DATE: AUGUST 8, 2023
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS, TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION DIVISION FROM: DAVID JACOBS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
BY; ADRIANA ROBLES, CITY ENGINEER
GERARDO RODRIGUEZ, ASSISTANT ANGINEER
TITLE: REMOVAL OF THE UNCONTROLLED MARKED CROSSWALK AT ELVEE DRIVE AND RELOCATION OF AN UNCONTROLLED MARKED CROSSWALK AT EAST ALVIN DRIVE AT SOLANO WAY RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a resolution approving the removal of the uncontrolled marked crosswalk at Elvee Drive and the relocation of an uncontrolled marked crosswalk at East Alvin Drive at Solano Way.
BACKGROUND:
In 2014, the City of Salinas adopted Crosswalk Policy Guidelines (Attachment 1) to prescribe a formal and transparent process for consideration of marked crosswalks (Resolution No. 20711). The Crosswalk Policy Guidelines provides a flowchart for determining crosswalk locations; where crosswalks with special treatments, such as high-visibility crosswalks, flashing beacons and other special features, should be employed; and where crosswalks should not be marked due to safety concerns resulting from volume, speed, or sight distance issues.
The Crosswalk Policy Guidelines establish that the City should only mark crosswalk locations where there is sufficient crossing demand, and where crosswalks are spaced at least 300 feet apart. The guidelines recommend that crosswalk locations should provide adequate sight lines so that drivers can feasibly stop in time. City staff have reevaluated the crosswalk at Elvee Drive and determined that its location does not provide adequate sight lines (Attachment 2) and maintaining the crosswalk may result in a liability for the City. Therefore, staff recommends removal of the crosswalk consistent with the established policy.
Additionally, a proposed development on East Alvin Drive (APN 261-661-011) is planning to install a driveway which would conflict with the existing crosswalk at East Alvin Drive at Solano Way. In accordance with the Crossway Policy Guidelines, a traffic study revealed that less than 20 pedestrians cross per hour at this uncontrolled marked crosswalk location. Removing the markings does not prohibit pedestrians from crossing.
Consistent with California Vehicle Code Policy, a 30-day notice has been posted at the crosswalks indicating the consideration for removal. No written public comments have been received by City staff at the time of this report.
Traffic and Transportation Commission
A recommendation for the removal of the uncontrolled marked crosswalks at Elvee Drive, and East Alvin Drive at Solano Way was presented to the Traffic and Transportation Commission at its July 13, 2023 meeting. The Commission voted 2-3 to recommend to Council the removal of the uncontrolled marked crosswalks at Elvee Drive, and East Alvin Drive at Solano Way. Commissioners Davis and Howell voted in support of the recommendation and Commissioners Canseco, Cox and Quigley voted against the recommendation.
Commissioners Cox and Canseco voiced concerns about removal of the crosswalk at East Alvin Drive given the proximity of the school. As a response to the commissioners’ concerns, staff has revised the recommendation for the East Alvin Drive to relocate the crosswalk to the east side curb at Solano Way to not conflict with the proposed improvements. (See Attachment 3).
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Removal and relocation of an uncontrolled marked crosswalk on City street is exempt under CEQA 15301, Class 1(c) since the actions consists of operation and minor alteration of an existing City street.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
This action supports the Council’s initiative of Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability and Public Safety.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
There will be no impact to the City’s General Fund. The crosswalks will be removed and relocated as part of the offsite improvements for private development which will be required as conditions of approval.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Attachment 1: City of Salinas Crosswalk Policy Guidelines Attachment 2: Uncontrolled Marked Crosswalk at Elvee Drive Attachment 3: Uncontrolled Marked Crosswalk at East Alvin Drive at Solano Way Page | 2
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