HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-10-22 - AGENDA REPORTS - CONGESTION STRIPING PROJ 95 31 (2)F410 W ►!�, Uf a 'J
CONSENT CALENDAR
DATE: October 22, 1996
City Manager Approi
Item to be presented
Bahman Janka
SUBJECT: SIERRA HIGHWAY/STATE ROUTE 14 CONGESTION CORRIDOR STRIPING
PROJECT NO. 95-31
DEPARTMENT: Building and Engineering Services
BACKGROUND
In December of 1994, the City received a $328,000 grant from MTA for the subject project, which
requires a 25% match in funds from the City. This brings the total project budget to $438,000.
MTA allocated the grant funds to the City to restripe Sierra Highway from four to six lanes of
travel between San Fernando Road and Soledad Canyon Road to relieve traffic congestion.
On January 9, 1996, Council awarded a contract to Korve Engineering for the design phase of
this project. Council awarded the contract with the condition that the feasibility study portion
of this project would include a review of bicycle lane options on Sierra Highway.
A Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) meeting was held with members of the
bicycle community to discuss the issue of bicycle lanes in this City and seek input regarding
potential alternatives on Sierra Highway. The bicycle community voiced their concerns and
provided valuable input, but CTAC gave no specific direction at this meeting regarding Sierra
Highway.
Input from the CTAC meeting was incorporated into Korve's feasibility study. Korve analyzed
seven alternatives (see attachment for the alternatives and the pros and cons of each). These
alternatives were presented to CTAC in the following meeting. Korve recommended, and CTAC
agreed, that Alternative F be considered for implementation to address both the automobile and
bicycle needs in this corridor. Alternative F will add an additional traffic/shoulder lane in each
direction, which vehicles will be allowed to use only during peak congestion hours, leaving these
lanes open for cyclists the remainder of the time. The restrictive use of these shoulder lanes will
be supplemented by regulatory signing and pavement legends. Alternative F applies only to the
segment of Sierra Highway between Vista Del Canon and San Fernando Road. This alternative
was derived from a cychsVs suggestion at the first CTAC meeting. This option has been discussed
APPROVED
, i` yI. Item:
Sierra Highway/State Route 14 Striping
Project No. 95-31
September 24, 1996
Page 2
with John Lukes, a representative of the bicycle community who attended the CTAC meetings,
and he supports this alternative. The Sheriffs Department has also reviewed this proposal and
supports the project. They will provide the necessary, enforcement to ensure its safe and
successful operation.
City staff supports Alternative F for the following reasons:
• It provides a compromise between the needs of the motorists and bicyclists using this corridor.
• It fulfills the MTA grant requirements for this project.
• It provides congestion relief during the peak hours when additional capacity is necessary.
• It reserves the use of the outside lane for bicyclists during non -peak hours and on weekends
when bicyclist use is at its highest.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council give authorization to proceed with the design of the Sierra Highway/State Route 14
Congestion Corridor Project using Alternative F of the August 1996 Feasibility Study prepared
by Korve Engineering for this project.
/:VWr.11040108y
Location Map
Feasibility Study prepared by Korve Engineering
• List of Alternatives
• Typical Striping Layout for Peak Hour Traffic Lane
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.d1\SIERRA1.I.B
END
PROJECT
BEGIN
PROJECT
PROJECT LOCATION
City of
Santa Clarita
23920 Valencia Blvd.
Suite 300
Santa Clarita
Califomia 91355-2196
September 26, 1996
Phone
(805)259-2489
Fax
(805)259-8125
Mr. John Lukes
19803 Larbert Street
Santa Clarita, CA 91351
Subject: Bicycle Issues on Sierra Highway
Dear John,
This letter is a follow-up to our previous telephone conversation regarding the
above issue. I would also like to thank you for attending both CTAC meetings
where the Citywide bicycle issues and the alternatives on Sierra Highway were
discussed.
As you know, in the last CTAC meeting, the committee supported Alternative F
among the several alternatives which were developed to address the bicycle
issues on Sierra Highway. A copy of the alternatives were previously sent to you
and Mr, Tony Castagnola, The CTAC's recommendation will be presented to the
City Council on October 8, 1996. I am sending you a draft copy of the agenda
report that has been prepared for this item with the appropriate attachments.
If you have any comments on the report, I would like to hear from you by next
Tuesday, October 1 so that I can finalize the report.
Thank you again for your assistance in participating in the Citywide bicycle
issues. Please call me at 286-4172 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Bahm�an JBai�a, P.E.
City Traffic Engineer
Enclosure
BJ:lkl
o-afficuuke .b;
cc: George A. Caravalho, City Manager
Anthony J. Nisich, Director of Building & Engineering Services
Rick Putnam, Director of Parks and Recreation
Tony Castagnola
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
FILE COPY
SIERRA HIGHWAY 1 STATE ROUTE 14
CONGESTION CORRIDOR STRIPING
PROJECT No. 95-31
�►srerLrr�r suer
PREPARED FOR
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
BUILDING & ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT
PREPARED BY
1� Korve
1 Engineering
PREPARED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF
JIMMY . SIMS, PE C35458
AUGUST 1998
SR 14
CA
A Elimination of additional on -street parking. On -street parking within some reaches along
Sierra Highway have already been eliminated due to the addition of a third travel lane;
A Reconstruction of local depressions at existing catch basin inlets that would extend into
the new travel lane; and
A Congestion that may come about when buses stop to deposit and pick up passengers.
Positive aspects of adding the additional lane will be a significant increase in traffic carrying
capacity along the condor which will reduce travel times, relieve congestion, and ultimately will
improve air quality within the region.
BICYCLE TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT
Another concern that the City has is how existing bicycle traffic, within the project limits, will
be affected if a third lane is added in each direction along Sierra Highway. Over a four-day
period, bicycle counts were obtained at two locations along Sierra Highway. The first location
was just south of the Santa Clara River Bridge and the second was just north of Placenta Canyon
Road. Hourly counts were obtained between 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM and are summarized as
follows:
Direction NB s8 NB SB NB SB NB SB
Location Count Count Count Count count.Count Count Count
On Sierra Highway at
Placenta Canyon 46 33 16 30 52 71 112 21
Road
On Sierra Highway at
Santa Clara River 76 42 39 8 215 1 183 177 229
As can be readily seen by the results of the counts taken, there is limited bicycle activity along
Sierra Highway during weekdays and heavier use during the weekends. This is evident of a
more recreational use during the weekends as the work week ends and weekday commuters get
out of their cars.
Korve Engineering, Inc. Page 6
Date
March 20
March 22
March 23
Saturday
March 24
Sunday
Day
Wednesday
Friday
Direction NB s8 NB SB NB SB NB SB
Location Count Count Count Count count.Count Count Count
On Sierra Highway at
Placenta Canyon 46 33 16 30 52 71 112 21
Road
On Sierra Highway at
Santa Clara River 76 42 39 8 215 1 183 177 229
As can be readily seen by the results of the counts taken, there is limited bicycle activity along
Sierra Highway during weekdays and heavier use during the weekends. This is evident of a
more recreational use during the weekends as the work week ends and weekday commuters get
out of their cars.
Korve Engineering, Inc. Page 6
It is important to note that the mixing of bicycles within corridors that are expected to
accommodate a high degree of traffic is conflictive to their respective purposes, While bicycle
routes predominately serve a local need in conveying individuals to job locations within the City
or to recreational facilities, the main purpose of a roadway corridor, such as Sierra Highway, is
to effectively move commuters to areas beyond the City limits.
Realizing that the addition of a third lane along Sierra Highway will affect the bicycle
community and preclude the possibility of installing a dedicated bicycle, City staff directed
KORVE to analyze and evaluate the following alternatives for the project:
> No Project - Leave Sierra Highway in its present state
> Alternative "A" - Install Class II Bikeway (On -street Lane) with 6 -lanes.
> Alternative TO = Install Class I Bikeway (Off-street Path) with 6 -lanes..
> Alternative TO - Install Class II Bikeway without Vanes
> Alternative "D" - Install 6 -lanes without bike lane
> Alternative "E" - Install 6 -lanes with regulated use of third lane using dashed stripe.
> Alternative "F" - install 64anes with regulated use of third lane using solid shoulder stripe
There are positive (pro) and negative (con) aspects of each aftemative as they are related to
a harmonious relationship with bicycle use along Sierra Highway. "Pros' and cons" of each
alternative are presented as follows:
— No Project —
Pros
By leaving the roadway in its present condition, bicyclists would continue to use the wide
second lane (which includes a shoulder) adjacent to existing curb and gutter on each side
of Sierra Highway between Via Princessa and San Fernando Road. While not striped or
designated as a bicycle lane (Class 11), this wider lane would continue to be shared by
cars, buses, and bicycles.
In areas along the corridor where six lanes already exist, bicyclists continue to share the
third lane with cars and buses. The City has implemented "no parking" restrictions along
the curb side of the third lane to ensure that free movements of cars, buses, and bicycles
are maintained at all times.
Korve Engineering, Inc. Page 7
Feasibility Study - Sierra Highway / SR !I Congestion Corridor Striping Santa Clarity CA
WOME
Cons
1. In those areas that are not physically striped to six lanes, the wide second lane is
essentially used as an additional lane during peak periods of congestion by commuters.
Continued use of the travel way in this fashion, without proper striping and sigining, may
become a liability to the City in the future.
2. By not implementing the proposed restriping, continued congestion during peak periods
will be realized along this corridor and will ultimately worsen over time. The impacts that
this action may result in are:
> The wasting of fuel as cars are delayed or sifting idle;
> Significant delays to the public as commuters travel the corridor,
> Increases in accident rates (cars and bicycles) as congestion increases;
> Diminishing effectiveness of transit services due to delays;
> Impacts to the overall air quality of the region due to congestion; and
> Loss of over $300,000 in funding from MTA's 1995 Congestion Management Plan.
— Alternative "A"- Install Class H Bikeway (on -street Lane) with 8 -lanes —
Figure 5 presents the typical dimensions associated with a standard Class II Bikeway. Under
Alternative W. the six lane configuration for Sierra Highway leaves no room to incorporate a
Class II Bikeway unless the existing roadway is widened up to 1.8 m (6 -feet) on each side for a
total of 3.6 m (12 -feet).
Pros
1. The addition of a Class II Bikeway would dearly define a travel way for bicyclists through
the installtion of bicycle oriented signing and striping. This would essentially create a
dedicated 'space' for bicyclists along the condor.
2. Safety issues related to the interaction of vehicles and bicycles on the roadway would be
enhanced, although not eliminated.
Cons
1, Construction costs to install a Class II Bikeway along Sierra Highway would range from
$10.0M to $12.OM (without right-of-way costs). The large construction costs for this
alternative is due to the major improvements that would be required along Sierra
Highway, including at a minimum, removing and constructing approximately 5 miles of
curb and gutter, installing 12-14 feet of new pavement section, removing and constructing
Korve Engineering, Inc. Page 8
3
C
X
W
...
17.Zm
50'
50'
12.8m
12.8m
42'
42'
10.7m 2.1m
2.1m 10.7m
35' 7'
7'
35'
o.3m 0.3m 0.
t'
t' y
9.Bm 9.8m
32' 4
4,2m 32'
4.2m .2m S.6m
1.4' 14' 14-'Q18'
JVD 0
Sierra ' Hwy
EXISTING
17.Om
17.Om
56'
14.4m
56'
14.4m
48'
12.3m
2.1m
2.tm
48'
12.3m
Al.
T
7.
c.�m
2.4m
C 8'
W
Sierra Hwy
PROPOSED
LEGEND
4.Bm(18') IMPROVEMENT REOUIRMENT.
BIKE LANE
PED PATH
1� Korve
i Engineering
FIGURE 5
ALTERNATIVE A
PROPOSE 3 LANE WITH
CLASS b BIKE LANE
Feasibility Study - Sierra Highway / SR 14 Congestion Corridor Striping Santa Clarita. CA
over 57 catch basins and drainage systems (Alternative "A" only), relocating over 162
power poles, massive earthwork operations, bridge widenings, and 12 major signal
modifications within the study limits.,
2. Extensive right-of-way would be required to accommodate the widened Sierra Highway
and to allow for the construction in general. The determination of costs associated with
the latter are outside the scope of this study.
3. All costs associated with the incorporation of a Class II Bikeway is outside the funding
scope and criteria of the Congestion Management Program (CMP). Funds from the latter
could not be used to support the Bikeway design, construction, and right-of-way
acquisitions.
-- Alternative "B" - Instal! Class f Bikeway (Off-street Path) with 6 -lanes —
Figure 6 illustrates the dimensions required for a Class 1 bicycle path which is usually located
off the roadway. Altemative'B" could be constructed in concert with a pedestrian path that would
be located outside the curb -to -curb envelope of Sierra Highway. The pedestrian / bicycle path
combination would extend beyond the curb line an additional 3.2 m (14 -feet).
Pros
1. Sierra Highway would not have to be widened under this alternative.
2. The addition of a Class I Bikeway would again clearly define a travel way for bicyclists
through the installation of defined bicycle oriented signing and striping. This would
essentially enhance the dedicated'space" for bicycles travellingalong the corridor more
so than a Class 11 Bikeway would.
3. Due to its off -the -road characteristics, safety issues between cars and bicyclists would
be greaUy enhanced.
Cons
1. Construction costs to install a Class I Bikeway would range from SUM to 510.0M
(without right-of-way costs). While cheaper than Alternative 'A', many of the same
improvements issues would be involved.
2. Extensive right-of-way would be required to accommodate the Class I Bikeway and to
allow for its construction in general. The determination of costs associated with the latter
are outside the scope of this study,
Korve Engineering, Inc. Page 9
15.2m
15.2m
50'
S0'
• 12.8m
12.8m
42-
42'
10.7m 12.1m
2.1m 10.7m
35'
7'
7'
35•
�.Jrti V.JM
217�__"5 9.8m 9.8m
32' 32'
2.4m S.Bm 4.2m 4.2m.8• ni8 4, 14• 14�
x
W
Sierra Hwy
EXISTING
L15.2m 17.Om
0.6m
2.4m
e'
3
50'
12.8m
42'
10.7m
35'
9.8m
32'
1,C Korve
I Engineering
56'
12.8m
42'
,im 2.1m 10.7m
7' 1 7' 35'
+� 0.3m 10.6m
1 i' I
9.32* 1
4.2m 3T' E• 3.Om
33m 11.3.3f3.2m
14' 11' 11• 10
4 4 Ye°O'V1 4
LEGEND
Sierra Hwy 4.2m (14') SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT
PROPOSED DIRECTION OF TRAVEL
BIKE PATH
PED PATH
FIGURE 6
ALTERNATIVE B
PROPOSE 3 LANE WITH
WITH CLASS 1 BIKE PATH
CA
3. All costs associated with the incorporation of a Class I Bikeway is outside the funding
scope and criteria of the Congestion Management Program (CMP). Funds from the latter
could not be used to support the Bikeway design, construction, and right-of-way
acquisitions.
— Alternative "C" - Install Class if Bikeway without 6 -lanes —
This alternative would involve the construction of a Class II Bikeway between the existing curb
to curb dimensions of Sierra Highway while maintaining 4 -lanes.
Pros
Existing Sierra Highway would not have to be widened under this alternative.
2. A dedicated bikeway would be created through conventional signing and striping of the
Class II Bikeway. This would enhance the safety of bicyclists traveling along Sierra
Highway within the project limits.
Cons
Installation of a Class II Bikeway would not relieve the congestion problems currently
being experienced along Sierra Highway..
2. Existing 6 -lane striping will need to be removed and traffic signal loop detection
improvements would be required to incorporate a Class 11 Bikeway along Sierra Highway
within the project limits.
3. All costs associated with the incorporation of a Class II Bikeway is outside the funding
scope and criteria of the Congestion Management Program (CMP). Funds from the latter
could not be used to support the Bikeway design, construction, and right-of-way
acquisitions.
— Alternative "D" - Install 6 -lanes without bike lane —
This alternative defers the construction of a dedicated Bikeway facility and installs a third lane
in each direction along Sierra Highway.
Increases the capacity of Sierra Highway, relieving existing congestion as peak hours
during the morning and afternoon.
Korve Engineering, Inc. Page 10
11 Congestion Corridor Striping Santa Cfarita. CA
2. Adding the lanes also addresses anticipated increases in traffic volumes along Sierra
Highway over the next 20 years.
Reduced congestion will result in travel time savings to the commuters who live within
Santa Clarita as they travel to and from work locations:
4. Shortened travel times in transit services will be realized.
5. Widening of Sierra Highway will not be required.
6; Associated costs in installing the 6 -lanes under this alternative would be covered by
funding provided under LACMTA's Congestion Management Program (CMP) program.
Limited support from City funds would be realized under this program.
Cons
Bicyclists traveling along Sierra Highway would be required to share a lane with cars and
buses. This is less than desirable since cars and buses will be traveling at higher speeds
that bicycles at any given time.
Reconstruction of existing drainage local depressions that encroach into the added third
lane would be required to "smooth out' the lane. This adds significant costs to the overall
project..
3. A reduction to existing shoulder widths would be required to accommodate the 6 -lanes.
This reduction would impact maintenance operations along the entire corridor. Closure
of the third lane would be required to maintain existing drainage systems, and to service
existing utilities adjacent to the roadway.
— Alternative mew - Install 6-1anes with regulated lane - Dashed stripe —
The advent of a regulated third lane came from a recent Citizens Transportation Advisory
Committee (CTAC) meeting held on June 24, 1996. The intention of this alternative is to
investigate the possibility that the added third lane could be signed and striped to restrict usage
during non -peak hours by vehicles traveling along Sierra Highway.
A distinctive dashed stripe is proposed under this alternative to clearty define this -special- lane.
Signing placed adjacent to the roadway at appropriate intervals would clearly state the time
periods that the third lane could be used by vehicles. Violation of the latter would result in a
significant fine to the vehicle owner. This is comparable to violating the use of High Occupancy
Vehicle (HOV) lanes on freeways.
Korve Engineering, Inc. page }}
During peak periods, vehicles would be allowed to use the third lane, sharing it with bicyclists.
During non -peak periods, exclusive use of the third lane would be for bicyclists with the exception
of periodic use by buses at designated bus stop locations,
Pros
Widening of Sierra Highway would not be required under this alternative.
2. Limited sharing of the third lane by vehicles and bicyclists would be realized. This is a
safer condition than those anticipated under Alternative "D" and dramatically reduces the
cost impacts that would be realized by Alternatives "A" and W.
3. The costs associated with this alternative would be covered by funding provided under
LACMTA's Congestion Management Program (CMP) program. Limited support from City
funds would be realized under this program.
Cons
Violations of the restricted lane use could result in conflicts; between bicyclists and
vehicles. A distinctive dash stripe would not present a strong deterrent to vehicles who
could enter the third lane at the hint of congestion or at any time.
2. Added policing of the corridor would be required until such a time that people get use to
the third lane conditions. Increased costs related to enforcing the regulated lane can be
expected. Offsets to these costs could be realized from the penalty fees collected.
3. Due to the possible confusion that a dashed striped lane could cause, a series of
overhead signs would be required to dearly define the use of the regulated lane. These
overhead signs would be similar to those found along freeways and would probably cost
upwards to $10,000 each. If placed at 1,000 -foot intervals over the course of the 5 -mile
corridor, approximately 50 overhead signs would be needed. An additional $500,000
would be added to the estimated project costs of $310,000. The total of these two figures
exceeds the allocated budget earmarked for the project
— Alternative "F" - Install 6 -lanes with regulated lane - Solid Shoulder Stripe —
This alternative is similar to Alternative "E", however, instead of a dashed stripe delineating
the regulated lane, a solid shoulder stripe would be used.
KONe Engin"ring, Inc. Page 12
Feasibility Study - Sierra Highway / SR 16 Con estion Corridor Striping - Santa Clarita, CA
Pros
1. Widening of Sierra Highway would not be required under this alternative.
2. Limited sharing of the third lane by vehicles and bicyclists would be realized. This is a
more enhanced safety condition than those anticipated under Alternative "D" and
dramatically reduces the cost impacts that would be realized by Altematives "A" and "B"
The solid stripe would lend itself to being more visible to drivers rather than a dashed
stripe. Therefore, the overhead signs proposed under Alternative "E" would not be
required. Periodic coventional signing adjacent to the roadway would replace the latter,
4. Striping of the regulated lane would eliminate the concerns of maintenance expressed
by Caltrans within portions of Sierra Highway under their jurisdiction. Shoulder widths
would essentially remain intact for the most part of the day with limitations occuring during
peak hours only.
5. Bus turnouts would be easily accommodated within the regulated lane and should pose
no problems to bicyclists or vehicles. During peak periods, the full use of the through
lanes, including the regulated lane, would enhance traffic operations.
6. The costs associated with this alternative would be covered by funding provided under
LACMTA's Congestion Management Program (CMP).
Cons
Violations of the regulated lane use could create conflicts between bicyclists and vehicles.
2. Added policing of the corridor would be required until such a time that people get use to
the third lane conditions. Increased costs related to enforcing the regulated lane can be
expected. Offsets to these costs could be realized from the penalty fees collected.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM IMPACTS
It was determined that at least twenty-two (22) existing catch basin local depressions along
Sierra Highway will be impacted by adding a third lane. If the added lane is installed as shown
on Figure 4, approximately 2 -feet of the catch basin local depressions will be located within the
added third lane. Potentially, vehicles traveling at high speeds over the highly warped surfaces
of these local depressions could cause the driver to lose control and leave the roadway.
Korve Engineering, Inc. Page 13
Feasibility Study - Sierra Highway / SR 14 Congestion Corridor Striping Sand Clarlto, CA
Section VI - Conclusions and Recommendations
CONCLUSIONS
Based upon the analyses performed as part of this feasibility study, the following conclusions
are presented:
A Traffic congestion is currently being experienced and projected volumes that will occur
as the City grows warrants the need to restripe Sierra Highway from four to six lanes
between San Fernando Road and Soledad Canyon Road. Implementation of the latter
is feasible.
A Drainage improvements that will be needed as a result of the above mentioned
restriping will consist of removing existing catch basins with local depressions that
encroach into the proposed third lane and replacing them with new catch basins using
combination grate and curb face openings. New grates will be constructed within a 2 -
foot gutter depression.
A A dedicated bike lane cannot be provided within the available budgets earmarked for
the Congestion Striping project. A dedicated bicycle facility along Siena Highway could
cost between $8.OM to $12.OM depending on whether or not a Class I or Class II
bikeway is selected.
A As a result of this study, we conclude that there is a need to develop a harmonious
design between the interaction of moving vehicles and bicycle traffic along the Sierra
Highway corridor as well as addressing maintenance concerns. Alternative 'F' appears
to be the most favorable alternative in achieving this.
A Bus turnout bays are not needed at the majority of the nineteen (19) bus stops located
on both sides of Sierra Highway due to low bus traffic volumes. Based on existing traffic
volumes, two (2) southbound bus turnouts located south of the County library and south
of Via Princessa could enhance traffic flows during peak traffic periods. Construction
costs for a turnout bay could range from $15,000 to $20,000, excluding design, right-of-
way, and utility relocation costs.
A Special advanced warning signs may be needed to forewarn vehicles traveling in the
proposed third lane of upcoming bus stops.
A Six (6) signalized intersections need to be upgraded to change signal indicators
diameters from 8 -inches to 12 -inches so that increased visibility to approaching vehicles
can be obtained.
Korve Engineering, Inc. Page 18
Feasibility Study . Sierra Highway/ SR 14 Congsstlon CongdOr Striping Santa ClaritaCA
A Three (3) existing traffic signals (Whispering Leaves Drive, Friendly Valley Parkway, and
Placenta Canyon Road) need to be upgraded to bring them into conformance with the
latest State design standards. Construction costs for these improvements could
approach $150,000.00.
A Due to the advent of a third travel lane along Sierra Highway, on -street parking should
be eliminated. R26S (No Stopping Signs) at 200 -foot intervals should be installed in
conjunction with the replacement of all non -conforming existing signs along Sierra
Highway.
The total construction cost estimate for the Sierra Highway / SR 14 Congestion Striping
Project is $431,000.00.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are provided for further consideration by the City of Santa
Clarita:
A We recommend that the City move ahead with adding a third lane to Sierra Highway
from San Fernando Road to Soledad Canyon in both directions to facilitate relieving
congestion being currently experienced within the corridor and to address future traffic
concerns.
Alternative OF is recommended to address the inclusion of special striping to create a
regulated lane using solid striping for the third lane. This regulated use would involve
excluding vehicle traffic within the third lane except during peak traffic periods in
morning and evening hours.
Buses traveling along Sierra Highway would be allowed to enter and exit the regulated
lane to drop off and pick up passengers at designated bus stops.
A We recommend that the City undertake a separate study to determine the purpose,
need, costs, and funding opportunities associated with the installation of a dedicated
Class I or Class II Bike Way along Sierra Highway between San Fernando Road to
Soledad Canyon.
♦ We recommend that the City upgrade the traffic signals located at Whispering Leaves
Drive, Friendly Valley Parkway, and Placenta Canyon Road to bring them up to current
State standards if funds are available through this project or through future City or
Caltrans capital projects.
Korve Engineering, Inc. Page 19
Fusibility Study. Slam Highway/SR 14 Congestion Corridor Striping Santa C7arita CA
We recommend that the City construct two (2) southbound bus turnout bays located
near the County Library south of Soledad Canyon and just south of Via Princessa to
enhance traffic operations along Sierra Highway within these areas. More detailed
studies should be performed to determine right-of-way requirements, utility impacts and
more accurate cost estimates for these improvements.
We recommend that the City make traffic signal improvements consisting of replacing
existing 8 -inch indicators with 12 -inch indicators to increase visibility; adding addition
detection loops for the added third lane; and trimming any existing trees located
adjacent to the existing traffic signals to eliminate visibility problems.
A We recommend that the City install special advanced warning signs prior to each bus
stop within the corridor. .
A We, recommend that the City install standard R26 ("No Stopping Anytime") signs within
the corridor.
A We recommend that traffic signal interconnection systems along Sierra Highway be
coordinated and built in conjunction with the striping improvements being recommended
under this study.
Section VII - Appendices
The following appendices have been included to provide more detailed information that has
been developed in support of this study:
APPENDDCA -
CATCH BASIN ANALYSES
APPENDDr B -
TRAFFIC AND BICYCLE COUNTS
APPENDDr C -
SANTA CLARITA TRANSIT AGENCY BUS SCHEDULE
APPENDDr D -
CONCEPTUAL STRIPING PLANS
Korve Engineering, Inc. Page 20
PROPO;
SHOULE
STRIPIN
PROPOSED
PEAK -HOUR
TRAFFIC LAP
Sorra: KHR Assooafm
�{— APPLICABLE
I REGULATORY SIGNS
AND PAVEMENT LEGENDS
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I
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1
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ioa•
161
12.1--1IT 1zis io
� III
THREE LANES IN EACH DIRECTION,
NO ONSTREET PARKING, RAISED
LANDSCAPE MEDIAN.
PROPOSED PEAK -HOUR TRAFFIC LANE ON
SIERRA HIGHWAY SOUTH OF VISTA DEL CANON
Santa Clarita General Plan
City of Santa Clarita