BACKGROUND:
The City of Cathedral City performed a roadway and intersection safety analysis throughout the entire City and it was incorporated into the City’s Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) completed in the Fall of 2021. While compiling data for the LRSP, the City applied for a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 10 Grant to improve safety for pedestrian crossings on Ramon Road.
For the HSIP Cycle 10 Grant Application, the City proposed to install a High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk Beacon (HAWK) signal and median fencing in the vicinity of the intersection of Ramon Road and Avenida La Paloma. The HAWK beacon is a type of traffic control alternative that allows protected pedestrian crossings, only stopping road traffic as needed. The City has previously installed these devices along Dinah Shore Drive, east and west of Date Palm Drive. The median fencing is an additional safety measure to deter pedestrians from illegally and dangerously crossing Ramon Road by requiring pedestrians to utilize the HAWK crossing.
On February 23, 2022, City Council awarded a Professional Services Agreement to STC Traffic Inc. (Consultant) to prepare the plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E), as well as all environmental documents for the HSIP Cycle 10 Project, HAWK Crossing at Ramon Road and Avenida La Paloma.
DISCUSSION:
Ramon Road currently operates with a posted speed limit of 40 MPH within the project study area. The roadway accommodates the two-way traffic with three lanes in each direction separated by a 12-foot median between Landau Boulevard and Whispering Palm Trails. Sidewalks are provided along both sides of the roadway for the entire length of the study area.
On May 17, 2022, Consultant submitted a memo recommending an optimal location and configuration of the mid-block pedestrian crossing which is available as an attachment to this Staff Report. Additionally, Consultant recommends a staggered mid-block crossing at Ramon and Candlewood that improves pedestrian visibility by having pedestrians face oncoming traffic before crossing the intersection. As an alternative design, Consultant also proposes the installation of a conventional traffic control signal vs. the original HAWK signal that will optimize pedestrian safety in consideration of traffic flow.
Consultant is expected to complete the PS&E by December 2022, with the Project going out for construction bids in January 2023.
For this City Council Study Session, Staff will be providing an update on the new proposed conventional signal installation, the proposed crossing location and details on optimizing median fencing along this corridor.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no additional fiscal impact for this Project for this presentation.