CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #13
June 8, 2021
Question:
What would be the cost to install bulb-outs at every Grant Avenue intersection not already included in the Capital Improvement Program?
Response:
Currently, there is an ongoing Capital Improvements Project that involves traffic signal equipment upgrades along the Grant Avenue corridor between Inglewood Avenue and Aviation Boulevard. The Grant Avenue Signal Improvement Project, Call for Projects No.
F5301, consists of signal improvements at the six (6) signalized intersections along Grant Avenue between Inglewood Avenue and Aviation Boulevard. The Project includes design, and installation of traffic signal improvements including, including signal pole and signal equipment replacement, signal synchronization, vehicle and bicycle detection and construction of curb bulb-outs, which may include repairs or upgrades to access ramps, as well as curbs and gutters, as necessary.
For the potential installation along the four (4) unsignalized intersections along the Grant Avenue corridor, the cost for design and construction is estimated to be about $375,000, with the caveat that the general cost to install a curb bulb-out at a single intersection can vary depending largely on the size of the bulb-outs and potential modifications to the existing infrastructure. This estimate is for the concrete work only as there are no signals needing relocation at these intersections. The following is a summary of the benefits, disadvantages and expected installation timeframe for curb bulb-outs at the four intersections without signalization:
Benefits - Curb bulb-outs are used to narrow street widths at intersections to create a shorter pedestrian crossing (thereby reducing pedestrian exposure to the roadway when crossing) and to enhance pedestrian visibility at corners. They effectively reduce speeds in their immediate vicinity, especially for vehicles making right-handed turns to enter and exit a roadway. Curb bulb-outs can also effectively influence driver behavior by changing the appearance of a roadway along the corridor, which may influence drivers to travel at slower speeds.
Disadvantages - General disadvantages associated with the construction of curb bulb- outs include cost of design and construction, especially if large modifications to existing infrastructure, such as reconstruction of storm drains and catch basins, are required.
Additionally, the construction of curb bulb-outs typically requires removal of on-street parking spaces to accommodate the design (approximately 2 to 4 spaces per corner depending on design.
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Typical installation timeframe - 12 months depending on contracting method, construction market and overall project schedule.
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