Administrative
Report
N.2., File # 24-0023 Meeting Date: 2/6/2024
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: TED SEMAAN, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
TITLE
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE INSTALLATION OF SPEED CUSHIONS ON THE 800 BLOCK OF N LUCIA AVENUE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In response to a resident request, staff is bringing forward a Public Works and Sustainability Commission (PWSC) recommendation to install speed cushions along the 800 block of N Lucia Avenue, between Anita/190th Street and Agate Street. In accordance with the City Council’s policy for speed cushion requests, staff provided materials to the petitioner on the block to solicit feedback and approval. The returned resident signatures met the two-thirds threshold required for the City to proceed with an engineering study. The City’s Transportation Engineer performed multiple site visits and a speed survey as part of the engineering study, the details of which can be found in the PWSC Administrative Report dated November 27, 2023. Based on these factors, and the PWSC’s recommendation, staff is bringing the matter to City Council for consideration of final approval.
BACKGROUND
N Lucia Avenue runs northwest-southeast, is classified as a local street, and has a 25-mph residential prima facie speed limit, similar to other streets in the area. It is approximately 40 feet wide with one travel lane in each direction. Parking is allowed on both sides of the street. The subject block is approximately 940 feet long and is controlled by stop signs at its northwestern terminus with Anita Street and to the southeast at Agate Street. At Anita Street, only right-in/right-out vehicular access is provided to and from N Lucia Avenue.
The attached PWSC Administrative Report provides full detail on the process, criteria, and analyses for this speed cushion request. Per the City’s policy, resident petitioners on the subject block provided the necessary two-thirds signatures required for the City to begin an engineering study for speed cushions.
Staff proceeded with a speed and volume study for the 800 block of N Lucia, which showed an average daily traffic volume (ADT) of 462 vehicles per day and an average 85th percentile speed of 33 mph. Because the subject block met all established policy criteria and thresholds, staff brought forward the surveys and analyses to the PWSC on November 27, 2023. The PWSC unanimously recommended the installation of speed cushions on the subject block and to send the item to City Council for final consideration.
During the process, staff and the PWSC received comments and feedback from residents of the
N.2., File # 24-0023 Meeting Date: 2/6/2024
During the process, staff and the PWSC received comments and feedback from residents of the block regarding the proposed speed cushions. Subsequent to the PWSC recommendation, staff performed additional site visits and analyses to determine the exact locations for the speed cushions.
Based on this feedback, staff is recommending the installation of 2 sets of speed cushions along the 800 block of N Lucia Avenue at the following locations:
· In front of 811 and 814-816 N Lucia
· In front of 829-831 and 832-834 N Lucia (closer to Unit A) Residents adjacent to the proposed locations expressed support for the installation of speed cushions, with the exception of non-responses from residents at 834 Units C & D and opposition from 834 Unit B. Green dots on the attached map show supportive residences.
Ultimately, the City reserves the right to choose the exact locations of speed cushions in the public right-of-way to minimize liability related to their placement. The recommended locations are based on the length of the block, driveway locations, and the preference to evenly spaced speed controls between the stop-controlled intersections. If speed cushions are installed, substantial diversion of vehicular traffic not associated with parcels along N Lucia Avenue to viable parallel routes is not expected. Access to Juanita Avenue and Maria Avenue is not provided from PCH/Anita Street, and N Lucia Avenue is a relatively low-volume local street.
Based on the performance of previous speed cushion installations, the City is utilizing a new model that provides a slightly more comfortable driving experience while still controlling speeds to desirable levels. Staff will also explore installing longer 10-foot speed tables, where feasible, that contain a flat section to further increase driver comfort while achieving the intended purpose of the feature as a traffic calming device. The City currently uses 7-foot long speed cushions. The City is considering a 10-foot-long speed table at the 829-831 and 832-834 N Lucia location, which could address some noise concerns. Existing and proposed speed cushions, as well as the proposed speed table, are traffic calming devices that can be straddled by Fire engines, thereby not impacting emergency response times.
COORDINATION
The speed cushion request and the associated studies/reports were coordinated by the Public Works Department with assistance from the District Councilmember. Noticing for the item was provided to the residents of the 800 block of N Lucia Avenue.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost to install 2 sets of speed cushions, and associated signage and striping, along this block is estimated to be $13,000. Funding for installation of speed cushions is available in the City’s Traffic Calming budget.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
· Administrative Report - PWSC, November 27, 2023
· Map - Proposed Speed Cushion Locations