Agenda packet — Needles City Council, September 13, 2022 (part 2 of 2)

City of Needles
2019 Housing Element Update
Initial Study/Negative Declaration
Meridian Consultants 111 August 2019
San Bernardino County Airport Land Use Commission, Needles Municipal Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan, page 2-7, February 1991, prepared by Ray A. Vidal, Aviation Planning Consultant, http://www.sbcounty.gov/Uploads/lus/Airports/Needles.pdf, accessed August 2019.

San Bernardino County Fire Department, About OES, https://www.sbcfire.org/oes/about.aspx.

San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services, Emergency Operations Plan, February 26, 2013, accessed July 2019,
http://cms.sbcounty.gov/portals/58/Documents/Emergency_Services/Emergency-OperationsPlan.pdf.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Needles Patrol Station, http://wp.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/patrol-stations/needles/.

Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), Final 2016–2040 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, adopted April 2016, http://scagrtpscs.net/Documents/2016/final/f2016RTPSCS.pdf, accessed August 2019.

State Water Resources Control Board, GeoTracker, accessed July 2019, https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/.

The Environmental Assessment, Policy Document, and Technical Background Reports together constitute the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) under CEQA.

United States Census Bureau, City of Needles, Census 2010 Total Population, https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/community_facts.xhtml?src=bkmk.

United States Energy Information Administration (EIA), Natural Gas, Natural Gas Weekly Update, https://www.eia.gov/naturalgas/weekly/#tabs-supply-2.

Willy Weather, Needles, CA Wind Forecast, https://wind.willyweather.com/ca/san-bernardinocounty/needles.html.

2022 CITYWIDE ENGINEERING AND

TRAFFIC SURVEY (E&TS) REPORT

CITY OF NEEDLES, CA
August 10, 2022
City of Needles
Public Works Department
817 Third Street
Needles, CA 90280
MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Traffic/Civil/Electrical Engineering- ITS- Transportation Planning - CEM 23282 Mill Creek Dr, Suite 120
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Tel: (949) 707-1199
PREPARED BY:

PREPARED FOR:
25 MPH
30 MPH
35 MPH
40 MPH
45 MPH
50 MPH
Proposed Posted Speed Limit
Lillyhill Dr
San Clemente
Cibola St
Coronado St
Bailey Ave
J St
North K St
Needles Hwy
Needles Hwy
Arizona
California
San Bernardino
County
Mohave County
30 30 40
25 25
25 50
30 30
35 35
Lillyhill Dr
N.T.S.

AUGUST 10, 2022
2022 CITYWIDE ENGINEERING

AND TRAFFIC SURVEY (E&TS)

NEEDLES, CA
PREPARED FOR:

CITY OF NEEDLES, CALIFORNIA
PREPARED BY:

MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC. Traffic/Civil/Electrical Engineering - ITS - Transportation Planning - CEM City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 3 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.

CITY OF NEEDLES, CA
2022 CITYWIDE ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEY
I, Fred Minagar do hereby certify that this Engineering and Traffic Survey for the City of Needles was performed under my supervision. I certify that I am both experienced in performing surveys of this type and am duly registered in the State of California as a professional Civil Engineer. The survey has been conducted in strict compliance with guidelines contained in the most current versions of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) and the California Department of Transportation Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD) 2014 Revision 6 (March 30, 2021). Data contained in this report represents a true and accurate description of existing traffic conditions collected and measured in the field on City of Needles roadways. _____________________________________________________
Fred Minagar, MS, RCE, PE, Registration No. 53466
Project Manager
City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 4 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary………………………………………………………………….....5

2. Background/ Discussion………………………………………………………………..7

3. Current Regulations………………………………………………………………….....8

4. Speed Zoning Principles………………………………………………………………10

5. Methodology…………………………………………………………………………....13

6. Engineering & Traffic Survey Results & Recommendations……………………...22

7. Applicable Vehicle Codes………………………………………………………….....23

8. References……………………………………………………………………………..34
List of Tables

1. Table 1: Speed Zoning Analysis Summary …………….…………………….…….16

2. Table 2: Expected Statewide Speed-Related Traffic Collision Rates…………....19

3. Table 3: Collision Data Analysis …………………………………….…...………….21 List of Figures

1. Figure 1: Number of Crashes by Primary Crash Factor (PCF) Violation …..…...19

2. Figure 2: Number of Crashes by Crash Type.…………………………….…….....20 Appendices
A. Summary of Recommended Changes to Posted Speed Limits…………………..35 B. Roadway Segment Analysis of Factors Not Readily Apparent and Traffic Data Summary Certification Sheets………………………………………………………..37
C. Radar Speed Survey Sheets…………………………………………………………59
D. 24-Hour Machine Counts (ADT) Traffic Volume Data………………………….….81 E. Speed Gun Calibration Certification………………………………………………..103 F. Proposed Speed Limits Map..………………………………………………………104
City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 5 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report recommends the establishment and renewal of valid posted speed limits for twentyone (21) street segments on thirteen (13) citywide streets within the City of Needles, California, and discusses the findings of an Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) conducted by Minagar & Associates, Inc. which was used to determine these results. This E&TS Report was requested by and prepared for the City of Needles as a record of existing conditions on the selected roadways, and to provide the City with a basis for updating and validating its currently posted speed limits on citywide streets.

Engineering and Traffic Surveys are required by the State of California to establish intermediate speed limits on local streets and to enforce those limits using radar or other speed measuring devices. In accordance with the latest relevant sections of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) and the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (2014 CAMUTCD, Rev. 6 March 30, 2021), the E&TS at a minimum must consider, at a minimum, the following contributing factors toward the establishment of appropriate posted speed limits:
(1) Analysis of prevailing speeds, as determined by traffic engineering measurements;
(2) Analysis of collision records for the most recent available January 1, 2017 – December 31, 2021 period;
(3) Other highway, traffic, and roadside conditions not readily apparent to drivers.

When qualifying an appropriate speed limit, local
authorities may consider factors such as roadway design speed, safe stopping sight distance, superelevation,
shoulder conditions, profile conditions, intersection
spacing and offsets, commercial driveway
characteristics, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, the 10- MPH pace range of prevailing traffic, roadside
development and environment, parking practices, and
the density of adjacent residential and/or business
frontage.

The findings of this E&TS reveal that 19 of the 21
surveyed street segments are recommended to remain
at their currently established speed limits as
documented, and would not require any changes to the existing posted regulatory signage or speed limit pavement markings and 2 segments are recommended for decrease in the existing posted speed limit.

The findings of this E&TS reveal
that 19 out of the 21 surveyed
street segments are
recommended to remain at their
currently established posted
speed limit as documented, and
would not require any changes
to the existing posted
regulatory signage or speed
limit pavement markings and 2
segments are recommended for
decrease in the existing posted
speed limit.

The following list summarizes the findings of the E&TS:

Summary of Proposed Speed Limits (21 Segments)
Maintain Existing Posted Speed Limit (19 Segments)

1.) Bailey Ave – Washington St to J St 25 mph

2.) Bailey Ave – J St to Lillyhill Dr 35 mph

4.) West Broadway St – Cibola St to C St 30 mph

5.) West Broadway St – C St to J St 30 mph

6.) West Broadway St – J St to Needles Hwy 30 mph

7.) Cibola St – D St to West Broadway St 25 mph

8.) Coronado St – Erin Dr to Lillyhill Dr 25 mph

9.) J St – Coronado St to Morris St 35 mph

10.) J St – Morris St to West Broadway St 35 mph

11.) North K St – Front St to Needles Bridge 30 mph

12.) Lillyhill Dr – Parkway Dr to D St 30 mph

13.) National Old Trails Rd – West Park Rd to Needles Hwy 45 mph

14.) Needles Hwy – North K St to West Broadway St 30 mph

15.) Needles Hwy – West Broadway St to I-40 Westbound Ramps 30 mph

16.) Needles Hwy – I-40 Westbound Ramps to Terrace Dr 50 mph

17.) Needles Hwy – Terrace Dr to North City Limit (Budweiser Rd) 50 mph

19.) River Rd – North K St to Jack Smith Park 30 mph

20.) San Clemente St – Clary Dr to Paseo Del Rey St 30 mph

21.) San Clemente St – Paseo Del Rey St to U.S. 95 40 mph Decrease Existing Posted Speed Limit (2 Segments)

3.) East Broadway St – Cibola St to I-40 Overpass 45 to 40 mph

18.) West Park Rd – National Old Trails Rd to Needles Hwy 55 to 50 mph A summary table of proposed changes to posted speeds is provided in Appendix A and Roadway Segment analysis of factors not readily apparent and traffic data summary certification sheets justifying posted speed limits for all 21 street segments are provided in Appendix B.

Additional supporting documentation of the survey’s methodology are provided in the following sections of this report, including project background, current speed regulations, speed zoning principles, survey methodology, daily traffic volume counts, and radar spot speed survey data upon which the overall conclusions of this engineering and traffic survey and recommended posted speed limits are based.

Radar speed survey sheets, 24-hour machine tube counts (ADT) data, speed gun calibration certificates and locations and conditions of existing speed limit signs and markings citywide are provided in Appendices C, D, E, & F respectively.

It is a common assumption that the posting of a speed limit sign will lead to a motorist driving at that speed; however, historical evidence and research shows that the majority of drivers will travel at roadway speeds which seem the most reasonable given the prevailing driving conditions.

Speed regulations construed as unreasonable have the potential to be disregarded by an unsafe majority of motorists; therefore, a “reasonable” speed limit is commonly one that conforms to the actual behavior of the general motoring public. Based upon this concept, the California Vehicle Code (CVC) provides the Basic Speed Law which states that:
“No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than what is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.” The purpose of controlling speed limits using law enforcement is not to burden motorists with unreasonable laws, but to give motorists a clear indication of the maximum driving speed that is reasonable and prudent under typical driving conditions, and reflects surrounding roadway and roadside conditions which may not be apparent to drivers. Speed limits established on the basis of an E&TS provide law enforcement officers with a means to regulate the top fringe of drivers who are disposed to reckless and unreliable driving behaviors, have faulty judgment, or will otherwise not conform to the Basic Speed Law and to what the majority of drivers find to be reasonable and prudent.

In addition to the above prima facie speed limits, a local authority may declare and establish intermediate prima facie speed limits upon the basis of an Engineering and Traffic (E&TS) Survey in increments of 5 miles per hour up to 60 mph, or a maximum speed limit of 65 mph, whichever is found to be most appropriate in facilitating the orderly movement of traffic and is also reasonable and safe. Engineering and Traffic Surveys provide an analysis of roadway conditions, accident records, and the prevailing speed of drivers representatively traveling the highway under study.

Since unjustified speed limits can be difficult to enforce the E&TS is essential in preventing the establishment of speed limits which are below or above what is safe, and/or what the majority of drivers consider to be reasonable for the prevailing roadway, roadside and traffic conditions.

The California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that the use of radar or other speed measuring device to enforce speed limits which have not been justified based on an E&TS within the preceding five (5) years constitutes a “speed trap,” notwithstanding certain qualifying conditions. An engineering and traffic survey is valid for up to seven (7) years if the speed measuring devices used for speed enforcement are certified and properly calibrated, and the enforcing officer has completed the required operating courses for the speed-measuring device used, per CVC 40802(c)(2)(B)(i)(I).

An E&TS can be further be validated for a total maximum period of ten (10) years, if both the above 7-year requirements are met, and a registered engineer evaluates the highway section(s) and certifies that no changes in roadway or traffic conditions have occurred [CVC 40802(c)(2)(B)(i)(II)].

Given the above requirements, the California Vehicle Code prohibits authorities from securing evidence as to the speed of any vehicle based on a speed trap. Conversely, drivers who do not comply with speed limits which have been lawfully justified and posted are subject to enforcement action. See Section 7 for CVC divisions and articles pertaining to this E&TS.

Recognizing this, the CVC and CAMUTCD require
that speed limits be established in accordance with
appropriate engineering practice and methods. The
CAMUTCD provides standards, guidance and support
for the preparation of engineering and traffic surveys.

The CAMUTCD requires, at a minimum, that all three of the following factors be considered in determining appropriate speed limits that facilitate the safe, sensible and orderly flow of traffic:
■ Prevailing speeds
■ Collision records
■ Highway, traffic, and roadside conditions not readily apparent to the driver Prevailing Speeds
Measuring the typical speed, or prevailing speed, of existing traffic flow allows for the selection of an effective speed limit based on the presumption that the majority of motorists drive at speeds that are generally safe and reasonable. Prevailing speeds, the principal factor in setting an appropriate posted speed limit, are determined by conducting a radar-based spot speed survey along a particular segment and direction along a roadway to measure a sample number of vehicle speeds during generally free-flow traffic conditions. Radar Speed Survey was conducted to collect a minimum of 100 speed samples which were collected during morning and afternoon time periods (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM).

The resulting measured speed data is organized and analyzed to extract various speed characteristics and driver trends, such as the ten-mile pace range, average speed traveled, and the 85th percentile speed. The most significant speed attribute obtained from the survey is the 85th percentile speed, or critical speed, and is defined as one (1) standard deviation above 50th percentile (average speed), or simply the free-flow speed at or below which 85% of the motorists were surveyed to be traveling. Since only 15% of the motorists exceed this value, the 85th percentile speed is normally used as an initial (presumptive) value for the updated posted speed limit, and adjusted downward or upward as other conditions necessitate. Based upon current CAMUTCD guidelines and California state law, when a speed limit is to be posted, it shall be established at the nearest 5-MPH increment to the surveyed 85th percentile speed, except under the following optional conditions in which it may otherwise establish:

In accordance with CVC §40802 a “speed trap” does not apply to active and posted school zones or “local streets” as defined in the current California Road System (CRS). A local authority may therefore post an appropriately established prima facie speed limit on such roadways without requiring a recent engineering and traffic survey or determination based on the procedures set forth in §22352, §22354, §22357 or 22358.3 of the code.

Collision Records
The most recent collision data must also be considered in setting appropriate speed limits. Drivers may underestimate the effects of higher speeds on crash probability and severity. An aboveaverage collision rate, particularly due to unsafe speeding related incidents, might suggest conditions which are not readily apparent to motorists and should be considered when reevaluating the appropriate speed limit for the roadway segment.

Conditions Not Readily Apparent to Motorists
Each street segment was additionally evaluated to identify, verify and document any roadway, roadside, traffic and other significant features which may not be readily apparent to motorists, which may justify selecting a posted speed limit based on a five mile-per-hour reduction from the nearest 5-MPH increment to the 85th percentile speed. Such conditions would exist where the combined influence of one or more of these factors could result in uncharacteristic or unexpected driving conditions, and in turn affect the ability of drivers to properly judge the safest and most appropriate travel speed for a particular situation or location.

Examples of such factors include: shoulder conditions (e.g., on-street parking, closely-spaced and/or blind driveway traffic); sight distance and/or geometric constraints (e.g., narrow streets, horizontal roadway curvature, hilly grades, skewed or offset intersections); pedestrian and bicyclist safety (e.g., mid-block crosswalks, pedestrians in the roadway without sidewalks, bike lanes and routes); uniformity and consistency between contiguous speed zones (e.g., length of the speed zone, spacing and frequency of traffic-controlled intersections, speed zone transitions on “boundary line” streets); and land use conditions adjacent to the roadway (e.g., residential and business districts, commercial driveways, unexpected truck traffic, senior centers, etc.).

The CVC stipulates that, in the absence of other factors, physical conditions such as roadway width, curvature, grade and surface pavement conditions are considered to be readily apparent City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 12 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.
and are the responsibility of the driver to perceive and react to without requiring a special downwardly zoned posted speed limit, per CVC Section 22358.5. Valid consideration of one or more of the above conditions determined as not readily apparent to motorists, however, provides the required justification to allow for a 5-mile per hour (MPH) reduction from the nearest 5-MPH increment to the 85th percentile where engineering judgment presents evidence and documentation that an adjustment for these factors is needed to match the existing conditions with the traffic safety needs of the community and road users.

Procedure
The primary goal of this E&TS is to determine the suitability of currently-posted speed limits in the City of Needles, and resolve to either change or maintain as-is the designated speed limits along each of the surveyed speed zones. In order to make these determinations, the study compiled information both in the field and from City records on prevailing motorist speeds, recent collision history, comparative collision rates for similar roadway types, and any significant roadside conditions not evident to motorists. References under which this study was conducted include sections of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) provided in Section 7 of this report and the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD) developed by Caltrans in cooperation with the USDOT/Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Speed Zoning
The principal method utilized in this E&TS was speed zoning, a process which uses prevailing speeds of drivers as a guide to establish reasonable speed limits for highway sections where original statutory speed limits set by State ordinance may be considered less suitable for the local conditions. Establishment of posted speed limits by speed zoning methods allows motorists to be informed of the safe speed limit under which to drive on a particular roadway under normal conditions, and also protects the general public from unreasonable and reckless drivers. Spot radar speed surveys were conducted to determine the prevailing speeds of drivers on each of the 21 segments.

The surveys were performed during normal, non-holiday weekdays in June of 2022 during typical daytime periods. The unimpeded free-flow speeds of individual vehicles were measured during the off-peak time periods (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) with a minimum survey count of either one hundred (100) or two hundred (200) radar samples (i.e., approximately 50 and 100 per direction for street segments without or with raised medians respectively, or for 2 hours of survey). Detailed radar speed zoning sheets are included in Appendix C.

Following the collection of spot speed survey data, all radar measurements were organized, computed, analyzed and summarized on standard Traffic Survey Forms. Various speed-related characteristics were then determined, including the following:
85th Percentile Speed: The speed at which 85% of surveyed motorists did not exceed (i.e., no more than 15% of traffic exceeded) during the radar City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 14 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.
survey. Also called critical speed, equals one standard deviation from the average speed.
50th Percentile Speed: The speed at which half of surveyed motorists did not exceed during the radar survey. Also called the median speed, by definition 50% of the observed speeds are below the median, and the other half are above the median.
10-MPH Pace: The 10-mile per hour range containing the largest percentage of speed observations; provides an alternative and more readily identifiable measure to the standard deviation to describe the dispersion of speeds within the survey sample. Consistency in travel speeds is evidenced by a pace that usually includes between 70% and 80% of the free-flowing vehicles. Similar reported statistical data includes the percentage of surveyed vehicles over and under the 10-MPH Pace range.

Average Speed: Equals the calculated average speed of all surveyed vehicles.

Also called the mean speed.

The above statistical attributes were obtained for each segment from the speed survey data collected in the field, and then applied using the CAMUTCD guidelines. The recommended speed limit was presumptively determined as the nearest 5-MPH increment to the 85th percentile speed of free-flowing traffic, with a downward 5-MPH adjustment applied if necessary to reflect the presence of conditions not readily apparent to drivers or to match the existing traffic needs of the community.

It is significant to note that former versions of the California MUTCD required that posted speed limits be presumptively set at the nearest 5-MPH increment to the surveyed the 85th percentile speed, and then adjusted by 5 MPH if justifiable and documented in the study. The most current release of the CAMUTCD (2014, Revision 6 on March 30, 2021), however, presently allows for speed limits to be set at the lower 5-MPH increment to the surveyed 85th percentile speed in those cases where the nearest 5-MPH increment would normally require rounding up, if no further reduction is used. In order to satisfy local traffic and roadway conditions, local agencies may apply this judgment at its own discretion without any required supporting documentation or reasons in the Engineering and Traffic Survey. The results of the speed zoning analysis are summarized in Table 1.

Collisions Analysis
The collisions analysis compared recent collision history data with expected collision rates for similar roadway types. The analysis was based on a review of reported traffic accidents obtained from the City of Needles, queried for the latest available traffic collision information from the Police Department’s traffic collisions record database for a period of 5 years (60 months) between January, 2017 and December, 2021. The raw collision data was then screened to consider only speeding-related accidents as the primary collision factor, based on the recommended practice provided in the CAMUTCD and Caltrans’ Traffic Manual. Non-speeding related accident reports were omitted from the analysis since this data does not directly correlate to vehicle speeding and can tend to overstate collision rates, particularly for shorter segments.

Prevailing collision rates for each segment were calculated by first determining the total number of speed-related collisions which have occurred during the selected 60-month period. This, along with the measured 24-hour average daily traffic volume of the segment from machine traffic counts collected in the field (see Appendix D for traffic tube machine counts) and the known segment length, was used in the standard formula below to determine the calculated collision rate for each segment, expressed in terms of collisions per million vehicle miles traveled:

Collision Rate (Collisions/MVM) = No. of Collisions x 1,000,000 ADT x Distance x No. of Days
where:

No. of Collisions Number of speed-related collisions on the segment during the selected analysis period (60 months), both directions
1,000,000 Conversion factor for Million-Vehicle-Miles (MVM) ADT Average Daily Traffic (vehicles per day), both directions Distance Roadway segment distance traveled by each vehicle (miles) No. of Days Number of days during the selected analysis period (i.e., 1.00 year = 365 days)
City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 16 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Table 1: Speed Zoning Analysis Summary
From To Dist.
(mi.) Type LU Posted (mph)
PPSL
(mph)
Rec.
(mph)
Bailey Avenue 1 Washington Street J Street 0.23 LOC R/S 20-29 88% 24 28 25 30 25 Residential/School. It is
recommended to maintain the
existing 25 MPH posted speed
(CA MUTCD option 1).

Bailey Avenue 2 J Street Lillyhill Drive 0.40 LOC R/C/W/C&I 31-40 65% 34 40 35 40 35 Residential/Commercial/Public
Works/Civic & Institutional. It is
recommended to maintain the
existing 35 MPH posted speed
(CA MUTCD option 1).

East Broadway Street 3 Cibola Street I-40 Overpass 0.73 ART I/R/C/C&I 36-45 68% 39 44 45 45 40 ▼ Industrial/Residential/
Commercial/Civic &
Institutional, Truck Route. It is
recommended that the PPSL
be reduced by 5 MPH (CA
MUTCD option 1) and the
existing speed limit signs to be
changed to 40 MPH.

West Broadway Street 4 Cibola Street C Street 0.40 ART I/R/C 30-39 77% 32 38 30 40 30 Industrial/Residential/
Commercial, Truck Route. It is
recommended to maintain the
existing 30 MPH posted speed
(CA MUTCD option 1).

West Broadway Street 5 C Street J Street 0.47 ART I/R/C 25-34 91% 30 33 30 30 30 Industrial/Residential/
Commercial, Truck Route. It is
recommended to maintain the
existing 30 MPH posted speed
(CA MUTCD option 1).

West Broadway Street 6 J Street Needles Highw ay 0.57 ART I/R/C 33-42 89% 38 41 30 40 30 Industrial/Residential/
Commercial, Truck Route. It is
recommended to maintain the
existing 30 MPH posted speed
(CA MUTCD option 1).

Cibola Street 7 D Street West Broadw ay Street 0.46 LOC R/S 21-30 73% 26 30 25 30 25 Residential/School. It is
recommended to maintain the
existing 25 MPH posted speed
(CA MUTCD option 1).

Coronado Street 8 Erin Drive Lillyhill Drive 0.67 COL R/S/C&I 25-34 74% 29 34 25 35 25 Residential/School/ Civic &
Institutional. It is recommended
to maintain the existing 25 MPH
posted speed (CA MUTCD
option 1).

J Street 9 Coronado Street Morris Street 0.47 COL R/P/C/C&I 28-37 77% 31 36 35 35 35 Residential/Parks &
Recreation/Commercial/ Civic
& Institutional. It is
recommended to maintain the
existing 35 MPH posted speed
(CA MUTCD option 1).

J Street 10 Morris Street West Broadw ay Street 0.41 COL R/P/C/C&I 33-42 70% 37 41 35 40 35 Residential/Parks &
Recreation/Commercial/Civic &
Institutional. It is recommended
to maintain the existing 35 MPH
posted speed (CA MUTCD
option 1).

North K Street 11 Front Street Needles Bridge 0.60 COL I/C/R/P/W 27-36 82% 32 36 30 35 30 Industrial/Commercial/
Residential/Parks &
Recreation/ Water Bodies,
Easements & Public Works,
Truck Route. It is
recommended to maintain the
existing 30 MPH posted speed
(CA MUTCD option 1).

Lillyhill Drive 12 Parkw ay Drive D Street 1.40 COL R/C&I 28-38 5% 32 37 30 40 30 Residential/Civic & Institutional.

It is recommended to maintain
the existing 30 MPH posted
speed (CA MUTCD option 1).

National Trails Highway 13 West Park Road Needles Highw ay 1.31 Loc R/C/I 30-39 40% 35 49 45 50 45 Residential/Commercial/
Industrial. It is recommended to
maintain the existing 45 MPH
posted speed (CA MUTCD
option 1).

Needles Highway 14 North K Street West Broadw ay Street 0.19 Col R/I 29-38 94% 32 35 30 35 30 Residential/Industrial. It is
recommended to maintain the
existing 30 MPH posted speed
(CA MUTCD option 1).

Needles Highway 15 West Broadw ay Street I-40 Westbound Ramps 1.00 ART R/C 30-39 85% 35 39 30 40 30 Residential/Commercial. It is
recommended to maintain the
existing 30 MPH posted speed
(CA MUTCD option 1).

Needles Highway 16 I-40 Westbound Ramps Terrace Drive 1.17 ART R/C 44-53 76% 50 56 50 55 50 Residential/Commercial. It is
recommended to maintain the
existing 50 MPH posted speed
(CA MUTCD option 1).

Needles Highway 17 Terrace Drive North City Limit (Budw eiser Road) 3.59 ART R/C/I 48-57 68% 52 59 50 60 50 Residential/Commercial/
Industrial. It is recommended to
maintain the existing 50 MPH
posted speed (CA MUTCD
option 1).

West Park Road 18 National Trails Highw ay Needles Highw ay 0.42 LOC UND 45-54 63% 49 56 55 55 50 ▼ Undeveloped, Truck Route. It is
recommended the PPSL be
reduced by 5 MPH (CA MUTCD
option 1) and the existing 55
MPH be decreased to 50 MPH.

River Road 19 North K Street Jack Smith Park 1.60 COL R/P/W 28-37 70% 33 38 30 40 30 Residential/Parks &
Recreation/Water Bodies,
Easements, and Public Works,
Truck Route. It is
recommended to maintain the
existing 30 MPH posted speed
(CA MUTCD option 1).

San Clemente Street 20 Clary Drive Paseo Del Rey Street 0.26 LOC R/I 25-34 65% 29 36 30 35 30 Residential/Industrial. It is
recommended to maintain the
existing 30 MPH posted speed
(CA MUTCD option 1).

San Clemente Street 21 Paseo Del Rey Street US-95 0.67 LOC R/C/I 34-43 59% 38 43 40 40 40 Residential/Commercial/
Industrial. It is recommended to
maintain the existing 40 MPH
posted speed (CA MUTCD
option 1).

ROADWAY INFORM ATION SPEED ZONING ANALYSIS
Analysis/
Justification(s)
85th
%-ile
(mph)
Description
No.
10-mi.

Pace
(mph)
Speed Limit
Change
% in
10-mi.

Pace
Segment
Street
50th
%-ile
(mph)
City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 17 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Dist. = Distance of segment
ART = Arterial (CRS)
COL = Collector (CRS)
LOC = Local Street (CRS)
C = Commercial
I = Industrial
R = Residential
W = Water Bodies, Easments
and Public Works
S = School
C&I = Civic and Institutional
P = Parks & Recreation
UND = Undeveloped
LU = Land Use
Posted = Existing Posted
Speed Limit
PPSL = Presumptive Posted
Speed Limit
Rec. = Recommended
Posted
Speed Limit
(n/req) = Based on v85.

No further justification
is required.
▲ = Speed Increase
▼ = Speed Decrease
KEY:
10-mi. Pace Equals the 10-mile per hour range in w hich the largest 85th %-ile
number of vehicles w ere observed to be traveling
50th %-ile
in the 10 Mile Per Hour Pace
observed below and half w ere observed above
DEFINITIONS:
vehicles w ere surveyed to be traveling at
% in 10-mi. Pace
The speed at or below w hich 85% of the observed
The speed at w hich half of the observed speeds w ere
The percentage of the total vehicles observed traveling City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 18 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.

In order to evaluate the collision behavior of each street segment, the calculated collision rate for each segment was compared to the average statewide collision rates for streets with comparable characteristics.

Table 2 shows the average statewide collision rates obtained from Caltrans’ Collision Data on California State Highways, adjusted to represent proportional rates for speeding-related collisions. These expected rates were used to identify survey segments which exhibit a higherthan-expected collision rate.

The results of the accident analysis for the 21 roadway segments are summarized in Table 3.

Survey of Street Segments
Minagar & Associates, Inc. staff evaluated each of the 21 roadway segments to observe the following existing roadway, roadside and traffic conditions, and identify individual or combined factors which may not be readily apparent to drivers.
■ Segment length
■ Roadway pavement width
■ Number of travel lanes
■ Center median division
■ Type and frequency of traffic controls on the primary road ■ Sight distance and visibility of driveways and side street traffic due to:
o Horizontal curvature
o Vertical alignment and grade shifts
o On-street parking
o Large street trees planted in the median and/or adjacent parkway(s) o Two-way left turn traffic in the center lane
o Offset or skewed intersection approaches
■ Roadway lighting
■ Abutting land use density and property access along the roadway ■ Commercial and residential driveway spacing
■ Bicyclists and bike lanes/routes
■ Heavy vehicle, golf cart, and NEV/LSV traffic
■ Pedestrians, crosswalks, sidewalks, school children walking along roadway due to the absence or discontinuity of sidewalks
City of Needles
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Table 2: Expected Statewide Speed-Related Traffic Collision Rates ROADWAY TYPE* (URBAN) EXPECTED ACCIDENT RATE**
2 - 3 Lanes 1.08 collisions per million vehicle miles
4+ Undivided Lanes 0.86 collisions per million vehicle miles 4+ Divided Lanes 1.33 collisions per million vehicle miles Source: 2019 Caltrans Annual Collision Data on California State Highways - Crash Summary for District 8 Agency, Department of Transportation, Division of Research, Innovation, and System Information. Sacramento, California. * Based on FHWA approved 2010 adjusted urban area boundaries which are derived from the 2010 Census urban area boundaries ** Basic Average Accident Rates tabulation data. Number of lanes are for both directions of travel and are applicable for both uni- and bi-directional surveyed roadway segments.

Overall, from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021, there has been a total of 74 collisions reported on the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), based on Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) which included 5 fatalities and 102 injured victims. Primary Collision Factor (PCF) violations that caused most of the collisions were Unsafe Speed (28 crashes) and Improper Turning (20 crashes), shown on Figure 1.

Figure 1: Number of Crashes by Primary Crash Factor (PCF) Violation (January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2021)
Source: University of California, Berkeley Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) City of Needles
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Figure 2 shows the Number of Crashes by Type of Crash for all collisions that have occurred in the City of Needles during the subject period. The most common types of collision being Overturned, Hit Object, and Rear End.

Figure 2: Number of Crashes by Crash Type (January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2021) Source: University of California, Berkeley Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 21 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Table 3: Collision Data Analysis
(January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2021)
From To No. of
Lanes 1 Division Expected 4
(A/MVM)
Calculated 5
(A/MVM)
Bailey Avenue 1 Washington Street J Street 2 U N/S 0.23 1,577 0 1.08 0.00 Bailey Avenue 2 J Street Lillyhill Drive 4 U N/S 0.40 2,253 0 0.86 0.00 East Broadway Street 3 Cibola Street I-40 Overpass 4 U N/S 0.73 2,340 0 0.86 0.00 West Broadway Street 4 Cibola Street C Street 4 U N/S 0.40 2,412 0 0.86 0.00 West Broadway Street 5 C Street J Street 4 U N/S 0.47 3,611 0 0.86 0.00 West Broadway Street 6 J Street Needles Highw ay 2 U N/S 0.57 6,023 1 1.08 0.16 Cibola Street 7 D Street West Broadw ay Street 2 U E/W 0.46 307 0 1.08 0.00 Coronado Street 8 Erin Drive Lillyhill Drive 2 U N/S 0.67 1,157 0 1.08 0.00 J Street 9 Coronado Street Morris Street 2 U E/W 0.47 1,774 0 1.08 0.00 J Street 10 Morris Street West Broadw ay Street 2 U E/W 0.41 5,001 0 1.08 0.00 North K Street 11 Front Street Needles Bridge 2 U N/S 0.60 486 1 1.08 1.88 Lillyhill Drive 12 Parkw ay Drive D Street 2 U E/W 1.40 2,078 0 1.08 0.00 National Trails Highway 13 West Park Road Needles Highw ay 2 U E/W 1.31 144 1 1.08 2.90 Needles Highway 14 North K Street West Broadw ay Street 2 U E/W 0.19 11,793 0 1.08 0.00 Needles Highway 15 West Broadw ay Street I-40 Westbound Ramps 4 U E/W 1.00 14,466 1 0.86 0.04 Needles Highway 16 I-40 Westbound Ramps Terrace Drive 2 U N/S 1.17 1,769 0 1.08 0.00 Needles Highway 17 Terrace Drive North City Limit (Budw eiser Road) 2 U N/S 3.59 2,093 0 1.08 0.00 West Park Road 18 National Trails Highw ay Needles Highw ay 2 U E/W 0.42 1,017 0 1.08 0.00 River Road 19 North K Street Jack Smith Park 2 U N/S 1.60 738 0 1.08 0.00 San Clemente Street 20 Clary Drive Paseo Del Rey Street 2 U E/W 0.26 396 0 1.08 0.00 San Clemente Street 21 Paseo Del Rey Street US-95 2 U E/W 0.67 634 1 1.08 1.29

COLLISION ANALYSIS
Number of
Collisions 2,3
Collision Rate
ADT
(vpd) No. Length(mi.)
Direction
of Travel

ROADWAY INFORM ATION
Street
Segment Limits Roadway Type
Notes:
[2] Over a 5-year period from 1/1/17 to 12/31/21. Data compiled from U.C. Berkeley Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS). [3] Collisions pertaining to unsafe speed as the primary collision factor. [4] Per Million Vehicle Miles (MVM)
w here:

No. of Collisions = Total number of speed-related collisions recorded on the segment for period of 5.00 years (1825 days) ADT = Average Daily Traffic (vehicles per day, both directions of traffic except for one-sided segments as indicated) Distance = Total length of segment (miles)
No. of Days = 365 days for a duration period of 1.00 years of collision data Bold/Underline = Calculated collision rate is higher than the expected rate for a similar roadway type LEGEND
ADT: Average Daily Traffic (in vehicles per day, both directions of traffic) A/MVM: Accidents Per Million Vehicle Miles
D: Divided
U: Undivided
[5] Collisions per Million Vehicle-Miles of Travel = ADT x Distance x No. of Days No. of Collisions x 1,000,000
[1] Includes both directions of traffic on the selected roadw ay segment City of Needles
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6 ENGINEERING & TRAFFIC SURVEY RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS This Engineering & Traffic Survey is intended to establish prima facie speed limits for 21 surveyed roadway segments in the City of Needles, based on a thorough evaluation of the collected data and standard speed zoning practice. Prima Facie speed limits serve to advise drivers and law enforcement of what is the reasonable and prudent speed under normal conditions.

The field radar-measured 85th percentile speed was rounded to the nearest upper or lower 5-MPH increment, as appropriate, and used as the recommended posted speed limit. Where other significant factors were demonstrated, such as an above-average collision rate; traffic, roadway and roadside conditions not readily apparent to the driver; and/or the need to consider legal prima facie speed limits, the presumptive speed limit was adjusted upward or downward by a 5 mile per hour increment to the final recommended posted speed. In some cases where the roadway segment is located along a “local street” as designated by the California Road System (CRS), several of the existing posted speed limits are proposed to maintain as-is, notwithstanding presumptive posted speed limit, in order to meet the needs of the local community and prevailing road users in accordance with applicable provisions of the CVC (§40802, §22358, §22352, §22354, §22357, and 22358.3) allowing the local authority to do so.

The findings of this E&TS indicate that currently posted speed limits on 19 of the 21 surveyed segments will not change, and will remain as documented and posted to allow for continued radar enforcement until the next renewal of posted speeds is required during the next validation of this E&TS and 2 segments are recommended for an increase from their existing posted speed limits.

See Table 1 for a summary of the above findings.

City of Needles
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7 APPLICABLE VEHICLE CODES
The following codes were considered relevant in preparing the E&T Survey Report as provided in the 2022 California Vehicle Code1 (CVC):
■ 235 Business District
A "business district" is that portion of a highway and the property contiguous thereto:
(a) upon one side of which highway, for a distance of 600 feet, 50 percent or more of the contiguous property fronting thereon is occupied by buildings in use for business, or
(b) upon both sides of which highway, collectively, for a distance of 300 feet, 50 percent or more of the contiguous property fronting thereon is so occupied. A business district may be longer than the distances specified in this section if the above ratio of buildings in use for business to the length of the highway exists.
■ 240 Business and Residence Districts: Determination
In determining whether a highway is within a business or residence district, the following limitations shall apply and shall qualify the definitions in Sections 235 and 515:
(a) No building shall be regarded unless its entrance faces the highway and the front of the building is within 75 feet of the roadway. (b) Where a highway is physically divided into two or more roadways only those buildings facing each roadway separately shall be regarded for the purpose of determining whether the roadway is within a district. (c) All churches, apartments, hotels, multiple dwelling houses, clubs, and public buildings, other than schools, shall be deemed to be business structures.
(d) A highway or portion of a highway shall not be deemed to be within a district regardless of the number of buildings upon the contiguous property if there is no right of access to the highway by vehicles from the contiguous property.
■ 515 Residence District
A "residence district" is that portion of a highway and the property contiguous thereto, other than a business district,
(a) upon one side of which highway, within a distance of a quarter of a mile, the contiguous property fronting thereon is occupied by 13 or more separate dwelling houses or business structures, or
(b) upon both sides of which highway, collectively, within a distance of a quarter of a mile, the contiguous property fronting thereon is occupied by 16 or more separate dwelling houses or business structures. A residence district may be longer than one-quarter of a mile if the above ratio of City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 24 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.
separate dwelling houses or business structures to the length of the highway exists
■ 627 Engineering and Traffic Survey
(a) "Engineering and traffic survey," as used in this code, means a survey of highway and traffic conditions in accordance with methods determined by the Department of Transportation for use by state and local authorities. (b) An engineering and traffic survey shall include, among other requirements deemed necessary by the department, consideration of all of the following:
(1) Prevailing speeds as determined by traffic engineering measurements.
(2) Accident records.
(3) Highway, traffic, and roadside conditions not readily apparent to the driver.
(c) When conducting an engineering and traffic survey, local authorities, in addition to the factors set forth in paragraphs (1) to (3), inclusive, of subdivision (b) may consider all of the following:
(1) Residential density, if any of the following conditions exist on the particular portion of highway and the property contiguous thereto, other than a business district:
(A) Upon one side of the highway, within a distance of a quarter of a mile, the contiguous property fronting thereon is
occupied by 13 or more separate dwelling houses or
business structures.
(B) Upon both sides of the highway, collectively, within a distance of a quarter of a mile, the contiguous property fronting thereon is occupied by 16 or more separate dwelling houses or business structures.
(C) The portion of highway is longer than one-quarter of a mile but has the ratio of separate dwelling houses or business structures to the length of the highway described in either subparagraph (A) or (B).
(2) Pedestrian and bicyclist safety.

Amended Ch. 466, Stats. 1982. Effective January 1, 1983.

Amended Sec. 1, Ch. 45, Stats. 2000. Effective January 1, 2001 ■ 21400 Uniform Standards
(a)
(1) The Department of Transportation shall, after consultation with local agencies and public hearings, adopt rules and regulations prescribing uniform standards and specifications for all official traffic control devices placed pursuant to this code, including, but not limited to, stop signs, yield right-of-way signs, speed restriction signs, railroad warning approach signs, street name signs, lines and markings on the roadway, and stock crossing signs placed pursuant to Section 21364.
(2) The Department of Transportation shall, after notice and public hearing, determine and publicize the specifications for uniform types of warning City of Needles
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signs, lights, and devices to be placed highway by a person engaged in performing work that interferes with or endangers the safe movement of traffic upon that highway.
(3) Only those signs, lights, and devices as are provided for in this section shall be placed upon a highway to warn traffic of work that is being performed on the highway.
(4) Control devices or markings installed upon traffic barriers on or after January 1, 1984, shall conform to the uniform standards and specifications required by this section.
(b) The Department of Transportation shall revise the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, as it read on January 1, 2012, to require the Department of Transportation or a local authority to round speed limits to the nearest five miles per hour of the 85th percentile of the free-flowing traffic. However, in cases in which the speed limit needs to be rounded up to the nearest five miles per hour increment of the 85th percentile speed, the Department of Transportation or a local authority may decide to instead round down the speed limit to the lower five miles per hour increment, but then the Department of Transportation or a local authority shall not reduce the speed limit any further for any reason.

Amended Sec. 2, Ch. 528, Stats. 2011. Effective January 1, 2012. ■ 22349 Maximum Speed Limit
(a) Except as provided in Section 22356, no person may drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than 65 miles per hour.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person may drive a vehicle upon a two-lane, undivided highway at a speed greater than 55 miles per hour unless that highway, or portion thereof, has been posted for a higher speed by the Department of Transportation or appropriate local agency upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey. For purposes of this subdivision, the following apply:
(1) A two-lane, undivided highway is a highway with not more than one through lane of travel in each direction.
(2) Passing lanes may not be considered when determining the number of through lanes.
(c) It is the intent of the Legislature that there be reasonable signing on affected two-lane, undivided highways described in subdivision (b) in continuing the 55 miles-per-hour speed limit, including placing signs at county boundaries to the extent possible, and at other appropriate locations.

Amended and Repealed Sec. 22, Ch. 766, Stats. 1995. Effective January 1, 1996. Repeal operative March 31, 1996.

Added Sec. 23, Ch. 766, Stats. 1995. Effective January 1, 1996. Operative March 31, 1996.

Amended Sec. 1, Ch. 20, Stats. 1996. Effective March 29, 1996.

Amended Sec. 41, Ch. 724, Stats. 1999. Effective January 1, 2000 ■ 22350 Basic Speed Law
City of Needles
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No person shall drive a vehicle upon a
highway at a speed greater than is
reasonable or prudent having due regard
for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the
surface and width of, the highway, and in
no event at a speed which endangers the
safety of persons or property.

Amended Ch. 252, Stats. 1963. Effective
September 20, 1963
■ 22351 Speed Law Violations
(a) The speed of any vehicle upon a highway not in excess of the limits specified in Section 22352 or established as authorized in this code is lawful unless clearly proved to be in violation of the basic speed law. (b) The speed of any vehicle upon a highway in excess of the prima facie speed limits in Section 22352 or established as authorized in this code is prima facie unlawful unless the defendant establishes by competent evidence that the speed in excess of said limits did not constitute a violation of the basic speed law at the time, place and under the conditions then existing.

Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.
■ 22352 Prima Facie Speed Limits
(a) The prima facie limits are as follows and shall be applicable unless changed as authorized in this code and, if so changed, only when signs have been erected giving notice thereof:
(1) Fifteen miles per hour:
(A) When traversing a railway grade crossing, if during the last 100 feet of the approach to the crossing the driver does not have a clear and unobstructed view of the crossing and of any traffic on the railway for a distance of 400 feet in both directions along the railway. This subdivision does not apply in the case of any railway grade crossing where a human flagman is on duty or a clearly visible electrical or
mechanical railway crossing signal device is installed but does not then indicate the immediate approach of a railway train or car.
(B) When traversing any intersection of highways if during the last 100 feet of the driver's approach to the intersection the driver does not have a clear and unobstructed view of the intersection and of any traffic upon all of the highways entering the intersection for a distance of 100 feet along all those highways, except at an intersection protected by stop signs or yield right-of-way signs or controlled by official traffic control signals.
(C) On any alley.
(2) Twenty-five miles per hour:
“No Person Shall Drive a
Vehicle Upon a Highway at a
Speed Greater Than is
Reasonable or Prudent...”
Basic Speed Law
California Vehicle Code (CVC)
D11 / Ch7 / Art1 / §22350
25 MPH

SPEED LIMIT
"When approaching or
passing a school...
posted with a standard
‘SCHOOL’ warning
sign, while children are
going to or leaving the
school... during school
hours."
- Prima Facie Speed Limits:
25mph, California Vehicle
Code (CVC), D11 / Ch7 /
Art1 / §22352
City of Needles
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(A) On any highway other than a state highway, in any business or residence district unless a different speed is determined by local authority under procedures set forth in this code. (B) When approaching or passing a school building or the grounds thereof, contiguous to a highway and posted with a standard "SCHOOL" warning sign, while children are going to or leaving the school either during school hours or during the noon recess period. The prima facie limit shall also apply when approaching or passing any school grounds which are not separated from the highway by a fence, gate, or other physical barrier while the grounds are in use by children and the highway is posted with a standard "SCHOOL" warning
sign. For purposes of this subparagraph, standard
"SCHOOL" warning signs may be placed at any distance up to 500 feet away from school grounds.
(C) When passing a senior center or other facility primarily used by senior citizens, contiguous to a street other than a state highway and posted with a standard "SENIOR" warning sign. A local authority may erect a sign pursuant to this paragraph when the local agency makes a determination that the proposed signing should be implemented. A local authority may request grant funding from the Active Transportation Program pursuant to Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 2380) of Division 3 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other grant funding available to it, and use that grant funding to pay for the erection of those signs, or may utilize any other funds available to it to pay for the erection of those signs, including, but not limited to, donations from private sources. Added Sec. 2, Ch. 421, Stats. 1997. Effective January 1, 1998.

Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 12, Sec. 15. (AB 95) Effective June 24, 2015. ■ 22357 Increase of Local Speed Limits to 65 Miles Per Hour (a) Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that a speed greater than 25 miles per hour would facilitate the orderly movement of vehicular traffic and would be reasonable and safe upon any street other than a state highway otherwise subject to a prima facie limit of 25 miles per hour, the local authority may by ordinance determine and declare a prima facie speed limit of 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60 miles per hour or a maximum speed limit of 65 miles per hour, whichever is found most appropriate to facilitate the orderly movement of traffic and is reasonable and safe. The declared prima facie or maximum speed limit shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the street and shall not thereafter be revised except upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey. This section does not apply to any 25-mile-per-hour prima facie limit which is applicable when passing a school building or the grounds thereof or when passing a senior center or other facility primarily used by senior citizens.
(b) This section shall become operative on the date specified in subdivision (c) of Section 22366.

Amended and repealed Sec. 28, Ch. 766, Stats. 1995. Effective January 1, 1996. Repeal operative March 31, 1996.

Added Sec. 29, Ch. 766, Stats. 1995. Effective January 1, 1996. Operative March 31, 1996. This section became operative, by its own provisions, on the date described in Section 22366. ■ 22357.1 Decrease Near Children's Playgrounds
Notwithstanding Section 22357, a local authority may, by ordinance or resolution, set a prima facie speed limit of 25 miles per hour on any street, other than a state highway, adjacent to any children's playground in a public park but only during particular hours or days when children are expected to use the facilities. The 25 miles per hour speed limit shall be effective when signs giving notice of the speed limit are posted.

Added Ch. 508, Stats. 1989. Effective January 1, 1990
■ 22358 Decrease of Local Speed Limits
(a) Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that the limit of 65 miles per hour is more than is reasonable or safe upon any portion of any street other than a state highway where the limit of 65 miles per hour is applicable, the local authority may by ordinance determine and declare a prima facie speed limit of 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, or 25 miles per hour, whichever is found most appropriate to facilitate the orderly movement of traffic and is reasonable and safe, which declared prima facie limit shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the street. (b) This section shall become operative on the date specified in subdivision (c) of Section 22366.

Amended and repealed Sec. 30, Ch. 766, Stats. 1995. Effective January 1, 1996. Repeal operative March 31, 1996.

Added Sec. 31, Ch. 766, Stats. 1995. Effective January 1, 1996. Operative March 31, 1996. ■ 22358.4 Decrease of Local Limits Near Schools or Senior Centers (a)
(1) Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that the prima facie speed limit of 25 miles per hour established by paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 22352 is more than is reasonable or safe, the local authority may, by ordinance or resolution, determine and declare a prima facie speed limit of 20 or 15 miles per hour, whichever is justified as the appropriate speed limit by that survey.
(2) An ordinance or resolution adopted under paragraph (1) shall not be effective until appropriate signs giving notice of the speed limit are erected upon the highway and, in the case of a state highway, until the ordinance is approved by the Department of Transportation and the appropriate signs are erected upon the highway. (b)
(1) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) or any other provision of law, a local authority may, by ordinance or resolution, determine and declare prima facie speed limits as follows:

The prima facie limit shall also apply when approaching, at a distance of less than 500 feet from, or passing, school grounds that are not separated from the highway by a fence, gate, or other physical barrier while the grounds are in use by children and the highway is posted with a school warning sign that indicates a speed limit of 15 miles per hour. (B) A 25 mile-per-hour prima facie limit in a residence district, on a highway with a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or slower, when approaching, at a distance of 500 to 1,000 feet from, a school building or the grounds thereof, contiguous to a highway and posted with a school warning sign that indicates a speed limit of 25 miles per hour, while children are going to or leaving the school, either during school hours or during the noon recess period. The prima facie limit shall also apply when approaching, at a distance of 500 to 1,000 feet from, school grounds that are not
separated from the highway by a fence, gate, or other
physical barrier while the grounds are in use by children and the highway is posted with a school warning sign that
indicates a speed limit of 25 miles per hour.
(2) The prima facie limits established under paragraph (1) apply only to highways that meet all of the following conditions:
(A) A maximum of two traffic lanes.
(B) A maximum posted 30 miles per hour prima facie speed limit immediately prior to and after the school zone.
(3) The prima facie limits established under paragraph (1) apply to all lanes of an affected highway, in both directions of travel. (4) When determining the need to lower the prima facie speed limit, the local authority shall take the provisions of Section 627 into consideration.
(5)
(A) An ordinance or resolution adopted under paragraph (1) shall not be effective until appropriate signs giving notice of the speed limit are erected upon the highway and, in the case of a state highway, until the ordinance is approved by “No ordinance...shall be
effective...until all authorities
having jurisdiction of the
portions of the street
concerned have approved the
same.”
(Does not include boundary line
streets consisting of separate
roadways within different
jurisdictions)
- Boundary Line Streets
California Vehicle Code (CVC)
D11 / Ch7 / Art1 / §22359
City of Needles
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the Department of Transportation and the appropriate signs are erected upon the highway.
(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1), school warning signs indicating a speed limit of 15 miles per hour may be placed at a distance up to 500 feet away from school grounds.
(C) For purposes of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1), school warning signs indicating a speed limit of 25 miles per hour may be placed at any distance between 500 and 1,000 feet away from the school grounds.
(D) A local authority shall reimburse the Department of Transportation for all costs incurred by the department under this subdivision.

Amended Sec. 23, Ch. 279, Stats. 2005. Effective January 1, 2006.

Amended Sec. 1, Ch. 384, Stats. 2007. Effective January 1, 2008.

Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 208, Sec. 15. (AB 2906) Effective January 1, 2017. ■ 22358.5 Downward Speed Zoning
It is the intent of the Legislature that physical conditions such as width, curvature, grade and surface conditions, or any other condition readily apparent to a driver, in the absence of other factors, would not require special downward speed zoning, as the basic rule of Section 22350 is sufficient regulation as to such conditions.

Added Ch. 11, Stats. 1959. Effective September 18, 1959. ■ 22359 Boundary Line Streets
With respect to boundary line streets and highways where portions thereof are within different jurisdictions, no ordinance adopted under Sections 22357 and 22358 shall be effective as to any such portion until all authorities having jurisdiction of the portions of the street concerned have approved the same. This section shall not apply in the case of boundary line streets consisting of separate roadways within different jurisdictions.

Amended Ch. 209, Stats. 1963. Effective April 29, 1963
■ 22361 Multiple-Lane Highways
On multiple-lane highways with two or more separate roadways different prima facie speed limits may be established for different roadways under any of the procedures specified in Sections 22354 to 22359, inclusive.

Amended Ch. 209, Stats. 1963. Effective April 29, 1963
■ 40801 Speed Trap Prohibition
No peace officer or other person shall use a speed trap in arresting, or participating or assisting in the arrest of, any person for any alleged violation of this code nor shall any speed trap be used in securing evidence as to the speed of any vehicle for the purpose of an arrest or prosecution under this code. ■ 40802 Speed Traps
(a) A "speed trap" is either of the following:

Interruptions shall include official traffic control signals as defined in Section 445.
(C) Not more than one traffic lane in each direction.
(2) For purposes of this section "school zone" means that area approaching or passing a school building or the grounds thereof that is contiguous to a highway and on which is posted a standard "SCHOOL" warning sign, while children are going to or leaving the school either during school hours or during the noon recess period. "School zone" also includes the area approaching or passing any school grounds that are not separated from the highway by a fence, gate, or other physical barrier while the grounds are in use by children if that highway is posted with a standard "SCHOOL" warning sign.
(c)
(1) When all of the following criteria are met, paragraph (2) of this subdivision shall be applicable and subdivision (a) shall not be applicable:
(A) When radar is used, the arresting officer has successfully completed a radar operator course of not less than 24 hours on the use of police traffic radar, and the course was
approved and certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.

City of Needles
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(B) When laser or any other electronic device is used to measure the speed of moving objects, the arresting officer has successfully completed the training required in
subparagraph (A) and an additional training course of not less than two hours approved and certified by the
Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
(C)
(i) The prosecution proved that the arresting officer
complied with subparagraphs (A) and (B) and that
an engineering and traffic survey has been
conducted in accordance with subparagraph (B) of
paragraph (2). The prosecution proved that, prior to
the officer issuing the notice to appear, the arresting officer established that the radar, laser, or other
electronic device conformed to the requirements of
subparagraph (D).
(ii) The prosecution proved the speed of the accused
was unsafe for the conditions present at the time of
alleged violation unless the citation was for a
violation of Section 22349, 22356, or 22406.
(D) The radar, laser, or other electronic device used to measure the speed of the accused meets or exceeds the minimal
operational standards of the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration, and has been calibrated within the three years prior to the date of the alleged violation by an
independent certified laser or radar repair and testing or calibration facility.
(2) A "speed trap" is either of the following:
(A) A particular section of a highway measured as to distance and with boundaries marked, designated, or otherwise
determined in order that the speed of a vehicle may be
calculated by securing the time it takes the vehicle to travel the known distance.
(B)
(i) A particular section of a highway or state highway
with a prima facie speed limit that is provided by this code or by local ordinance under paragraph (1) of
subdivision (b) of Section 22352, or established
under Section 22354, 22357, 22358, or 22358.3, if
that prima facie speed limit is not justified by an
engineering and traffic survey conducted within one
of the following time periods, prior to the date of the alleged violation, and enforcement of the speed limit
involves the use of radar or any other electronic
device that measures the speed of moving objects:
“No peace officer or other
person shall use a speed trap
in arresting...any person for
any alleged violation of this
code, nor shall any speed
trap be used in securing
evidence as to the speed of
any vehicle...”
- Speed Trap Prohibition
California Vehicle Code (CVC)
D17 / Ch3 / Art1 / §40801
City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 33 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.
(I) Except as specified in subclause (II), seven
years.
(II) If an engineering and traffic survey was
conducted more than seven years prior to the
date of the alleged violation, and a registered
engineer evaluates the section of the
highway and determines that no significant
changes in roadway or traffic conditions have
occurred, including, but not limited to,
changes in adjoining property or land use,
roadway width, or traffic volume, 10 years.
(ii) This subparagraph does not apply to a local street, road, or school zone.

Added Sec. 2, Ch. 315, Stats. 1995. Effective January 1, 1996. Operative January 1, 1999.

Amended Sec. 2, Ch. 104, Stats. 1996. Effective January 1, 1997.

Amended Sec. 1, Ch. 1037, Stats. 1998. Effective January 1, 1999.

Amended Sec. 18, Ch. 1008, Stats. 1999. Effective January 1, 2000.

Amended Sec. 3, Ch. 521, Stats. 2000. Effective January 1, 2001 Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 397, Sec. 9. (SB 810) Effective January 1, 2018. ■ 40803 Speed Trap Evidence
(a) No evidence as to the speed of a vehicle upon a highway shall be admitted in any court upon the trial of any person in any prosecution under this code upon a charge involving the speed of a vehicle when the evidence is based upon or obtained from or by the maintenance or use of a speed trap. (b) In any prosecution under this code of a charge involving the speed of a vehicle, where enforcement involves the use of radar or other electronic devices which measure the speed of moving objects, the prosecution shall establish, as part of its prima facie case, that the evidence or testimony presented is not based upon a speed trap as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 40802.
(c) When a traffic and engineering survey is required pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 40802, evidence that a traffic and engineering survey has been conducted within five years of the date of the alleged violation or evidence that the offense was committed on a local street or road as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 40802 shall constitute a prima facie case that the evidence or testimony is not based upon a speed trap as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 40802.

Amended Ch. 459, Stats. 1991. Effective January 1, 1992.

Amended Ch. 538, Stats. 1992. Effective January 1, 1993.

Amended Sec. 147, Ch. 124, Stats. 1996. Effective January 1, 1997 City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 34 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.
8 REFERENCES

1. 2022 California Vehicle Codes (CVC)
- Division 1: Words and Phrases Defined. §100-681
- Division 11: Rules of the Road. Chapter 7, Article 1: Generally (Speed Laws). §22348- 22413
- Division 17: Offenses and Prosecution. Chapter 3, Article 1: Prosecutions Under Code. §40800-40808

2. 2014 California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD) - Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), as amended for use in California. • Revision 6, effective March 30, 2021
Chapter 2B: Regulatory Signs, Sections 2B.13 (2B6-2B15) and 2B.18 (2B17-2B18)

2. Citywide Engineering & Traffic Survey (E&TS) Reports Conducted and Prepared by Minagar & Associates, Inc.

Minagar & Associates, Inc.’s Completed Citywide E&TS in Southern California Agency Contract Year MUTCD Version # of Speed
Zone
Segments

1. City of South Gate 2021-2022 CAMUTCD 2014 (Rev. 6, 2021) 49

2. City of Santa Fe Springs 2021-2022 CAMUTCD 2014 (Rev. 6, 2021) 115

3. City of Pomona 2020-2021 CAMUTCD 2014 (Rev. 5, 2020) 131

4. City of Beaumont 2017-2018 CAMUTCD 2014 (Rev. 2, 2017) 48

5. City of Bell 2017 CAMUTCD 2014 (Rev. 2, 2017) 14

6. City of Rancho Mirage 2017 CAMUTCD 2014 (Rev. 2, 2017) 66

7. City of Santa Fe Springs 2016-2017 CAMUTCD 2014 (Rev. 1, 2015) 115

8. City of South Pasadena 2014-2015 CAMUTCD 2014 60

9. City of Santa Fe Springs 2014 CAMUTCD 2012 115

10. City of Colton 2013-2014 CAMUTCD 2012 44

11. City of Culver City 2013 CAMUTCD 2012 70

12. City of Lawndale 2013 CAMUTCD 2012 22

13. City of South Pasadena 2012 CAMUTCD 2012 5

14. City of San Marino 2011 CAMUTCD 2010 59

15. City of South Pasadena 2010 CAMUTCD 2010 6

16. City of Manhattan Beach 2010 CAMUTCD 2010 (2009 Rev.) 51

17. City of Santa Fe Springs 2009 CAMUTCD 2006 115

18. City of Baldwin Park 2009 CAMUTCD 2006 54

19. City of Rancho Santa Margarita 2004 MUTCD 2003 (CA Supp.) 11

20. City of Baldwin Park 2004 MUTCD (CA Supp.) 54

21. City of Redondo Beach 2003 MUTCD 57
E&TS Projects – Total Radar Speed Zone Segments Surveyed 1,310 City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 35 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Appendix A
Summary of Recommended Changes to
Posted Speed Limits
City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 36 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.

SEGMENT INFORMATION SPEED ZONING

ANALYSIS
Street
No.

Limits Speed Limit (mph)
From To Ex 85th Rec. Change
Bailey Avenue 1 Washington Street J Street 25 28 25 -
Bailey Avenue 2 J Street Lillyhill Drive 35 40 35 -
East Broadway Street 3 Cibola Street I-40 Overpass 45 44 40 Decrease West Broadway Street 4 Cibola Street C Street 30 38 30 - West Broadway Street 5 C Street J Street 30 33 30 -
West Broadway Street 6 J Street Needles Highway 30 41 30 - Cibola Street 7 D Street West Broadway Street 25 30 25 - Coronado Street 8 Erin Drive Lillyhill Drive 25 34 25 - J Street 9 Coronado Street Morris Street 35 36 35 -
J Street 10 Morris Street West Broadway Street 35 41 35 - North K Street 11 Front Street Needles Bridge 30 36 30 - Lillyhill Drive 12 Parkway Drive D Street 30 37 30 -
National Trails Highway 13 West Park Road Needles Highway 45 49 45 - Needles Highway 14 North K Street West Broadway Street 30 35 30 - Needles Highway 15 West Broadway Street I-40 Westbound Ramps 30 39 30 - Needles Highway 16 I-40 Westbound Ramps Terrace Drive 50 56 50 - Needles Highway 17 Terrace Drive North City Limit (Budweiser Road) 50 59 50 - West Park Road 18 National Trails Highway Needles Highway 55 56 50 Decrease River Road 19 North K Street Jack Smith Park 30 38 30 - San Clemente Street 20 Clary Drive Paseo Del Rey Street 30 36 30 - San Clemente Street 21 Paseo Del Rey Street U.S. 95 40 43 40 - Ex: Existing Prima Facie Speed Limit
85th: Eighty-fifth Percentile Survey Speed
Rec.: Recommended Speed Limit
City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 37 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Appendix B
Roadway Segment Analysis of Factors Not
Readily Apparent and Traffic Data Summary
Certification Sheets
City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 38 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Appendix F
Proposed Speed Limits Map
City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 105 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.
25 MPH
30 MPH
35 MPH
40 MPH
45 MPH
50 MPH
Proposed Posted Speed Limit
Lillyhill Dr
San Clemente
Cibola St
Coronado St
Bailey Ave
J St
North K St
Needles Hwy
Needles Hwy
Arizona
California
San Bernardino
County
Mohave County
30 30 40
25 25
25 50
30 30
35 35
Lillyhill Dr

MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC
City of Needles
2022 Citywide
Engineering and
Traffic Survey (E&TS)
August 3, 2022
N.T.S.

MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.
23282 Mill Creek Drive, Suite 120
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Tel: (949)707-1199
Web: www.minagarinc.com
2019 Winner of the Orange County Engineering Council’s Outstanding Service Award 2016 Winner of the ASCE’s Outstanding Civil Engineer in the Private Sector Award in the State of California 2016 Winner of the ASCE Los Angeles Section’s Outstanding Civil Engineer in the Private Sector Award 2016 Winner of the ASCE Orange County Chapter’s Outstanding Civil Engineer in the Private Sector Award 2016 Certificate of Recognition for Dedication to Support the ELTP Program by Los Angeles County MTA/Metro 2016 Winner of the Orange County Engineering Council’s Outstanding Engineering Service Award 2015 Orange County Business Journal’s 2015 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award Nominee 2014 Orange County Business Journal’s 2014 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award Nominee 2012 Winner of Cal-EPA/California Air Resources Board’s Cool California Climate Leader
2011 Award of Excellence in Service by Los Angeles County MTA/Metro in the County of Los Angeles
2011 Award of Excellence in Service by Los Angeles County MTA/Metro in the County of Los Angeles
2010 Award of Excellence in Service by Los Angeles County MTA/Metro in the County of Los Angeles
2009 Winner of the ASCE’s Outstanding Private Sector Civil Engineering Project in Metropolitan Los Angeles
2009 Winner of the Caltrans’ 2009 Excellence in Transportation Award in the State of California
2007 Winner of the ASCE’s Outstanding Public/Private Sector Civil Engineering Project in Metropolitan Los Angeles
2005 Winner of the APWA’s Best Traffic Congestion Mitigation Project of the Year in Southern California
2004 Top Nominee of Transportation Foundation’s Highway Management Program in the State of California
2003 Winner of the PTI’s Best Transportation Technology Solutions Award in the United States
2002 Winner of the ITS-CA’s Best Return on Investment Project Award in the State of California
2000 Award of Excellence in Service by Los Angeles County MTA/Metro in the County of Los Angeles
Celebrating 29 Years ofPlanning & EngineeringExcellence • Traffic Engineering
• Transportation Planning
• ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems)
• Civil/Electrical Engineering
• Homeland Security
• Construction Engineering Management
City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 59 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Appendix C
Radar Speed Survey Sheets
City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 60 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Appendix D
24-Hour Machine Counts (ADT) Traffic Volume Data
City of Needles
2022 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey (E&TS) Report ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 82 MINAGAR & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Appendix E
Speed Gun Calibration Certification

Needles City CouncilSeptember 13, 2022

Needles City Council
September 13, 2022