Final Report
Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
Prepared for
City of Rialto
Department of Public Works
150 South Palm Avenue
Rialto, California 92376
December 2019
Prepared by
211 Imperial Highway, Suite 208, Fullerton, CA 92835
(714) 992-2990 FAX (714) 992-2883 E-Mail: [email protected]
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Executive Summary ........................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Collision Assessment and Systemic Analysis ......................................................................... 1
1.2 Results and Findings .............................................................................................................. 1
1.3 Challenge Areas ..................................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Recommended Improvements ............................................................................................. 2
2. Engineer’s Seal and Statement of Protection of Data from Discovery and Admissions .... 3
3. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 4
3.1 Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program (SSARP) ............................................................... 4
3.2 Project Location .................................................................................................................... 4
3.3 Project Background ............................................................................................................... 4
3.4 Study Data ............................................................................................................................. 6
3.5 Project Tasks ......................................................................................................................... 6
4. Data Analysis Techniques ............................................................................................... 7
4.1 California Office of Traffic Safety Rankings ........................................................................... 7
4.2 Traffic Collision Data ............................................................................................................. 7
4.3 Aerial and Street View Imagery ............................................................................................ 8
4.4 Field Investigations ............................................................................................................... 8
4.5 Intersection and Roadway Risk Factors ................................................................................ 9
4.6 High‐Risk Corridor Selection ............................................................................................... 11
4.7 High‐Risk Intersection Identification ................................................................................... 11
5. Data Analysis Results and Findings ............................................................................... 13
5.1 Statewide Safety Ranking .................................................................................................... 13
5.2 Citywide Trend Analysis ...................................................................................................... 14
5.3 Fatalities .............................................................................................................................. 19
5.4 Pedestrian Collisions ........................................................................................................... 20
5.5 Speeding Collisions .............................................................................................................. 21
5.6 DUI Collisions ...................................................................................................................... 22
5.7 Hit‐and‐Run Collisions ......................................................................................................... 23
6. High‐Risk Corridors ....................................................................................................... 24
6.1 Riverside Avenue ................................................................................................................. 26
6.2 Foothill Boulevard ............................................................................................................... 30
6.3 Baseline Road ...................................................................................................................... 33
6.4 Cedar Avenue / Ayala Drive ................................................................................................ 36
6.5 Cactus Avenue ..................................................................................................................... 39
6.6 Eucalyptus Avenue .............................................................................................................. 41
6.7 Casmalia Street ................................................................................................................... 44
7. High‐Risk Intersections ................................................................................................. 47
7.1 Cedar Avenue at Merrill Avenue ......................................................................................... 48
7.2 Pepper Avenue at Foothill Boulevard ................................................................................. 51
7.3 Riverside Avenue at Valley Boulevard ................................................................................ 54
7.4 Riverside Avenue at I‐10 Freeway Interchange .................................................................. 57
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7.5 Cedar Avenue at Foothill Boulevard ................................................................................... 60
7.6 Riverside Avenue at Baseline Road ..................................................................................... 63
7.7 Eucalyptus Avenue at Baseline Road .................................................................................. 66
7.8 Riverside Avenue at Foothill Boulevard .............................................................................. 69
7.9 Foothill Boulevard at Sycamore Avenue ............................................................................. 72
7.10 Riverside Avenue at Easton Street ...................................................................................... 75
7.11 Riverside Avenue at Third Street (Downtown Rialto) ......................................................... 78
7.12 Riverside Avenue at Merrill Avenue and Bloomington Avenue .......................................... 81
8. Countermeasures Identified to Address the Safety Issues ............................................. 85
8.1 Non‐Engineering Countermeasures .................................................................................... 85
8.2 Engineering Countermeasures ............................................................................................ 86
9. Viable Project Scopes and Prioritized List of Safety Projects ......................................... 92
9.1 Recommendations to Improve Intersection Safety ............................................................ 92
9.2 Recommendations to Improve Corridor Safety .................................................................. 92
10. Attachments and Supporting Documentation ............................................................... 95
10.1 Appendix A – Office of Traffic Safety Data
10.2 Appendix B – Citywide Collision History Data
10.3 Appendix D – Corridor Collision History Data
10.4 Appendix D – Intersection Collision History Data
LIST OF TABLES
1 Citywide Collision Analysis ............................................................................................................ 2 2 Study Corridors ........................................................................................................................... 12 3 Study Intersections ..................................................................................................................... 12 4 Study Corridor Collision Rates .................................................................................................... 24 5 Study Intersection Collision Rates .............................................................................................. 47 6 Enforcement Funding Grants ...................................................................................................... 86 7 Countermeasures for Signalized Intersections ........................................................................... 88 8 Countermeasures for Non‐Signalized Intersections ................................................................... 89 9 Countermeasures for Roadways ................................................................................................. 90 10 Recommended Intersection Improvements ............................................................................... 92 11 Recommended Corridor Improvements ..................................................................................... 94 LIST OF FIGURES
1 City of Rialto Roadway Network ................................................................................................... 5 2 Office of Traffic Safety Ranking Data (2011‐2016) ..................................................................... 13 3 Office of Traffic Safety Rankings (2011‐2016) ............................................................................ 14 4 City of Rialto Traffic Collision Heat Map ..................................................................................... 15 5 Collision Severity – Citywide ....................................................................................................... 16 6 Collision Type Trends – Citywide ................................................................................................ 17 7 Primary Collision Factors ............................................................................................................ 18
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8 Primary Collision Factor Trends .................................................................................................. 18 9 Parties Involved in Traffic Incidents ............................................................................................ 19 10 Collision Type – Fatalities ............................................................................................................ 20 11 Collision Severity – Pedestrian Incidents .................................................................................... 20 12 Collision Type – Speeding ........................................................................................................... 21 13 Collision Severity – Speeding ...................................................................................................... 21 14 Collision Type – DUI .................................................................................................................... 22 15 Collision Severity – DUI ............................................................................................................... 22 16 Collision Types – Hit‐and‐Run ..................................................................................................... 23 17 Study Corridors ........................................................................................................................... 25
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
1 1. Executive Summary
As a part of Caltrans’ Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program (SSARP), Albert Grover & Associates (AGA) conducted a Citywide collision assessment to identify potential traffic control modifications and safety improvements to address collision rates throughout the City. This report highlights the study findings and recommendations, including a list of potential safety improvement projects that could be eligible for future grant funding at the local and federal level.
1.1. Collision Assessment and Systemic Analysis
This systemic traffic safety and collision history analysis includes the following tasks:
Data Analysis: Four years of collision data was analyzed to identify collision concentrations, patterns, and trends. Traffic collisions were also evaluated to determine pre valent types (such as broadsides, side‐swipes, rear‐ends) and causes (such as right‐of‐way, unsaf e speed, driving under the influence). Field Review: Locations with elevated traffic c o l l i s i o n r a t e s o r e l e v a t e d r isk factors for collisions were evaluated in the field. Engineers identified possible environme ntal, traffic, or human factors that might be contributing to those collisions. Roadway characteristics and adjacent land uses were also noted to provide the assessment team with a comprehensive understanding of the environment in which collisions are occurring. Field reviews were further enhanced through the use of aerial and ground‐level imagery. Countermeasure Selection: Based on the data analysis and field review, countermeasures designed to address the root causes of collisions for public benefit at reasonable costs were determined. Additional low‐cost measures were also identified based on safety considerations and engineering judgement. Recommendations: The traffic safety countermeasures were then expanded and detailed as to specific projects for implementation. Corridor improvement projects with the potential for future grant funding were identified, while intersection improvement projects are di vided into low‐cost operational implementation and capital improvement program implementation.
1.2. Results and Findings
Over the four‐year study perio d (2014‐2017), a total of 2,197 r eported collisions were documented, of which 66% were injury collisions, with 23 incidents resulting in fata lities. Table 1 gives the top three collision types and primary collision factors within the study period.
1 Broadside 34% 1 Unsafe Speed 24%
2 Rear End 22% 2 Driving Under the Influence 18%
3 Hit Object 14% 3 Right‐of‐Way Violation 16%
Top Collision Types Top Collision Factors
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Table 1: Citywide Collision Analysis
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2 Within California, in 2016 the City of Rialto ranked 30th safest out of 58 cities of similar population sizes.
Overall, Rialto generally sits in the middle of the pack with r egard to the statewide safety rankings; however, the City has ranked in the bottom 30th percentile for alcohol‐r elated and nighttime injury collisions in five of the last six years.
1.3. Challenge Areas
The study identified the following challenge areas of particular concern to the City of Rialto:
Unsafe speed or speeding
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol Programmatic recommendations were provided to combat speeding a nd DUI collisions such as increased enforcement, high profile DUI checkpoints, conducting safety campaigns and emphasizing traffic safety at City‐supported functions.
1.4. Recommended Improvements
Based on the analysis, the project team developed recommendations for both study corridors and specific intersections throughout the Cit y. Corridor improvements range from traffic signal operational improvements such as shorter cycle lengths and rest‐in‐red operation (to det er speeding) to larger‐scale improvements such as new raised median and traffic signal installations.
Intersection improvements range from smaller‐scope improvements such as renewing intersection striping to the installation of additional traffic signal equipment or a fu ll‐scale overhaul of traffic control measures at the intersection. The intersection improvements recommended are div ided into low‐cost operational improvements and capital improvement projects, the latter of wh ich are estimated to cost a total of approximately $2.2 million.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
4 3. Introduction
3.1. Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program (SSARP)
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Division of Local Assistance (DLA) is responsible for administering federal safety funding intended for local roadway safety improvements. This funding primarily c o m e s t o t h e s t a t e t h r o u g h t w o f e d e r a l p r o g r a m s : t h e H i g h w a y S af e t y I m p r o v e m e n t P r o g r a m ( H S I P ) , w h i c h focuses on reducing serious injuries and fatalities on public roads, and the Active Transportation Program (ATP), which focuses on promoting non‐motorized travel and active transportation.
In 2016, Caltrans established the Systemic Safety Analysis Repo rt Program (SSARP) to assist local agencies in performing system‐wide data‐driven collision analyses, identify ing potential roadway safety issues, and developing systemic, low‐cost co untermeasures for future applic ations. State funding for the SSARP was made available by exchanging local HSIP federal funds for State Highway Account (SHA) funds.
3.2. Project Location
The project study area spans the entire City of Rialto, which i s located in San Bernardino County between its border with Riverside County and the Lytle Creek Wash, and enco mpasses approximately 22.3 square miles. As shown in Figure 1, the City is bounded on the north by the Lytle Creek Wash and unincorporated San Bernardino County, on the east by the Cities of San Bernardino and Colton, on the south by the Santa Ana River and City of Riverside, and on the west by the City of Fontana.
Settled in the 19th century and incorporated in 1911, the City is home to approximately 103,440 residents (2017 US Census), several major regional distribution centers, and a portion of Historic US Route 66. The Interstate 210 (I‐210) freeway runs through the northern sectio n of the City and the Interstate 10 (I‐10) freeway runs through the southern section of the City.
3.3. Project Background
In 2016, the City of Rialto submitted an application to Caltran s District 8 for funding towards the SSARP grant.
In May 2017, the DLA approved an allocation of State funds for the preliminary engineering phase. Soon after, t h e C i t y o f R i a l t o i s s u e d a R e q u e s t f o r P r o p o s a l s ( R F P ) f o r a n engineering study to develop systemic traffic safety solutions. Albert Grover & Associates (AGA) was awarded the contract for the safety analysis, bringing extensive local experience in developing and implementing feasible safety solutions.
In the RFP, the following roadways are identified as areas of particular concern:
A Riverside Avenue
B Foothill Boulevard
C Baseline Road
D Cedar Avenue / Ayala Drive
E Eucalyptus Avenue
Later in the study scoping process, discussions by the City Coun c i l , C i t y s t a f f , a n d t h e c o n s u l t a n t a l s o a d d e d two more corridors to the analysis: Casmalia Street and Cactus Avenue. Per the RFP and discussions with the City, high‐risk intersections throughout the City were also identified for inclusion in the study.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
5 Figure 1: City of Rialto Roadway Network
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6 3.4. Study Data
T h i s st u d y sy n t h e si ze s d ata f r om var i ou s sou r c e s t o b u i l d a c omprehensive analysis of traffic operations and safety conditions in the City, including the following:
California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) injury data and rankings City Crossroads collision database records
Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) records University of California Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) records Current and historical aerial satellite imagery
Google Street View ground‐level imagery
3.5. Project Tasks
Analyze Collision Data – Four years of collision data (from Jan uary 1, 2014, to December 31, 2017) compiled in the City’s Crossroads database were analyzed to identify high‐risk locations and collision patterns. High‐risk intersections were identified by collision frequency, traffic c o n t r o l t y p e , a n d i n t e r s e c t i o n a n d r o a d w a y geometrics. Collision patterns and trends were evaluated based on parameters such as collision type, primary collision factor, collision severity, time of day, and age of parties involved.
Review Field Conditions – For each study corridor and intersection selected in the RFP and data analysis, project engineers conducted on‐site technical reviews of traffi c patterns, intersection geometrics, traffic signal equipment, intersection and roadway signage, roadway pavement a nd striping conditions, adjacent land uses, and other pertinent factors not readily apparent in the data. T h e s e f i e l d r e v i e w s f o c u s e d o n i d e n t i f y i n g potential improvements to traffic safety as well as motorist and pedestrian awareness.
Identify Countermeasures – Based on the collision patterns and field reviews, traffic safety countermeasures were selected from Caltrans’ Local Roadway Safety Manual (LRSM, June 2018). The selected countermeasures were evaluated using both a “systemic approach” and a “spot location approach”, as appropriate.
Recommend Improvements – The selected traffic safety countermeasures were expanded and d e t a i l e d t o identify specific corridor and intersection improvement projects for City Council considerations. Of the corridor improvement projects, those with the potential for state or fed eral grant funding were identified. The intersection improvement recommendations were further categoriz ed into low‐cost operational improvement projects and capital improvement program projects.
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7 4. Data Analysis Techniques
Various data sources were synthesized to form a holistic pictur e of traffic safety in the City of Rialto, including state data from the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Californ ia Highway Patrol, City co llision data collated in a Crossroads database, and private, open‐source data from the University of California Transportation Injury Map p i n g S y ste m (T I MS ) an d G oog l e E ar t h an d G oogl e S t r ee t View. Project engineers also spent time on the ground in the City of Rialto, familiarizing themselves with existing traffic and roadway conditions by both driving through study locations a nd observing them over peak tr affic periods (i.e. during the AM, MD, PM and nighttime peak hours).
4.1. California Office of Traffic Safety Rankings
O T S i s a S t a t e p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h t h e N a t i o n a l H i g h w a y T r a f f i c S afety Administration (NHTSA) that identifies highway safety problems and offers countermeasures to address t hem. Every year, OTS ranks individual cities’ traffic safety statistics with cities of similar‐sized populati ons using data from several sources, including Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol, and the California Dep artments of Justice (DOJ) and of Finance (DOF).
The following population groupings are used by the OTS rankings:
Group A – population over 250,000
Group B – population 100,001 – 250,000 (City of Rialto falls in this group) Group C – population 50,001 – 100,000
Group D – population 25,001 – 50,000
Group E – population 10,001 – 25,000
Group F – population 2,501 – 10,000
Group G – population 2,500
The OTS rankings are based on the number of persons killed or i njured in traffic incidents of various categories, for example:
Total Fatal and Injury – Total number of traffic collision victims with fatalities and/or injuries Alcohol Involved – Number of fatalities/injuries resulting from incidents involving a party (driver, pedestrian, bicyclist) classified as “Had Been Drinking” Motorcycles – Number of fatalities/injuries resulting from incidents involving a motorcycle Pedestrians – Number of fatalities/injuries resulting from incidents involving a pedestrian Bicycles – Number of fatalities/injuries resulting from inciden ts involving a bicyclist Speed Related – Number of fatalities/injuries resulting from incidents involving speeding Nighttime – Number of fatalities/injuries resulting from incidents between 9:00pm and 2:59am (prime hours for DUI, speeding, and drowsy driving)
Hit and Run – Number of fatalities/injuries resulting from incidents where a driver left the scene
4.2. Traffic Collision Data
The Caltrans Division of Local Assistance, in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC ), developed the Local Roadway Safety Manual (LRSM, version 1.4 released June 2018) to maximize local roadway safety by encouraging local
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
8 a g e n c i e s t o e v a l u a t e t h e i r r o a d w a y n e t w o r k s . I t f o c u s e s o n k e y safety activities which should be conducted regularly to reduce the number and severity of collisions and identifies several resources for assessing roadway safety issues on roadway networks:
Formal Sources
Law enforcement reports and citations – A collision report or citation is generated by the investiga ting officer who responds at the scene of a collision summarizing information regarding the collision. State and local collision databases – T h e S t a t e w i d e I n t e g r a t e d T r a f f i c R e c o r d s S y s t e m ( S W I T R S ) i s a database of collision records maintained by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Field assessments – In‐person observations conducted by project engineers provid e real‐world knowledge of traffic conditions and collision risk factors at s tudy locations. These observations can be enhanced and supported by satellite and ground‐level imagery.
Informal Sources
Historical observations – Road maintenance crews, law enforcement, first responders, a nd emergency medical services can help identify problem areas. Law enforceme nt officers may be aware of problem areas based on citations, while maintenance crews and medical p ersonnel keep work logs which can provide supplemental information about collisions and high collision locations. Local citizen reports – Submitted to local agencies by correspondence or at a public meeting, these reports should be corroborated by field assessments, data, and other documentation.
Traffic collision data was evalua ted using the City’s Crossroad s Collision Database, whic h uses SWITRS data via a software tool for organizing traffic collision and citation r ecords. Crossroads is widely used by many traffic engineering, public safety, and police departments.
While the Rialto Police Department has vehicular accident data in addition to what is available from SWITRS reports, it has not been included in the analysis as it did not contain the key collision data information required t o b e i n c l u d e d i n t h e H S I P a n a l y s i s . A t a m i n i m u m , t h e k e y a c c ident information should include: accident location, direction of travel of each party, type of collision, severity of collision and an accurate collision plot diagram, among others. To have the vehicular accident data incl uded in the analysis, the engineer completing the application must include all necessary data requested and c ertify to the accuracy of the information provided in the application.
Typically, three years of data are required for collision analy sis, but using an extended study period strengthens the evaluation. As collisions occur randomly throughout any given year, using multi‐year safety data smooths outlier years of high or low collision rates, iden tifying locations with a history of roadway collisions and their patterns. For this project, four years of collision data, from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2017, was analyzed. Collision reports and diagrams from Crossroads are included in Section 10.
4.3. Aerial and Street View Imagery
A broad, publicly‐available resource, Google Earth and Google S treet View provide recent satellite and ground‐ level imagery around the world. In addition to current conditions, Google Earth also provides a historical perspective on roadway configuration, construction activities a nd land use through the review of older satellite i m a g e s , o f t e n d a t i n g b a c k s e v e r a l d e c a d e s . U s i n g G o o g l e E a r t h aerial satellite and Street View imagery, roadway and adjacent land use ch aracteristics for each of the s tudy corridors and intersections were initially
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
9 reviewed by traffic engineers to provide an overview of the roadway layout and connectivity to the street network. Roadway data gathered by Google imagery includes roadw ay widths, lane capacities, posted speed limits, median types, and driveway/cross‐street density. Inters ection data gathered by Google imagery includes traffic signal equipment configuration, adjacent driveways, and dedicated turn lanes.
4.4. Field Investigations
Following the data analysis and a preliminary imagery review, p roject engineers drove along the study corridors during various hours of the day to gain a comprehensive picture of existing traffic flows, lines‐of‐ sight, pedestrian activity, driver behavior, and other factors relevant to big‐picture, corridor safety analysis.
Similarly, project engineers visited the study intersections, a pproaching each from both a motorist and pedestrian perspective.
4.5. Intersection and Roadway Risk Factors
The collision data analysis, aerial and street view imagery review, and field assessments focused on finding roadway, traffic, environmental, and human risk factors throughout the City.
Roadway Factors
Access Control – The number and location of driveways can affect arterial traffic flow and safety, especially when vehicles slow to enter driveways or in response to traffic merging from driveways. Generally, it is an advisable traffic safety practice to restrict driveways within 250 feet of an intersection to right‐turn access only, reducing potential conflicts.
Bicycle Facilities – The provision of bicycle routes, lanes, detection, and push bu ttons at traffic signals are key to an effective active transportation system. Bicycle lanes can have a traffic calming effect on travel speeds along a roadway by narrowing the available roadway width dedicated to vehicles.
Grades – Significant grades can impact motorist visibility, vehicle spee d s , a n d v e h i c l e b r a k i n g p e r f o r m a n c e .
Generally, intersections in Rialto have relatively flat approac h angles and are therefore not considered a significant contributing factor to collisions in the City.
Number of Travel Lanes – Most arterials in the City are four lanes wide—with some roadw ays such as Foothill Boulevard having six lanes—with left‐turn pockets at intersecti ons. Unrestricted on‐street parking is provided on many arterial streets in the City. Arterials providing freew ay access generally have been widened near the interchanges to facilitate access to and from the freeways.
Pavement Markings – Proper pavement markings channelize traffic and heighten motorist awareness. For example, the use of “cat‐ track” striping through intersections can reduce sideswipe collisions for lane shifts and double left‐turns. To maintain their effectiveness, pavement markings must be renewed frequently.
Pedestrian Path of Travel – Creating and maintaining clear, unobstructed pedestrian paths compliant with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) is key. Gaps in sidewalks o r missing crosswalks can motivate pedestrians to walk in or cross the street where it is not advisable to do so. Crosswalk markings and warning signs need to be well‐placed and maintained to provide clear path delineation and maximum visibility.
Raised or Painted Medians – T h e C i t y h a s a m i x o f a r t e r i a l m e d i a n s : s o m e a r e c o m p r i s e d o f painted lines, others are raised medians, and still others are landscaped medi ans. While some collectors have painted
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10 centerline striping, most residential roadways have no markings. Raised and landscaped medians generally serve to reduce head‐on collisions, vehicle speeds, and turning‐movement conflicts.
Roadway Construction – Roadway construction can play a role in crashes where motorist s lose control and run off the roadway, rear‐end other vehicles, or strike objects and parked cars. Maintenance issues such as potholes, glazing, rutting, and standing water can also lead to reduced handling and braking performance.
Roadway Geometrics – Horizontal and vertical curves, especially approaching interse ctions, can be difficult to navigate. In Rialto, the roadway network is organized in a grid pattern with few horizontal and vertical curves.
Signage – Unnecessary, missing, or unclear signage can confuse motorists or influence them to make poor choices. For example, a “No U‐turn” sign posted at signalized i ntersections with left‐turn phasing could instead lead motorists to make unprotected mid‐block U‐turns. Likewise, m i s s i n g w a r n i n g s i g n s f o r c r o s s w a l k s , merging lanes, or other roadway characteristics could result in collisions.
Street and Safety Lighting – Lighting is important at night as well as during foggy and other poor‐weather conditions. Signalized intersections typically have four or mor e safety lights to illuminate crosswalks; however, wider streets may need more to provide uniform lighting for pedestrians, cyclists, and small vehicles. Mid‐ block street lighting is generally designed at about half the intensity of intersection lighting.
Utilities – Intersections with underground valves and vaults may require frequent lane closures for utility workers to access facilities or p erform maintenance. Overhead w ires and support poles can obstruct visibility of traffic signal indications, signage, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Traffic Factors
Traffic Signal Equipment – The number and placement of vehicle indications, the use of cou ntdown pedestrian indications, the placement of push buttons, etc., all play a role in the intersection operation.
Traffic Signal Phasing & Sequencing – T r a f f i c s i g n a l p r o g r a m m i n g ( p ermissive, protected‐permissive, or fully protected left‐turn arrows; right‐turn overlap arrows; opposed phasing schemes; etc.) is important for efficient traffic signal operation. A traffic signal that is programmed t o maximize vehicle arrivals on green has a reduced risk of rear‐end collisions.
Traffic Signal Timing – Local traffic signal timing parameters such as pedestrian, yel low, all‐red, and minimum g r e e n i n t e r v a l s a r e i m p o r t a n t i n t h e s a f e t y o f a s i g n a l i z e d i n tersection. Whether pedestrian indications are manually activated or automatically operated can play a role in both pedestrian and motorist behavior.
Traffic Speeds – Appropriate speed limits based on Engineering and Traffic Surveys are essential for setting traffic signal timing parameters and designing lane striping tr ansitions. Roadways with lower travel speeds may have fewer severe injury collisions; however, arbitrarily settin g l o w s p e e d l i m i t s c a n c r e a t e s p e e d v a r i a t i o n s that may contribute to higher collision rates.
Traffic Volumes – The total volume of traffic carried by a roadway has a direct relationship to anticipated crash risk. Roadways with good traffic flow can accommodate high volu mes of traffic safely; however, as congestion increases, so do stops and wait times at traffic signals, increasing as motorist frustration and distraction.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
11 Transit – Public transit can facilitate movement in the City; however, large transit vehicles can also block visibility, accelerate/brake slowly, and make wide slow turns, disrupting traffic flow. Location of bus stops and frequency of service can also have an impact on traffic operations and pedestrian crossing activity.
Human Factors
Age – Older and younger drivers typically fall into higher risk group s. Older drivers may have reduced reaction and perception times, vision, and physical flexibility. Younger drivers typically lack experience, take more risks, and may have poor judgment. We look for elevated collision rate s for younger drivers near schools, parks, and entertainment areas, and for older drivers near senior centers and medical facilities.
Aggressive Driving – Driving too fast for conditions, exceeding speed limits, not signaling while passing or turning, and risk taking can all lead to higher collision risks . A l t h o u g h a g g r e s s i v e d r i v i n g i s n o t t y p i c a l l y indicated in collision reports, it may be a factor when speeding or merging are noted.
Driver Impairment – Driving while under the influence of medications, alcohol, mar ijuana, or other drugs can reduce driver attention, reaction times, and judgment. Another driver impairment often overlooked because it is difficult to assess is the effect of fatigued driving from either driving for extended periods or lack of sleep.
Driver Inattention – Distracted drivers do not give sufficient attention to driving, thus leading to crashes. In recent years, distracted driving seems to be on the rise primar ily due to the proliferation of personal mobile devices as well as integrated in‐vehicle entertainment and navigation technology.
Environmental Factors
Land Use – L a n d u s e c a n h a v e a p r o f o u n d i m p a c t o n t r a f f i c f l o w s a n d p a tterns. For example, intersections adjacent to schools may have bri sk activity during periods of s tudent arrivals and departures on school days.
Conversely, industrial and warehousing are generally busy durin g morning and early afternoon hours, but have low activity during evening peak periods and weekends.
Sun / Shadows – The rising or setting sun on the horizon can significantly red uce driver visibility of stopped or conflicting traffic, leading to increased broadside and rear‐en d crashes. Likewise, large trees and buildings that c a s t s h a d o w s o n t h e r o a d w a y a t v a r i o u s t i m e s o f t h e d a y o r m o n th s o f t h e y e a r c a n a l s o o b s c u r e v e h i c l e s , pedestrians, and cyclists.
Weather – Southern California doesn’t experience much of the extreme wea ther conditions that others in the country face. Although snow isn’t a problem, other weather cond itions such as high winds, fog, extreme heat, and occasional rain can lead to elevated crashes.
4.6. High-Risk Corridor Selection
Through the SSARP funding application process, City staff initi ally identified five high‐risk corridors for future study. Those five corridors are Riverside Avenue, Foothill Boul evard, Baseline Road, Cedar Avenue/Ayala Drive, and Eucalyptus Avenue. In review ing the issuance of a contract for this study, City Council also requested that Casmalia Street be specifically included as a corridor of study primarily due to a recent spike in collisions and the new and continuing development along the street. As a part of the citywide systemic analysis that was conducted by AGA a seventh corridor, Cactus Avenue, was added d ue to its high incidence of collisions, particularly a high frequency of broadside collisions. The corridors identified for this study are given in Table 2.
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12 4.7. High-Risk Intersection Identification
From the four‐year collision history (2014‐2017), a list of the top 50 collision‐prone intersections was compiled by number of collisions. Based on the overall collision frequen cy, the top ten collision‐prone intersections in t h e C i t y o f R i a l t o w e r e s e l e c t e d f o r f u r t h e r s t u d y . I n a d d i t i o n, since the top ten intersections were already signalized, the Top‐50 list was evaluated to identify the most collision‐prone unsignalized location as well.
Finally, in reviewing field conditions for the top collision‐pro n e i n t e r s e c t i o n s , a t w e l f t h l o c a t i o n w a s c h o s e n based on intersection geometry. The study intersections are given in Table 3.
1 Riverside Ave south City limit ‐ north City limit 12
2 Foothill Blvd west City limit ‐ east City limit 3.1
3 Baseline Rd west City limit ‐ east City limit 3.4
4 Cedar Ave / Ayala Dr Randall Ave ‐ Riverside Ave 4.7
5 Cactus Ave Valley Blvd ‐ Riverside Ave 5.2
6 Eucalyptus Ave Rialto Ave ‐ Easton St 2.9
7 Casmalia St Cedar Ave ‐ Spruce Ave 2.8
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Table 2: Study Corridors
Roadway Limits Length
(mi)
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13 No.
Incidents
Reason for
Selection
1 Cedar Ave @ Merrill Ave 37
2 Pepper Ave @ Foothill Blvd (Caltrans) 28
3 Riverside Ave @ Valley Blvd 27
4 Riverside Ave @ I‐10 (Caltrans) 25
5 Cedar Ave @ Foothill Blvd 23
6 Riverside Ave @ Baseline Rd 22
7 Eucalyptus Ave @ Baseline Rd 20
8 Foothill Blvd @ Riverside Ave 20
9 Foothill Blvd @ Sycamore Ave 20
10 Riverside Ave @ Easton St 20
11 Riverside Ave @ Third St 8 Most Collisions at
Unsignalized Location
12 Riverside Ave @ Merrill Ave
& Bloomington Ave 17 Top‐15 Location w/
Nonstandard Geometry
Data: City Crossroads database, 2014‐2017
Top 10
High‐Frequency Collision
Location
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Table 3: Study Intersections
Intersection
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14 5. Data Analysis Results and Findings
5.1. Statewide Safety Ranking
Every year, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) evalu ates cities based on the number of persons injured or killed in traffic incidents as reported through a statewide database. The OTS data for the City of Rialto from 2011 to 2016 generally show increases in injuries and fatalitie s over recent years. In fact, the total number of traffic injuries and fatalities in the City has nearly doubled over this six‐year period (Figure 2). Injuries and fatalities related to alcohol‐involved incidents, speeding inci dents, and nighttime incidents are also on upward trends.
Although the overall number of pe rsons killed or injured has be en generally increasing in the last few years, the City of Rialto has maintaine d a ranking within the median q uintile of its cohort cities (Group B populations) for the last five years (Figure 3) . T h i s i m p l i e s t h at t r a f f i c i n j u r i e s a n d f a t a l i t i e s m a y a l s o be trending upward statewide. Although it is certainly not desirable to see more l ives impacted by traffic injuries, this does indicate that the overall trend in the City of Rialto is not out of the ordinary.
Despite its average ranking in total injuries/fatalities, the C ity of Rialto has ranked in the bottom 30th percentile of its cohort cities for five of the last six ranked years in alcohol‐related and nighttime incidents.
These are likely highly correlated statistics, as a high percen tage of alcohol use and al cohol‐related activities occur at night. Low lighting conditions and fatigue also contrib u t e t o D U I c o l l i s i o n s a s w e l l a s s p e e d i n g a n d drowsy‐driving collisions.
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15 5.2. Citywide Trend Analysis
Collision patterns and trends in the citywide data were analyze d by evaluating the following collision attributes:
Collision locations (heat map)
Collision severity
Collision type
Primary collision factor
Age demographics of parties involved
Traffic Collision Heat Map
SafeTREC, in collaboration with the University of California at Berkeley, created a geocoded collision database known as the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), which is accessible online. Using recent SWITRS data, a traffic collision heat map was generated via the TIMS webtool (Figure 4). Traffic collision occurrence patterns in the City of Rialto follow typical traffic flow patt erns, with many incidents occurring along arterial roadways such as Baseline Road, Foothill Boulevard, and Riversi de Avenue, as well as a prevalence of freeway incidents on the I‐210 and I‐10 freeways.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
16 Figure 4: City of Rialto Traffic Collision Heat Map (TIMS, 2014-2017 data)
Legend
Less Collisions More Collisions
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17 Collision Severity
Generally, traffic incidents occurring in the City of Rialto are low‐severity, with about 34% of reported incidents having property damage only (PDO), about 61% having minor injury or complaint of pain, and about 5% of incidents studied having severe or fatal injuries. That is, of the 2,197 incidents collected in the four‐year study period, 23 involved a fatality and 24 people lost their lives. Figure 5 shows the collision severity proportions for the top two collision types (broadsides and rear‐ends) as well as for typical injury‐prone incident types such as pedestrian incidents, DUI incidents, and speeding incidents.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
18 Top Collision Types
Broadside collisions were the most common in Rialto within the four‐year study period, with over 750 recorded incidents, or about 34% of all collisions. It is followed by rear‐end collisions at 22% and hit‐object collisions at 14%. Collisions involving pedestrians, which are often a particular safety concern, are relatively low in the City of Rialto, comprising about 5% of the data. The project team also noted that over 450 incidents were recorded as hit‐and‐run collisions, or nearly 22% of all collisions studied.
Top Primary Collision Factors
Collision records that note the primary collision factor are useful in providing insight into the causal and contributing factors to a collisio n. Within the study data, les s t h a n 3 % o f i n c i d e n t s w e r e n o t e d w i t h a n “unknown” primary collision factor, which is indicative of a commendable effort by local police officers and investigators to thoroughly assess incidents.
The top primary collision factor in the City of Rialto is unsafe vehicle speeds, which may often involve speeding.
Unsafe speed is determined to be a speed inappropriate for the condition at the time, whether it be clear or inclement weather, free‐flow or congested traffic conditions. W ithin the study period, over 500 collisions were recorded with speeds being the primary collision factor, or nearly 25% of collisions studied (Figure 7). The second‐most prevalent primary collision factor was Driving Under the Influence (DUI) at 18%. However, the analysis also revealed that DUI collisions are steadily declining over time (Figure 8).
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
19 Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
20 Demographics of Parties Involved
The four‐year historical collision records list 3,212 parties i nvolved in traffic incidents within the City of Rialto, or an average of 1.5 parties per incident. This number includes both at‐fault and not‐at‐fault drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians involved in collisions. The data analysis shows no undue safety issue affecting school‐age children or minors; however, the project team did note that nea rly two in five involved parties were between the ages of 18‐30. This young‐adult demographic would have fewe r years of driving experience than middle‐ aged or elderly persons, and is typically associated with poor driving habits such as speeding, DUI’s, drowsy driving, and recklessness. Figure 9 illustrates the age groups studied by the types of collisions they were involved in.
5.3. Fatalities
Within the four‐year study period, 23 collisions resulted in a fatality, with 24 people losing their lives in traffic collisions. This equals an average rate of six traffic fataliti es per year, or about one every other month. Of the 23 fatal collisions studied, ten were pedestrian collisions (Figure 10). Pedestrians (and bicyclists, for similar r e a s o n s ) a r e s o m e o f t h e m o s t v u l n e r a b l e r o a d w a y u s e r s , a s t h e y have little to no protective equipment compared to motorists (i.e. airbags, seatbelts, cushioned seats, or helmets).
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21 5.4. Pedestrian Collisions
Pedestrian incidents tend to occur near schools and parks, and many involve school‐age children. Within the four‐year study period (2014‐2017) , 118 collisions were recorde d that involved one or m ore pedestrians, with 10 resulting in a fatality and 19 in severe injuries (Figure 11). This equals approximately thirty pedestrian collisions per year, on average, with over 75% resulting in minor injuries.
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22 5.5. Speeding Collisions
The #1 primary collision factor within the City of Rialto, cite d in over 500 collisions—or nearly 24% of incidents recorded during the four‐year study period, is unsafe speeds (o r speeding). Of these speed‐related collisions, over half (56%) were rear‐end collisions ( Figure 12). This would seem to indicate that a majority of speeding collisions occur when a motorist is traveling faster than the general stream of traffic.
Although the vehicle travel speeds prior to a collision are gen erally correlated to the severity of injuries from the incident, very few speeding collisions studied (less than 5%) resulted in severe or fatal injuries (Figure 13).
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23 5.6. DUI Collisions
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) applies to any driver whose p erceptions, reactions, and other functions are affected by a substance taken in to the body. Although most comm only referring to alcohol‐inhibited drivers, this may also extend to drivers using or abusing recreational or medical drugs. In the City of Rialto, DUI was the #2 primary collision factor during the four‐year study period, with nearly 400 recorded collisions (18%). These incidents were most frequently rear‐end collisions (32%), follo wed by hit‐object collisions (23%) ( Figure 14). Of the DUI collisions recorded, less than 3% resulted in a severe or fatal injury (Figure 15).
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24 5.7. Hit-and-Run Collisions
A review of the collision data also found that over 20% of the incidents recorded in the City of Rialto during the four‐year study period (2014‐2017) were hit‐and‐run collisions, where the at‐fault party who initiated or caused the incident departed the scene following the collision. Although this occurrence is not related to the contributing factors of the collision, hit‐and‐run incidents may l e a d t o r e c k l e s s o r r i s k y m o t o r i s t s d r i v i n g o f f with possible injury or unsafe vehicle damage.
Hit‐and‐run incidents recorded in the study vary broadly by typ e, generally following Citywide collision patterns of broadsides (22%) and rear‐ends (28%) prevailing ( Figure 16). However, the study did note that 24 hit‐and‐run incidents involved pedestrians, who tend to sustain greater injuries in traffic collisions.
Some possible motivators for hit‐and‐run perpetrators may includ e l a c k o f a v a l i d l i c e n s e o r i n s u r a n c e . I t i s important (and lawful) for all drivers to maintain both an acti ve, valid driver’s license and liability auto insurance—and carry proof of both—while operating a motor vehicle in the state of California at all times.
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25 6. High-Risk Corridors
The City’s original RFP identified five City corridors for stud y: two east/west corridors and three north/south corridors that travel through different sectors of the City:
Riverside Avenue, which forms the central spine of the City and provides freeway access; Foothill Boulevard, which forms part of the State highway netwo rk; Baseline Road, a major regional arterial roadway;
Cedar Avenue / Ayala Drive, which facilitates freeway access in the western portion of the City; and Eucalyptus Avenue, which has recently seen several severe collisions.
Following the RFP, the City Council added Casmalia Street to th e study in the interest of future‐proofing the corridor for upcoming development projects and anticipated growth. Finally, upon initial review of the collision history data, AGA project engineers also added Cactus Avenue to t h e s t u d y b a s e d o n c o l l i s i o n p a t t e r n s a n d frequency. Ultimately, seven corridors were analyzed as detailed in Table 4 below, shown in Figure 17, and discussed in the following pages:
/mi /mi‐yr
1 Riverside Ave south City limit ‐ north City limit 12 466 38.8 9.71 2 Foothill Blvd west City limit ‐ east City limit 3.1 277 89.4 22.3 3 Baseline Rd west City limit ‐ east City limit 3.4 226 66.5 16.6 4 Cedar Ave /
Ayala Dr Randall Ave ‐ Riverside Ave 4.7 189 40.2 10.05 5 Cactus Ave Valley Blvd ‐ Riverside Ave 5.2 103 19.8 4.95 6 Eucalyptus Ave Merrill Ave ‐ Easton St 2.9 57 19.7 4.91 7 Casmalia St Alder Ave ‐ Riv erside Ave 2.8 29 10.4 2.59 Data: City Crossroads database, 2014‐2017
Collision Rate
Roadway Limits Length
(mi)
Number of
Incidents
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Table 4: Study Corridor Collision Rates
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26 Figure 17: Study Corridors
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27 6.1. Riverside Avenue
Number of Collisions: 466
Riverside Avenue is a north/south arterial roadway classified in t h e C i t y ’ s G e n e r a l P l a n a s a M a j o r A r t e r i a l , except for the Historic Downtown District between Foothill Boulevard and the BNSF railway just south of Rialto Avenue, where it is classified as a Modified Major Arterial II. Throughout the City, Riverside Avenue varies from two to three lanes per direction, with posted speed limits rang ing from 30 mph to 55 mph. Spanning 12 miles in the City of Rialto, it terminates at Sierra Avenue to the no rth, while to the south it continues into the City of Colton.
A s a r e g i o n a l r o a d w a y , R i v e r s i d e A v e n u e p r o v i d e s a c c e s s t o t h e I‐10, I‐210, and I‐15 freeways, while also featuring the historic Downtown Rialto commercial district, betw e e n F o o t h i l l B o u l e v a r d a n d R i a l t o A v e n u e .
North of the I‐210 freeway, land uses adjacent to Riverside Ave nue are mostly residential, while land uses near to and south of the I‐10 freeway are largely industrial.
Corridor Collision Patterns
Riverside Avenue is not only the longest street in the City is it also the most collision prone, with one in five— or 20%—of all collisions in the City. Collision data over the f our‐year study period (2014‐2017) shows a total of 466 collisions along this corridor, including intersection‐related collisions. On average, this is equal to about 40 collisions per mile, or about ten collisions per mile per year.
Along Riverside Avenue, broadside collisions are the most preva lent; however, under further investigation only about 4% of those broadside crashes result in severe injuries o r fatalities (see figure below, details in Appendix C). This trend is atypical, in that broadside crashes are generally the most violent and generate the most injuries. Additionally, we typically see higher broadside collision rates in areas where traffic signals are not equipped with left‐turn arrows; however, many traffic signals a long Riverside Avenue are equipped with left‐ turn arrows, providing the highest level of safety.
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28 The collision pattern analysis also found a higher‐than‐normal percentage of collisions along Riverside Avenue happening at night, with unsafe speed being the most prevalent collision factor (see figure below, details in Appendix C). The second most prevalent collision type is rear‐end collisi ons, a fairly typical pattern for a major arterial like Riverside Avenue. Another noteworthy characterist ic is the low pedestrian collision rate in consideration of the prominence of the street, traffic volumes, and width of the roadway.
Segmentation
In consideration of the length of Riverside Avenue and its diverse land use and traffic characteristics, the engineering team felt it would be best to divide the corridor into the following four segments for further study:
A Riverside Avenue south of I‐10 2.6 miles
B Riverside Avenue from I‐10 to Foothill Blvd 2.0 miles C Riverside Avenue from Foothill Blvd to I‐210 2.6 miles D Riverside Avenue north of I‐210 4.8 miles
The four segments have very different roadway, traffic, and lan d use characteristics. Riverside Avenue south of the I‐10 primarily serves an industrial area that is linked to the I‐10 freeway. North of the I‐10 up to Foothill Boulevard, the roadway is configured in a traditional grid patt e r n o f s h o r t b l o c k s a n d s e r v e s a m i x o f commercial, retail, and higher‐density residential. This segment also includes the historic downtown with its expansive center median, store fronts, and pedestrian amenities . North of Foothill Boulevard up to the I‐210 freeway, the roadway serves a more traditional suburban layout of lower‐density single family home frontages with commercial shopping at major intersections. North of the I ‐210 freeway, the road curves from its north‐ s o u t h o r i e n t a t i o n t o a n o r t h w e s t ‐ s o u t h e a s t o r i e n t a t i o n a n d b e c omes a higher‐speed arterial through a residential area with frontage roads, limited access, and long blocks.
By analyzing collision data for the four roadway segments separ ately, very different characteristics and patterns emerge. For example, segment B had the highest collisi on rate (nearly 25 collisions per mile per year),
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29 while in segment D the rate was 3.65 collisions per mile per ye ar (or 85% lower). Other differences include an elevated frequency of hit‐object collisions combined with a low frequency of rear‐end collisions in segment A, where truck traffic is prevalent, to the opposite in segments B and C, where one in three collisions are rear‐ ends and there are few hit‐object collisions. There were some s imilarities as well, such as unsafe speed being the top primary collision factor in all four segments. Collison statistics for all segments are given in Appendix C.
Recommendations
Based on the systemic collision analysis, the engineering team has developed the following recommendations:
1. Consistent Speed Zoning:
Riverside Avenue has speed limits varying from a low of 30 mph in the historic downtown to a high of 55 mph south of the I‐10 freeway. Since unsafe speed is a consistent collision factor throughout the corridor, it is suggested that the City normalize speed limits by reducing the top speed limits. The engineering team does not suggest raising the speed limit in the historic downtown; rathe r, the speed zone segmen ts with posted speed limits over 40 mph could be targeted for traffic calming measures. The California Vehicle Code (CVC) and Caltrans’ procedures for setting speed limits severely limit the ability for cities to reduce speed limits. Since vigorous radar enforcement is a key component of any successful traffic calming strategy, it is suggested that speed reduction measures be pursued first to allow subsequent speed limit reductions.
The engineering team does not recommend arbitrarily lowering sp eed limits by City Council action, since that would preclude speed zone enforcement by the use of radar. Ther efore, we recommend a coordinated effort to enhanced speed limit signage and markings, installation of s trategically placed permanent speed feedback signs, and increased enforcement presence in an effort to calm traffic speeds. That coordinated effort should be followed by a resurveying of speed limits by an engineering firm experienced in matching roadway characteristics and posted speed limits. Hopefully, that firm will be able to recommend strategic downward speed zoning consistent with CVC and Caltrans procedures and be acceptable to the courts. Such a coordinated engineering and enforcement strategy has been successful in other cities in calming traffic speeds, lowering speed limits, and reducing crash frequencies.
2. Street and Safety Lighting:
Riverside Avenue segments A (south of I‐10) and C (between Foot hill Blvd & I‐210) have higher‐than‐expected nighttime collision rates; therefore, these two segments may be nefit from additional street and safety lights or higher wattage fixtures. South of the I‐10 freeway, street ligh ting is inconsistent from block to block with some areas well‐lit and others having the absence of street lights. Between Foothill Boulevard and I‐210 freeway there are many LED street lights; however, intersection safety lighting could be enhanced. Typically, traffic signals are equipped with four safety lights; however, some old er intersections in the City are equipped with o n l y t w o s a f e t y l i g h t s . S o m e o f t h e C i t y ’ s l a r g e r i n t e r s e c t i o n s could benefit from six or eight safety lights to provide consistent intersection lighting coverage rather than just the regular four safety lights, which could l e a d t o s p o r a d i c l i g h t i n g c o v e r a g e a n d d a r k a r e a s . I t i s s u g g e sted the City review street and safety lighting along Riverside Avenue, with particular attention to intersecti ons and areas without street lights to enhance nighttime roadway lighting as a countermeasure to reduce the risk of nighttime collisions.
3. Traffic Signal Operations:
As a result of its design and configuration, Riverside Avenue n orth of the I‐210 freeway (segment D) promotes fast travel speeds between the I‐210 and I‐15 freeways. This hi gh‐speed travel is inconsistent with the residential area and may discourage walking and biking. At this stage in its development, recommending a
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30 radical change in the street would be cost‐prohibitive and unrealistic. However, changing the traffic signal operation to de‐emphasize fast travel and promote calmer drivin g could encourage more active transportation and reduce the risk of injury and fatal collisions.
For one, the project team recommends lower traffic signal cycle lengths, which allow traffic signals to be more responsive to side‐street and left‐turn traffic at the decrease of long green lights for Riverside Avenue, which encourage higher travel speeds and create longer wait times for other motorists. Shorter cycle lengths introduce more cycling of the traffic signal and thus more red‐ light time to Riverside Avenue, slowing traffic by making it less advantageous to speed between traffic signals.
Furthermore, when there is no side‐street or left‐turn traffic, traffic signals typically rest in green for the main direction of travel. A traffic signal programmed for a rest‐in‐ red operation essentially displays a red light for all approaching directions until a vehicle is detected, upon which it turns green to serve that vehicle on a first‐ come first‐served basis. Traffic signals operating in a rest‐in ‐red mode can be programmed to stop speeding motorists while providing motorists traveling at or below the s peed limit with a green light so they don’t have to stop. Operating traffic signals on Riverside Avenue in a rest‐in‐red mode during off‐peak periods could significantly reduce travel speeds, discourage speeders by slowing travel, and improve safety for all road users.
4. Raised Median Islands with Landscaping:
Through the neighborhoods south of the historic downtown to San Bernardino Avenue, Riverside Avenue has a series of jogged and “T” intersections, essentially creating a discontinuous break of east/west streets in the gridded street network. This roadway network scheme thus concen trates vehicular turning movements on to and off of Riverside Avenue. Considering all the uncontrolled t urning movements on Riverside Avenue created b y t h e s t r e e t n e t w o r k , i t i s n ’ t m u c h o f a s u r p r i s e t h a t t h i s s ection of Riverside Avenue has the highest concentration of broadside and head‐on crashes in the City. It would be impractical to signalize all the jogs and “T’s” in this area to control turn movements; however, it may b e practical to install raised landscaped medians to concentrate conflicting left‐turns at key locations by elimi n a t i n g t h e m a t p r o b l e m a t i c l o c a t i o n s . T h i s redistribution of traffic created by the medians could not only improve safety, but red uce travel speeds along this stretch. Therefore, it is suggested that the City consider continuing the raised landscaped medians from the historic downtown area to the commercial area south of San Bernardino Avenue.
5. Riverside Avenue, Bloomington Avenue & Merrill Avenue:
The five‐legged intersection of Riverside Avenue, Bloomington A venue, & Merrill Avenue is located just south o f t h e h i s t o r i c d o w n t o w n , i n t h e m i d d l e o f t h e s e g m e n t w i t h t h e highest collision rate. The intersection configuration is unconventional not only because of its fifth leg but also that the fifth‐leg approach is off‐center from the intersection of the other four legs, creating an awkwa rd and inefficient arrangement of traffic signal equipment and traffic movements. By reconfiguring the intersect ion into two separate intersections—or, alternatively, into a roundabout—safety and efficiency could be improved. Were a roundabout to be constructed, it could be a focal point in the City’s roadway ne twork, connecting the historic downtown with the residential neighborhoods and commercial centers to the sou th. Combined with medians and landscaping along Riverside Avenue, such a focal point could markedly calm traffic speeds, reduce conflicting left‐turn movements, and improve walkability. Such changes could create a significant change in the street character, resulting in increased economic opportunity and improved traffic safety. Further details regarding collision patterns and recommended improvements at this intersection are discussed in Section 7.12.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
31 6.2. Foothill Boulevard
Number of Collisions: 277
Foothill Boulevard is an east/west roadway classified in the Ci ty’s General Plan as a Modified Major Arterial I.
The 3.1 miles of Foothill Boulevard that traverse through the C ity are a part of Historic Route 66, continuing into unincorporated San Bernardino County to the east and into the City of Fontana to the west. Foothill Boulevard was originally owned, constructed, and operated by Caltrans, but was relinquished to the City of Rialto in 2009. The roadway’s characteristics still remain very “State Route‐ish” in that its features are very car‐ centric with plentiful wide travel lanes, roadside commercial, varying roadway widths, high travel speeds, and a lack of continuous curbs, gutters, and sidewalks.
Foothill Boulevard is generally a six‐lane roadway with a cente r two‐way left‐turn lane and on‐street parking that has periodic lane drops around commercial properties that jut out into the right‐of‐way narrowing the r o a d w a y . T h e p o s t e d s p e e d l i m i t v a r i e s f r o m 4 0 m p h t o 5 0 m p h . Street lighting is provided, but spacing between street lights is generally greater than on most major u rban arterials. Likewise, safety lights at intersections provide lower lighting levels than expected for a modern arterial. Prior to the completion of the I‐ 210 freeway, Foothill Boulevard was a very busy regional arteri al carrying more traffic than any other street in the City. However, since the construction of the I‐210 freeway, traffic volumes have declined to a level typical of an arterial of its size and location.
Corridor Collision Patterns
Collision data over the four‐year study period (2014‐2017) show s a total of 277 collisions along this corridor, including intersection‐related collisions. This equals approxim ately 90 collisions per mile during the study period, or an average of about 22 collisions per mile per year. Four of the top ten most collision prone intersections in the City are located within the Foothill corri dor. Those four intersections are located at Pepper Avenue, Cedar Avenue, Riverside Avenue, and Sycamore Avenue. Th e corridor has a slightly higher than expected nighttime collision rate.
The systemic analysis revealed that broadside collisions were t he most prevalent type of crash at 44% of the total, followed by rear‐end collis ions at around 25%. The high frequency of broadside collisions is noteworthy since every traffic signal along the corridor is provided with east/west fully protected left‐turn arrows, which are designed to reduce the risk of such crashes. Considering the various striping transitions, lane drops, and unfinished curbs it was remarkable that less than 15% of all cr ashes were classified as sideswipe or hit object crashes. As for the primary cause of collisions, there is no re adily apparent dominant pattern that emerged. Six of the eight primary traffic collision cause types have double‐digit frequency percentages. The two highest‐ ranked causes where found to be unsafe speed and right‐of‐way violations.
The following figures show the proportions of collision types a nd primary collision factors recorded along the corridor during the study period, with detailed statistics in Appendix C:
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32 Recommendations
The 2010 Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan lays out a fresh visi on for the roadway and the corridor. That vision includes converting the car‐cent ric stark nature of the roadway into more of a traditional boulevard; one that would still be able to efficiently accommodate regional traffic flows while being much more visually appealing and pedestrian friendly. Many of the recommendations from that 2010 plan are still relevant today and if they were implemented could significantly change the character of the street most certainly resulting in lower collision rates. The engineering team is of the opinion that th e “State Route‐ish” nature of the roadway designed to move traffic as fast as possible through the corrido r c r e a t e s t h e v e r y c h a racteristics that are
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33 contributing to the high collision rate. Throughout the State i t is the Caltrans operated State Routes traversing through urbanized areas that have not only the highest number o f crashes but the highest crash frequencies.
Relinquishment of Foothill Boulevard to the City of Rialto was a good first step. Conversion of the State route to a more traditional boulevard with center median islands, landscaping, sidewalks, and other pedestrian amenities is the next logical step. Therefore, the engineering team has developed the following recommendations:
1. Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan Elements:
Consider strategic implementation of the roadway elements of the 2010 Foothill Boulevard Specific Plan. Creating a uniform boulevard with narrower travel lanes, the elimination of transitions and trap lanes, continuous curbs, gutters, and sidewalks, landscaped medians, improved street lighting, and modernized traffic signals will significantly change the car‐ce ntric character of the roadway, thus creating a completer street, calming traffic speeds, and improving safety.
2. All‐Red Clearance Intervals:
With an elevated frequency of broadside collisions, it is sugge sted that the City consider reviewing and extending all‐red intervals for each of the traffic signals alo ng the corridor. Typically, former Caltrans‐ operated State routes are relinquished with traffic signal timi ng providing one second all‐red intervals for each movement regardless of the intersection geometry. However, broadside crashes could be reduced if additional all‐red time is provided for left‐turn an d side street traffic to clear the extended length of Foothill Boulevard before a conflicting green interval is activated.
3. Intersection Safety Lighting:
Enhanced safety lighting at signalized intersections could improve motorist visibility in the dark and address the slightly elevated night‐time collision rate for the corridor. Installation of four safety lights over Foothill Boulevard (one per corner) would significantly im prove lighting levels and lighting consistency across the entire intersection.
4. Travel Lanes:
State routes are typically striped with freeway sized travel la nes. These wide travel lanes of 12 to 14 feet in width are designed for freeway speeds and thus they encourage higher travel speeds in the urban arterial environment. Higher freeway speeds in an arterial environment with traffic signals, driveways, parked cars, and conflicting traffic generally results in more frequent and severe crash rates. It is recommended that when the street is resurfaced tha t the striping be redesigned around the use of 11‐foot travel lanes. An 11‐foot travel lane is sufficie ntly wide to accommodate arterial traffic speeds up to 50 mph; however, generally motorist feel more comfortable traveling in the 40mph range, thus the restriping should calm traffic speeds and reduce the risk of severe crashes.
5. Traffic Signal Modernization:
Many of the existing traffic sign als are aging and are not in c ompliance with current safety standards.
Modernization of the aging traffic signals with new traffic sig nal equipment, new vehicle and bicycle detection systems, enhanced safety lighting, and new control and communications systems should improve intersection safety. Since many of the traffic signals along Foothill Boulevard have higher than e x p e c t e d c o l l i s i o n r a t e s , a c o r r i d o r ‐ w i d e t r a f f i c s i g n a l m o d e r nization project is likely to garner full project funding through an HSIP grant application.
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34 6.3. Baseline Road
Number of Collisions: 226
Baseline Road is an east/west arterial roadway classified in th e C i t y ’ s G e n e r a l P l a n a s a M a j o r A r t e r i a l .
Throughout the City, Baseline Road varies from two to three lanes per direction, with posted speed limits ranging from 35 mph to 50 mph. Baseline Road is primarily a fou r‐lane arterial roadway with a two‐way left turn lanes and left‐turn pockets at signalized intersections. S panning 3.4 miles in the City of Rialto, it continues into unincorporated San Bernardino County to the east, while to the west it continues into the City of Fontana.
The 3.4 miles of Baseline Road that traverse through the City a re a part of regional corridor extending some 35 miles between the City of San Dimas and the City of Highland. T h e r e a r e a f e w l o n g b l o c k s w i t h r a i s e d landscaped median islands in the vicinity of Eisenhower High Sc hool and westerly thereof. At the westerly end of the corridor there are large industrial and warehouse buildi n g s o n t h e n o r t h s i d e o f t h e s t r e e t a n d residential neighborhoods on the south side of the street. The easterly half of the corridor is dominated with fences along both sides of the street with residential neighbor hoods behind. There is a large retail shopping area in the vicinity of Riverside Avenue and in that area the westbound direction is provided with three through lanes; however, the eastbound direction only has two through lanes. The posted speed limit varies from 35 mph in the retail shopping area east of Riverside Avenu e to 40 mph in the residential areas on each side of the retail shopping area to 50 mph at the west end of the corridor adjacent to the industrial area. There are “25 mph speed limit when children are present” reduction signs posted in the vicinity of the high school.
Generally, continuous sidewalks are provided along both sides o f the entire stretch of the corridor except on the north side of the street between Cactus Avenue and Cedar Avenue adjacent to the retention basin and vacant parcels where the roadway is not fully developed with cu rbs and gutters. Street lighting is inconsistent along the corridor with good coverage adjacent to new housing and commercial developments and gaps in coverage adjacent to older developments and vacant parcels.
Corridor Collision Patterns
Collision data over the four‐year study period (2014‐2017) show s a total of 226 collisions along this corridor, including intersection‐related collisions. This equals about 67 collisions per mile during the study period, or about 17 collisions per mile per year on average. The Baseline corridor ranks as the third most collision‐prone corridor in the study after Riverside Avenue and Foothill Boulevard; however, the Baseline corridor has far fewer driveways, intersecting roadways, and conflicting traffic movements than the top two corridors.
As with the top two corridors, the nighttime collision rate was higher than expected along the Baseline corridor; especially considering the significant number of industrial properties on the western end of the corridor that are generally not a ctive during the night. Two of the top‐ten most collision‐prone intersections in the City are located within the Baseline corridor: at Riverside Avenue and Eucalyptus Avenue.
The analysis revealed that broadside collisions were the most p revalent collision type at almost 45%, followed by rear‐end collisions at 19%. The high frequency of broadside collisions is noteworthy since every traffic signal along the corridor except two are provided with east/west left‐turn arrows, which should reduce the risk of such crashes. Also of note was a higher‐than‐expected hit‐objec t crash rate of 15%, since the travel lanes are generally straight and there are few roadway obstructions. As f or the primary cause of collisions, there is no dominant pattern in the data, with five of the eight primary collision factors having double‐digit frequency percentages. The two highest‐ranked causes were unsafe speed and right‐of‐way violations.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
35 The following figures show the proportions of collision types a nd primary collision factors recorded along the corridor during the study period, with detailed statistics in Appendix C:
Recommendations
T h e C i t y h a s a p o l i c y o f r e q u i r i n g n e w d e v e l o p m e n t t o p r o v i d e off‐site adjacent roadway improvements including curbs, gutters, sidewalks, street lighting, etc. This policy is typical of most municipalities and should, over time, complete gaps in sidewalks and street lighting as well as provide infrastructure consistency along
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
36 the corridor. Assuming that future development will fill in the gaps in roadway and traffic infrastructure, the engineering team has developed the following recommendations:
1. All‐Red Clearance Intervals:
With such an elevated frequency of broadside collisions, it is suggested that the City consider reviewing and potentially providing or extending all‐red interv als for traffic signals experiencing a high level of broadside collisions. Ty pically, many left‐turn arrows are not provided all‐red intervals; however, all‐red intervals for left‐turn arrows along Baseline may be warranted in consideration of truck movements and demonstrated patterns of broadside collisions.
2. Radar Feedback Signs:
Baseline Road has long blocks which encourages motorists to travel at higher speeds; consequently, almost one in four collisions on the corridor is a result of un safe speed. Therefore, it is recommended t h at r ad ar spe e d f e e db ac k si g n s b e in stal l e d at re g u lar i n te r vals—typically mid‐block between traffic signals—as a traffic calming measure. Since such signs would be ineffective in the retail shopping area where the speed limit is already 35 mph, it is estimated that 1 2 to 14 such signs would be needed to cover the remaining extended stre tches of the corridor. The sys temic deployment of such signs should send a clear message to the public that speeding is not acceptable.
3. Baseline Road & Eucalyptus Avenue:
This intersection is one of the top ten collision prone interse c t i o n s i n t h e C i t y . A s o u t l i n e d i n Recommended Intersection Improvements; this intersection should be fully modernized with new traffic signal equipment, left‐turn arrows, enhanced safety lighting, and “dilemma zone” detection.
This intersection has one of only two traffic signals along the corridor that has yet to be modernized and provided with east/west left‐turn arrows.
As part of the HSIP Cycle 8 grant funding received by the City, t h e t r a f f i c s i g n a l s y s t e m a t t h i s intersection is being upgraded to include new traffic signal eq uipment for an 8‐phase signal operation, enhanced safety lighting, emergency vehicle preemption (EVP) sy stem, left‐turn phasing for the E/W movement, video detection and appropriate signing and striping upgrades, among others.
4. Baseline Road & Sycamore Avenue:
This intersection has one of only two traffic signals along the corridor that has yet to be modernized and provided with east/west left‐turn arrows. Consider fully mo dernizing the traffic signal at the intersection with new traffic signal equipment, left‐turn arrow s, enhanced safety lighting, and “dilemma zone” detection. Completion of such a project will create a more uniform traffic control scheme for the street and should reduce crash rates at the intersection.
As part of the HSIP Cycle 8 grant funding received by the City, t h e t r a f f i c s i g n a l s y s t e m a t t h i s intersection is likewise being upgraded to include new traffic signal equipment for an 8‐phase signal operation, enhanced safety lighting, emergency vehicle preempti on (EVP) system, left‐turn phasing for the E/W movement, video detection and appropriate signing and striping upgrades, among others.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
37 6.4. Cedar Avenue / Ayala Drive
Number of Collisions: 189
Cedar Avenue and Ayala Drive combine to form a single arterial roadway corridor classified in the City’s General Plan as a Major Arterial. The Cedar/Ayala corridor is a four‐lane arterial roadway with bicycle lanes and a two‐way left‐turn median lane that opens up to provide left‐turn pockets at signalized intersections.
Posted speed limits vary from 45 mph to 50 mph. Spanning a combined 4.7 miles in this study, the Cedar/Ayala corridor runs from Randall Avenue in the south in the Bloomington community to Riverside Avenue in the north. Further south, Cedar Avenue continues through the I‐10 freeway interchange to Riverside County.
Besides Riverside Avenue, the Cedar/Ayala corridor is the only other north/south corridor in the City with access to both the I‐210 and I‐10 freeways. Land use along the corridor is a mix of industrial, warehousing, retail shopping centers, and residential. Traffic flow along th e corridor can be brisk, as it is used by commuters and truckers as an alternative to Riverside Avenue for those using either of the two east/west freeways.
Corridor Collision Patterns
Collision data over the four‐year study period (2014‐2017) shows a total of 189 crashes along this corridor, including intersection‐related collisions. This equals approximately forty collisions per mile, or an average of about ten collisions per mile per year. The analysis revealed t hat almost 92% of all collisions on the corridor occur at or in the immediate vicinity of intersections, and the vast majority of those at signalized intersections.
The intersection with the highest number of crashes in the City , Cedar Avenue and Merrill Avenue, is on this corridor, along with four others in the top twenty collision‐pr one intersections: at Foothill Boulevard, Etiwanda Avenue, Rialto Avenue, and Baseline Road. It is expected that m ost corridor collisions o ccur at intersections; however, such a high percentage suggests traffic signal operations could be a contributing factor.
The following figures show the proportions of collision types a nd primary collision factors recorded along the corridor during the study period, with detailed statistics in Appendix C:
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
38 At almost 37% of all collisions, broadside crashes are the most prevalent type of collision, followed closely at almost 29% by rear‐end crashes. Although unsafe speed is the primary cause of approximately 27% of all crashes there appears to be no discernable pattern to the cause s of crashes since DUI’s, vehicle right‐of‐way violations, improper turns, and traffic signal violations all w ere of significance with double‐digit percentages. It is also interesting to note that the corridor has a higher‐than ‐expected nighttime collision rate with more than 40% of all crashes occurring after dark.
Recommendations
Based on the layout of the Cedar/Ayala corridor in the City’s s treet network and the recent developments near the I‐210 freeway, it is expecte d that traffic along the corrid or will continue to grow as the City also does. It is therefore recommended that the City’s focus for this corridor b e on the safe, orderly, and efficient movement of north/south traffic through traditional operational and mana gement strategies of a vehicle‐centric arterial corridor. As such, the engineering team has developed the following recommendations:
1. Safety Lighting:
Since an elevated proportion of crashes on the corridor occur at night in the vicinity of intersections, a safety lighting assessment might be prudent. Such an assessment would identify areas of dim lighting that could be corrected with additional safety lights and/or more powerful fixtures.
2. Corridor Traffic Signal Timing:
It is suggested that a consultant be retained every three years to review and recommend adjustments to the traffic signal timing for the ten City traffic signals alon g the corridor. This is especially important as the developments in the northern part of the City become fully deve loped and occupied. Since there is such a high percentage of broadside crashes along the corridor, it is suggested that the City may want to provide a consistent corridor wide all‐red intervals including such intervals at the conclusion of the protected north/south left‐turn intervals. It is also suggested that the traffic signals be timed to provide a north/south progression speed of 40 or 45 miles per hour as to reward those motorists traveling at or below the speed limit with a green light.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
39 3. Pedestrian Facilities:
There are a number of blocks in the commercial areas were sidew alks are not provided. Although there are very few pedestrian‐related collisions during the study period, i t i s s u g g e s t e d t h e s i d e w a l k n e t w o r k b e completed to pre‐empt and prevent pedestrians being tempted to walk in the street. Completing the corridor’s sidewalks could also reduce future risk of crashes as traffic grows in the future.
4. Strategic Access Control:
There are a number of minor “T” intersections, jogged intersections, and driveways along the corridor.
Each of those locations creates an uncontrolled, conflicting turn opportunity that contributes to higher risks of crashes. It is suggested that the strategic use of raised medians, especially within 250 feet of signalized intersections, could reduce conflicting movements and increase overall corridor safety.
5. Cedar Avenue & Merrill Avenue:
This signalized intersection is the most collision‐prone inters ection in the City. As detailed in Section 7.1, there are a number of operational improvements that can be made to the traffic signal, both physical and programmable, to reduce the risk of collisions at this intersection.
6. Cedar Avenue & Etiwanda Avenue:
This intersection is the 16th‐most collision‐prone intersection in the City and the only traffic signal in the corridor with north/south permissive left‐turns. Consider moder nizing the traffic signal at the intersection to provide additional street lighting and north/south left‐turn arrows.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
40 6.5. Cactus Avenue
Number of Collisions: 103
Cactus Avenue is a north/south arterial roadway classified in t he City’s General Plan as a Major Arterial. It is a four‐lane arterial roadway, with a two‐way left‐turn median lane. The southern half of the street is posted with a 45 mph speed limit while the northern half is posted with a 4 0 mph speed limit. Spanning 5.2 miles and in the City of Rialto, it terminates at Riverside Avenue to the no rth and just before the I‐10 freeway to the south.
This continuous portion of Cactus Avenue is contained entirely within the City of Rialto, and is not connected to the arterial roadway of the same name in Riverside County to the south.
C a c t u s A v e n u e i s p r i m a r i l y a r e s i d e n t i a l a r t e r i a l , p r o v i d i n g a ccess to neighborhoods, schools, churches, and commercial employment. Most adjacent properties back up to the street; thus, the roadway is lined with backyard fences. Likewise, in the industrial area midway along its length, commercial properties have security fences and buildings located away from the roadway. The fence‐lined frontage, combined with the painted median, creates a wide‐open view for motorists, encouraging hig her travel speeds. Cactus Avenue has a bridge over the I‐210 freeway; however, there are no on‐ramps or off‐r amps. Although the street is an arterial with traffic signal control at major intersections, there are three all‐way stops at the northern end of the corridor.
Corridor Collision Patterns
Collision data over the four‐year study period (2014‐2017) show s a total of 103 collisions along this corridor, including intersection‐related collisions. On average, this is equal to about twenty collisions per mile, or about five collisions per mile per year. The collision data shows tha t about 50% of all collisions along the corridor are broadsides, while 25% collisions are either head‐on or hit‐object collisions. Such a pattern of collisions suggests that motorists are making poor decisions when judging gaps in t raffic and/or the speed of approaching traffic.
Although unsafe speed was cited as a primary collision factor i n less than 15% of all crashes, the higher‐than‐ expected incidence of head‐on and hit‐object collisions suggests t h a t m ot o r i s t s m a y b e t r av e l i n g f a s t e r t h a n what is considered appropriate for the conditions and losing control of their vehicles.
T h e f i g u r e s o n t h e f o l l o w i n g p a g e s h o w t h e p r o p o r t i o n s o f c o l l ision types and primary collision factors recorded along the corridor during the study period, with detailed statistics in Appendix C.
Recommendations
Although not on the original list of study corridors, the engin eering team also decided to assess Cactus Avenue due to its size, location, and high percentage of broadside collisions. Based on the systemic analysis, the engineering team has developed the following recommendations:
1. Complete Street Project:
Based on field observations of traffic demand and travel patter ns, Cactus Avenue may be a good candidate for a road diet with protected b ike lanes and a landscaped medi an island. Cactus Avenue could become a “spine” of active transportation connecting residents to school s, parks, and local retail. The commercial/industrial area between Merrill Avenue and just north of Rialto Avenue could remain four lanes to accommodate trucks and business access; however, comme rcial traffic could be discouraged north and south of those blocks. Converting to a complete stree t could help reduce the elevated broadside collision rate and the traffic calming effect could be successf ul in reducing the head‐on, hit object, sideswipe, and pedestrian crashes that amount to about 40% of all crashes along the roadway.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
41 2. Traffic Signal Installation:
It is suggested that the three all‐way stops on Cactus Avenue a t Easton Street, Cactus Avenue at Casmalia Street, and Cactus Avenue at Bohnert Avenue/Apple Avenue be converted to traffic signals, which will better accommodate peak traffic flows, improve safety through positive right‐of‐way assignment, and improve walkability. Should a road diet be implemented, it will be necessary to signalize the all‐way stops to avoid extended vehicle queues during school arrival and dismissal periods and other peak traffic flows.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
42 6.6. Eucalyptus Avenue
Number of Collisions: 57
Eucalyptus Avenue is a north/south roadway in the northeast par t of the City, classified in the City’s General Plan as a Collector Street. Throughout the City, Eucalyptus Ave n u e i s a t w o ‐ l a n e r o a d w a y , w i t h a y e l l o w centerline and frequent on‐street parking. The posted speed lim it is 35mph south of Rialto Avenue and 40mph north of Rialto Avenue. Spanning 2.9 miles in the City of Rialt o, Eucalyptus Avenue terminates at Easton Street just south of the I‐210 freeway in the north and extends south over two miles to just south of Merrill Avenue / Mills Street at Rialto High School before continuing on into th e Cities of San Bernardino and Colton. It forms part of the City’s eastern border with the City of San Bernardino.
Although Eucalyptus Avenue is a residential street, it also prov i d e s d i r e c t a c c e s s t o f o u r s c h o o l s , a p a r k , a church, and other commercial establishments at key intersection s. Traffic controls include two‐way stops, four‐ way stops, traffic signals, and school crosswalks.
Corridor Collision Patterns
Collision data over the four‐year study period (2014‐2017) shows a total of 57 collisions along this corridor, including intersection‐related collisions. This equals a collis ion rate of approximately twenty collisions per mile, or about five collisions per mile per year on average. Eucalyptus Avenue is the second best‐performing corridor studied; however, it has a higher‐than‐expected injury rate and three reported fatalities over the study period.
Such a high percentage of injury collisions is abnormal for a low‐volume, residential collector street.
With four schools being served by the corridor, it was initiall y thought that perhaps school‐related traffic may be a contributing factor to the collision frequency; however, t he systemic analysis revealed that less than one‐ third of the crashes occurred on school days during daylight hours. However, the analysis did reveal that persons under the age of 25 were involved in more than a half of all crashes for which age data was available.
The analysis revealed that broadside crashes were the most prevalent (42%) followed by head‐on, rear‐end, sideswipe, and pedestrian crashes each in the 10%–15% range. The pattern of collision types found isn’t unusual for a low‐volume, residential collector serving schools . The prevailing primary causes of the collisions were found to be right‐of‐way violations and failure to observe traffic controls, amounting to approximately 45% of all collisions, with unsafe speed cited in about 16% of collisions and pedestrians violations accounting for another 14%. The pattern of primary collision factors is again not unusual for a low‐volume, residential collector serving schools.
The following figures show the proportions of collision types a nd primary collision factors recorded along the corridor during the study period, with detailed statistics in Appendix C.
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43 Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
44 Recommendations
Based on the review of field conditions and the systemic analysis, the engineering team felt that the key to improving safety along the corri dor was to address the age‐rela ted crash rate and reduce travel speeds on this key school access route. As such, the engineering team has developed the following recommendations:
1. Downward Speed Zoning:
The current speed zoning along the corridor varies from a low o f 35 mph to a high of 40 mph, with school‐ zone signing lowering the speed limit to 25 mph when children are present. Although the speed zones have been set in accordance with Caltrans procedures and State law; a 40 mph limit is an unreasonable speed limit for a two‐lane residential collector street especia lly considering that most drivers feel that they can exceed the speed limit by up to 10 mph without fear of citation. It is recommended that the City target the corridor for a 30 mph speed limit and implement strategies geared toward reducing the speed limit.
Such strategies could include establishing a safety corridor, d ecertifying existing speed limits, use of prima fascia speed zones, deployment of speed feedback signs, increased enforcement, and resurveying the speed limit.
2. School Outreach Program:
Since persons under the age of 25 are involved in more than 50% of all crashes along the corridor, it is suggested that the City work wi th the schools along the corrido r to create a school o utreach program to educate students, parents, and young drivers on the dangers of speeding, distracted driving, and violating traffic laws. The outreach progr am could be centered around a t heme of “keeping us all safe” and could include public outreach regarding “slowing down” and the need f or downward speed zoning.
3. No Parking Zones:
Most of the stop controlled intersections along the corridor ar e not afforded with red zones that prohibit parking near corners. Vehicles parked near corners block visibility of traffic controls, conflicting traffic, pedestrians, and bicyclists. It is suggested that on a strategi c basis that intersection red zones of 20 feet on the approach to an intersection and 10 feet on the departure fr om an intersection be established, where feasible, to improve sight distance of conflicting traffic and pedestrians and reduce the risk of collisions.
4. School Zone Signage and Markings:
Although only about 30% of collisions occur during the daytime hours on school days, a review of school zone traffic controls—with an eye toward modernization—for the four schools within the corridor could be beneficial in reducing collisions. School zone signage and mark ings could be enhanced with high visibility crosswalks, larger signs, and additional signs and pavement mar kings. These improvements along with the establishment of additional no parking zones at intersection co rners around schools, parks, and churches could help address the corridor’s pedestrian collision rate.
5. Eucalyptus Avenue & Baseline Road:
Two of the three fatal crashes recorded along this corridor occ urred at this intersection. As detailed in the recommended intersection improvements, it is recommended that t his older traffic signal be fully modernized with new traffic signal equipment, safety lighting, left‐turn arrows, and detection systems. The new traffic signal is expected to improve efficiency and safety at the intersection.
As part of the HSIP Cycle 8 grant funding received by the City, the traffic signal system at this intersection is being upgraded. Refer to Baseline Road recommendations in Secti on 6.3.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
45 6.7. Casmalia Street
Number of Collisions: 29
Casmalia Street is an east/west roadway classified in the City’ s General Plan as a Collector Street. Throughout the City, Casmalia Street varies from one to two lanes per dire ction, with posted speed limits ranging from 25 mph to 55 mph. Spanning 2.8 miles in the City of Rialto, it ter minates at Riverside Avenue to the east, while to the west it continues into the City of Fontana as Sierra Lakes Parkway.
Casmalia Street runs just north of the I‐210 freeway, providing indirect freeway access via its proximity to the freeway interchanges at Alder Avenue, Ayala Drive, and Riverside Avenue. West of Ayala Drive, it is largely surrounded by recent commercial developments and large undeveloped lots. As Casmalia nears the border with the City of Fontana it widens to become a multi‐lane arter ial roadway with traffic signals and a 55mph speed limit. During the engineering team’s field visits there w ere new commercial developments and ongoing construction activities along the western part of the roadway. East of Ayala Drive, however, Casmalia Street takes on a decidedly neighborly nature, becoming an undivided two‐lane residential street with a 25 mph posted speed limit, residential frontages and driveways, as well as on‐street parking. Currently, Casmalia Street has just five traffic signals: at Alder Avenue, Locust Avenue, Linden Avenue, Ayala Drive, and Riverside Avenue.
Casmalia Street features prominently in future development plan s for the northwest sector of the City, providing primary access for several undeveloped and under‐deve lopment parcels. Traffic flow on the roadway is generally light today; however, it is expected that traffic demands will increase significantly in future years as commercial development continues alongside the I‐210 freeway both in the City of Rialto and the City of Fontana. Although the roadway provides a fairly direct connecti on between the I‐210 freeway ramps at Riverside Avenue and Ayala Drive that section of the roadway is through a residential neighborhood. The City Council expressly requested that the engineering team review this corridor; in consideration of its potential future growth in traffic along it s western reach and make recom mendations for the City to consider in their future street improvement plans.
Corridor Collision Patterns
Collision data over the four‐year study period (2014‐2017) shows a total of 29 collisions along this corridor, including intersection‐related collisions. This is equal to a collision rate of about ten collisions per mile, or nearly three collisions per mile per year on average.
The Casmalia corridor is the best‐performing corridor studied a nd generally there are too few crashes to draw significant conclusions; especially in light of the diversity of the land use and traffic patterns between the western commercial area and the eastern residential area. That being said, the systemic analysis did reveal that broadside crashes were the most prevalent followed closely by rear‐end and hit‐object crashes. The primary cause of the reported collisions was traffic signal and stop sign violations followed by unsafe speed.
The following figures show the proportions of collision types a nd primary collision factors recorded along the corridor during the study period, with detailed statistics in Appendix C:
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
46 Recommendations
T h i s c or r i d or was se l e c te d f or st ud y b y t he Cit y Coun c i l : n ot nece ssar i l y f or i ts c u r r en t c ol li si on r at e s, bu t t o recommend strategies to lower the future risk of collisions. It i s c l e a r t h at t h e t r a f f i c c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f h i g h ‐ capacity, high‐speed, wide streets needed in the commercial are a to the west are not necessarily compatible w i t h t h e l o w ‐ v o l u m e , l o w ‐ s p e e d c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f a r e s i d e n t i a l street on the eastern end of the corridor.
Therefore, the engineering team felt that the primary goal of o ur recommendations should be to protect the residential community from cut‐through commuter and commercial traffic between Ayala Drive and Riverside Avenue. Therefore, the engineering team has developed the following recommendations:
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
47 1. Consistent Speed Zoning:
The current speed zoning along the corridor varies from a low o f 25 mph in the residential neighborhoods to a high of 55 mph at the border with the City o f Fontana. It is recommended that the speed limit east of Ayala in the residential neighborhood remain 25 mph and that additional speed limit signs be installed along that stretch to advise motorists thereof. For the commercial stretch of the roadway west of Ayala Drive it is suggested that a target speed limit of 40 mph be pursued. Speed limits over 40 mph are not bicycle friendly and they can create speed differentials between faster cars and slower trucks that will be serving the area. In order to at tain an enforceable 40 mph speed limit, the City will have to employ speed reduction features such as s peed feedback signs, raised medians, traffic signal timing strategies, and focused enforcement.
2. Casmalia Street west of Ayala Drive:
It is suggested that the commerc ial portion of Casmalia Street ultimately be improved to be a consistent street width with similar amenities from Ayala Drive to the western City border with the C i t y o f F o n t a n a . I t i s s u g g e s t e d t h a t t h e s t r e e t b e d e v e l o p e d to have sufficient through and turning lanes, left‐turn pockets at each intersection, that all interse ctions be signalized, a center raised median installed, street lighting, parking/stopping prohibitions, and continuous bike lanes provided with a four foot striped buffer. A consistent well‐lit and controlled comme rcial street should provide the capacity needed to support business traffic yet provide the level of saf ety expected of a modern collector road.
3. Casmalia Street & Cactus Avenue:
As outlined in the recommendations for Cactus Avenue; it is recommended that this all‐way stop controlled intersection be upgraded to a traffic signal. A traf fic signal will improve right‐of‐way assignment, efficiency of traffic movements, and will improve pedestrians and bicyclists connectivity across Cactus Avenue. Furthermore , the traffic signal could enc ourage a more active lifestyle for students attending the two schools in the area since crossing Cactus Avenue will be easier and safer.
4. Casmalia Street & Lilac Avenue:
This residential intersection is overly large and there are no sidewalks for about 500 feet east of it on either the north or south side of Casmalia Street. Sidewalks ar e also not present on Lilac Avenue north of the intersection; however, that roadway is a discontinuous l ocal street. It is recommended that the intersection be reconfigured as a roundabout with median landscaping, pedestrian crosswalks, and sidewalks along Casmalia Street. Such a project would reduce tr avel speeds and discourage commercial traffic on the collector street while also serving as a neighborhood aesthetic improvement.
5. Casmalia Street & Ayala Drive:
I f e a s t b o u n d t r a f f i c p i c k s u p a l o n g C a s m a l i a S t r e e t e a s t o f A y al a D r i v e , w e r e c o m m e n d c o n s i d e r i n g modifying the traffic signal operation and/or other traffic calming measures to minimize non‐local traffic intrusions into the neighborhood.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
48 7. High-Risk Intersections
From the City of Rialto Crossroads collision database, the stud y identified the fifty intersections with the most recorded incidents over the four‐year study period (2014‐2017). From this list, twelve specific locations were identified for focused analysis in this study via the following criteria:
The top ten intersections were prioritized for study, to maximize the impact of safety improvements. The vast majority of intersection‐related collisions occur at t raffic signals; for further investigation, the unsignalized intersection with t he highest collision occurrence (Riverside Avenue at Third Street) was also identified for study.
W i t h i n t h e t o p f i f t e e n l o c a t i o n s , o n e s t o o d o u t f o r i t s l o c a t i on along the longest arterial corridor as well as its unusual geometry: Riverside Avenue at Merrill Avenue and Bloomington Avenue.
Collision trends, field conditio ns, and potential improvement o pportunities were reviewed for all of the above locations, the details of which are given in the following pages.
No.
Incidents
Collisions per
Year (Avg) Notes
1 Cedar Ave @ Merrill Ave 37 9.25 ‐ top head‐on (5)
‐ top DUI (6)
2 Pepper Ave @ Foothill Blvd (Caltrans) 28 7
3 Riverside Ave @ Valley Blvd 27 6.75
‐ top rear‐end (14)
‐ top speeding (12)
‐ top hit‐and‐run (11)
4 Riverside Ave @ I‐10 (Caltrans) 25 6.25
5 Cedar Ave @ Foothill Blvd 23 5.75 ‐ top DUI (6)
6 Riverside Ave @ Baseline Rd 22 5.5
7 Eucalyptus Ave @ Baseline Rd 20 5.0 ‐ 2 fatalities
8 Foothill Blvd @ Riverside Ave 20 5.0
9 Foothill Blvd @ Sycamore Ave 20 5.0
10 Riverside Ave @ Easton St 20 5.0 ‐ top sideswipe (5) 11 Riverside Ave @ Third St 82 . 0 ‐ top unsignalized location 12 Riverside Ave @ Merrill Ave
& Bloomington Ave 17 4.3 ‐ fi ve‐l egged i nters ecti on Data: City Crossroads database, 2014‐2017
Table 5: Study Intersection Collision Rates
Intersection
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
49 7.1. Cedar Avenue at Merrill Avenue
Number of Collisions: 37
This intersection is located in the southwest sector of the city , n e x t t o s e v e r a l i n d u s t r i a l a n d c o m m e r c i a l p r o p e r t i e s . P e r t h e C i t y o f R i a l t o G e n e r a l P l a n , C e d a r A v e n u e is classified as a Major Arterial, while Merrill Avenue is classified as a Secondary Arterial. At this location, both Cedar Avenue and M errill Avenue are four‐ lane arterial roadways with posted speed limits of 45 mph and d edicated left‐turn pockets at the intersection.
A gated commercial building sits on the northwest corner, a Chevron gas station on the northeast corner, a walled‐off residential neighborhood on the southeast corner, and a church—Calvary Chapel Rialto—on the southwest corner.
The intersection is controlled by a traffic signal, with left‐t urn arrows provided for the northbound and southbound approaches on Cedar Avenue. The northbound and southbound left‐turn arrows currently operate on protected lead/lag phasing, where one direction receives the left‐turn green arrow concurrent with the beginning of the through phase and the other direction receives a l e f t ‐ t u r n g r e e n a r r o w a t t h e e n d o f t h e through phase. Pedestrian crossings are provided across all approaches.
Intersection Collision Patterns
This intersection is the most collision‐prone intersection in the city. Over the four‐year study period (2014‐ 2017), a total of 37 collisions were documented at this intersec t i o n , o r a b o u t n i n e p e r y e a r o n a v e r a g e . O f these incidents, 24 (65%) involved parties aged 18‐30, 18 (49%) were broadside collisions, 15 (41%) occurred at night, five (14%) were head‐on collisions, and six (16%) involv ed a DUI. These data rank this location as #1 in total collisions, young‐adult collisions, nighttime collisions, broadside collisions, head‐on collisions, and DUI‐ Merrill Avenue
Cedar Avenue
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
50 involved collisions within the study. The following figures sho w the collision types and primary collision factors at this location, with detailed statistics in Appendix C.
At 49%, the most prevalent collision type at this intersection is broadsides. Traffic signals are designed to prevent broadside collisions—resulting from right‐of‐way confusions and conflicting movements—so such a high percentage is unusual for a signalized location. Therefore, the field review took care to note any potential impairments to driver awareness for conflicting vehicle movemen ts.
The prevalence of vehicle conflict, improper turn, and signal violation factors at this location are congruent with the finding of a large percentage of broadside collisions.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
51 Recommendations
In order to address the elevated broadside collision rate at th is location, it is recommended the City increase all‐red time for the northbound and southbound approaches by 0. 5 seconds to provide an additional margin of time for vehicles to completely clear the intersection. It is f urther recommended the City convert the northbound/southbound left‐turn lead/lag phasing operation to l eading‐only left turns. This would more clearly separate the left‐turning traffic from through traffic, with the added benefit of an all‐red clearance interval in between the left‐turn arrow and through green phases.
The estimated cost of these recommended capital improvements is approximately $195,500.
Operational / Low‐Cost Recommendations:
Extend NB/SB all‐red clearance interval by 0.5 seconds Provide 1‐second all‐red clearance interval for NB/SB left‐turn movements Convert NB/SB left‐turn arrow lead/lag operation to lead/lead Program advance loops for dilemma zone detection
Capital Improvement Recommendations:
Upgrade existing vehicle detection to video detection system Install EB/WB Protected‐Permissive Left‐Turn (PPLT) arrows Add limit lines for all approaches
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
52 7.2. Pepper Avenue at Foothill Boulevard
(State owned and operated)
Number of Collisions: 28
This intersection is located on the eastern edge of the city, along the city border with the City of Colton, surrounded by commercial properties. Per the City of Rialto Gene r a l P l a n , P e p p e r A v e n u e i s c l a s s i f i e d a s a Major Arterial, while Foothill Boulevard is classified as a Modified Major Arterial I. At this location, Pepper Avenue is a four‐lane arterial roadway included in the City’s t ruck route network with a 45 mph posted speed limit. West of Pepper Avenue, Foothill Boulevard is a six‐lane arterial roadway with a 40 mph posted speed limit. East of Pepper Avenue, Foothill Boulevard is a four‐lane arterial roadway under Caltrans’ jurisdiction with a 50 mph posted speed limit. All four approaches have two‐way left‐turn median lanes, which open up to provide dedicated left‐turn pockets at the intersection. The Co unty of San Bernardino Department of Health S e r v i c e s s i t s o n t h e n o r t h w e s t c o r n e r , a C h u r c h ’ s C h i c k e n w i t h drive‐through on the northeast corner, a Southern California Edison facility on the southeast corner, and a commercial center on the southwest corner.
T h e i n t e r s e c t i o n i s c o n t r o l l e d b y a t r a f f i c s i g n a l , w i t h l e f t ‐ turn arrows provided for the eastbound and westbound approaches on Foothill Boulevard. Near‐side signal indications are provided on all approaches, which provide advance information to improve motorist awareness . Pedestrian crossings are provided across all approaches.
Intersection Collision Patterns
Collision data over the four‐year study period (2014‐2017) show s a total of 28 collisions at this intersection, or about seven per year on average. Of these incidents, 11 (39%) o ccurred on weekends, 13 (46%) occurred at Foothill Boulevard
Pepper Avenue
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
53 night, 15 (54%) involved parties aged 18‐30, five (18%) involve d a DUI, and 13 (46%) were broadside collisions.
These data rank this location as #1 in weekend collisions, #2 i n nighttime collisions, and #3 in both young‐adult and DUI‐involved collisions within the study.
Typically, about one‐third of collisions at an intersection wou ld occur at night. In addition to lighting‐related concerns, these collisions involve a prevalence of DUI, speedin g , a n d d r o w s y d r i v i n g r i s k f a c t o r s . A t t h i s location, 46% of recorded incidents occurred at night, which is slightly higher than expected.
The following figures show the collision types and primary collision factors at this location, with detailed statistics in Appendix C.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
54 At 46%, the most prevalent collision type at this intersection is broadsides. Traffic signals are essentially designed to prevent broadside collisions—which typically result from right‐of‐way confusions and conflicting movements—so such a high percentage is unusual for a signalized location. Therefore, the field review took care to note any potential impairments to driver awareness for conflicting vehicle movements.
The prevalence of vehicle conflict, improper turn, and signal violation factors at this location are congruent with the finding of a large percentage of broadside collisions.
Finally, the collision patterns at this location showed that se ven (25%) of the 28 incidents involved the northbound left‐turn movement, which is currently allowed to pr oceed permissively through the intersection, concurrent with the north‐ and southbound through movements. Therefore, it is expected that improving traffic safety for the northbound left turn at this location would reduce collision frequency overall.
Recommendations
In order to improve driver awareness and nighttime intersection visibility, it is recommended the City prioritize this location for repainting and refreshing the existing lane and crosswalk striping, as it was observed to be worn and/or faded in several places. It is further recommended to improve the signing and striping regarding the dedicated eastbound right‐turn lane by installing additional “Right Turn Must Turn Right” (R3‐7) signage and an additional right‐turn arrow pavement marking at the west leg limit line. Additionally, it is recommended to improve the northbound left‐turn safety condition by providing a northbound left‐turn arrow, which we propose to be operated as a Protected‐Permissive Left‐Turn (PPL T). Finally, the City may consider widening the northbound approach on the east s i d e t o p r o v i d e a n e w r i g h t ‐ t u rn pocket, which could improve curb alignments through the intersection.
The estimated cost of these recommended capital improvements is approximately $250,000.
Operational / Low‐Cost Recommendations:
Renew and refresh existing intersection striping
Paint additional EB right‐turn arrow pavement marking at limit line Install additional EB near‐side “Right Lane Must Turn Right” (R3‐7) sign at limit line Consider installing EB eastbound far‐side “Right Lane Must Turn Right” (R3‐7) sign at east leg crosswalk Capital Improvement Recommendations:
Install NB Protected‐Permissive Left‐Turn (PPLT) arrow Consider widening NB approach to provide new right‐turn pocket lane
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
55 7.3. Riverside Avenue at Valley Boulevard
Number of Collisions: 27
This intersection is located in the southern part of the city, just north of the I‐10 freeway, surrounded by commercial properties. Per the City of Rialto General Plan, Valley Boulevard is classified as a Major Arterial, while at this location Riverside Avenue is classified as a Modified Major Arterial II. At this location, Valley Boulevard is a four‐lane arterial roadway with a 40 mph posted speed limit west of the intersection and a 45 mph posted speed limit east of it, while Riverside Avenue is a six‐lane arterial roadway with a 40 mph posted speed limit. All four approaches have raised concrete center me dians which narrow down to provide dedicated left‐turn pockets at the intersection.
At the intersection, a Burger King with drive‐through sits on t he northwest corner, a Coco’s restaurant on the northeast corner, and gas statio ns on the southeast and southwe st corners. It was observed that this location c a r r i e s h e a v y t r a f f i c f l o w s t o a n d f r o m t h e I ‐ 1 0 f r e e w a y , w i t h frequent queuing in the dedicated eastbound right‐turn lane.
The intersection is controlled by a traffic signal, with left‐t urn arrows provided for all approaches. Southbound U‐turns are prohibited during the AM and PM weekday peak periods. Near‐side signal indications are also provided on all approaches, which provide advance information to improve motorist awareness. Pedestrian crossings are provided across all four approaches.
Valley Boulevard
Riverside Avenue
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
56 Intersection Collision Patterns
Collision data over the four‐year study period (2014‐2017) show s a total of 27 collisions at this intersection, or about seven per year on average. Of these incidents, 14 (52%) were rear‐end collisions, 12 (44%) involved unsafe speeds, 11 (41%) were hit‐and‐runs collisions, 17 (63%) involved parties aged 18‐30, and 12 (44%) occurred at night. These data rank this location as #1 in rear‐end, speeding, and hit‐and‐run collisions and #2 in nighttime and young‐adult collisions within the study.
Nearly 80% of the rear‐end collisions at this location involved northbound or southbound vehicles traveling on Riverside Avenue. Per satellite aerial imagery and field observations, it was noted that the adjacent traffic signal at the I‐10 westbound ramps is located a short distance away, less than 500 feet to the south.
Typically, about one‐third of collisions at an intersection wou ld occur at night. In addition to lighting‐related concerns, these collisions involve a prevalence of DUI, speedin g , a n d d r o w s y d r i v i n g r i s k f a c t o r s . A t t h i s location, 44% of recorded incidents occurred at night, which is slightly higher than expected.
The following figures show the collision types and primary collision factors at this location, with detailed statistics in Appendix C.
At 52%, the most prevalent collision type at this intersection is rear‐end collisions, which typically involve drivers distracted by nearby downstream signal indications, con gested stop‐and‐go conditions, or unsafe speeds. Therefore, the field review focused on potential improvements to motorist awareness and traffic signal indications.
The prevailing primary collision factor at this location is unsafe vehicle speeds, at 44% of all recorded incidents.
This corresponds to the high proportion of collisions involving young adults (63%) and elevated incidence of nighttime collisions (44%).
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
57 Recommendations
In order to improve driver awareness and nighttime intersection visibility, it is recommended the City prioritize this location for repainting and refreshing the existing lane and crosswalk striping, as it was observed to be worn and/or faded in several places. It is further recommended to reduce potential vehicle conflicts at this busy intersection by permanently restricting northbound and sou thbound U‐turns on Riverside Avenue, which is a common practice near freeway interchanges. Additionally, i t is recommended to improve the eastbound right‐turn traffic flow by provid ing a right‐turn overlap arrow , to be operated concurrent with the northbound left‐turn arrow. Finally, the City may consider widening the so uthbound approach to provide a new dedicated right‐turn lane.
The estimated cost of these recommended capital improvements is approximately $200,000.
Operational / Low‐Cost Recommendations:
Renew and refresh existing intersection striping
Install NB “No U‐Turn” (R3‐4) signage
Replace existing SB time‐limited “No U‐Turn” sign with permanent “No U‐Turn” (R3‐4) sign Capital Improvement Recommendations:
Install additional NB/SB mast‐arm signal indications
Install EB right‐turn overlap arrow
Install additional safety lighting on NW and SE corners Consider widening SB approach to provide new dedicated right‐turn pocket lane
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
58 7.4. Riverside Avenue at Interstate 10 Freeway Interchange (State owned and operated)
Number of Collisions: 25
Due to the geographical tagging of the collision history databa se used in this study, incidents recorded along R i v e r s i d e A v e n u e a t t h e I n t e r s t a t e 1 ‐ ( I ‐ 1 0 ) f r e e w a y i n t e r c h a n ge were inconclusive as to be distinguished between the eastbound or westbound ramp signal. Therefore, the two traffic signals were treated as one study location. The similar geometries and traffic signal operations— as well as their close proximity—provide for a comprehensive assessment of the interchange as a whole.
This study location is in the southern part of the city, connec ting the City of Rialto to the Interstate 10 (I‐10) freeway, a regional thoroughfare. At this location, Riverside Avenue is a six‐lane arterial roadway classified as a Modified Major Arterial II under the City’s General Plan. Dual dedicated left‐turn pockets are provided on Riverside Avenue for traffic entering the freeway.
Both the eastbound and westbound ramps interchange intersection s are controlled by traffic signals, with left‐ turn arrows provided for the northbound and southbound approaches on Riverside Avenue, as appropriate.
Near‐side signal indications are provided on all approaches, which provide advance information to improve motorist awareness. Pedestrian crossings are provided along Riverside Avenue only, with sidewalks on both sides of the freeway overpass. Pedestrian crossing is prohibited across Riverside Avenue.
Intersection Collision Patterns
Collision data over the four‐year study period (2014‐2017) shows a total of 25 collisions at this location, or about six per year on average. Of these incidents, 17 (68%) wer e broadside collisions and 11 (44%) occurred at night. These data rank this location as #2 in broadside collisions within the study.
Riverside Avenue
I‐10 Freeway
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
59 Typically, about one‐third of collisions at an intersection wou ld occur at night. In addition to lighting‐related concerns, these collisions involve a prevalence of DUI, speedin g , a n d d r o w s y d r i v i n g r i s k f a c t o r s . A t t h i s location, 44% of recorded incidents occurred at night, which is slightly higher than expected.
The following figures show the collision types and primary collision factors at this location, with detailed statistics in Appendix C.
At 68%, the most prevalent collision type at this intersection is broadsides. Traffic signals are essentially designed to prevent broadside collisions—which typically result from right‐of‐way confusions and conflicting movements—so such a high percentage is unusual for any signalized location.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
60 The prevalence (48%) of signal violation as a primary collision f a c t o r a t t h i s l o c a t i o n i s c o n g r u e n t w i t h t h e finding of a large percentage of broadside collisions. Furthermore, it may be that the proximity of the two adjacent freeway ramp signals, and/or the tendency of motorists to be distracted or in a hurry at freeway entrances and exits, contribute to risky driving patterns that factor into these collisions.
Finally, the collision patterns at this location showed that th irteen (52%) of the 25 incidents involved left‐turn movements: four collisions each involving the southbound left turn toward the eastbound on‐ramp, eastbound left turn from off‐ramp, and westbound left turn from the off‐r amp; and one collision involving the northbound left turn toward the westbound on‐ramp.
Recommendations
As freeway interchanges fall under the jurisdiction of Caltrans, it is recommended the City of Rialto request Caltrans to implement several safety enhancements (increase all‐red clearance time and install additional mast‐arm‐mounted traffic signal indications) as well as conduct a d e t a i l e d t r a f f i c s a f e t y e v a l u a t i o n a t t h i s location and incorporate its findings into future improvement projects.
Operational / Low‐Cost Recommendations:
Request that Caltrans increase all‐red clearance interval for all phases Request that Caltrans install additional NB/SB mast‐arm indications for Riverside Avenue Request that Caltrans conduct a detailed traffic safety evaluation and incorporate its findings into future improvement projects
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
61 7.5. Cedar Avenue at Foothill Boulevard
Number of Collisions: 23
This intersection is located in the western part of the city, s urrounded by commercial properties. Per the City of Rialto General Plan, Cedar Avenue is classified as a Major A rterial, while Foothill Boulevard is classified as a Modified Major Arterial I. At this location, Cedar Avenue is a four‐lane arterial roadway with a 50 mph posted speed limit north of the intersection and a 45 mph posted speed limit south of it, while Foothill Boulevard is a six‐lane arterial roadway with a 50 mph posted speed limit. All four approaches have raised concrete center medians which narrow down to provide dedicated left‐turn pockets at the intersection. A McDonald’s fast‐ food restaurant with drive‐throug h s i t s o n t h e n o r t h w e s t c o r n e r, a Walgreens pharmacy on the northeast corner, and a Chevron gas station on the southwest corner, while the southeast corner currently lies vacant.
The intersection is controlled by a traffic signal, with left‐turn arrows provided for all approaches. Near‐side signal indications, which provide advance information to improve motorist awareness, are provided for the northbound and southbound approaches only. Pedestrian crossings are provided across all four approaches.
Intersection Collision Patterns
Collision data over the four‐year study period (2014‐2017) show s a total of 23 collisions at this intersection, or about six per year on average. Of these incidents, 12 (52%) were rear‐end collisions, nine (39%) involved Foothill Boulevard
Cedar Avenue
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
62 unsafe speeds, and six (26%) involved a DUI. These data rank this location as #1 in DUI collisions, #2 in rear‐end collisions, and #3 in speeding collisions within the study.
Although an elevated number of DUI collisions occurred at this intersection, most of them (5 of 6, or 83%) were rear‐end collisions, which are typically low‐severity inci dents. In fact, no severe‐injury or fatal collisions were recorded at this location, including the DUI incidents.
The following figures show the collision types and primary collision factors at this location, with detailed statistics in Appendix C.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
63 At 52%, the most prevalent collision type at this intersection is rear‐end collisions, which typically involve drivers distracted by nearby downstream signal indications, con gested stop‐and‐go conditions, or unsafe speeds. Therefore, the field review focused on potential improvements to motorist awareness and traffic signal indications.
The prevailing primary collision factor at this location is unsafe vehicle speeds, at 39% of all recorded incidents, with DUI’s being the second, at 26%.
Recommendations
As DUI’s tend to occur at night, one potential improvement to s eparate conflicting traffic at night is to increase all‐red clearance intervals. To increase motorist awareness, it is recommended the City install additional traffic signal indications for the eastbound and westbound movements on Foothill Boulevard.
The estimated cost of these recommended capital improvements is approximately $10,000.
Operational / Low‐Cost Recommendations:
Consider increasing all‐red clearance interval at night Capital Improvement Recommendations:
Install EB/WB near‐side signal indications
Install additional EB/WB mast‐arm signal indications
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
64 7.6. Riverside Avenue at Baseline Road
Number of Collisions: 22
This intersection is located in the heart of the city, surround ed by commercial properties. Per the City of Rialto General Plan, at this location both Riverside Avenue and Baseli ne Road are classified as Major Arterials. At this location, Riverside Avenue is a four‐lane arterial roadway with a 50 mph posted speed limit north of the intersection and a 40 mph posted speed limit south of it, while Baseline Road is a five‐lane arterial roadway with a 35 mph posted speed limit. All four approaches have dedi cated two‐way left‐turn median lanes which open up to provide dedicated left‐turn pockets at the intersect ion. A multi‐tenant commercial building sits on the northwest corner, a Walgreens pharmacy on the northeast corner, a Tacos El Gavilan restaurant on the southeast corner, and a McDonald’s restaurant with drive‐through on the southwest corner.
The intersection is controlled by a traffic signal, with left‐t urn arrows provided for all approaches. Westbound U‐turns are prohibited at all times. Near‐side signal indicatio ns, which provide advance information to improve motorist awareness, are provided for eastbound vehicles only. P edestrian crossings are provided across all four approaches.
Intersection Collision Patterns
Collision data over the four‐year study period (2014‐2017) show s a total of 22 collisions at this intersection, or about six per year on average. Of these incidents, 12 (55%) were rear‐end collisions and 10 (44%) involved unsafe speeds. These data rank this location as #2 in rear‐end and speeding collisions within the study.
Baseline Road
Riverside Avenue
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
65 The following figures show the collision types and primary collision factors at this location, with detailed statistics in Appendix C.
At 55%, the most prevalent collision type at this intersection is rear‐end collisions, which typically involve drivers distracted by nearby downstream signal indications, con gested stop‐and‐go conditions, or unsafe speeds. Furthermore, two‐thirds of the rear‐end collisions at t his location involved vehicles traveling on Riverside Avenue. Therefore, the field review focused on potent ial improvements to motorist awareness and traffic signal indications, particularly for the northbound and southbound approaches.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
66 The prevailing primary collision factor at this location is unsafe vehicle speeds, at 44% of all recorded incidents, with DUI’s being the second, at 18%.
Recommendations
I n o r d e r t o i m p r o v e d r i v e r a w a r e n e s s , i t i s r e c o m m e n d e d t h e e x isting westbound left‐turn lane assignment sign be replaced with a “No U‐Turn” (R3‐4) sign; additional nea r‐side traffic signal indications be installed for the northbound, southbound, and westbound approaches; and the w estbound mast‐arm left‐turn signal indication be replaced with left‐turn arrows.
The estimated cost of these recommended capital improvements is approximately $37,500.
Operational / Low‐Cost Recommendations:
Replace existing WB mast‐arm lane assignment sign with permanent “No U‐Turn” (R3‐4) sign Capital Improvement Recommendations:
Install NB, SB, WB near‐side signal indications
Install bigger pole at NW corner to accommodate 45’ mast arm. Replace WB left‐turn programmed‐visibility (PV) signal head with left‐turn arrow signal indications.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
67 7.7. Eucalyptus Avenue at Baseline Road
Number of Collisions: 20
This intersection is located in the heart of the city, surround ed by residential neighborhoods. Per the City of Rialto General Plan, Baseline Ro ad is classified as a Major Art erial, while Eucalyptus Avenue is classified as a Collector Street. At this location, Baseline Road is a four‐lane arterial roadway with a 40 mph posted speed limit and a painted median lane, which narrows to provide dedic ated left‐turn pockets at the intersection. In contrast, Eucalyptus Avenue is a two‐lane, undivided residential collector roadway with a 40 mph posted speed limit and on‐street parking.
The intersection is controlled b y a traffic signal, with pedest rian crossings provided across all approaches. The signal operation is controlled by semi‐actuation, with vehicle detection on Eucalyptus Avenue.
Intersection Collision Patterns
Collision data over the four‐year study period (2014‐2017) show s a total of 20 collisions at this intersection, or about five per year on average. Of these incidents, 13 (65%) we re broadside collisions and nine (45%) occurred at night. These data rank this location as #3 in broadside collisions within the study.
Typically, about one‐third of collisions at an intersection wou ld occur at night. In addition to lighting‐related concerns, these collisions tend to involve DUI, speeding, and d rowsy driving risk factors. At this location, 45% of recorded incidents occurred at night, which is higher than expected.
Baseline Road
Eucalyptus Avenue
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
68 Furthermore, two fatalities occurred at this location, both of which were broadside collisions occurring during daylight hours with traffic signal violation being the primary collision factor.
The following figures show the collision types and primary collision factors at this location, with detailed statistics in Appendix C.
At 65%, the most prevalent collision type at this intersection is broadsides. Traffic signals are essentially designed to prevent broadside collisions—which typically result from right‐of‐way confusions and conflicting movements—so such a high percentage is unusual for a signalized location. Therefore, the field review took care to note any potential impairments to driver awareness for conflicting vehicle movements.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
69 The prevalence of vehicle conflic t and signal violation factors at this location is congruent with the finding of a large percentage of broadside collisions.
Recommendations
Due to the occurrence of severe and fatal injuries at this loca tion, it is a prime candidate for grant funding to modernize the entire traffic signal by updating traffic signal equipment, installing additional detection, upgrading intersection safety lighting, and installing left‐tur n a r r o w s f o r t h e e a s t b o u n d a n d w e s t b o u n d approaches on Baseline Road.
This traffic signal upgrade and modernization is estimated to cost approximately $250,000.
Capital Improvement Recommendations:
Modernize and upgrade existing traffic signal
o Replace or upgrade existing traffic signal equipment
o Upgrade EB/WB signal pole and indications on Baseline Road o Provide signal poles with mast arms for NB/SB approaches o Install additional safety lighting
o Install EB/WB “dilemma zone” detection
o Install EB/WB Protected Left‐Turn operation
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
70 7.8. Riverside Avenue at Foothill Boulevard
Number of Collisions: 20
This intersection, which serves as the northern “gateway” to th e Downtown Rialto area, is located in the heart of the city and surrounded by a mix of commercial properties and residential lots. Per the City of Rialto General Plan, Foothill Boulevard is classified as a Modified Major Arte rial I, while at this location Riverside Avenue is classified as a Major Arterial north of the intersection and a M o d i f i e d M a j o r A r t e r i a l I I s o u t h o f i t . A t t h i s location, Foothill Boulevard is a six‐lane arterial roadway wit h a 40 mph posted speed limit and a two‐way left‐ turn median lane, while Riverside Avenue is a four‐lane arterial roadway with a raised, landscaped center median south of the intersection. All four approaches have dedi cated left‐turn pockets, with a dedicated right‐ turn pocket also provided for th e northbound approach. A commer cial building sits on the northwest corner, a Chase bank on the southeast corner, and gas stations on the northeast and southwest corners.
The intersection is controlled by a traffic signal, with left‐t urn arrows provided for all approaches. Pedestrian crossings are provided across all four approaches.
Intersection Collision Patterns
Collision data over the four‐year study period (2014‐2017) show s a total of 20 collisions at this intersection, or a b o u t f i v e p e r y e a r o n a v e r a g e . O f t h e s e i n c i d e n t s , 1 1 ( 5 5 % ) w ere rear‐end collisions, nine (45%) involved Foothill Boulevard
Riverside Avenue
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
71 unsafe speeds, and five (25%) involved a DUI. These data rank t his location as #2 in speeding collisions and #3 in DUI collisions within the study.
The following figures show the collision types and primary collision factors at this location, with detailed statistics in Appendix C.
At 55%, the most prevalent collision type at this intersection is rear‐end collisions, which typically involve drivers distracted by nearby downstream signal indications, con gested stop‐and‐go conditions, or unsafe speeds. Therefore, the field review focused on potential improvements to motorist awareness and traffic signal indications.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
72 The prevailing primary collision factor at this location is unsafe vehicle speeds, at 45% of all recorded incidents.
Recommendations
In order to increase visibility at the intersection and reduce potential conflicts with driveway traffic, it is recommended the City restrict stopping for 150 feet north of th e intersection along both sides of the north leg.
Furthermore, it is recommended to install near‐side traffic sig nal indications for the northbound and southbound approaches. Finally, it is recommended to facilitate the northbound right‐turn movement by installing a right‐turn overlap arrow and restricting westbound U‐turns.
The estimated cost of these recommended improvements is approximately $22,000.
Operational / Low‐Cost Recommendations:
Prohibit stopping for 150 ft. north of the intersection on both sides of north leg (SB approach/NB departure)
Install WB “No U‐Turn” (R3‐4) signs
Capital Improvement Recommendations:
Install NB/SB near‐side signal indications
Install additional safety light on southeast corner
Install NB right‐turn overlap arrow
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
73 7.9. Foothill Boulevard at Sycamore Avenue
Number of Collisions: 20
This intersection is located on the eastern edge of the city, s urrounded by commercial properties. Per the City of Rialto General Plan, Foothill Boulevard is classified as a M odified Major Arterial I, while Sycamore Avenue is classified as a Collector Street. At this location, Pepper Aven ue is a four‐lane arterial roadway included in the City’s truck route network with a 45 mph posted speed limit. We st of Pepper Avenue, Foothill Boulevard is a six‐lane arterial roadway with a 40 mph posted speed limit. East of Pepper Avenue, Foothill Boulevard is a four‐ lane arterial roadway under Caltrans’ jurisdiction with a 50 mp h posted speed limit. All four approaches have two‐way left‐turn median lanes which open up to provide dedicat ed left‐turn pockets at the intersection. The County of San Bernardino Department of Health Services sits on the northwest corner, a Church’s Chicken with drive‐through on the northeast corner, a Southern California Edison facility on the southeast corner, and a commercial center on the southwest corner.
T h e i n t e r s e c t i o n i s c o n t r o l l e d b y a t r a f f i c s i g n a l , w i t h l e f t ‐ turn arrows provided for the eastbound and westbound approaches on Foothill Boulevard. Near‐side signal indications are provided on all approaches, which provide advance information to improve motorist awareness . Pedestrian crossings are provided across all approaches.
Intersection Collision Patterns
Collision data over the four‐year study period (2014‐2017) show s a total of 20 collisions at this intersection, or about five per year on average. Of these incidents, five (25%) involved a DUI and nine (45%) occurred at night.
These data rank this location as #3 in DUI‐involved collisions within the study.
Foothill Boulevard
Sycamore Avenue
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
74 Typically, about one‐third of collisions at an intersection wou ld occur at night. In addition to lighting‐related concerns, these collisions involve a prevalence of DUI, speedin g , a n d d r o w s y d r i v i n g r i s k f a c t o r s . A t t h i s location, 45% of recorded incidents occurred at night, which is slightly higher than expected.
The following figures show the collision types and primary collision factors at this location, with detailed statistics in Appendix C.
At 45%, the most prevalent collision type at this intersection is broadsides. Traffic signals are designed to prevent broadside collisions—resulting from right‐of‐way confusions and conflicting movements—so such a
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
75 high percentage is unusual for a signalized location. Therefore, the field review took care to note any potential impairments to driver awareness for conflicting vehicle movemen ts.
The prevalence of vehicle conflic t and signal violation factors at this location is congruent with the finding of a large percentage of broadside collisions.
Finally, the collision patterns at this location showed that se ven (25%) of the 28 incidents involved the northbound left‐turn movement, which is currently allowed to pr oceed permissively through the intersection, concurrent with the north‐ and southbound through movements. Therefore, it is expected that improving traffic safety for the northbound left turn at this location would reduce collision frequency overall.
Recommendations
In order to improve driver awareness and nighttime intersection visibility, it is recommended the City prioritize this location for repainting and refreshing the existing lane and crosswalk striping, as it was observed to be worn and/or faded in several places. It is further recommended to improve the alignment of the dedicated eastbound right‐turn lane by installing painted median striping to provide channelization and separation from the through lanes. Additionally, traffic signal equipment upgrade is recommended for the northbound and southbound approaches with new traffic signal poles, mast arms, and indications. Finally, it is recommended to improve the northbound and southbound left‐turn safety conditio n by providing dedicated left‐turn pockets to separate turning traffic from through traffic.
The estimated cost of these recommended improvements is approximately $115,000.
Operational / Low‐Cost Recommendations:
Renew and refresh existing intersection striping
Capital Improvement Recommendations:
Improve EB right‐turn trap lane channelization with painted med ian Install new traffic signal poles for NB/SB approaches with mast arms and indications Restripe NB/SB approaches to provide dedicated left‐turn pockets
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
76 7.10. Riverside Avenue at Easton Street
Number of Collisions: 20
This intersection is located in the northern part of the city, just south of the I‐210 freeway, surrounded by commercial properties. At this location, per the City of Rialto General Plan, Riverside Avenue is classified as a Major Arterial, while Easton Street is classified as a Collecto r Street. At this location, Valley Boulevard is a four‐ lane arterial roadway with a 40 mph posted speed limit west of the intersection and a 45 mph posted speed limit east of it, while Riverside Avenue is a six‐lane arterial roadway with a 40 mph posted speed limit. All four approaches have dedicated left‐turn pockets: the southbound approach has two dedicated left‐turn lanes, while the other approaches have a single left‐turn lane. An Arc o gas station sits on the northwest corner, an I n ‐ N ‐ O u t r e s t a u r a n t o n t h e n o r t h e a s t c o r n e r , a C o f f e e B e a n a n d Tea Leaf café with drive‐through on the southeast corner, and a Jack‐in‐the‐Box restaurant with drive‐through on the southwest corner.
The intersection is controlled by a traffic signal, with left‐t urn arrows provided for all approaches. U‐turns are prohibited at all times. Near‐side signal indications are also provided on all approaches, which provide advance information to improve motorist awareness. Pedestrian crossings are provided across all approaches except the north leg (southbound approach).
Intersection Collision Patterns
Collision data over the four‐year study period (2014‐2017) show s a total of 20 collisions were documented at this intersection, or about five per year on average. Of these incidents, 13 (65%) occurred at night, five (20%) Easton Street
Riverside Avenue
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
77 were sideswipe collisions, and five (20%) involved DUI’s. These data rank this location as #1 in sideswipe collisions, #2 in nighttime collisions, and #3 in DUI collisions within the study.
Typically, about one‐third of collisions at an intersection wou ld occur at night. In addition to lighting‐related concerns, these collisions involve a prevalence of DUI, speedin g , a n d d r o w s y d r i v i n g r i s k f a c t o r s . A t t h i s location, 65% of recorded incidents occurred at night, which is higher than expected.
The following figures show the collision types and primary collision factors at this location, with detailed statistics in Appendix C.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
78 At 40%, the most prevalent collision type at this intersection is rear‐end collisions, which typically involve drivers distracted by nearby downstream signal indications, con gested stop‐and‐go conditions, or unsafe speeds. All of the rear‐end collisions at this location involve d northbound or southbound vehicles traveling on Riverside Avenue. Per satellite aerial imagery and field observations, it was noted that the adjacent traffic signal at the I‐210 eastbound ramps is located a short distance away, less than 500 feet to the north.
The prevailing primary collision factor at this location is unsafe vehicle speeds, at 30% of all recorded incidents, with DUI’s a close second, at 20%.
Recommendations
I n o r d e r t o i m p r o v e m o t o r i s t a w a r e n e s s , i t i s r e c o m m e n d e d t h a t the City install additional mast‐arm traffic signal indications for the northbound and southbound approaches a s w e l l as u p g r a d e t h e e a s t b o u n d ‐ t r a f f i c ‐ facing mast arm to better align the signal indications to the lane geometry. Finally, it is recommended to facilitate the westbound right turn by installing a right‐turn overlap arrow.
The estimated cost of these recommended improvements is approximately $40,000.
Capital Improvement Recommendations:
Install WB and SB right‐turn overlap arrows
Install additional NB/SB mast‐arm signal indications
Replace EB mast arm with longer mast arm to better align indications
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
79 7.11. Riverside Avenue at Third Street (Downtown Rialto) Number of Collisions: 8
This intersection is located in the heart of the city, within t he historic Downtown Rialto district, surrounded by a mix of commercial and residential properties. At this locatio n , R i v e r s i d e A v e n u e i s a f o u r ‐ l a n e a r t e r i a l roadway classified as a Modified Major Arterial II with a raise d, landscaped center median and a mph posted speed limit. In contrast, Third Street is a two‐lane local street with a 50 mph posted speed limit.
The intersection is unsignalized, with two‐way stop‐controls fo r the eastbound and westbound approaches on Third Street. Pedestrian crossings are provided across all approaches.
D u r i n g t h e f i e l d r e v i e w , i t w a s n o t e d t h a t t h e a d j a c e n t i n t e r s ection of Riverside Avenue and Second Street, approximately 600 feet south of this intersection, has very similar characteristics.
Intersection Collision Patterns
R i v e r s i d e A v e n u e a n d T h i r d S t r e e t i s t h e m o s t c o l l i s i o n ‐ p r o n e unsignalized intersection in the city. Over the four‐year study period (2014‐2017), a total of eight collisions were documented at this intersection, or about two per year on average. Of these incidents, three (38%) were b roadside collisions, three (38%) were rear‐end collisions, and three (38%) involved unsafe speeds.
A t 3 8 % e a c h , t h e m o s t p r e v a l e n t c o l l i s i o n t y p e s a t t h i s i n t e r s ection are broadsides and rear‐ends. Traffic signals are essentially designed to prevent broadside collision s, which typically result from right‐of‐way confusions and conflicting movements.
Although it has very similar geometric and traffic characteristics, just one collision was documented at the intersection of Riverside Avenue and Second Street during the s tudy period. Even so, it is included in the study recommendations to provide a consistent roadway design within the Historic Downtown District.
Third Street
Riverside Avenue
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80 The following figures show the collision types and primary collision factors at the intersection of Riverside Avenue and Third Street, with detailed statistics in Appendix C.
Recommendations
Based on the data analysis and field review, the project team recommends the City of Rialto prioritize the pedestrian experience and motorist awareness within the Downtow n R i a l t o a r e a . I n t h i s c a s e , i t i s recommended that the City concentrate pedestrian crossings at b oth Third Street and Second Street by providing a single, high‐visibility crosswalk across Riverside Avenue per intersection. This would require removing one of the existing crosswalks across Riverside Avenue , but would reduce potent ial conflict points.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
81 For increased visibility and safety, it is also recommended that each intersection have high‐visibility “saw‐ tooth” advance markings and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) warning lights for the crosswalks across Riverside Avenue.
The estimated cost of these recommended improvements is approximately $36,500 per intersection, for a total of about $73,000 for two locations.
Capital Improvement Recommendations:
Concentrate pedestrian crossings at a single, high‐visibility crosswalk per intersection Install “saw‐tooth” yield markings in advance of crosswalks Install double‐posted rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB)
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
82 7.12. Riverside Avenue at Merrill Avenue and Bloomington Avenue Number of Collisions: 17
This intersection is located in the southern part of the city, surrounded by commercial properties. Per the City of Rialto General Plan, at this location Bloomington Avenue is classified as a Major Arterial Highway, Riverside Avenue as a Major Arterial, and Merrill Avenue as a Secondary A rterial. Valley Boulevard is a four‐lane arterial roadway with a 40 mph posted speed limit west of the intersecti on and a 45 mph posted speed limit east of it, while Riverside Avenue is a six‐lane arterial roadway with a 40 mph posted speed limit. All four approaches have dedicated raised concrete c enter medians which narrow down to provide dedicated left‐turn pockets at the intersection: the northbound approach has two dedicated lef t‐turn lanes, while the other approaches have a single left‐turn lane. A Burger King with drive‐through sits on the northwest corner, a Coco’s restaurant on the northeast corner, and gas stations on the southeast and southwest corners.
The intersection is controlled by a traffic signal, with left‐t urn arrows provided for all approaches. Southbound U‐turns are prohibited during the AM and PM weekday peak period s. Near‐side signal indications, which provide advance information to improve motorist awareness, are also provided on all approaches. Pedestrian crossings are provided across all approaches.
Intersection Collision Patterns
Collision data over the four‐year study period (2014‐2017) show s a total of 17 collisions at this intersection, or about four per year on average. Of these incidents, seven (41%) were rear‐end collisions, five (44%) involved vehicles hitting fixed objects, and seven (41%) occurred at night. These data rank this location as #1 in hit‐ object collision and #3 in hit‐and‐run collisions within the study.
Merrill Avenue
Riverside Avenue
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83 Typically, about one‐third of collisions at an intersection wou ld occur at night. In addition to lighting‐related concerns, these collisions involve a prevalence of DUI, speedin g , a n d d r o w s y d r i v i n g r i s k f a c t o r s . A t t h i s location, 41% of recorded incidents occurred at night, which is slightly higher than expected.
The following figures show the collision types and primary collision factors at this location, with detailed statistics in Appendix C.
At 41%, the most prevalent collision type at this intersection is rear‐end collisions, which typically involve drivers distracted by nearby downstream signal indications, con gested stop‐and‐go conditions, or unsafe speeds. Over 70% of the rear‐end collisions at this location in volved northbound or southbound vehicles
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84 traveling on Riverside Avenue. Therefore, the field review focus e d o n p o t e n t i a l i m p r o v e m e n t s t o m o t o r i s t awareness and traffic signal indications, especially for vehicles on Riverside Avenue.
The prevailing primary collision factors at this location are u nsafe vehicle speeds and improper turns, each at 35% of all recorded incidents.
Recommendations
As discussed briefly in the recommendations for the Riverside A venue corridor, the unusual geometry of this intersection requires an awkward arrangement of traffic signal equipment and inefficient traffic signal operation. The project team has explored two alternatives for r e‐adapting this intersection to improve traffic signal optimization and reduce potential vehicle conflicts: the f i r s t , t o r e c o n f i g u r e t h e i n t e r s e c t i o n i n t o t w o , closely‐spaced, adjacent signalized intersections; the second, to reconfigure the intersection as a roundabout, which could additionally serve as a signature focal point for the City of Rialto along this regional corridor.
Recommendations Outside of Reconfiguring Intersection:
Renew and reconfigure striping to better define intersection Install cat‐track striping for vehicles exiting Bloomington Avenue Consider widening Riverside Avenue north leg to provide dedicated southbound right‐turn pocket lane The estimated cost of these recommended improvements is approximately $197,500.
Two‐Intersection Alternative:
Figure: Two-Intersection Conversion Alternative for Riverside/Merrill/Bloomington
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85 Roundabout Alternative:
Figure: Roundabout Conversion Alternative for Riverside/Merrill/Bloomington
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86 8. Countermeasures Identified to Address the Safety Issues
8.1. Non-Engineering Countermeasures
Traditionally, the approach to improving roadway safety is compo s e d o f w h a t i s c o m m o n l y k n o w n a s “ T h e Three E’s of Traffic Safety,” i.e., Engineering, Enforcement, a nd Education. The Engineering countermeasures available to the City have already been addressed, but engineer ing countermeasures will not solve every safety issue identified in the City. The California Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) discusses these as “challenge areas,” elements that when addressed can help improve the overall safety of roadways in the City.
Challenge areas that have been identified as of particular concern to the City of Rialto include:
Unsafe speed or speeding
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol Speeding and Aggressive Driving: The Highway Safety Plan reports that 18 percent of traffic rel ated fatalities and injuries in California between 2012 and 2015 involved speed ing. The definition for “unsafe speed” is not only “exceeding the posted speed limit,” but also “driving too fast for conditions.” VC 22350 states “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.”
Per the California Vehicle Code (CVC), a posted speed limit is required for enforcemen t of a maximum speed limit below 55mph. To determine and post a speed limit, an Engi neering and Traffic Survey must be conducted to determine the maximum safe speed for the roadway. Once the E ngineering Survey has been performed, a speed limit can be determined and approved by the jurisdiction with the authority over that roadway, and the approved speed limit can then be enforced. Any reductions in vehicle speeds rely on the combination of engineering design and mitigations, traffic enforcement and dri ver education. To address the enforcement and education aspects of the 3 E’s, some strategies discussed in the highway safety plan are as follows:
Providing high‐profile speed enforcement at high‐visibility locations Increasing the use of radar speed units to aid speed measuremen t Conducting an outreach campaign to educate drivers on the risks associated with speeding Based on our knowledge of the City, past experience, and profes sional traffic engineering judgement, additional measures that can be considered, which have proven useful for cities like Rialto, are as follows:
The utilization of lower profile, selective/focused enforcement – a technique that is highly effective near schools, parks and along roadways with high pedestrian and bicycle usage. Conducting safety campaigns that make use of public notices, in cluding lawn signs and banners, to encourage traffic safety in a more personal way. This technique addresses community road users, “asking” them to be more mindful of their speed due to t h e p r e s e n c e o f c h i l d r e n , pedestrians, bicyclists, etc.
Utilizing City‐supported functions and events to emphasize traffic safety within the community.
This can include booths dedicated to traffic safety, banners, publications, etc.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of Drugs or Alcohol: T h e H i g h w a y S a f e t y P l a n r e p o r t s t h a t 3 2 p e r c e n t o f traffic related fatalities and severe injuries in California be tween 2012 and 2015 involved an impaired person.
Collisions involving DUI are usually not readily addressed using engineering countermeasures. Under HSIP,
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87 collisions involving DUI are not allowed to be considered in th e calculation of benefit/cost ratios. The Highway Safety Plan includes strategies to reduce DUI‐related collisions through a combination of enforcement and education measures with increased treatment programs for repeat o r h i g h ‐ b l o o d a l c o h ol c o n t e n t o f f e n d e r s .
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) provides grants to local law enforcement agencies for increased e n f o r c e m e n t a c t i v i t i e s s u c h a s h i g h ‐ p r o f i l e D U I c h e c k p o i n t s a n d officer training for roadside detection of impaired drivers. The California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control offers grants to expand efforts for treatment of alcohol‐related problems. Table 6 provides potential funding sources available to assist municipalities in acquiring important non‐engineering speed enforcement and education resources.
Table 6: Enforcement Funding Grants
Funding Source Description Website
California Department of
Alcoholic Beverage Control
Education and training of officers from local
law enforcement agencies abc.ca.gov
Community Oriented Policing
Services
Advancing the practice of community policing
through information and grant resources cops.usdoj.gov California Office of Traffic
Safety
Making available grants for programs of traffic
law enforcement and education ots.ca.gov
Grant Assistance Program R e s o u r c e f o r P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t a n d L a w Enforcement grant assistance policegrantshelp.com
By utilizing grant‐assisted programs, the City can address the non‐engineering countermeasure of increased enforcement. To address education, t h e t h i r d “ E ” o f t r a f f i c s a f e t y , t h e C i t y m a y u s e c o m m u n i t y s u pport through programs such as “Every 15 Minutes” – a two‐day program provided by the CHP that focuses on high‐ school juniors and seniors, “challenging them to have a better understanding of drinking, driving and personal safety.” Student assemblies, co mmunity events, classes that off er follow‐up video and reading materials addressing the issues of driving under the influence (DUI) are also effective. In addition, community‐led groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) can also be partners in this effort. For example, in 2019 the City of Rialto hosted the Walk Like MADD charity walkathon and 5K race, in which over 500 people participated and over $25,000 was raised for drunk‐driving awareness and prevention programs.
8.2. Engineering Countermeasures
Engineering countermeasures are individual elements that can hel p i m p r o v e t h e o v e r a l l s a f e t y o f a s p e c i f i c location based on the types of collisions experienced and exist ing road characteristics. The selection of improper engineering countermeasures can sometimes result in mo re harm than benefit, so proposed safety improvements must be reviewed to ensure that they will help reduce the likelihood of future collisions.
In an effort to optimize highway safety funding, local transpor tation agencies are encouraged to identify and implement the optimal combination of countermeasures to achieve the greatest benefits. The Caltrans Local Roadway Safety Manual (LRSM) provides countermeasures for signa lized intersections, unsignalized i n t e r s e c t i o n s , a n d r o a d w a y s e g m e n t s . T h e f o l l o w i n g p a g e s g i v e examples of applicable countermeasures for the City of Rialto as well as a comprehensive list of the countermeasures found in the LRSM.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
88 Signalized Intersection Countermeasures
Improve signal hardware – lenses, retro‐reflective back‐plates, mounting, size and number Provide protected left‐turn phase
Install flashing beacons as advance warning.
Install pedestrian countdown signal heads.
Non-Signalized Intersection Countermeasures
Add intersection lighting.
Install/upgrade larger or additional stop signs or other intersection warning/regulatory signs Install flashing beacons as advance warning
Install enhanced pedestrian cro ssing features (e.g. signs/marki ngs, rapid rectangular flashing beacon, curb extensions, enhanced safety features, etc.)
Roadway Countermeasures
Road diet
Upgrade pavement markings and signing
Install bike lanes
Install sidewalk/pathway
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89 No. Type Countermeasure Name Crash
Type CRF
Expected
Life
(yrs)
Federal
Funding
Eligibility
Systemic
Approach
Opportunity
S1 Lighting Add intersection lighting (S.I.) Night 40% 20 100% Medium S2 Signal Mod
Improve s i gna l ha rdwa re: l ens es ,
number, size, mounting, retroreflective
back‐plates
All 15% 10 100% Very High
S3 Signal Mod Improve signal timing (coordination,
phases, red, yellow, operation) All 15% 10 50% Very High S4 Signal Mod Provi de Adva nced Di l emma Zone
Detection for high‐speed approaches All 40% 10 100% High S5 Signal Mod Ins ta l l emergency vehi cl e pre‐empti on (EVP) systems
Emergency
Vehi cl e 70% 10 100% High
S6 Signal Mod Provide protected left‐turn phase
(existing left‐turn lane) All 30% 20 100% High
S7 Signal Mod Conve rt signal t o m ast arm
(from pedestal‐mounted) All 30% 20 100% Medium
S8 Operation/Warning Ins ta l l ra i s ed pa vement ma rkers & striping through intersection All 10% 10 100% Very High S9 Operation/Warning Install flashing beacons as advance warni ng (S.I.) All 30% 10 100% Medium
S11 Operation/Warning Improve pavement friction
(High Friction Surface Treatment) All 40% 10 100% Medium S12 Geometri c Mod Ins ta l l ra i s ed medi a n on a pproa ches (S.I.) All 25% 20 90% Medium
S13 Geometri c Mod
Create directional median openings to
al l ow (& restri ct) l eft turns & U‐turns
(S.I.)
All 50% 20 90% Medium
S17 Geometri c Mod Install left‐turn lane & add turn phase (no left‐turn lane or phase exists) All 55% 20 90% Low
S18 Geometri c Mod Convert intersection to roundabout
(from signal) Al l Va ri es 20 100% Low
S19 Ped/Bike Install pedestrian countdown heads P/B 25% 20 100% Very High S20 Ped/Bike Install pedestrian crossing (S.I.) P/B 25% 20 100% High S21 Ped/Bike Install advance stop bar be fore
crosswalk P/B 15% 10 100% Very High
S22 Ped/Bike Modify signal phasing to implement
L eading Pe de strian Inte rval (L PI) P/B 60% 10 100% Very High S23 Geometric Mod Install pedestrian median fencing P/B 35% 20 90% Low Source: Caltrans Local Roadway Safety Manual(v1.4), June 2018 Table 7: Countermeasures for Signalized Intersections
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90 No. Type Countermeasure Name Crash
Type CRF
Expected
Life
(yrs)
Federal
Funding
Eligibility
Systemic
Approach
Opportunity
NS1 Lighting Add intersection lighting (NS.I.) Night 40% 20 100% Medium NS2 Control Convert to all‐way stop control
(from 2‐way stop or yield control) All 50% 10 100% High NS3 Control Install signals All 25% 20 100% Low
NS4A Control Convert intersection to roundabout
(from all‐way stop) Al l Va ri es 20 100% Low
NS4B Control Convert intersection to roundabout
(from 2‐way stop or yield control) Al l Va ri es 20 100% Low NS5 Operation/Warning Install larger/additional stop or other w arning/re gulat ory signs All 15% 10 100% Very High
NS6 Operation/Warning Upgra de i nters ecti on pa vement marki ngs (NS.I.) All 25% 10 100% Very High
NS7 Operation/Warning Install flashing beacons at stop‐ controlled intersections All 10% 10 100% High
NS8 Operation/Warning Install flashing beacons as advance warni ng (NS.I.) All 30% 10 100% High
NS9 Operation/Warning Inst all t ransve rse rum ble strips on approaches All 20% 10 90% High
NS10 Operation/Warning Improve sight distance to intersection (Clear Sight Triangles) All 20% 10 90% High
NS11 Geometri c Mod Install splitter‐islands on minor‐road approaches All 40% 20 90% Medium
NS12 Geometri c Mod Ins ta l l ra i s ed medi a n on a pproa ches (NS.I.) All 25% 20 90% Medium
NS13 Geometri c Mod Create directional median openings to allow (& restrict) left‐ & U‐turns (NS.I.) All 50% 20 90% Medium NS14 Geometric Mod Install right‐turn lane (NS.I.) All 20% 20 90% Low NS15 Geometri c Mod Install left‐turn lane
(no left‐turn lane exists) All 35% 20 90% Low
NS16 Ped/Bike Ins ta l l ra i s ed medi a ns / refuge i s l a nds (NS.I.) P/B 45% 20 90% Medium
NS17 Ped/Bike Install pedestrian xing at uncontrolled
locat ions (ne w signs & m arkings only) P/B 25% 10 100% High NS18 Ped/Bike Install pedestrian xing at uncontrolled
locations (enhanced safety features) P/B 35% 20 100% Medium NS19 Ped/Bike Install pedestrian signal (incl.
pedestrian hybrid beacon (HAWK)) P/B 55% 20 100% Low
NS20 Operation/Warning Improve pavement friction
(High‐Frict ion Surface T re at m e nt ) All 40% 10 100% Medium Source: Caltrans Local Roadway Safety Manual(v1.4), June 2018 Table 8: Countermeasures for Non‐Signalized Intersections Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
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No. Type Countermeasure Name Crash
Type CRF
Expected
Life
(yrs)
Federal
Funding
Eligibility
Systemic
Approach
Opportunity
R1 Lighting Add segment lighting Night 35% 20 100% Medium R2 Mi ti gate Obstacl es Remove/relocate fixed objects outside Clear Recovery Zone All 35% 20 90% High
R3 Mitigate Obstacles Install median barrier All 25% 20 100% Medium R4 Mitigate Obstacles Install guardrail All 25% 20 100% High R5 Mitigate Obstacles Install impact attenuators All 25% 10 100% High R6 Mitigate Obstacles Flatten side slopes All 30% 20 90% Medium R7 Mitigate Obstacles Flatten side slopes & remove guardrail All 40% 2 0 90% Medium R9 Geometric Mod Install raised median All 25% 20 90% Medium R10 Geometric Mod Install median (flush) All 15% 20 90% Medium R11 G e om e t ric Mod Inst all acce le rat ion/de ce le rat ion lane s A ll 25% 20 90% Low R13 Geometric Mod Widen lane (initially < 10 ft) All 25% 20 90% Medium R14 Geometri c Mod Add two‐way left‐turn lane
(without reducing travel lanes) All 30% 20 90% Medium
R15 Geometri c Mod Roa d di et (reduce tra vel l a nes from 4 to 3 & add two‐way left‐turn, bike lanes) All 30% 20 90% Medium R16 Geometric Mod Widen shoulder (paved) All 30% 20 90% Medium R17 Geometric Mod Widen shoulder (unpaved) All 20% 20 90% Medium R18 Geometric Mod Pave existing shoulder All 15% 20 90% Medium R19 Geometri c Mod Improve horizontal alignment
(flatten curves) All 50% 20 90% Low
R20 Geometric Mod Flatten crest vertical curve All 25% 20 90% Low R21 Geometri c Mod Improve horizontal & vertical
alignme nts All 60% 20 90% Low
R22 Geometric Mod Improve curve superelevation All 45% 20 90% Medium R23 Geometric Mod Convert from 2‐way to 1‐way traffic All 35% 20 90% Medi um R24 Geometri c Mod Improve pavement friction
(High Friction Surface Treatment) All 40% 10 100% High
R26 Operation/Warning Install/upgrade regulatory/warning signs w it h fluore sce nt she e t ing All 15% 10 100% Very High R27 Operation/Warning Install chevron signs on horizontal curves All 40% 10 100% Very High
R28 Operation/Warning Install curve advance warning signs All 25% 10 100 %V e r y H i g h R29 Operation/Warning Inst all curve advance w arning signs (flashing be acon) All 30% 10 100% High
Source: Caltrans Local Roadway Safety Manual(v1.4), June 2018 Table 9: Countermeasures for Roadways
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No. Type Countermeasure Name Crash
Type CRF
Expected
Life
(yrs)
Federal
Funding
Eligibility
Systemic
Approach
Opportunity
R30 Operation/Warning Install dynamic/variable speed warning signs All 30% 10 100% High
R31 Operation/Warning Install delineators, reflectors, and/or object markers All 15% 10 100% Very High
R32 Operation/Warning Install edgelines & centerlines All 25% 10 100% Ver y High R33 Operation/Warning Install no‐passing line All 45% 10 100% Very High R34 Operation/Warning Install centerline rumble strips/stripes All 20% 10 100% High R35 Ope rat ion/Warning Inst all e dge line rum ble st rips/st ripe s A ll 15% 10 100% High R36 Ped/Bike Install bike lanes P/B 35% 20 90% High
R37 Ped/Bike Install sidewalk/pathway
(to reduce walking along roadway) P/B 80% 20 90% Medium R38 Ped/Bike Inst all pe de strian crossing
(enhanced safety features) P/B 30% 10 90% Medium
R39 Ped/Bike Install raised pedestrian crossing P/B 35% 10 90% Medium R40 A nimal Install animal fe ncing A nimal 80% 20 90% Medium R42 Geometric Mod Install pedestrian median fencing P/B 35% 20 90% Low Source: Caltrans Local Roadway Safety Manual(v1.4), June 2018 Table 9: Countermeasures for Roadways
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93 9. Viable Project Scopes and Prioritized List of Safety Projects
9.1. Recommendations to Improve Intersection Safety
From the collision analysis and field reviews, various improveme n t s a r e r e c o m m e n d e d f o r t h e t w e l v e s t u d y intersections, ranging from low‐cost operational improvements s uch as increasing all‐red clearance intervals to large‐scale improvements such as a full traffic signal modernization. Furthermore, concepts were developed for the intersection of Riverside Avenue, Merrill Avenue, and Bloomington Avenue to convert the existing intersection, with its unusual geometry, to either two adjacent signalized intersections or a roundabout.
The intersection improvement recommendations are categorized in to operational improvements, which could be implemented within the City’s operations and maintenance programs, and capital improvement projects, which could be implemented within the City’s CIP programs or by applying for HSIP funding. The total estimated cost for the recommended intersection improvements is approximately $2.2 million (Table 10).
9.2. Recommendations to Improve Corridor Safety
From the collision analysis and field reviews, various improvem ents are recommended along the study corridors, ranging from low‐cost improvements such as modified t r a f f i c s i g n a l c y c l e l e n g t h s a n d r e s t ‐ i n ‐ r e d traffic signal operations to lar ger‐scale improvements such as new landscaped medians or the assessment of new traffic signal installations. Other corridor safety recomme ndations include updating roadway and roadside safety lighting and the strategic use of raised medians with le ft‐turn pockets to concentrate and control turning movements. Based on the character of the street and its adjacent land uses, Cactus Avenue was also identified as a potential candidate for a Complete Streets proj ect to promote active transportation and reduce vehicle speeds.
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Recommendations Counter‐
measure
Estimated
Cost* Subtotal
1. Provide 1‐second all‐red clearance interval for N/S left‐turns S3
2. Extend NB/SB all‐red clearance interval by 0.5 seconds S3
3. Convert NB/SB lead/lag left‐turn arrows to all‐time leading operation S3
4. Upgrade vehicle detection to video detection system 40,000 $
5. Install EB/WB Protected‐Permissive Left‐Turn (PPLT) arrow S6 150,000$
6. Add advance limit lines for all approaches 5,500 $
1. Renew existing intersection striping
2. Add EB right‐turn arrow pavement marking at limit line
3. Install EB near‐side "Right Lane Must Turn Right" (R3‐7) sign
4. Install NB Protected‐Permissive Left‐Turn (PPLT) arrow S6 75,000$
5. Consider widening NB approach to provide new right‐turn pocket 175,000 $ * OP: it is assumed that these operational improvements can be implemented within existing operating budgets Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
Table 10: Recommended Intersection Improvements
Cedar Ave
@ Merrill Ave1
Foothill Blvd
@ Pepper Ave2
Location
OP
$250,000
$195,500
OP
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
94 2/2
Recommendations Counter‐
measure
Estimated
Cost* Subtotal
1. Renew existing intersection striping
2. Install NB "No U‐Turn" (R3‐4) sign
3. Install additional NB/SB mast‐arm indications
S2 5,000$
4. Install EB right‐turn overlap arrow 10,000 $
5. Install additional safety lighting on NW & SE corners S1 10,000$
6. Consider widening SB approach to provide new right‐turn pocket 175,000 $
1. Request that Caltrans provide and/or increase all‐red time S3
2. Request that Caltrans install additional NB & SB mast‐arm indications S2
3. Request that Caltrans conduct a detailed traffic safety study
1. Consider increasing all‐red time at night S3 OP
2. Install EB & WB near‐side indications S2 5,000$
3. Install additional EB & WB mast‐arm indications S2 5,000$
1. Replace WB mast‐arm lane assignment sign w/ "No U‐Turn" (R3‐4) sign OP
2. Install NB, SB, & WB near‐side indications S2 7,500$
3. Upgrade mast arm pole on NW corner of intersection S2 30,000$ Install bigger signal pole to accommodate 45' mast arm.
Replace programmed visibility (PV) head with left‐turn arrow indication
1. Full modernization of traffic signal
S7
Replace/upgrade traffic signal equipment S2
Install additional safety lighting S1
Install EB & WB "dilemma zone" detection S4
Install EB & WB Protected‐Permissive Left‐Turn (PPLT) arrows S6
1. Prohibit stopping for 150' on north leg (SB approach/NB departure)
2. Install WB "No U‐Turn" (R3‐4) signs
3. Install NB & SB near‐side indications S2 5,000$
4. Install additional safety light on SE corner S1 7,000$
5. Install NB right‐turn overlap arrows 10,000 $
1. Renew existing intersection striping OP
2. Improve EB right‐turn trap lane channelization with painted median 15,000 $
3. Install new NB & SB poles with mast‐arms and indications S2 85,000$
4. Restripe NB & SB approaches to provide left‐turn pockets 15,0 00$
1. Install WB right‐turn overlap arrows 10,000 $
2. Install additional NB & SB mast‐arm indications S2 5,000$
3. Replace EB mast arm with longer mast arm to better align indications S2 25,000$
1. Concentrate pedestrian crossings at a single high visiblity crosswalk 15,000 $
2. Install "saw tooth" yield markings at median NS6 1,500$
3. Install double‐posted rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB) NS8 20,000$
1. Reconfigure striping to better define intersection 20,000 $
2. Add cat‐tracking for Bloomington Ave movements 2,500 $
3. Consider widening SB approach to provide new right‐turn pocket 175,000 $ Environmental (5%):
Design (20%):
Construction Engineering: (10%):
* OP: it is assumed that these operational improvements can be implemented within existing operating budgets Construction Contingency (20%):
Total Estimated Cost of Recommended Improvements
$1,433,998
$73,000
$197,500
Construction Subtotal:
$2,222,697
$286,800
$71,700
$286,800
$143,400
12 Riverside Ave @
Merrill Ave &
Bloomington Ave
11 Downtown Rialto
(Riverside Ave
@ 2nd/3rd St)
$40,00010 Riverside Ave
@ Easton St
Eucalyptus Ave @
Baseline Rd
$10,000
$37,500
9 Foothill Blvd @
Sycamore Ave $115,000
OP
$22,000
7 8 Foothill Blvd @
Riverside Ave
Riverside Ave @
Baseline Rd
250,000$ $250,000
6 Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
Table 10: Recommended Intersection Improvements
Location
5 Foothill Blvd
@ Cedar Ave
OP
Riverside Ave
@ I‐10 Ramps4 Caltrans Responsibility
Riverside Ave
@ Valley Blvd $200,0003
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
95 Recommendations Counter‐
measure(s)
Estimated
Cost1
HSIP2
Candidate
1. St rive for consist e nt spe e d zoning LOW
2. Improve street and safety lighting R1, S1, NS1 MEDIUM
3. Modify traffic signal operations MEDIUM
4. Inst all raise d m e dian islands w it h landscaping R9 HIGH
5. T arge t im prove m e nt s at Rive rside /Me rrill/Bloom ingt on* HIGH
1. Convert State Route i nto boul evard HIGH
2. Conside r e xt e nding all‐re d cle arance int e rvals LOW
3. Im prove safe t y light ing at signalize d int e rse ct ions S1 MEDIUM
4. Narrow trave l lane s LOW
5. Modernize traffic signals HIGH
1. Inst all radar fe e dback signs R30 LOW
2. Conside r e xt e nding all‐re d cle arance int e rvals LOW
3. T arge t im prove m e nt s at Base line /E ucalypt us* S1, S2, S4, S6, S7 MEDIUM
4. Target i mprovements at Bas el i ne/Sycamore MEDIUM
1. U pgrade safe t y light ing R37, S1, NS1 MEDIUM
2. Re vie w t raffic signal t im ing LOW
3. Com ple t e pe de st rian facilit ie s MEDIUM
4. Cont rol acce ss st rat e gically MEDIUM
5. Target i mprovements at Cedar/Merri l l * S3, S6 MEDIUM
6. Target i mprovements at Cedar/Eti wanda MEDIUM
1. Devel op a nd i mpl ement Compl ete Street proj ect R15, R36 HIGH
2. Cons i der new traffi c s i gnal i ns tal l ati ons (3)* NS3 MEDIUM
1. Im ple m e nt t raffic calm ing st rat e gie s LOW
2. Establish a school outreach program LOW
3. E st ablish " N o Parking" zone s LOW
4. Upgrade "School Zone" signage and markings LOW
5. T arge t im prove m e nt s at E ucalypt us/Base line * S1, S2, S4, S6, S7 MEDIUM
1. St rive for consist e nt spe e d zoning LOW
2. Devel op wes tern porti on for future growth LOW
3. T arge t im prove m e nt s at Casm alia/A yala MEDIUM
4. Target i mprovements at Cas mal i a/Cactus * MEDIUM
5. T arge t im prove m e nt s at Casm alia/L ilac MEDIUM 1 Estimated costs are ranked as follows: LOW = less than $150k ; MEDIUM = $150k ‐ $1M; HIGH = over $1M 2 Recommended im provements with medium‐to‐hi gh estimated costs & potentially high effectiveness ma y be eli gible for Highway Safety Imp * Note: this recommendation is also discussed within another corr idor analysis and/or the intersection analyses.
Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
Table 11: Recommended Corridor Improvements
Riverside
Avenue1
Foothill
Boulevard2
Eucalyptus
Avenue
Casmalia
Street
6 7
Corridor
Baseline
Road3
Cactus
Avenue
4 Cedar
Avenue /
Ayala Drive
5 Rialto Systemic Safety Analysis Report Program
96 10. Attachments and Supporting Documentation
This section provides supporting documents referred to througho u t t h e r e p o r t . T h e i n f o r m a t i o n b e l o w i s divided into the following subsections:
10.1. Appendix A – Office of Traffic Safety Data
10.2. Appendix B – Citywide Collision History Data
10.3. Appendix C – Corridor Collision History Data
10.4. Appendix D – Intersection Collision History Data