DATE: AUGUST 20, 2024
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION DIVISION FROM: DAVID JACOBS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
BY; ADRIANA ROBLES, CITY ENGINEER
GERARDO RODRIGUEZ, ASSISTANT ENGINEER
TITLE: REMOVAL OF UNCONTROLLED MARKED CROSSWALK AT SOUTH HEBBRON AVENUE AND PRINCE PLACE RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a resolution to remove the uncontrolled marked crosswalk at South Hebbron Avenue and Prince Place.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City of Salinas adopted the Crosswalk Policy Guidelines establishing that the City should only mark crosswalk locations where there is sufficient crossing demand, and where crosswalks are spaced at least 300 feet apart. City staff determined the uncontrolled marked crosswalk at South Hebbron Avenue and Prince Place does not meet City policy. Staff is recommending the crosswalk marking to be removed.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Salinas adopted Crosswalk Policy Guidelines (Attachment 1) to prescribe a formal and transparent process for consideration of marked crosswalks. It provides information to be used when making decisions about where standard crosswalks should be marked; where crosswalks with special treatments, such as high-visibility crosswalks, flashing beacons, or other special features, should be employed; and where crosswalks will not be marked due to safety concerns resulting from volume, speed, or sight distance issues.
City of Salinas has conducted pavement repair and plans to restripe the roadway of South Hebbron Avenue from East Alisal Street to John Street. The pavement resurfacing project (Attachment 3) required staff to reevaluate the need for the existing crosswalk and determine if preserving the existing uncontrolled crosswalk was warranted. Results of the study indicated that roadway and traffic conditions no longer warrant a marked crosswalk. Crossing demand at this location does not satisfy warrant requirements for a marked crosswalk nor any additional crossing enhancements. Marking a crosswalk where no longer warranted or where crossing conditions are not ideal can increase the collision potential of marked crosswalk.
The uncontrolled marked crosswalk on South Hebbron Avenue at its intersection with Prince Place does not meet the crossing demand required for a striped crosswalk. Recent counts indicated a peak 2-hour crossing demand of 11 pedestrians, see Attachment 2. The crosswalk policy criteria threshold is 40 pedestrians for the peak 2-hour demand. Additionally, the crosswalk would not significantly impact the recommended path to school nor connect two pedestrian generators (school, bus stop, or hospital). A historic connection to the back of Sherwood Elementary School was closed years ago and there is no planned use of this back access. Pedestrians are encouraged to walk from Prince Place or South Hebbron Avenue to either John Street or East Alisal Street where the crossing is controlled by a stop sign and a signalized intersection, respectively.
Consistent with California Vehicle Code Policy, a 30-day notice was posted at the crosswalk indicating the consideration for removal. No written public comments were submitted to City staff at the time of this report.
Traffic and Transportation Commission:
The recommendation for the removal of the uncontrolled marked crosswalk at South Hebbron Avenue at Prince Place was presented to the Traffic and Transportation Commission at its June 13, 2024 meeting. The Commission voted 2-4 against the recommendation to remove the uncontrolled marked crosswalk at South Hebbron Avenue at Prince Place. Commissioners Howell and Pauda voted in support of the recommendation and Commissioners Canseco, Gonzales Reyes, Hamer and Quigley voted against the recommendation.
There wasn't a consistent message from the Commission as to why they voted to leave the crosswalk. Commission Gonzalez Reyes had concerns that we were removing a facility that services the nearby school. He indicated that even though current school administration maintains the back gate closed he felt that in the future this might be opened. We reached out to the school but didn't hear back.
Commission Quigley suggested that the existing crosswalk may slow traffic. Commission Hamer asked why there wasn't a second crosswalk across Hebbron servicing Prince Pl. He stated he was confused about the layout and wasn't understanding.
In response to concerns expressed by the Commission, staff reached out to Sherwood Elementary School. The school confirmed the non-access to the back of the school would continue, stating safety concerns. Additionally, the school participated in the formation of the suggested routes for the Safe Routes to Schools Plan. The plan does not identify the uncontrolled crosswalk as a priority nor as a suggested route to Sherwood Elementary School.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Removal 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 Public Safety by removing the uncontrolled marked crosswalk.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
There will be no impact to the City’s general fund. The removal of the crosswalk will occur during pavement resurfacing, which is currently planned and budgeted. When the roadway is restriped, this crosswalk will not be replaced.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Attachment 1: City of Salinas Crosswalk Policy Guidelines Attachment 2: Crossing Study at S Hebbron Ave and Prince Pl Attachment 3: S Hebbron Ave Pavement Project
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