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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-03-23 - AGENDA REPORTS - MEDIAN ALTERNATIVES (2)NEW BUSINESS DATE: SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT: BACKGROUND AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approval {Item to be presented b Anthony J. Nisich March 23, 1993 up - MEDIAN ALTERNATIVES ON SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD EAST OF SIERRA HIGHWAY Community Development Several years ago, the Traffic Engineering staff recommended, as a "quick -fix" project, consideration of a modification to the raised median on Soledad Canyon Road east of Sierra Highway, to Improve traffic flow and traffic safety. The raised median was intended to reduce the higher than expected number of accidents on this section of Soledad Canyon Road. A modification to the driveway on Soledad Canyon Road at the Ben Franklin Shopping Center was Included with the proposal. The purpose of the median modification would be to restrict left turns into and out of a number of driveways on either side of Soledad Canyon Road. Presently, the striped two-way turn lane on Soledad Canyon Road allows unlimited left turns at these driveways. DISCUSSION Staff has completed a detailed traffic study that summarizes the pros and -cons of various alternatives to address the traffic safety on this section of Soledad Canyon Road (Exhibit A). Alternatives evaluated In the traffic study Included: A continuous raised median from Sierra Highway to Solamint Road. Left and U-turn opportunities would be provided at both ends. All driveways would be automatically restricted to "right turn only." This alternative offers the greatest likelihood of Improving safety on Soledad Canyon Road by eliminating all mid -block left turns both Into and out of the various driveways throughout the study segment (Exhibit B). 2. A raised median with westbound 'left only" opportunitles at Ben Franklin Center and the Post Office (and other retail) driveway, as well as an eastbound U-turn lane east of the Ben Franklin Center. All driveways would be restricted to "right turn only." This option accomplishes a great deal of the safety objectives, while providing greater access possibilities to the various commercial enterprises in the study area (Exhibit C). Agenda Item: MEDIAN ALTERNATIVES Page 2 3. A painted median with westbound "left only" access to the Ben Franklin Center.and the Post Office (and other retail) driveway. There would be no eastbound U-turn lane east of Ben Franklin Center. The main reason for this alternative is the demand for left -turn storage for westbound traffic at Sierra Highway. While staff believes that Alternative No. 2 provides adequate storage, the community believes more is needed. Alternative No. 3 provides for this (perceived) need. All driveways would be restricted to "right turn only" by regulatory signing. This alternative accomplishes most of the safety objectives, however, may not be as positive as either Alternative No. 1 or 2, due to the painted Island. Some violations of the painted median can be expected (Exhibit D). All of the above alternatives would Include modifications to the. Ben Franklin Center driveway on Soledad Canyon to enhance and facilitate the vehicular access Into and out -of the driveway (Exhibit E). It Is expected that the volume of U-turns on Soledad Canyon Road at Solamint Road would Increase as a result of any of the proposed alternatives. A signal warrant analysis was recently performed at this intersection. Although the volumes on Soledad Canyon Road exceed the minimum requirements; the traffic volumes and the delay to the motorists exiting Solamint Road does not satisfy the minimum requirements. The majority of southbound traffic on Solamint Road makes a right turn onto Soledad Canyon Road with little or no delay. It Is foreseeable that with the construction of the raised median, the higher traffic volumes would Increase the delay to the side - street traffic, thereby satisfying the signal warrants. The.signal warrants should be evaluated at this Intersection after construction of the raised median to assess the need for signalization. RECOMMENDATION Approve Alternative No. 1 to construct a raised median on Soledad Canyon Road from Sierra Highway to Solamint Road. 2. Direct staff to proceed with the design for this project. Budget In the amount of $85,000 Is currently allocated In Account No. 25-95014227 to accomplish this work. ATTACHMENTS Exhibit A: Traffic Engineering Study Exhibit B: Alternative 1 Exhibit C: Alternative 2 Exhibit D: Alternative 3 Exhibit E: Modifications at Ben Franklin Shopping Center Driveway hds:median.bj CITY OF SANTA CLARITA INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM EXHIBIT A TO: Lynn M. Harris; Deputy City Manager, Community Development FROM: Anthony J. Nislch, City Engineer<� DATE: March 8, 1993 ^^ SUBJECT: MEDIAN ALTERNATIVES ON SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD EAST OF SIERRA HIGHWAY Issue The purpose of this memorandum Is to summarize the findings of two traffic studies conducted on Soledad Canyon Road to address the accident pattern which has developed between Sierra Highway and Solamint Road. The reports Indicate that for Increased safety and improved traffic flow, some form of a median should be constructed on this stretch of Soledad Canyon Road In an effort to reduce the number and pattern of accidents. Background Several years ago, the Traffic Engineering staff recommended, as a "quick -fix" project, consideration of a modification to the raised median on Soledad Canyon Road east of Sierra Highway to improve traffic flow and traffic safety. A modification to the driveway on Soledad Canyon Road at the Ben Franklin Shopping Center was Included with the proposal. As a follow-up to this Quick -Fix proposal, a Traffic Engineering report was prepared on August 22, 1991, that recommended an extension to the raised median on Soledad Canyon Road from the existing median 200 feet east of Sierra Highway to Solamint Road, a distance of approximately 1,000 feet. The purpose of this median would be to restrict left turns Into and out of a number of driveways on either side of Soledad Canyon Road. Presently, the striped two-way turn lane on Soledad Canyon Road allows unlimited left turns at these driveways. This unrestricted and almost random left -turn activity has been Identified as one of the reasons for the less than desirable traffic accident history In the area. As the August 22, 1991 report Indicates, the accident rate was calculated at 3.3 accidents per million vehicle miles (A/mvm) on the segment of Soledad Canyon Road under study. This figure does not compare favorably to an expected rate of 2.14 Almvm for similar highways throughout the County or the 1.51 A/mvm rate on other nearby segments of Soledad Canyon Road. MEDIAN ALTERNATIVES Page 2 The August 22,1991, report indicates that there were 37 reported mid -block accidents in a 41 -month period. Seventy-five percent of the reported accidents Involved left turns into or out of the various driveways In the area. Recent studies have revealed that the accident rate remains essentially unchanged since the August '91 report. The current accident rate has been computed to be 3.29 A/mvm. As with the Initial analysts, the majority of these accidents were related to some driveway activity. We believe that at least two-thirds of these collisions could be prevented by restricting some or all of the left -turn movements. A two-thirds reduction in left -turn accidents would result in a 50 percent Improvement in the accident rate to the point where the frequency of collisions would be at least similar to other segments of Soledad Canyon Road. Public Participation - First Meeting Since the proposed raised median was expected to Impact the abutting businesses and other driveway users In the area, a public participation meeting was held on February 20, 1992. All potentially affected parties were Invited. These Included the owners of the shopping centers, all merchants, and tenants, the.two existing mobilehome parks, Canyon Country Chamber of Commerce, the post office, etc. The meeting was held at Sierra Vista Junior High School In Canyon County. Approximately 30 people attended, representing a substantial majority of the potentially affected properties along Soledad Canyon Road. The continuous raised median concept was presented at this meeting. The safety concerns were presented as well. Everyone at the meeting was uniformly opposed to the project. The group expressed concerns for loss of business if left turns were denied Into and out of their businesses. Several residents of the mobilehome park at Solamint Road expressed concern about access to their homes. After lengthy discussions relative to traffic safety, convenience, and potential economic impacts, staff agreed to consider several alternatives to the continuous raised median on Soledad Canyon Road. A modification to the driveway onto Soledad Canyon Road from the Ben Franklin Center was also discussed. The proposed modification would widen the driveway opening and provide street -type radii for the driveway, in an effort to enhance the maneuvers In and out of the driveway. • The owners and tenants agreed that widening the driveway would help alleviate congestion at the driveway and reduce the potential for conflict on Soledad Canyon Road that results from this congestion. Public Participation - Second Meetin On October 28, 1992, another public participation meeting was convened at Canyon High School to discuss several alternatives to the continuous raised median concept. To start the meeting, the original continuous median was reintroduced for comparison purposes (Alternative No. 1). Two other alternatives were also presented. Alternative No. 2 shows the raised median with two westbound left -turn "In Only" opportunities. One of these openings would be at the Ben Franklin Center and the other at the retail center adjacent to the post office. MEDIAN ALTERNATIVES Page 3 This alternative would accomplish most of the objectives of Alternative No. 1, white maintaining reasonable access to most of the potentially affected businesses. This alternative also shows an eastbound U-turn just east of the Ben Franklin Center. The U-turn lane Is proposed In recognition of the need to proceed west from the Ben Franklin Center after turning right (as required by the proposal) from the driveway. The need to proceed west from the post office and adjacent businesses would be satisfied at Solamint Road. Alternative No. 3 Is very similar In concept to Alternative No. 2, except that It Involves a painted median rather than the raised Island. The only advantage to this option Is Its reduced cost. This alternative Is not considered as effective as Alternative No. 2, due to the tendency for motorists to violate the provisions of the striped median. All of the alternatives Included widening the Ben Franklin driveway and "Right -Turn Only" regulations posted at all driveways. Neither of these alternatives received much support from the community. There was no support for Alternative No. 1, limited support for Alternative No. 2, and very little support for Alternative No. 3. They were all seen as detrimental to the respective commercial and residential users along the highway. There was considerable concern for the "Right -Turn Only" provisions with all of the proposals. There was some recognition of the safety issue and support for a " Rlght-Turn Only" provision during certain critical hours. There was no consensus as to which hours were critical. There was general agreement from the owners and tenants of the Ben Franklin Center to widen the driveway. The only other general agreement was to leave the present unrestricted left -turn arrangement on Soledad Canyon Road. Discussion Staff continues to believe some Improvements are needed In order to reduce the continuing traffic accident history. We believe that; for Increased safety and Improved traffic flow, some remedial action Is appropriate on this stretch of Soledad Canyon Road. We also believe that leaving the present accident rate to continue would be undesirable. The status quo could compromise our risk management position on the road. It should be pointed out, however, that raised median is shown In the General Plan Circulation Element for all of Soledad Canyon Road. This segment Is one of the few along the highway where raised median Is not in place. As new development occurs along Soledad Canyon Road, raised median Is conditioned and Is expected to be Installed. Both Alternative Nos. 1 and 2 would be consistent with the General Plan. MEDIAN ALTERNATIVES Page 4 Recommendation For these reasons, we recommend that one of the three alternative Improvements be approved for Implementation. Our preferences are, In descending order, as follows: • First Choice: Alternative No. 1 - A continuous raised median from Sierra Highway to Solamint Road. Left and U-turn opportunities would be provided at both ends. All driveways would be automatically restricted to "Right -Turn Only." This alternative offers the greatest likelihood of Improving safety on Soledad Canyon Road by eliminating all mid -block left turns both Into and out of the various driveways throughout the study segment. Acceptable Second Choice: Alternative No. 2 - A raised median with westbound "Left Only" opportunities at Ben Franklin Center and the post office (and other retail) driveway, as well as an eastbound U-turn lane east of the Ben Franklin Center. All driveways would be restricted to "Right Turn Only." This option accomplishes a great deal of our safety objectives, while leaving reasonable access to the various commercial enterprises In the study area. Acceptable Third Choice (maybe used as an Interim): Alternative No. 3- A painted median with westbound "Left Only" access to the Ben Franklin Center and the post office (and other retail) driveway.- There would be no eastbound U-turn lane east of Ben Franklin Center. The main reason for this alternative Is the demand for left•turn storage for westbound traffic at Sierra Highway. While we believe that Alternative No. 2 provides adequate storage, the community believes more is needed. Alternative No. 3 provides for this (perceived) need. All driveways would be restricted to "Right Turn Only" by regulatory signing. This alternative accomplishes most of the safety objectives, however, may not be as positive as either Alternative No.1 or 2 due to the painted island. Some violations of the painted median can be expected. All of these alternatives would Include the driveway enhancements at the Ben Franklin Center. In the event neither of these alternatives are selected and the present two-way left -turn lane is retained, we would not recommend that the Ben Franklin Center driveway be reconstructed as a "stand alone" project. We believe that selecting this driveway out of the hundreds in the City for special treatment outside of an overall Improvement project would set an undesirable precedent. The subject driveway is on private property, and the use of public funds for Improvements to an Isolated project Is not recommended. hds:medianl.bj SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD PROPOSED MEDIAN IMPROVEMENTS LA PLCO PI.ILA ..._ / SOLEDAD f / �� .. ...... ..:: . • -- rroouo w.,uo rrun CANYON �P - •wmun •s<o wa.w t _ % ROAD f�unnvwuw •r—, —r .� _�_ n.•......•'Or%-..+..e..e�.. wi..o.:a1 .r. araw .w..os.an�.... BEN PAANICLZN PLAZA cam/ r SOLEDAD SAOPPZNO CENTEA .w... rw:a.ms,•••r. r.rl®v�roissrw u NORTH 1l. t.— ALTERNATEI SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD PROPOSED MEDIAN IMPROVEMENTS. LA PICO PLAZA SOLEDAD .7' ^>r ..,rco »ea.x CANYON :P r.nvsw +usso u[ou» ROAD HEN IAANXLIN PLAZA / k". NOflTN , r1l SOLEDAD SHOPPING CENTER ALTERNATE I' 1L1iXFi ' Exhibit C .wsu rr.. nrrrrw wm .ter.. eLN F&VnMIN PLAZA 6 Nomm SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD PROPOSED MEDIAN IMPROVEMENTS SOL£DAD SHOPPING CENTER ALTERNATE 3 a ms..r rwdcsn �r Ir LA PLCO PLAZA ROAD CONSTRUCT ALLEY INTERSECTION PER L.A.Co. STD. PLAN 44.01 W=30' REMOVE EXISTING DRIVE EXIST. STREET LIGHT - U/ z EXIST. PLANTER WALL-,,,�'f 3 TYP. EXIST. SIGN POSTS 1 6 4__—_—_� —__— 26,--31 —_ =J BEN FRANKLIN PLAZA PARKING LOT .. (183 SPACES) _---- 'ROTECT IN PLACE) EXIST. F.H. -EXIST. RNV EXIST. RAW EXIST. BLDG. (7.11) NOTE: .PARKING SPACE NUMBERIOAND17ARETO BE REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH LANDSCAPING AND SPRINKLER LINES EXTENDED FROMTHEADJACENT EXISTING PLANTERS. LANDSCAPE DESIGN TO BE APPROVED BY THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT. BEN FRANKLIN. PLAZA PARKING aoain lO CONSTRUCT 6'CURB PER A.P.W.A. STD. PLAN C1.6. 2O. RELOCATE WATER VALVE AND COVER. 3O. REMOVE MASONRY BLOCK AND WALL STRUCTURE AND INTERFERING PLANTER. CAP SPRINKLER PIPES AND RELOCATE JUNCTION BOXES. 4O CONSTRUCT 6'.' WIDE MASONRY WALL AND STRUCTURE.MATCH EXISTING BLOCK WALL IN BRICK COLOR AND TYPE. 5O EXTEND AND MATCH EXISTING DECORATIVE PAVING: CENTER ENTIRE DECORATIVE PAVING ON NEW DRIVE. ©INSTALL 2" A.C. PAVING IN DRIVE AREA. JOIN AND MATCH EXISTING PAVING. m