HomeMy WebLinkAbout1Q OCRCity Council Staff Re{Jorl
DATE: January 28, 2021 CONSENT CALENDAR
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF ALL WAY STOP INTERSECTIONS ON S. PALM CANYON
DR. AT LA VERNE WAY, S. PALM CANYON DR. AT MURRAY CANYON
DR., AND LA VERNE WAY AT TOLEDO AVE., AND RELATED TRAFFIC
SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
FROM:
BY:
SUMMARY:
David H. Ready, City Manager
Development Services Department
Approval of this item will allow for the installation of an all-way stop at three intersections:
(1) S. Palm Canyon Dr. at La Verne Way, (2) S. Palm Canyon Dr. at Murray Canyon Dr.,
and (3) La Verne Way at Toledo Ave. The installation of these all-way stop intersections
and traffic safety devices is based on a field review performed by the Development
Services Department and at the recommendation of the City Engineer in accordance with
Section 12.16.030 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code (PSMC).
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt Resolution No. __ , "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY ENGINEER TO
ESTABLISH AN ALL-WAY STOP CONTROLLED INTERSECTION AT SOUTH PALM
CANYON DRIVE AND LA VERNE WAY, SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE AND
MURRAY CANYON DRIVE, AND LA VERNE WAY AND TOLEDO AVENUE, IN
ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 12.16.030 OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL
CODE."; and
2. Authorize an expenditure of $100,000 from the Special Gas Tax Fund for installation
of related improvements.
BACKGROUND:
The Development Services Department has received requests from concerned motorists
and residents for the addition of stop signs at select intersections within the Mesa, Canyon
Corridor, and Canyon Palms neighborhoods. Common concerns are locations with
pedestrian traffic near trailheads or heavily used walking routes, and sight distance issues
due to road geometry or vertical obstructions. A map of existing and proposed crosswalks
with the proposed improvements are included as Attachment 1.
ITEMNO. \ ().
City Council Staff Report
January 28, 2021 --Page 2
Approval of All-Way Stop Intersections and Traffic Calming Devices
STAFF ANALYSIS:
The California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) 2014 Edition, 3rd
Revision (March 9, 2018), Section 28, identifies several factors to consider when
installing stop signs, which include data collection through traffic studies. The MUTCD
also states that the installation of these devices rests on engineering judgment to
establish intersection control.
Section 12.16.030 of the PSMC authorizes the City Engineer to place and maintain
additional traffic control devices deemed necessary to regulate traffic or to guide or warn
traffic, on the basis of traffic engineering principles and traffic investigations. A resolution
(see Attachment 2) has been prepared authorizing the City Engineer to establish new
all-way stop controlled intersections at the following locations:
• South Palm Canyon Drive and La Verne Way
• South Palm Canyon Drive and Murray Canyon Drive
• La Verne Way and Toledo Avenue
All new stop signs will be provided with solar powered LED edges to improve visibility. In
addition, Staff recommends upgrading existing stop signs at the intersection of Toledo
Avenue and Maricopa Drive with solar powered LED edges to improve visibility of the
stop signs given the geometry and vertical obstructions along the roadway.
A brief background is provided for each location and figures illustrating the improvements
are provided in Attachment 1. Based on the guidelines set in the MUTCD and the PSMC,
the City Engineer is recommending the improvements as described for each intersection.
South Palm Canyon Drive and La Verne Way
S. Palm Canyon Dr. is classified as a four-lane, undivided secondary thoroughfare with a
posted speed limit of 40 mph. La Verne Way is classified as a secondary thoroughfare
that was originally four-lanes, but was revised to two-lanes by a "road diet" and has a
posted speed limit of 40 mph. This intersection is located within a residential area. La
Verne Way terminates at the east side of South Palm Canyon Drive, and becomes West
Lilliana Drive to the west. La Verne Way and Lilliana Drive are off-set side streets.
In February 2019, the Development Services Department received a Community Action
Request Form (CARF) from 29 residents representing the communities along S. Palm
Canyon Dr. citing concern for lack of pedestrian crossings, the need for multi-way stops,
and narrowing of traffic lanes on S. Palm Canyon Dr. Multiple meetings occurred with
neighborhood representatives and Staff to review their traffic safety requests.
On December 3, 2019, Staff collected data pertaining to the 85th percentile speed,
volume, peak hour volume, and pedestrian counts. The data shows an increase in both
vehicular and pedestrian counts.
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City Council Staff Report
January 28, 2021 --Page 3
Approval of All-Way Stop Intersections and Traffic Calming Devices
In December 2020, a stop warrant report was prepared regarding the subject intersection.
The report found that although traffic volume and crash history warrants for a stop sign
were not satisfied, the off-set geometry of Lilliana Dr. and La Verne Way may represent
a potential for left-turn conflicts.
Based on this report, traffic engineering judgment regarding lack of protected crosswalks
across S. Palm Canyon Dr. at this location, along with an internal review, the City
Engineer recommends converting this intersection to an all-way stop controlled
intersection. The existing crosswalk on La Verne Way will be upgraded to a continental
(ladder) crosswalk with new marked pedestrian crossings across S. Palm Canyon Dr. on
the north and south legs of the intersection as shown in Figure 1, in Attachment 1.
South Palm Canyon Drive and Murray Canyon Drive
S. Palm Canyon Dr. is classified as a fot:JJ-lane, undivided secondary thoroughfare with a
posted speed limit of 40 mph. Murray Canyon Dr. is classified as a secondary
thorqughfare that was originally four-lanes, but was revised to two-lanes by a "road diet"
and has a posted speed limit of 50 mph. This intersection is located within a residential
area and adjacent to the Palm Canyon Resort & Spa complex.
In December 2020, a stop warrant report was prepared regarding the subject intersection.
The report found that although traffic volume and crash history warrants for a stop sign
were not satisfied, a potential sight distance issue exists for vehicles turning onto S. Palm
Canyon Dr. (southbound) from Murray Canyon Dr. due to palm trees and utility poles
located on the east side of S. Palm Canyon Dr. An internal staff review also noted a
potential sight distance issue due to a vertical curve.
Based on this report, traffic engineering judgment regarding lack of protected crosswalks
across S. Palm Canyon Dr. at this intersection along with an internal review, the City
Engineer recommends converting this intersection to an all-way stop controlled
intersection. The existing crosswalk on Murray Canyon Dr. will be upgraded to a
continental (ladder) crosswalk with new marked pedestrian crossings across S. Palm
Canyon Dr. on the north and south legs of the. New curb ramps will be constructed as
shown in Figure 2, in Attachment 1.
La Verne Way and Toledo Avenue
La Verne Way is classified as an undivided secondary thoroughfare with a posted speed
limit of 40 mph. La Verne Way was originally four-lanes, but was revised to two-lanes by
a "road diet". Toledo Avenue is classified as an undivided secondary thoroughfare with a
posted speed limit of 45 mph. Toledo Avenue was originally four-lanes but was revised
to two-lanes by a "road diet". The intersection is in a residential neighborhood.
On April 9, 2019, the Engineering Services Department received a Community Action
Request Form (CARF) from 6 residents representing the Twin Palms Neighborhood citing
concerns for lack of pedestrian crossings and the need for a crosswalk at the subject
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City Council Staff Report
January 28, 2021 --Page 4
Approval of All-Way Stop Intersections and Traffic Calming Devices
intersection. Multiple meetings occurred with neighborhood representatives and Staff to
review their traffic safety requests.
On December 3, 2019, Counts Unlimited, Inc. conducted a speed survey and intersection
counts for this intersection. The data collected indicated that most volume warrants were
not met for the placement of an all-way stop and that the pedestrian count crossing La
Verne Way was low.
At the request of residents, Staff conducted field observations and found that the
pedestrian counts are low due to the lack of a safe crossing. Multiple attempts to cross
La Verne Way by residents were observed by Staff, but were abandoned due to the
unsafe nature of crossing the wide roadway. The nest available protected crosswalk is
3,300 feet west of Toledo Ave. at Camino Real.
Based on a traffic engineering review, and lack of protected crosswalks across La Verne
Way at this intersection, the City Engineer recommends installation of an all way stop
controlled intersection. A new crosswalk will be installed across La Verne Way on the
south side of the intersection and new curb ramps installed. The existing crosswalk along
Toledo Avenue will be upgraded to a continental style crosswalk and the new stop signs
on La Verne Way will consist of solar powered LED stop signs. See Figure 3, in
Attachment 1.
Toledo Avenue and Maricopa Drive
Based on a traffic engineering review, the City Engineer recommends upgrading the stop
signs on Toledo Avenue to solar powered LED signs. A new curb ramp on the north side
of Toledo Avenue will need to be constructed to create a 2-leg cross walk as shown in
Figure 4, of Attachment 1. The proposed new and existing crosswalks will consist of a
continental style crosswalk.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
Section 21084 of the California Public Resources Code requires Guidelines for
Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). The Guidelines
are required to include a list of classes of projects which have been determined not to
have a significant effect on the environment and which are exempt from the provisions of
CEQA. In response to that mandate, the Secretary for Resources identified classes of
projects that do not have a significant effect on the environment, and are declared to be
categorically exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental
documents. In accordance with Section 15301 "Existing Facilities," Class 1 c projects
consist of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor
alteration of existing facilities of existing highways and streets, sidewalks, gutters and
similar facilities involving negligible or no expansion of existing use. Therefore, the
installation of the proposed all-way stop intersections, is considered categorically exempt
from CEQA.
4
City Council Staff Report
January 28, 2021 --Page 5
Approval of All-Way Stop Intersections and Traffic Calming Devices
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated cost for installation of the proposed improvements is $100,000. Sufficient
funds are budgeted and available in the Special Gas Tax Improvement Fund (Fund 133)
Residential Traffic Speed Reduction Account No. 133-4298-50190.
SUBMITTED:
+ C , •-\
~:nn Fagg, AICP I x= -
Director of Development Services
Attachment:
1. Figures
2. Resolution
Marcus L. Fuller, MPA, PE, PLS
Assistant City Manager
5
Attachment 1
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Attachment 2
12
RESOLUTION NO. ---
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY
ENGINEER TO ESTABLISH AN ALL-WAY STOP
CONTROLLED INTERSECTION AT SOUTH PALM
CANYON DRIVE AND LA VERNE WAY, SOUTH PALM
CANYON DRIVE AND MURRAY CANYON DRIVE, AND LA
VERNE WAY AND TOLEDO AVENUE, IN ACCORDANCE
WITH SECTION 12.16.030 OF THE PALM SPRINGS
MUNICIPAL CODE.
WHEREAS, Title 12 "Vehicles and Traffic" of the Palm Springs Municipal Code
("PSMC") establishes procedures for the administration, implementation, enforcement,
evaluation, and maintenance of traffic regulations within the City consistent with the
California Vehicle Code; and
WHEREAS, Section 12.08.060 of the PSMC established the office of the City Traffic
Engineer, and designated the City Engineer, to serve in addition to such other functions,
with authority to exercise the powers and duties with respect to traffic as provided for in
Title 12; and
WHEREAS, Section 12.08.070 of the PSMC requires that the City Traffic Engineer
determine the installation and proper timing and maintenance of traffic control devices
and signals, to conduct engineering analyses of traffic accidents, and to devise remedial
measures; to conduct engineering and traffic investigations of traffic conditions and to
cooperate with other city officials in the development of ways and means to improve
traffic conditions; and
WHEREAS, Section 12.16.01 O of the PSMC authorizes the City Traffic Engineer to
place and maintain or cause to be placed and maintained official traffic control devices
when and as required under the traffic ordinances of this city to make effective the
provisions of said ordinances; and
WHEREAS, Section 12.16.030 of the PSMC authorizes the City Traffic Engineer to
place and maintain or cause to be placed and maintained such additional traffic control
devices as he may deem necessary to regulate traffic or to guide or warn traffic, but he
shall make such determination only upon the basis of traffic engineering principles and
traffic investigations and in accordance with such standards, limitations and rules as
may be set forth in the traffic ordinances of this city or as may be determined by
ordinance or resolution of the legislative body of this city; and
WHEREAS, based on traffic engineering principles, the City Traffic Engineer has
evaluated the intersections of South Palm Canyon Drive and La Verne Way, South
Palm Canyon Drive and Murray Canyon Drive, and La Verne Way and Toledo Avenue;
and
13
Resolution No.
Page 2
WHEREAS, on the basis of the City Traffic Engineer's investigations, in accordance
with sound traffic engineering principles, the City Traffic Engineer has recommended
that the intersections of South Palm Canyon Drive and La Verne Way, South Palm
Canyon Drive and Murray Canyon Drive, and La Verne Way and Toledo Avenue be
established as all-way stop controlled intersections.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS DOES
HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The true and correct recitals above are incorporated by this reference
herein as the basis and foundation for the City's adoption of this
Resolution.
Section 2. In accordance with Section 12.16.010 and 12.16.030 of the Palm Springs
Municipal Code, the City Engineer is hereby authorized to establish all-
way stop controlled intersections at the following locations:
1) South Palm Canyon Drive and La Verne Way
2) South Palm Canyon Drive and Murray Canyon Drive
3) La Verne Way and Toledo Avenue
Section 3. The City Engineer shall install and maintain appropriate traffic control
devices as necessary to implement this Resolution.
ADOPTED THIS 28th day of January, 2021.
ATTEST:
Anthony J. Mejia, MMC
City Clerk
David H. Ready, City Manager
14
Resolution No.
Page 3
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS)
I, Anthony J. Mejia, MMC, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that
Resolution No. _____ is a full, true and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a
regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs on January 14, 2021, by
the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Anthony J. Mejia, MMC, City Clerk
City of Palm Springs, California
15