Administrative
Report
H.9., File # 24-0858 Meeting Date: 5/21/2024
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: ANDREW WINJE, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
TITLE
APPROVE THE INSTALLATION OF SPEED CUSHIONS ON THE 700 BLOCK OF N JUANITA 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 700 block of N Juanita Avenue between Beryl 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. Resident signatures were collected and the total returned 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, details of which can be found in the PWSC Administrative Report and associated attachments. Because this block met the City’s policy thresholds, staff recommended one set of speed cushions on the block and presented their findings to the PWSC on April 22, 2024. Notice of this meeting was provided to all residences along the 700 block of N Juanita. Several residents provided supportive feedback at the PWSC meeting, and no opposition was received. Based on these factors and the PWSC’s unanimous recommendation, staff is bringing the matter for City Council approval.
BACKGROUND
N Juanita 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 street runs slightly uphill in the south-easterly direction. The subject block is approximately 650 feet long and is controlled by stop signs at Agate Street to the northwest and Beryl Street to the southeast.
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 subject block, which showed an average daily traffic volume (ADT) of 590 vehicles per day and an average 85th percentile speed of 32 mph in the downhill direction (31 mph overall). Because the subject block met all established policy criteria and
H.9., File # 24-0858 Meeting Date: 5/21/2024
downhill direction (31 mph overall). Because the subject block met all established policy criteria and thresholds, staff brought forward the surveys and analyses to the PWSC on April 22, 2024. Notice of this meeting was provided to the entire block. Several residents provided supportive feedback at the PWSC meeting, while no opposing views were heard. After taking public comment, the PWSC unanimously recommended the installation of speed cushions on the subject block to the City Council for final consideration. Staff did not receive any opposition before or after the PWSC meeting.
Staff is recommending the following location for the installation of one set of speed cushions along the 700 block of N Juanita Avenue:
· In front of 714-716 and 715 N Juanita Avenue
This specific location was determined to provide the most effective speed control along the subject block while also being located outside of resident driveways. If approved, the installation would be nearly identical to the speed cushion on 700 N Irena, which runs parallel one block to the south and is nearly identical in its functional nature. Although supportive signatures were not provided from the two street-facing, front units of 714 and 716 N Juanita, the resident petitioner remarked that the front unit of 716 was in the process of moving out and declined to sign the petition.
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. Staff would like to note that 81% of block residents signed the petition. The recommended location is based on the length of the block, driveway locations, and providing evenly spaced speed controls between the stop-controlled intersections. If speed cushions are installed, substantial diversion of vehicular traffic to viable parallel routes is not expected. The City’s typical speed cushion model is a traffic calming device that is able to be straddled by fire engines and ambulances, thereby not impacting emergency response times.
COORDINATION
The Public Works Department coordinated the creation of this item with input from the District 2 Council Member.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost to install one set of speed cushions, associated signage, and striping for this block is estimated to be $9,000. Funding for the installation of speed cushions is available in the City’s Traffic Calming budget.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
· Administrative Report - Public Works and Sustainability Commission, April 22, 2024