CA Review GH
Meeting Date: Aug. 29, 2023
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Staff Contact: John Kim, City Traffic Engineer
[email protected], 442-339-2757
Subject: Ordinance Amending Section 10.44.030 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code Relating to Speed Limits on Carlsbad Boulevard
District: 3
Recommended Action
Introduce an Ordinance Amending Section 10.44.030 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code Relating to Speed Limits on Carlsbad Boulevard.
Executive Summary
Staff are proposing lowering the speed limit for southbound Carlsbad Boulevard between Manzano Drive to Island Way from the existing 50 mph to 45 mph to reflect how recent changes to the roadway have slowed traffic down.
The recommendation is based on engineering studies on traffic on Carlsbad Boulevard since Carlsbad Boulevard Restriping Project was completed.
The City Council is being asked to introduce an ordinance that would amend the Carlsbad Municipal Code to set the speed limit on the roadway as 45 mph. Only the City Council has the authority to amend the municipal code.
Explanation & Analysis
Background
The Carlsbad Municipal Code currently states the speed limit on this portion of Carlsbad Boulevard, from just south of Manzano Drive to Island Way, as 35 mph. This reflects the speed limit that was temporarily established in 2008 for southbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard because of structural deficiencies of the Encinas Creek Bridge identified at that time by the California Department of Transportation.
The city reconstructed the bridge in 2009. Once that project was completed, 35 mph signs were replaced with 50 mph signs. However, the Carlsbad Municipal Code was never amended to reflect this change and still states the 35-mph speed limit.
The existing 50 mph speed limit for southbound Carlsbad Boulevard, from just south of Manzano Drive to Island Way, was set in 2018. It was based on an engineering and traffic survey that documented an 85
th percentile speed of 51 mph. The 85th percentile speed, Aug. 29, 2023
Item #4 Page 1 of 14
otherwise known as the critical speed, is the speed at which 85% of the drivers are traveling at or below and is the primary basis on which speed limits are established in California.
Current roadway conditions
In March 2023, the south Carlsbad Boulevard Restriping Project resurfaced and restriped southbound Carlsbad Boulevard between Manzano Drive and Island Way and reduced the number of travel lanes from two lanes to one lane on southbound Carlsbad Boulevard between Solamar Drive and Island Way. Reducing the number of travel lanes provided the necessary width to shift the traffic lane to the east and provided room for enhancements, including a wider bike lane and an added bike buffer.
The lane reduction and striping changes on this part of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard gave staff an opportunity to re-evaluate the existing speed zone on the roadway.
Staff completed a new engineering and traffic survey for this part of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard earlier this year, after completion of the restriping project. The speed surveys indicated an 85th percentile speed of 46 mph.
A review of the collision history for a two-year period from May 2021 through April 2023 for this segment of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard showed five reported collisions, among which two were vehicle-involved and three were bike and pedestrian-related collisions. Three of the collisions were speed-related.
California Vehicle Code Section 22358 gives the City Council the authority to determine and establish by ordinance a reasonable and safe speed limit on roadways that facilitates the orderly movement of vehicle traffic.
Based on the requirements found in the California Vehicle Code and the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and the findings of the recently performed traffic survey, staff found that a speed limit of 45 mph is reasonable and safe for this part of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard.
There is no sidewalk on either side of the southbound Carlsbad Boulevard. The southbound roadway width varies from 22 feet to 45 feet. It has roadway grades that vary from approximately 1% to 3.5%. Campgrounds, a parking lot and the beach are to the west with a resort, a hotel and a mobile home park to the east.
Traffic and Mobility Commission Recommendation
On Aug. 7, 2023, the Traffic and Mobility Commission voted 6/0/1, with Commissioner Garcia absent, to support staff’s recommendation to reduce the existing 50 mph speed limit to 45 mph on southbound Carlsbad Boulevard from a point 1,400 feet south of Manzano Drive to Island Way, and to amend the Carlsbad Municipal Code accordingly. The draft minutes of the Aug. 7, 2023, Traffic and Mobility Commission meeting are attached as Exhibit 5 for reference.
Proposed revision to municipal code
Revising the existing 50 mph speed limit to 45 mph requires the City Council to adopt an ordinance to amend Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 10.44.030(F) to establish a 45-mph speed zone for southbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard from a point 1,400 feet south of the southerly boundary of the right-of-way of Manzano Drive to Island Way. The proposed revisions are shown in Exhibit 2.
Aug. 29, 2023
Item #4 Page 2 of 14
Fiscal An alysis
Installation of the new 45-mph speed limit signs on southbound Carlsbad Boulevard will cost under $1,000. Sufficient funds are available in the Traffic Engineering Operating Budget to cover the cost of installing the signs.
Next Steps
Following the City Council’s introduction of the ordinance, it will be scheduled at the City Council’s next meeting for adoption. It will become effective 30 days following adoption.
After the ordinance is approved at a second reading and goes into effect, staff will issue a work order to install the 45-mph speed limit signs on southbound Carlsbad Boulevard.
Environmental E
valuation
The City Planner has determined that this project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c), which apply to the minor alteration of existing facilities, including streets, sidewalks, gutters, and similar facilities involving negligible or no expansion.
Exhibits
1. City Council ordinance
2. Section 10.44.030 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code, showing proposed revisions
3. Location map
4. Engineering and traffic survey for southbound Carlsbad Boulevard
5. Draft minutes of the Aug. 7, 2023, Traffic and Mobility Commission meeting
Aug. 29, 2023
Item #4 Page 3 of 14
ORDINANCE NO. CS-456
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 10.44.030 OF THE CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS ON CARLSBAD BOULEVARD
WHEREAS, on Sept. 27, 2022, the City Council adopted a resolution approving the proposed lane reduction on southbound Carlsbad Boulevard between Solamar Drive and Island Way and approving the plans and specifications and awarding a construction contract for the Carlsbad Boulevard Restriping Project between Manzano Drive and Island Way; and WHEREAS, the project reduced the number of travel lane from two 11-foot lanes to one 10-foot lane on southbound Carlsbad Boulevard between Solamar Drive and Island Way; and WHEREAS, the reduced number of travel lanes has changed the conditions of the roadway, so staff conducted a new Engineering and Traffic Survey for Carlsbad Boulevard from a point of 1,400 feet south of the southerly boundary of the right-of-way of Manzano Drive to Island Way; and WHEREAS, staff have determined that the appropriate speed limit on Carlsbad Boulevard from a point 1,400 feet south of the southerly boundary of the right-of-way of Manzano Drive to Island Way, per the provisions found in the California Vehicle Code and the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, is 45 miles per hour.
NOW, THEREFORE, t_he City Council of the City of Carlsbad, �alifornia, ordains as follows that:
1. The above recitations are true and correct.
2. Section 10.44.030 "Carlsbad Boulevard" of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
"A. Upon Carlsbad Boulevard from the north boundary of the city to its intersection with State Street, the prima facie speed limit shall be 35 miles per hour.
B. Upon Carlsbad Boulevard from its intersection with State Street to its intersection with Walnut Avenue, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.
C. Upon Carlsbad Boulevard from its intersection with Walnut Avenue to its intersection with Tamarack Avenue, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.
Exhibit 1
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #4 Page 4 of 14
D. Upon Carlsbad Boulevard from its intersection with Tamarack Avenue to a point 1,400 feet south of the southerly boundary of the right-of-way of Manzano Drive, for both the southbound and northbound lanes, the prima facie speed limit shall be 35 miles per hour.
E. Upon the northbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard from a point 1,400 feet south of the southerly boundary of the right-of-way of Manzano Drive to Island Way, the prima facie speed limit shall be 50 miles per hour.
F. Upon the southbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard from a point 1,400 feet south of the southerly boundary of the right- of-way of Manzan o Drive to Island Way, the prima facie speed limit shall be 45 miles per hour.
G. Upon Carlsbad Boulevard from Island Way to the south boundary of the city, the prima facie speed limit shall be 50 miles per hour.”
3. This ordinance shall be effective thirty days after its adoption.
4. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this ordinance and cause the full text of the ordinance, or a summary of the ordinance prepared by the City Attorney to be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Carlsbad within fifteen days after its adoption.
Aug. 29, 2023
Item #4 Page 5 of 14
INTRODUCED AND FIRST READ at a Regular Meeting of the Carlsbad City Council on the 29th day of August, 2023, and thereafter
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the_ day of ___ _, 2023, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
CINDIE K. McMAHON, City Attorney
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #4 Page 6 of 14
Exhibit 2
10.44.030 Carlsbad Boulevard.
A. Upon Carlsbad Boulevard from the north boundary of the city to its intersection with State Street, the prima facie speed limit shall be 35 miles per hour.
B. Upon Carlsbad Boulevard from its intersection with State Street to its intersection with Walnut Avenue, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.
C. Upon Carlsbad Boulevard from its intersection with Walnut Avenue to its intersection with Tamarack Avenue, the prima facie speed limit shall be 30 miles per hour.
D. Upon Carlsbad Boulevard from its intersection with Tamarack Avenue to a point 1,400 feet south of the southerly boundary of the right-of-way of Manzano Drive, for both the southbound and northbound lanes, the prima facie speed limit shall be 35 miles per hour.
E. Upon the northbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard from a point 1,400 feet south of the southerly boundary of the right-of-way of Manzano Drive to Island Way, the prima facie speed limit shall be 50 miles per hour.
F. Upon the southbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard from a point 1,400 feet south of the southerly boundary of the right-of-way of Manzano Drive to Island Way, the prima facie speed limit shall be 35 45 miles per hour.
G. Upon Carlsbad Boulevard from Island Way to the south boundary of the city, the prima facie speed limit shall be 50 miles per hour. (Ord. CS-304 § 1, 2016; Ord. NS-888 § 1, 2008; Ord. NS-362 § 1, 1996; Ord. NS-251 § 1, 1993; Ord. NS-85 § 1, 1989; Ord. 3115 § 1, 1979; Ord. 3063 § 2; Ord. 3060 § 1; Ord. 3044 § 1; Ord. 3027 § 2) Aug. 29, 2023
Item #4 Page 7 of 14
-
3 LOCATION MAP
Exhibit 3
Aug. 29, 2023
Item #4 Page 8 of 14
~
NOT TO SCALE
SPEED ZONE ON SOUTHBOUND CARLSBAD BLVD EXHIBIT
Exhibit 4
Aug. 29, 2023
Item #4 Page 9 of 14CITY OF CARLSBAD
ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEY
STREET: Carlsbad Boulevard
LIMITS: 1,400 Feet South of Manzano Drive to Island Way (Southbound Lanes Only)
FACTORS
Direction: .,,--_·----- ··-----...
A. Prevailing Speed Data: Southbound Only ~~ ~~Of ESS/ON-4.~ Date of Speed Survey 4/18/23 ~ ..}. ~ T 1, Lt.
Location of Speed Survey 1,485 Feet s/o Solamar Drive 1 4f ,r:::,~ ' TJ./,1~ '~ . 85th Percentile 46 MPH / /;; ~ ''7 ~ \
10 MPH Pace 37 to 47 MPH f, ...._ ~ \
Percent in Pace 78% I <!> rn \
l~~~--~~---~I \~ ~ i
B. Accident History:
(5/01/21 through 4/30/23) \ i( No. C 56667 * /
Speed-Related Accidents
Pedestrian and/or Bicyclist Accidents
Total Accidents
C. Traffic Factors:
Average Daily Traffic
Traffic Controls
Pedestrian/Bicycle Traffic
Bicycle Lanes
On-Street Parking
Other
D. Roadway Factors:
Street Classification
Length of Segment
Roadway Width
Number of Lanes
Vertical Alignment
Horizontal Alignment
Sidewalks
Driveways
Street Lighting
3 3
5 \;~~ C/V\\. ~'~
~--._S- OF CA.\..\ ~a~
--.....:.____ --___ /
8,633 (Saturday, 8/13/22); 6,830 (Thursday , 8/18/22)
Traffic Signals at Solamar Drive and Island Way
Heavy
Buffered Bicycle Lane
Parking Prohibited (Except on Portions of West Side)
Striped Shoulder on Portions of West Side of Roadway; Bus Route, Truck Route Circulation Element - Major Arterial; Mobility Element - Coastal Street
0.86 mi.
Varies from 22 feet to 45 feet
One Lane
Roadway grades vary from 0.77% to 3.48%
Relatively Straight
No Sidewalk
Three Driveways including "South Carlsbad State Beach - North Ponto" parking lot Three Street Liohts near Solamar Drive
E. Soecial Conditions: Carlsbad Boulevard is heavilv used bv bikes and pedestrians .
F. Adiacent Land Uses: Ocean, State Beach/Camoaround & Parking Lot, Resort, Hotel, Mobile Home Park, Bus Stoo G. Remarks/Conditions Not Readily Apparent: Carlsbad Boulevard is a coastal corridor and attracts a significant number of tourists of all ages throughout the year due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. This includes motorists, bicyclists , pedestrians, joggers, skateboarders, rollerbladers, and surfers. This section contains no sidewalks but pedestrians walk in the painted shoulder area .
Driver attention is sometimes distracted by the view of the ocean.
H. Traffic Engineer's Recommendation (Explanation): This speed zone satisfies the conditions of Section 627 of the California Vehicle Code and has been prepared and evaluated in accordance with the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, effective March 10, 2023, with respect to design and prevailing speeds, accident records, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, intersection and driveway spacing, and roadside and traffic conditions not readily apparent to the driver. A speed limit posting of 45 MPH is found to be aoorooriate and justified .
I. Approvals:
□ Recertification of existing speed zone per Sections 22357, 22358 and 40802 of the California Vehicle Code . □ Establishment of new speed zone.
Approved ____________________ _
John T. Kim
City Traffic Engineer
CARCE 56667
NOTE : Appropriate speed survey Is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Date
Aug. 29, 2023
Item #4 Page 10 of 14
CITY OF CARLSBAD
SPEED SURVEY
DATE: 4/18/23 TIME: 10:00AM TO 11:00AM TOTAL VEHICLES:
WEATHER: Cloudy & Cool CRITICAL SPEED:
LOCATION: Carlsbad Boulevard~1,485' s/o Solamar Drive VEHICLES IN PACE:
OBSERVER/RECORDER: J. Gale PACE SPEED(S):
SOUTHBOUND
DIRECTION OF TRAVEL
MPH # % r, # % %tile % #
64 63
62 61
60 59
58 57
56 55
54 53
52 51
50 X
49 X X X
48 X X X X X
47 X X X
46 X X X X X X
45 X X X X X
44 X X X X X X X X X
43 X X X X X X X X X X X X
42 X X X X X X X X
41 X X X X X X X X X X X X
40 X X X X X X X X X
39 X X X X X X X X
38 X X
37 X X X X X X X
36 X X X X
35 X X
34 X X
33 X X
32 31
30 29
28 27
26 25
24 23
22 21
20 1 2 1 1 100
3 6 3 3 99
5 10 5 5 96
3 6 3 3 91
6 12 6 6 88
5 10 5 5 82
9 18 9 9 77
12 24 12 12 68
8 16 8 8 56
12 24 12 12 48
9 18 9 9 36
8 16 8 8 27
2 4 2 2 19
7 14 7 7 17
4 8 4 4 10
2 4 2 2 6
2 4 2 2 4
2 4 2 2 2
Public Works Branch
Traffic & Mobility Division
100
46 MPH
----------
78 %
----------
37 TO 47 MPH
N/A
DIRECTION OF TRAVEL
MPH
64 63
62 61
60 59
58 57
56 55
54 53
52 51
50 49
48 47
46 45
44 43
42 41
40 39
38 37
36 35
34 33
32 31
30 29
28 27
26 25
24 23
22 21
20 DRAFT
Aug. 7, 2023, 4 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: 4:02 p.m.
Council Chambers
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
ROLL CALL: Coelho, Fowler, Penseyres, Proulx, Newlands, and Kohl.
Garcia – Absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chair Coelho led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on June 5, 2023
Motion by Commissioner Newlands, seconded by Commissioner Kohl to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on June 5, 2023, as presented. Motion carried, 6/0/1 (Garcia – Absent).
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Sonja Pratt spoke about the dangers of the intersection at Chestnut Avenue and Adams Street due to lack of visibility and she shared concerns about speeding on Chestnut Avenue.
Scott Carcella spoke about the dangerous driving on Chestnut Avenue and he suggest ed adding stop signs, roundabouts, or speedbumps to improve the road.
Jeff Pratt spoke about his concerns regarding speeding and dangerous driving on Chestnut Avenue.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motion by Vice-Chair Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Kohl to approve Consent Item No. 1.
Motion carried, 6/0/1 (Garcia – Absent).
1. TRAFFIC CALMING PLANS FOR VICTORIA STREET, HIGHLAND DRIVE, MONROE STREET, NUEVA CASTILLA WAY, CIRCULO SEQUOIA AND CELINDA DRIVE – Support staff recommendations to the City Council to approve the plans and specifications for the Traffic Calming Plans for Victoria Street, Highland Drive, Monroe Street, Nueva Castilla Way, Circulo Sequoia and Celinda Drive, Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6070. (Staff Contact: Lindy Pham and Miriam Jim, Public Works Department).
Scott Engle spoke in favor of the traffic calming plans on Victoria Street and Highland Drive but questioned the number of features. He recommend ed traffic observations to be performed after implementation of measures to see their effectiveness.
Exhibit 5
Aug. 29, 2023
Item #4 Page 11 of 14
TRAFFIC AND MOBILITY COMMISSION
Minutes
DRAFT
Aug. 7, 2023 Traffic & Mobility Regular Meeting Page 2
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
2. POLICE REPORT REGARDING TRAFFIC & MOBILITY -RELATED MATTERS DURING THE MONTHS OF MAY AND JUNE 2023, INCLUDING NOTABLE NEWS FOR THE MONTH OF JULY – Receive a presentation from a representative of the City of Carlsbad’s Police Department that will provide an overview of traffic and mobility -related police matters during the months of May and June 2023, including notable news for the month of July. (Staff Contact: Alonso DeVelasco, Police Department).
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive the presentation.
The Commission received the report.
In response to Commissioner Kohl’s inquiry about the possibility of placing motor units on the intersection of Chestnut Avenue and Adams Street a couple times a week for strict enforcement, Lieutenant DeVelasco explained that it is possible to request that officers be placed there to increase enforcement. He further explained that since the school year is approaching, enforcement around the schools is going to increase.
Chair Coelho requested that the Commission receive periodic updates on traffic speedbum ps such as those placed on Tamarack Avenue.
3. 2)
3)
TRAFFIC CALMING PLANS FOR PARK DRIVE, BLACK RAIL ROAD, PLUM TREE ROAD, CARRILLO
WAY AND CARSLBAD RESIDENTIONAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM EXCEPTION FOR HUMMINGBIRD ROAD – 1) Receive the presentation based on th e findings contained in this report and the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program; and Support staff’s recommendation for the proposed traffic calming plans on Park Drive, Black Rail Road, Plum Tree Road and Carrillo Way; and
Support staff’s recommendation to approve Hummingbird Road from Batiquitos Drive to Rock Dove Street as an exception into Phase II of the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program. (Staff Contact: Lindy Pham and Miriam Jim, Public Works Department).
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive the presentation and support staff’s recommendations.
The Commission received the report.
Nichola Riggle spoke in favor of the traffic calming plans.
In response to Vice -Chair Fowler’s inquiry about the term “cost effective” traffic calming, Senior Engineer Jim explained that it is used to distinguish between Phase II and Phase III when they implement traffic calming measures. She added that Phase II st arts with cost effective solutions, such as speed bumps, features that can be implemented relatively quickly and Phase III involves more complex solutions such as realigning intersections and turn restrictions.
Aug. 29, 2023
Item #4 Page 12 of 14
DRAFT
Aug. 7, 2023 Traffic & Mobility Regular Meeting Page 3
Motion by Commissioner Kohl, seconded by Commissioner Proulx to support staff’s recommendation for the proposed traffic calming plans on Park Drive, Black Rail Road, Plum Tree Road and Carrillo Way and to approve Hummingbird Road from Batiquitos Drive to Rock Dove Street as an exception into Phase II of the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program. Motion carried, 6/0/1 (Garcia – Absent).
4. REVISE SPEED LIMIT ON SOUTHBOUND CARLSBAD BOULEVARD BETWE EN 1,400 FEET SOUTH OF MANZANO DRIVE AND ISLAND WAY – Support staff’s recommendation to the City Council to revise speed limit on southbound Carlsbad Boulevard between 1,400 feet south of Manzano Drive and Island Way from 50 mph to 45 mph. (Staff Contact: Miriam Jim and John Kim, Public Works Department). Motion carried, 6/0/1 (Garcia – Absent).
Staff’s Recommendation: Support staff’s recommendation.
The Commission received the report.
In response to Commissioner Kohl’s inquiry about lowering the speed limit further to 40 mph, City Traffic Engineer Kim explained that Assembly Bill 43 enacted changes in the California Manual on Uniform T raffic Control Devices that allows local agencies more flexibility in lowering speed limits. He further added that towards early next year staff should have recommendations regarding the possibility of lowering speed limits based on AB43.
In response to Commissioner Kohl’s inquiry about performing another traffic study , if the 45- mph speed limit were implemented, to see if the 85 th percentile drops below 40 mph, City Traffic Engineer Kim explained that engineering studies have shown that critical speeds do not typically vary over time unless the conditions of the road have changed or traffic volumes change. He further explained that if everything were to stay the same, there would be no reason to believe that the roadway speed would change.
Motion by Commissioner Proulx, seconded by Commissioner Kohl to support staff’s recommendation to the City Council to revise speed limit on southbound Carlsbad Boulevard between 1,400 feet south of Manzano Drive and Island Way from 50 mph to 45 mph. Motion carried, 6/0/1 (Garcia – Absent).
5. STATUS UPDATE ON CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM NO. 6028 COLLEGE BOULEVARD AND PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD IMPROVEMENTS AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM NO. 6034 MELROSE DRIVE AND PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD – Receive status update report on Capital Improvement Program (CIP) No. 6028 College Boulevard and Palomar Airport Road Improvements and CIP No. 6034 Melrose Drive and Palomar Airport Road Improvements. (Staff Contact: Tom Frank, Public Works Department).
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive the report.
The Commission received the report.
Aug. 29, 2023
Item #4 Page 13 of 14
DRAFT
Aug. 7, 2023 Traffic & Mobility Regular Meeting Page 4
In resp
onse to Chair Coelho’s inquiry about the possibility of restricting U -turns at an intersection during rush hour, Transportation Director Frank responded that staff will look into it and provide additional information at a following Commission meeting.
Chair Coelho recommended further contemplation on not allowing U-turns at the intersection.
6. A CTIVE TRANSPORTATION MONITORING PROGRAM – YEAR TWO – Receive a presentation and provide input to city staff on the Draft Active Transportation Monitoring Program Report. (Staff Contact: Nathan Schmidt, Public Works Department).
Staff’s Rec
ommendation: Receive the presentation and provide input.
The Commission received the report.
Chair Coelho recommended the addition of information on the costs associated with public transportation, specifically for buses and the Coaster.
CITY T RAFFIC ENGINEER COMMENTS:
Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt commented that SANDAG has opened a public response window where people can provide comments with specific locations on an interactive map.
City Traffic Engineer Kim commented that the Tamarack expedited traffic calming project is nearly complete with four of the five features completed.
In response to Commissioner Kohl’s question about the traffic signal time at Fire Station No. 2, City Traffic Engineer Kim explained that staff have been working with the fire department to address observed signal delays. He added that they had either addressed it or will do so shortly.
COMMISSION C
OMMENTARY AND REQUESTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS:
In response to Commissioner Kohl’s inquiry regarding the city’s status on the fiberoptic connection network, City Traffic Engineer Kim responded that he would ask Associate Engineer Mangohig to provide a thorough presentation at a future Commission meeting.
Commissioner Kohl commented that signal problems can be reported to 442 -339-5331.
Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager Schmidt commented that general traffic issues can be reported to 442-339-5332.
ADJOURNMENT:
Chair Coelho adjourned the Traffic & Mobility Commission Regular Meeting on Aug. 7, 2023, at 6:55 p.m.
Eliane P
aiva
Secretary
Aug. 29, 2023
Item #4 Page 14 of 14
Revise Speed Limit on Southbound
Carlsbad Blvd between 1,400’ south of
Manzano Dr and Island Way
John Kim, City Traffic Engineer
Aug. 29, 2023
{ City of
Carlsbad
RECOMMENDED ACTION
• Introduce an ordinance amending Section 10.44.030
o
f the Carlsbad Municipal Code Relating to lower
the speed limit on part of Carlsbad Blvd from 50 to
45 mph
ITEM 4: REVISE SPEED LIMIT
{ City of
Carlsbad
Palomar Airport Rd
Southbound Carlsbad Blvd
1,400’ south of Manzano
Dr to Island Way
CARLSBAD BLVD RESTRIPING PROJECT
• On Sept. 27, 2022, city council adopted a resolution approving a lane reduction on southbound Carlsbad Blvd between Solamar Dr and Island Way and approving the Carlsbad Blvd Restriping Project
• In March 2023, Carlsbad Blvd Restriping Project resurfaced and restriped southbound Carlsbad Blvd between Manzano Dr and Island Way
ITEM 4: REVISE SPEED LIMIT
( City of
Carlsbad
PROJECT FEATURES
ITEM 4: REVISE SPEED LIMIT
• One vehicle lane and a buffered bike lane on southbound Carlsbad Boulevard between Solamar Drive and Island Way • A shoulder on the west side of Carlsbad Boulevard that can be used by pedestrians
• Green paint bike lane to highlight conflict areas
• Space for bicycle parking and up to 13 parallel parking spots for cars next to the existing North Ponto Beach parking lot { City of
Carlsbad
ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEY
• Speed survey conducted on April 18 with a measured
85th percentile speed = 46 mph
• 5 reported collisions between May 2021 and April 2023 • Two vehicle-involved
• Three bike and pedestrian-involved
• Three speed related
• Proposed speed limit: 45 mph
ITEM 4: REVISE SPEED LIMIT
{ City of
Carlsbad
SOUTHBOUND CARLSBAD BLVD
85th percentile
speed
Speed limit
Before project 51 mph 50 mph
After restriping
project 46 mph 45 mph
ITEM 4: REVISE SPEED LIMIT
{ City of
Carlsbad
Next steps
Adopt ordinance for revising speed zone
New signage
New speed limit in effect
ITEM 4: REVISE SPEED LIMIT
( City of
Carlsbad
CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL CODE
• The C.M.C. currently states the speed limit on this part of southbound Carlsbad Blvd as 35 mph
• This speed limit was temporarily established in 2008 because of structural deficiencies of the Encinas Creek Bridge
• The city reconstructed the bridge in 2009 and 35 mph speed limit signs were replaced with 50 mph signs
• The C.M.C. was never amended to reflect this change
ITEM 4: REVISE SPEED LIMIT
( City of
Carlsbad
RECOMMENDED ACTION
• Introduce an ordinance amending Section 10.44.030
o
f the Carlsbad Municipal Code Relating to lower
the speed limit on part of Carlsbad Blvd from 50 to
45 mph
ITEM 4: REVISE SPEED LIMIT
{ City of
Carlsbad
Questions