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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-18-2016 Item 03 2015 Traffic Safety Report and Resolution Endorsing Vision Zero Meeting Date: 10/18/2016 FROM: Daryl Grigsby, Public Works Director Prepared By: Jake Hudson, Transportation Manager Luke Schwartz, Transportation Planner-Engineer SUBJECT: 2015 TRAFFIC SAFETY REPORT AND RESOLUTION ENDORSING VISION ZERO RECOMMENDATION 1. Receive the 2015 Traffic Safety Report and approve the recommended traffic safety measures; and 2. Adopt a Resolution establishing the Vision Zero philosophy as City Policy and establishing a goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries on City streets by 2030. REPORT-IN-BRIEF The Public Works and Police Departments are pleased to present the 15th edition of the City of San Luis Obispo Traffic Safety Report (TSR). The annual TSR documents the activities and performance of the City’s Traffic Safety Program, identifies high collision locations within the City and recommends mitigation improvements to address safety issues where appropriate. For calendar year 2015, total reported collisions were the lowest on record since the inception of the program. Staff recommends that the Council receive the 2015 TSR and approve the recommended mitigation measures to improve traffic safety. In addition, staff recommends adoption of a resolution establishing the Vision Zero philosophy as City Policy, creating a goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries Citywide by 2030. Vision Zero is a traffic safety initiative, adopted by many Cities around the world, with the message that no loss of life or serious injury on the transportation system is acceptable. By endorsing Vision Zero, the City affirms its longstanding commitment to traffic safety and clearly articulates a measurable objective for continuing traffic safety and enforcement efforts. DISCUSSION Background The Annual Traffic Safety Program (“Program”) began in 2001 to identify high collision locations within the City and actively pursue mitigation measures at those locations. Now in its 15th year, the program has demonstrated continued effectiveness and lasting outcomes. Despite increases in traffic volumes in many areas, total collisions in 2015 were the lowest on record, down approximately 3% (down 17 collisions) from the previous year and 58% (down 725 collisions) since the Program began. Total injury collisions increased 9% (up 19 collisions) in 2015, while serious injury collisions— those resulting in severe injury or death—actually decreased by one collision. Since inception of the program, total injury collisions are down 29% (down 89 collisions) and serious injury 3 Packet Pg. 100 collisions are down 43% (down 6 collisions). Pedestrian collisions decreased by one in 2015, following a relatively static trend since 2008. Bicycle collisions have declined by 23% (down 17 collisions) from peak levels in 2009. 2015 totals, however, are up 12% (up 6 collisions) from the previous year. 2015 Traffic Safety Report Overview The 2015 Traffic Safety Report has been updated in a new format that includes more intuitive graphics and mapping as well as figures. The document has been modified to reflect an easier print style for the casual reader and to better describe areas of interest. The document reviews all intersections and street segments in the City for calendar year 2015 and identifies patterns and collisions rates. This information enables staff to prioritize work efforts and inform policy makers and the community. Based on these patterns, recommendations are made for the highest collision locations of each intersection and street segment by classification. Staff develops specific actions and improvements at each location, or, recommends continued monitoring if no prevalent pattern can be identified. The collision data and corresponding analysis was compiled and completed by the Public Works and Police Departments in the summer of 2015. It typically takes up to six months after the end of the year for all collision reports from the previous year to be received and analyzed. Many times late collision reports are filed by private parties and extended investigation periods are needed before collision reports are finalized. The TSR identifies patterns for the highest-rate collision locations of similar street classifications and then are separated for the following transportation modes: Automobiles, Bicycles, and Pedestrians. These locations are narrowed down and the top five locations are analyzed to identify possible mitigation strategies to address safety issues. For example, all arterial segments are compared to each other to establish the highest rate locations and thereby establish the priority order for mitigation or safety improvemen ts. In order to determine if corrective measures could reduce the likelihood of a collision type identified in the pattern, a comprehensive review of each location is conducted. This review includes a survey of the field conditions and travel behavior. There were 27 total high ranking locations in the 2015 TSR where safety improvement projects are identified. These locations are listed in Table 1 below: Table 1 Safety Improvement Projects – All Recommended Projects No. Location Project 1 Higuera & Broad Implement Leading Pedestrian Crossing Interval1 2 Chorro & Monterey Implement Leading Pedestrian Crossing Interval 3 Marsh & Chorro Implement Leading Pedestrian Crossing Interval 4 California & US 101 NB Ramps Upgrade warning signs 1 A Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) typically gives pedestrians a 3 -7 second head start when entering an intersection prior to the vehicular green signal. LPIs enhance the visibility of pedestrians and reinforce their right -of- way over turning vehicles. LPIs have been shown to reduce pedestrian -vehicle collisions at signalized intersections by as much as 60%. 3 Packet Pg. 101 No. Location Project 5 Chorro & Higuera Relocate pedestrian signal heads 6 Broad & High Investigate parking restrictions and curb extension, or potential turn restrictions 7 Foothill & Broad Investigate Flashing Yellow Arrows 8 Foothill & Chorro Upgrade 8” to 12” signal indications Investigate Flashing Yellow Arrows 9 Grand & Loomis Investigate parking restrictions and curb extensions 10 Mill & Osos Refresh stop bar and “STOP” pavement legend 11 Chorro & Peach Pursue relocation of utility pole. Investigate potential speed reduction treatments and possible turn restrictions. 12 Santa Rosa & Walnut Green Bike Lanes 13 Santa Rosa & Olive Green Bike Lanes 14 Monterey & Santa Rosa Leading Pedestrian Crossing Interval Install Flashing Yellow Arrows 15 California & Monterey Green Bike Lanes 16 Foothill & Broad Upgrade traffic signal indications 17 Monterey & Osos Reconstruct Traffic Signal 18 Marsh & Garden Reconfigure Garden Street between Marsh and Higuera 19 Chorro & Mill Striping modifications 20 Higuera, 500-700 Block Reconfigure parking stalls to comply with current City Standards 21 California & Taft Reconstruct as roundabout 22 Grand & Loomis Investigate parking restrictions and/or curb extensions 23 Laurel & Southwood Implement lane reduction, or “road diet” along Laurel Lane between Johnson and Orcutt. 24 Marsh & Broad Upgrade traffic signal to add poles with mast arm indications. 25 California & Monterey Investigate installation of radar speed feedback signs 26 California & Palm Install green bike lanes and warning signs 27 California, 200-500 Block Investigate potential parking removal to provide center turn lane Of the 27 high ranking locations listed above, there were nine (9) high ranking locations where safety projects were already underway or recently completed as a result of being prioritized in prior safety reports and capital programs. These locations are listed in Table 2 below: 3 Packet Pg. 102 Table 2: Safety Improvement Projects – Funded and Underway or Completed No. Location Project Status 1 Santa Rosa & Walnut Green Bike Lanes Initial installation in 2015. To be refreshed in fall of 2016 2 Santa Rosa & Olive Green Bike Lanes Initial installation in 2015. To be refreshed in fall of 2016 3 Monterey & Santa Rosa Leading Pedestrian Crossing Interval Install Flashing Yellow Arrows Complete Construction fall 2016 4 California & Monterey Green Bike Lanes To be refreshed in fall of 2016 5 Foothill & Broad Upgrade traffic signal indications Complete 6 Monterey & Osos Reconstruct Traffic Signal In Design 7 Marsh & Garden Reconfigure Garden Street between Marsh and Higuera To be implemented as part of development project 8 Chorro & Mill Striping modifications Complete 9 Higuera, 500-700 Block Reconfigure parking stalls to comply with current City Standards Complete Of the 27 high ranking locations listed in Table 1, there were 10 locations where new safety projects are recommended that can be reasonably funded under the current traffic safety allocation. These locations are listed in Table 3 below. Table 3: Safety Improvement Projects – New Projects Feasible Under Current Safety Funding Allocation No. Location Project 1 Higuera & Broad Implement Leading Pedestrian Crossing Interval 2 Chorro & Monterey Implement Leading Pedestrian Crossing Interval 3 Marsh & Chorro Implement Leading Pedestrian Crossing Interval 4 California & US 101 NB Ramps Upgrade warning signs 5 Chorro & Higuera Relocate pedestrian signal heads 6 Broad & High Investigate parking restrictions and curb extension, or potential turn restrictions 7 Foothill & Broad Investigate Flashing Yellow Arrows 8 Foothill & Chorro Upgrade 8” to 12” signal indications Investigate Flashing Yellow Arrows 9 Mill & Osos Refresh stop bar and “STOP” pavement legend 10 Chorro & Peach Pursue relocation of utility pole. Investigate potential speed reduction treatments and possible turn restrictions. 3 Packet Pg. 103 Unfunded or Partially Funded Safety Projects In 2015, there were seven (7) high collision rate locations with recommended mitigation that cannot be funded under the current traffic safety allocation. These locations are described below. 1. California and Taft The intersection of California and Taft continues to be identified as a high collision rate location with roundabout control as the recommended mitigation. The total project cost is estimated at approximately $1,512,000. $297,000 was allocated to the design and environmental work, $97,000 of which is Cal Poly’s fair share from impacts as a result of their housing south project. A remaining $1,215,000 project cost is currently unfunded; however, staff will continue to pursue local capital funding, grant funding and assess incorporation of the project into the transportation impact fee program. 2. Grand and Loomis This intersection has been identified for improvements to increase visibility for vehicles at the westbound approach through parking restrictions and/or curb extensions. The cost of these improvements is estimated at $20,000. Staff will pursue local capital funding opportunities. 3. Laurel Lane Reconfiguration Laurel Lane has been recommended for a lane reduction, or “road diet” project. This would reduce the number of travel lanes to rededicate width for other features, such as enhanced bike lanes, on-street parking, shortened pedestrian crossings, landscaping/streetscape elements, and potential intersection traffic control enhancements. Striping improvements can be incorporated into a future roadway resurfacing project planned for this corridor (Laurel Lane is within the pavement management zone scheduled for 2018 repairs). Other components would need to be funded through other sources. The cost for the improvements that would be funded outside of the pavement management program is estimated at approximately $70,000 to $100,000. Staff will pursue grant funding, updates to impact fee programs and local capital funding for these improvements. 4. Marsh and Broad This intersection has been identified for improvements to enhance the visibility of traffic signal indications for all street approaches. The cost of these improvements is estimated at $175,000. Staff will pursue grant funding, updates to impact fee programs and local capital funding as part of the FY 2017-19 plan. Pedestrian signal heads will be installed as part of the Garden Street project. 5. California and Monterey This intersection has been identified for improvements to reduce travel speeds by installing new radar speed feedback signs at the northbound/southbound California Street intersection approaches. The cost of these improvements is estimated at $30,000. Staff will pursue grant funding and local capital funding opportunities. 6. California and Palm Proposed improvements to this intersection include installation of green bike lane extensions through the west leg of the intersection and warning signage. The cost of these improvements is 3 Packet Pg. 104 estimated at $10,000. Staff will pursue funding for this project through ongoing Bicycle Facility Improvements funding allocation. 7. California Boulevard Reconfiguration The proposed project includes investigating the feasibility of parking removal along the east side of California Boulevard between Foothill and Hathway. This would provide width for a center turn lane and improve visibility for turning movements entering/existing the driveways along the east side of the street. Removal can also improve on street bicycle movements by reducing conflicts with vehicles. Prior to pursuing any parking modifications, staff will study existing parking utilization and conduct public outreach to businesses and residents within the vicinity of this area to evaluate potential impacts due to loss of on-street parking. Council previously authorized the installation of parking meters on this block to help regulate parking activities however meter installations will likely have no impact on safety concerns. The cost of these improvements is estimated at $30,000. Staff will pursue local capital funding opportunities. Staff will continue to work with adjacent property owners, developing funding programs, and conducting public outreach for these unfunded projects. Moving Towards Vision Zero Vision Zero is the philosophy that loss of life is not an acceptable price to pay for mobility and that regardless of who is at fault in traffic collisions, public agencies should take a systematic approach to improving safety and achieving a transportation system with zero fatalities or serious injuries. This multi-national traffic safety movement was first developed by Sweden in 1997 as the country’s traffic fatality toll continued to rise year after year to intolerable levels. This new philosophy of shifting the focus from the roadway user to the roadway design resulted in Sweden and other European countries practicing Vision Zero to reduce their traffic fatalities by 50% or more. In recent years, Vision Zero has gained steam throughout the United States, with cities such as San Francisco, New York, Portland, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara adopting Vision Zero Policies and action plans. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle traffic crashes are the number one leading cause of death for people ages 13 through 25 and result in over 30,000 deaths per year in the United States alone. Vision Zero focuses both on reducing overall traffic collisions and on preventing severe collisions. From that effort safety is enhanced for vulnerable users such as pedestrians, bicyclists and people with disabilities and communities can achieve real live benefits and save lives. The City of San Luis Obispo has already been following this philosophy for over 15 years with its internationally recognized traffic safety program and Public Works / Police Department partnerships. The City has had tremendous success with its current traffic safety program and practices, traffic collisions have been reduced by 58% as a result of these efforts. Therefore, no significant changes are recommended in the City’s work program and there are no foreseen financial impacts associated with this policy. Rather the intent of adopting this policy is to formally memorialize and brand the City’s already well demonstrated philosophy, goal, and methods to achieve that goal. 3 Packet Pg. 105 Through (a) the data-driven analysis performed as part of the annual traffic safety report, (b) regular collaboration between City Public Works and Police Departments to identify priorities for focused traffic safety enforcement, and (c) ongoing community education and outreach campaigns, the City can continue to demonstrate measureable progress towards improving the safety and efficiency of transportation facilities for all modes and users. By endorsing Vision Zero, the City Council affirms this commitment to traffic safety and establishes a clear, measurable objective for continuing and refining this multifaceted effort to achieve zero deaths and serious injuries on City streets by 2030. CONCURRENCES The Police Department has reviewed the 2015 TSR and concurs with its findings. FISCAL IMPACT 2015 Traffic Safety Report Staff is recommending that new projects listed in Table 3 above be funded through the City’s annual Traffic Safety Program allocation, which has a current balance of $18,700. The 5-Year Adopted Capital Improvement Plan included in the current Financial Plan anticipates an additional allocation of $25,000 identified for FY 2017/18. This will make $43,700 total available for use on these safety projects if allocated as part of the FY 2017-19 Financial Plan. The total cost of these projects is estimated at approximately $34,000. Remaining balance after project completions will be used to fund other minor projects as they are identified through 2017 as part of the future 2016 TSR. In addition, as identified above, there are seven other safety projects estimated at $1.55 million that cannot be funded through the current allocation of traffic safety report funding. Staff will begin pursuing grant funding opportunities and return with funding requests for these projects as part of the 2017-19 Financial Plan. It should be noted that Local Revenue Measures (i.e. Measure Y and Measure G) have funded the Traffic Safety Report analysis, some of the traffic engineering and police enforcement, and some of the projects resulting from the Traffic Safety Report. Vision Zero Resolution The current City budget supports traffic safety programs, projects and enforcement efforts. Endorsing Vision Zero affirms the City’s commitment to traffic safety and provides a clearly articulated policy objective for continuing this multifaceted approach. This action does not require additional fiscal resources at this time beyond those committed to existing programs and activities. In the future, this commitment may be enhanced with additional programs or activities as part of the City’s budget process for Council action. ALTERNATIVES 1. The Council may choose not to receive and file the 2015 Traffic Safety Report. Staff does not recommend this as these locations are currently experiencing high collision rates with injuries and property damages, if measures are not taken these collision patterns may 3 Packet Pg. 106 continue. 2. The Council may choose to not approve the Resolution adopting Vision Zero. Attachments: a - Draft Resolution b - Council Reading File - 2015 Annual Traffic Safety Report 3 Packet Pg. 107 R _____ RESOLUTION NO. (2016 SERIES) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, ENDORSING THE GOAL OF VISION ZERO, FOR THE CITY TO STRIVE TO ACHIEVE ZERO TRAFFIC DEATHS AND SERIOUS INJURIES ON CITY STREETS BY 2030 WHEREAS, the life, safety and health of residents, employees and visitors to San Luis Obispo is one of the City Council’s highest priorities; and WHEREAS, Vision Zero is a philosophy, adopted by many cities and states around the country, that no loss of life or serious injury on the transportation system is acceptable; and WHEREAS, the Circulation Element of the San Luis Obispo General Plan provides policy intent to provide a system of streets that are safe for all forms of transportation, while reducin g dependence on single-occupant use of motor vehicles by supporting and promoting alternatives such as walking, bicycling and transit; and WHEREAS, The City of San Luis Obispo has been actively implementing safety projects and programs consistent with Vision Zero, however has not yet adopted the philosophy as policy; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows: SECTION 1. This City Council hereby adopts a Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. SECTION 2. The City Council directs the Public Works, Fire and Police Departments to continue implementation of the City’s Enforcement, Education, Traffic Safety, Traffic Operations, and Neighborhood Traffic Management programs as the mechanisms for achieving this goal. SECTION 3. These programs will be guided by innovative engineering solutions to improve road safety for all users, especially the most vulnerable; will measure and evaluate performance annually, and will include enforcement and education tactics to deter the most dangerous behaviors that cause public harm, especially along the corridors and locations where collisions are concentrated. Upon motion of _______________________, seconded by _______________________, and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of _____________________ 2016. ____________________________________ Mayor Jan Marx 3.a Packet Pg. 108 Attachment: a - Draft Resolution (1468 : 2015 Traffic Safety Report and Resolution Supporting Vision Zero) Resolution No. _____ (2016 Series) Page 2 R _____ ATTEST: ____________________________________ Carrie Gallagher City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: _____________________________________ J. Christine Dietrick City Attorney IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, this ______ day of ______________, _________. ____________________________________ Carrie Gallagher City Clerk 3.a Packet Pg. 109 Attachment: a - Draft Resolution (1468 : 2015 Traffic Safety Report and Resolution Supporting Vision Zero) 2015 ANNUAL TRAFFIC SAFETY REPORT Public Works and Police Department October 2016 1 2 OVERALL CITYWIDE TRAFFIC COLLISION TREND Safety Program Begins910102311401256 109712071089873866793683598619594570548531500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 Total CollisionsYear 3 CITYWIDE INJURY & FATAL COLLISION TRENDS 2332572642953013032722392492332282252101792001922127 10 4 14 7 12 13 11 8 7 8 8 10 12 7 9 8 150 170 190 210 230 250 270 290 310 330 Injury CollisionsYear Severe Inj. & Fatalities Non-Severe Injuries 2 2 1 1 0 4 3 2 0 0 0 1 1 3 0 1 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Fatal CollisionsYear 4 CITYWIDE PED & BIKE COLLISION TRENDS 24 37 19 41 24 41 26 27 18 25 24 22 24 26 39 24 23 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 Pedestrian CollisionsYear 52 46 45 53 55 50 55 61 59 59 73 69 67 69 63 50 56 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 Bicycle CollisionsYear 5 CITYWIDE PED & BIKE COLLISION TRENDS BIKES & PEDS •16% of total collisions •50% of severe injury & fatal collisions 6 PRIMARY COLLISION FACTORS Factor Rank % All Collisions Improper Turning 1 23% Unsafe Speed 2 20% Unsafe Starting or Backing 3 12% Traffic Signal/Sign Violation 4 10% DUI 5 9% SPEEDING & DUI •29% of total collisions •50% of severe injury/fatal collisions 25% 25% 7 CITYWIDE TRAFFIC CITATIONS 23942001179122432550896789934176931202098280614741524157114071740573467417114650848022663345435854488743759474686412461955293439955220 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 CitationsYear Hazardous Citations Total Citations 4574803965024103043124123313392482132412563774453930 100 200 300 400 500 600 DUI ArrestsYear 8 WHERE ARE COLLISIONS OCCURRING? Santa Rosa/Hwy 1 (Caltrans): •8% all collisions •15% bike/ped collisions 9 WHERE ARE COLLISIONS OCCURRING? •63% @ intersections •53% signalized •47% unsignalized •37% @ roadway segments New Projects from 2015 Safety Report 10 •27 high ranking locations where safety improvements are recommended •9 locations where improvements are already funded & underway/completed •10 locations w/ new projects feasible under safety program funding allocation •7 unfunded projects Projects With Adequate Funding 1. “Head-Start Ped Timing” Higuera & Broad Higuera & Chorro Monterey & Chorro Marsh & Chorro 2. Bulbouts Broad & High 3. Flashing Yellow Signal Foothill & Chorro Foothill & Broad Projects With Adequate Funding 1. “Head-Start Ped Timing” Higuera & Broad Higuera & Chorro Monterey & Chorro Marsh & Chorro 2. Bulbouts Broad & High 3. Flashing Yellow Signal Foothill & Chorro Foothill & Broad 4. Improved Sign & Stripe California & 101 Mill & Osos Projects Needing Additional Funding & Outreach EXISTING CONFIGURATION POTENTIAL FUTURE CONFIGURATION EXISTING CONFIGURATION POTENTIAL FUTURE CONFIGURATION 1. Roundabout -California & Taft 2. Road Diet -Laurel Ln. 3. Traffic Signal Upgrade -Marsh & Broad 4. Green Bike Lanes & Speed Feedback Sign -California & Monterey -California & Palm 5. Two Way Left Turn Lane -California Blvd. Vision Zero 15 No Death or Serious Injury on our Transportation System is Acceptable Regardless of fault human error is inevitable and we should attempt to address that issue thru systematic design of our streets Vision Zero Programs 1. Annual Traffic Safety Program 2. Bi-Annual Traffic Operations Program 3. Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 4. Safe Routes to School Program FUNDING Funded Projects Traffic Safety Account: Current Balance $43,700 10 Safety Projects (Engineer Estimate)-$34,000 Remaining Balance $9,700 16 Unfunded Projects •California & Taft $1.2 million •Partially Funded at ($297,500) City & Cal Poly Funds -$902,500 Remaining. Pursuing Grant Funds •Laurel Lane Reconfiguration $70-100k •Potential add-on to 2018 street resurfacing or stand alone CIP request •Marsh & Broad Signal Modification $175k •Potential CIP request •California & Monterey $30k •Potential CIP request •California & Palm $10k •Balance of Traffic Safety Account or Potential CIP request •California Blvd. Reconfiguration $30k •Potential add-on to 2018 street resurfacing or stand alone CIP request RECOMMENDATION 1.Receive the 2015 Traffic Safety Report and approve the recommended traffic safety measures. 2.Adopt a Resolution entitled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, California endorsing the goal of Vision Zero for the City to Strive to achieve zero traffic deaths and serious injuries on City Street by 2030.