Administrative
Report
H.10., File # 23-6907 Meeting Date: 10/3/2023
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: TED SEMAAN, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
TITLE
APPROVE INSTALLATION OF ALL-WAY STOP CONTROLS AT THE INTERSECTION OF PERKINS
LANE AND RIPLEY AVENUE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In response to a resident request, staff performed an analysis of all-way stop (AWS) controls at the intersection of Perkins Lane and Ripley Avenue. Staff’s findings and recommendation for installation of AWS controls were presented to the Public Works & Sustainability Commission (Commission) on June 26, 2023. The Commission voted in support of the installation of AWS controls at this intersection. A copy of the Administrative Report for that meeting is included as an attachment.
Staff’s recommendation to the City Council for the AWS controls at this intersection is based on a site analysis by the City’s Traffic Engineer, who believes a relevant obstruction to sight lines exists, and that the operation of the intersection could be improved with the installation of AWS controls. This is due to the very close proximity of three intersections: Perkins/Ripley, Perkins/Huntington, and Huntington/Ripley, which form a small triangle between them.
Because this recommendation from staff is based on technical analysis, staff did not perform a survey to residents within 150 feet of the intersection per the City’s AWS request policy. However, notice to those residents was given prior to the item’s presentation to the Commission.
In addition to the AWS stop controls, staff is proposing to install additional short-term modifications to improve operations of the three intersections. Staff recommends restricting the through (straight) movement for the eastbound Huntington Lane, at Perkins, and reducing the vehicles leaving the short stretch of Huntington Lane, at Ripley, with a left turn movement. This is a skewed intersection and sight lines are not sufficient to make the turn without conflict. This prohibition would reduce the number of conflict points between drivers.
Another improvement is to realign 50 feet of the centerline of Perkins to the east leading to the stop bar at Ripley. This will help correct the skewed approach of southbound vehicles at the intersection of Perkins Lane and Ripley. Proposed improvements are depicted in the attached sketch. Staff will continue to consider more long-term improvements at this intersection in conjunction with capital improvements in the area.
BACKGROUND
Staff received an email from Council Member Obagi in May 2023 detailing difficulty navigating the
H.10., File # 23-6907 Meeting Date: 10/3/2023
Staff received an email from Council Member Obagi in May 2023 detailing difficulty navigating the intersection of Huntington Lane and Perkins Lane. The email was originally written by a resident in January 2023. The concern focused on the limited sight lines for vehicles advancing eastbound through the intersection of Huntington Lane and Perkins Lane. The Huntington / Perkins intersection has stop control only on Huntington Lane, which is one way to the east. That intersection lies only about 30 feet north (in the northbound lane) of the Ripley / Perkins intersection, which is stop controlled only on the southbound Perkins approach.
Staff presented the AWS request to the Commission on June 26, 2023. The Commission recommended the AWS request and asked staff to identify longer term improvements to the three intersections as a whole. The attached administrative report for the June 26, 2023 Commission meeting provides more information on the request and the analysis of the intersection. Staff is also considering more signage and striping improvements that will minimize the challenges of navigating the skewed intersections of Perkins and Huntington at Ripley, respectively. Staff believes there may be more that could be done to improve vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian operations of these three closely spaced intersections. Capital improvements involving additional curb and gutter, driveway approach improvements, island modifications, curb ramps, and other measures will continue to be evaluated for inclusion in future capital projects in the area.
Staff is recommending Council approve the installation of the AWS controls and the other described signage and striping modifications.
COORDINATION
The Public Works Department coordinated public outreach, the safety evaluation, and creation of this report, with input from the Public Works & Sustainability Commission.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost to install additional signage, striping and associated appurtenances to complete the AWS controls at this intersection is estimated at $2,000. Funding for the installation of new stop controls is available in the City’s Traffic Calming budget.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
· Sketch of proposed short-term intersection improvements · Public Works and Sustainability Commission Administrative Report, June 26, 2023 and Exhibits