location. 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. eze '.5" ATTACHMENT. 2006 Annual Traffic Safety Report Page 4 Traffic fatalities are often high profile incidents that receive the most attention from the public, media and Council. Over the past eight 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 3.2-City-wide Annual Injury and Fatal Collisions(excerpt from the 2006 TSR) Table Total Injury Annual 0%of total Fatal Annual Change Collisions .- 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 1 285 1 -9.5% 11 26.1% 3 1 -25% 2006 1 250 1 -12.28% 1 28.7% 1 2 1 -33% Two fatalities were reported in 2006 within City limits. Of the two fatalities, one occurred on State Highway l which is under State (Caltrans) jurisdiction. This collision involved a DUI motorcyclist that rear-ended a vehicle stopped for a red traffic signal. The other fatality involved a vehicle turning left in front of on-coming traffic during inclement weather. 2006 Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Review Table 4.1 of the TSR shows the annual comparison of total pedestrian collisions. Specific pedestrian collision information and locations of collisions that occurred are shown in Attachment 2 of this agenda report. Pursuant to previous Council direction, the TSR now includes information of whether the motor vehicle or pedestrian/bicyclist was at fault for each collision. Table 4.1 -1999.2006 Pedestrian Collislons(excerpt from 2006 TSR) Total Reported Year Pedestrian Collisions on 4 ---- "� Public Streets 400 -- 35 Pedestrian %Change 30 2 24 25 1999 24 - a 20 �s 1 2000 37 +54% 15 2001 19 -49% 10 2002 41 +54% 5- 2003 24 -41% 2004 41 +41% 7999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2005 26 -36% Yev 2006 27 +4% Source: City of San Luis Obispo Traffic Collision Database In general, the number of annual pedestrian collisions tends to fluxuate up and down as seen over the past seven years. There were 27 total pedestrian related collisions reported in 2006, 4% higher than the previous year. Of these collsions, 78% were caused by the motor vehicle el, - & ATTACHMENT 2006 Annual Traffic Safety Report Page 5 involved in the crash, indicating that the percentage of motor vehicle caused pedestrian collisions is rising. In general, bicycle collisions have been on an upward trend over the past seven years. In 2006, bicycle collisions were 11% higher than the previous year. There were 61 total bicycle related collisions reported in 2006. Table 4.4—1999-2006 Bicycle Collisions(excerpt from the 2006 TSR) Total Reported Year Bicycle Collisions on ss e� Public Streets eo Bicycle %Change 54 w � 1999 52 - 2000 46 -12% 5U 2001 45 -2% 45'- 2002 52 +13% 40 4t 2003 54 +3.7% 2004 50 -7.4% 35-- 2005 s 2005 55 +10% I= 2= 2MI 20M =3 2W4 2M5 7D08 2006 61 +11% Year Source: City of San Luis Obispo Traffic Collision Database Table 4.4 of the TSR shows the annual comparison of total bicycle 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, fault was shared equally between motorist(51%)and bicyclist(49%). 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 or disregard for vehicle code requirements. 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 PSAs 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. A "Safe Routes to School' campaign is being developed county-wide to assist in promoting safer bicycle and walking habits. 2005 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 2005 Annual Traffic Safety Report, various safety improvements were implemented throughout the City during 2005. These included five traffic signal improvements, six pedestrian & bicycle improvements, three roadway improvements, eight signing & striping improvements, and nine sight distance improvements. Attachment I contains the full list of these completed improvements. n�_� ATTACHMENT 2006 Annual Traffic Safety Report Page 6 Mitigation Strategies for the 2006 TSR Mitigation strategies for the high collision rate locations for 2006 are identified in Section 6 of the 2006 Traffic Safety Report. Many of the mitigation measures are relatively low cost traffic improvements and will be completed using the annual traffic safety budget ($30,000). These include installation of additional signing and striping, miscellaneous visibility improvements, traffic control changes, and will be implemented by staff. The underfunded improvements needing additional allocations are discussed later in this report. Some of the notable locations and recommended mitigations include: Location Classification- Mitioation/Notes Rankfnol 101 NB Off/Grand A/A-#I City and Caltrans were recently awarded a grant to signalize this intersection. City will oversee design and construction; Caltrans will operate and maintain the traffic signal. Chorro/Higuera A/A-#3 Signal head visibility limited due to indication size. Install larger signal indications.8"signal indications are to be replaced with 12"indications. Chorro/Palm A/C-#2 Signal head visibility limited due to indication size. Install larger signal indications.8"signal indications are to be replaced with 12"indications. Broad/Pismo A/C-#3 Signal head visibility limited due to indication size. Install larger signal indications.8"signal indications are to be replaced with 12"indications. Fredericks&Hope/ A/C-#4 Vehicles crossing diagonally across the two intersections. Install painted Grand median; If pattern persists, investigate raised 'median installation or modifications in 2008-09. Higuera/Nipomo A/L-#1 Signal head visibility limited due to indication size. Install larger signal indications.Pedestrian indications are to be installed as part of the 07-09' CIP. 8"signal indications are to be replaced with 12"indications. Marsh/Osos A/L-#3 Limited signal head visibility. Upgrades were identified and funded from previous reports,however the project was deferred and funding moved to higher priority projects due to increasing construction costs. Revive project and pursue additional funding. Marsh/Nipomo AIL-#5 Signal head visibility limited due to indication size. Install larger signal indications. Pedestrian indications are to be installed as part of the 07-09' CIP. 8"signal indications are to be replaced with 12"indications. Marsh/Santa Rosa Other Significant Signal head visibility limited due pole location and indication configurations. Intersections-#1 Project identified and funded from previous year reports, however additional funding is required to complete project. Revive project and pursue additional funding. Ranking Classification: (example: A/A is an Arterial/Arterial intersection)A-Arterial,C Collector,L-Local Remaining Large Scale Traffic Safety Mitigation Projects Buena Vista and Garfield Streets—Status Update 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 to develop a permanent solution. 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 CG -go ATTACHMENT 2006 Annual Traffic Safety Report Page 7 February 2005, only one collision has been reported whereas in the four year period previous to the temporary realignment 22 collisions were reported. In 2006 staff held several meetings with adjacent property owners and businesses to discuss the temporary closure and alternatives for the permanent realignment. The meetings were attended by representatives of La Cuesta Inn, the Sands Suites, the Chevron gas station and the Days Inn. The group discussed safety and access needs for the intersection and staff presented various alternatives and concepts which could potentially be incorporated into the final design. The group identified its preferred alternative and Council approved funding for design and construction at its November 14,2006 meeting. Since November 2006 staff has completed topographical surveys of the area and awarded a contract for completing the necessary design services, including the preparation of construction documents and exhibits for public review. Currently the consultant is finalizing draft project plans. The following is a tentative schedule for the remainder of the project: 1. August 27, 2007: Final meeting with community group to present draft project plans and discuss any remaining issues. 2. September 17, 2007: Present project plans for ARC review. 3. October 16, 2007: Present project plans and specifications to Council for approval and authorization to advertise for construction bids. 4. November 20, 2007: Award construction contract. 5. January 21, 2008: Begin Construction. Marsh& Santa Rosa Streets Signal modifications at Marsh and Santa Rosa Streets were originally identified in the 2001 Annual Traffic Safety Report, and the City Council approved funding for an improvement project as part of the 2003-05 Financial Plan. This project, along with a traffic signal installation at Broad and Pacific Streets, and a traffic signal upgrade at Marsh and Osos Streets, 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, and due to limited General Fund availability, the three locations were prioritized based on collision history and traffic volumes (#1 Broad and Pacific Streets, #2 Marsh and Santa Rosa Streets, and#3 Marsh and Osos Streets), and funding for all three projects was consolidated in order to fund the highest priority signal at Broad and Pacific Streets. The signal installation at Broad and Pacific Streets is now complete and staff has requested authorization to move forward with the #2 priority location (signal modification at Marsh and Santa Rosa Streets). However, due to delay and based upon prior bids, construction cost estimates are significantly higher than previously anticipated. A separate agenda report discusses this issue and recommends Council allocation of funding. In addition to general cost increases, staff recommends a full upgrade of the signal hardware at this location (the signal is approximately 50 years old) in order to take advantage of economies of scale while the contractor is working at the location. el - 9 ATTACHMENT 2006 Annual Traffic Safety Report Page 8 Marsh and Osos Streets As explained above, the signal modifications for Marsh and Osos Streets were delayed due to limited funding and reallocating to Broad and Pacific Streets. Because the location continues to experience higher than expected collisions rates staff recommends that improvements be made at the intersection. This traffic signal was originally installed in 1958 and, similar to the Marsh and Rosa Santa Streets traffic signal which was installed at the same time, several design changes are necessary so that the project can be built to provide increased safety and improved signal operations such as pedestrian control. These design changes include upgrading the traffic signal cabinet and installation of new conduit and conductors to remove old, limited communication infrastructure. As with the Marsh and Santa Rosa Streets traffic signal, this is an opportunity to make modifications which bring the traffic signal into compliance with State and Federal standards and in essence deliver a relatively new signal for the next 25-30 years. If funding is approved, staff will proceed with re-design and return to Council with authorization to advertise for construction bids within FY 2007-08. CONCURRENCES The Police Department has reviewed the 2006 Annual Traffic Safety Report and concurs with its findings. The Parking Services Division of the Public Works Department has reviewed the 2006 Annual Traffic Safety Report and concurs with its findings. FISCAL IMPACT Most of the mitigation strategies identified the 2006 Traffic Safety Report will be funded from the 2007-09 Financial Plan through it's allocation of $30,000 annually for safety related purposes. As discussed previously in this report, there are two "higher" cost mitigations that are significantly underfunded. Funding for the highest priority of these projects (Marsh and Santa Rosa Streets) is being requested as a separate item in another agenda report. The signal upgrade for Marsh and Osos Streets is currently estimated at $190,000. There is not enough funding in the traffic safety budget therefore additional funding will be required for design and construction if this necessary improvement is to continue. The signal upgrade at Marsh and Osos Streets was originally identified in the 2003-05 Financial Plan where $95,000 was allocated for both the signal upgrades at Marsh and Osos Streets and Marsh and Santa Rosa Streets. In June of 2006, the CAO approved the transfer of$52,000 of this $95,000 to complete the Broad and Pacific Streets traffic signal. Staff is requesting that the remaining $43,000 be transferred to the Marsh and Santa Rosa Streets project under a separate request. This leaves a zero budget for the signal upgrades at Marsh and Osos Streets. Staff is therefore requesting the transfer of $32,000 from the completed projects account (which, combined with the recommended use of this funding source for the Marsh and Osos signal upgrade, will bring this account balance to zero) and $158,000 from the unappropriated general fund balance in order to complete this project at this time. - ATTACHMENT 2006 Annual Traffic Safety Report Page 9 2003-05 Broad&Pacific Marsh&SR Comp. General New Project Financial Plan Traffic Signal Traffic Signal Projects Acct. Fund Bal. Budget Engineer's Estimate: $95,000 NA NA NA NA $170.000 Construction Allocation: $95,000 -,652,000 -543,000 $32,000 $138,000 $170,000 10%Contingencies: $0 $0 $o $0 $17,000 $17.000 Project Total: $95,000 -852,000 -$43,000 $32,000 $155,000 $187,000 Miscellaneous $0 $0 $0 $0 $3.000 $3,000 (PGE,Printing,etc.): Total Cost: $95,000 452,000 443,000 $32,000 $158,000 $190,000 Funds Available: $95,000 -852,000 -843,000 $32,000 $158,000 $190,000 Based on the recently adopted 2007-09 Financial Plan, and the two supplemental funding requests approved since then for the Downtown Higuera paving project ($75,000) and Laguna Lake Golf Course Hole 3 Relocation ($56,000), there are adequate resources to fund the $158,000 needed for this project and retain the General Fund balance at policy levels of 20% of operating expenditures. However, with these revisions, it is now exactly at this level. Pending the possibility of an improved fiscal situation due to interim year-end results and a detailed look at revenue and expenditure trends as part of the mid-year budget review, this means that any additional General Fund appropriations until then will either have to be funded by transfers from other programs or projects, or by taking reserves below policy levels. ALTERNATIVES Council may wish to defer the additional funding for signal upgrades at Marsh and Osos Streets 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. 2006 Completed Traffic Safety Improvements 2. Pedestrian Collision Types 2001 through 2006 3. Bicycle Collision Types 2001 through 2006 A copy of the 2006 Annual Traffic Safety Report is in the Council reading file. The 2006 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.orQ. G:\Staff-Reports-Agendas-Minutes\-CAR\2006\Transportalion\CAR 2005 Traffic Safety Report CAR.doc C6 -//