2346840.1 14537.007
Item No. 9
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – REGULAR AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: STEVE McCULLEY, CHIEF OF POLICE
DATE: FEBRUARY 19, 2025
SUBJECT: INSTALLATION OF A “NO LEFT TURN” SIGN ON ENCINAL AVENUE
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve installation of a “No Left Turn 2pm to 4pm” restriction sign on eastbound Encinal Avenue at the entrance to the Encinal School student drop off and pick up area.
BACKGROUND
On Encinal Avenue, around Encinal School, there is significant traffic congestion and related safety concerns occurring during the staggered afternoon student pick-up times, between the hours of 2:00pm and 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. This has been a long-term ongoing problem. The main cause of the congestion during this time is traffic stopped on eastbound Encinal Avenue, waiting to turn left into the school student pick up area. The pick-up area is normally full of cars which are turning into the pick-up area from westbound Encinal Avenue.
For traffic stopped on eastbound Encinal Avenue, the waiting time to be able to turn left into the pick-up area is lengthy. This causes traffic on eastbound Encinal Avenue to back up significantly.
Frustrated drivers in the back up routinely pass stopped traffic on the left in the oncoming lane or on the right in the bike lane. These illegal traffic movements create safety issues for other drivers and pedestrians.
Encinal School staff have done everything possible to improve the flow of student pick up traffic.
Directed traffic enforcement has been used often in this area but violations and related complaints from residents and parents have continued.
2346840.1 14537.007
In response to the continued traffic safety issues, a temporary “No Left Turn 2pm to 4pm” sign was installed on eastbound Encinal Avenue at the entrance to the Encinal School pick-up/drop off area in October 2024 to evaluate the restriction as a solution.
The Police Department Traffic Officers reviewed the congestion and safety of the area during the months of October through January.
ANALYSIS
A review of the temporary restriction indicated a decrease in congestion and a reduction in nearmiss incidents related to traffic passing in the oncoming lane or in the bike lane during the restriction period. Vehicle delay times at the intersection were also reduced during the restriction hours. Concerns were raised by some drivers regarding alternate routing options, but those have been addressed.
The request to make the restriction permanent was reviewed by the Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee and the Committee recommends that the Council approve installation of the signage.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost of installing the signage is estimated at $300 - $400.
CONCLUSION
Based on data analysis, safety improvements, and community feedback, staff recommends the permanent installation of the "No Left Turn Between 2 PM and 4 PM" sign to enhance traffic safety and efficiency.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal B: Preserve Small Town Character and Quality of Life • Goal D: Manage Circulation and Improve
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about this item is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders – to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials. 2346840.1 14537.007
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item _X___ has or ___ has not been before a Town Committee or Commission. ____ Audit/Finance Committee (meets every other month)
____ Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee (meets as needed)
____ Environmental Programs Committee (meets every other month) ____ Park and Recreation Committee (meets each month)
____ Planning Commission (meets each month)
____ Rail Committee (meets every other month)
__X__ Transportation Committee (meets every other month)
ATTACHMENTS
Proposed Signage Location Google Street View Map:
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.463704,-
122.1859233,3a,90y,30.7h,66.98t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1swtGs4ktCG0ay_V5JyLfttA!2e0!6shttp s:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixelspa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h %3D600%26pitch%3D23.01597119151741%26panoid%3DwtGs4ktCG0ay_V5JyLfttA%26yaw %3D30.696064138682438!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDIwMy4wIKXMDS oASAFQAw%3D%3D