The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About1997-06-24 - AGENDA REPORTS - TRAFFIC ISSUES HASKELL CYN. (2)AGENDA REPORT Ci onager Approval Item to be presented by: Bahman Janka UNFINISHED BUSINESS DATE: June 24, 1997 SUBJECT: TRAFFIC ISSUES ALONG HASEELL CANYON ROAD RESOLUTION NO. 97-86 DEPARTMENT: Building and Engineering Services As the result of the fatal accident that occurred on March 31, 1997 at the intersection of Haskell Canyon Road/Jeffers Lane -Bobwhite Circle, Traffic Engineering: received several calls and letters to evaluate this intersection for a multi -way stop control and sight visibility concerns. At the May 27, 1997 regular Council meeting, several nearby residents shared their concerns and requested crosswalks and four-way stop signs to be installed at this intersection. At that meeting Council directed -staff to formulate their recommendation to the Council at the neat available Council meeting. Analysis Existing Conditions. Haskell Canyon Road is built as a secondary highway with a posted speed limit of 45 mph which was determined according to an Engineering and Traffic Survey adopted by the City Council in June 1995. This roadway has one through traffic lane in each direction and includes a center two-way left -turn lane north of Jeffers Lane and a double yellow centerline south of it. The roadway is designed to accommodate four traffic lanes in the future; however, due to the relatively low traffic volumes (approldmately 6,300 trips per day), it is currently striped for only two traffic lanes. Since south of Jeffers Lane the travel lanes are very wide, it is possible for two vehicles to travel side-by-side in the same direction. Jeffers Lane is a residential collector street on the west side with a speed limit of 25 mph, and an average traffic count of 2,000 vehicles per day. Bobwhite Circle is a private driveway that serves the Brock Canyon Villas on the east side with an average traffic count of 800 vehicles per day. School Bus Stops. Staff met with William S. Hart High School District staff regarding the operation of school buses in the area. Their operation consists of picking up children in the northbound direction of Haskell Canyon Road in the vicinity of Jeffers Lane in the morning and dropping them off on the other side of the street in the afternoon. The School District has agreed to relocate their bus stop to the intersection of Grove Park Drive to the south to enhance the safety of children using the school bus. The Grove Park intersection is controlled by stop signs and an adult crossing guard is also present during school time to assist schoolage children in crossing the street. City and School District staff believe that the revised location would improve the crossing of children along this route. A letter from the School District's Coordinator of Transportation is attached with this report. Minor improvements to one of this intersection's corners would be necessary to accommodate the stopping of the school buses at the intersection. Continued �" Benda Item: TRAFFIC ISSUES ALONG HASEELL CANYON ROAD June 24, 1997 - Page 2 Stop Sign Warrants: Traffic Engineering analyzed.the intersection and the results showed that the minimum requirements for a multi -way stop control were not satisfied.. Staffs observation also indicates that the traffic from Jeffers Lane primarily makes right -turns to Haskell Canyon Road with no delay. Only a maximum of 40 to 50 vehicles in an hour make left - turns out of Bobwhite Circle. Very little delay was also observed for these vehicles. A multi - way stop sign installation is normally used when the volume of traffic on the intersecting roads is approximately equal. The purpose of a stop sign is to assign right-of-way to motorists and pedestrians at intersections. Stop signs are also used where there has been a history of left - turning and right-angle accidents. A review of the accident history; however, showed that there has only been one vehicular accident at this intersection over the past five years. The accident history does not reveal a problem at this location. It should also be mentioned that the collision report for the accident that occurred on March 31, 1997, indicates that the pedestrians were crossing Haskell Canyon Road in a diagonal orientation some 90 feet south of the intersection of Jeffers Lane -Bobwhite Circle. Existence of stop signs at this intersection would not have necessarily prevented this accident. Staff believes that installing stop signs at locations which are not deemed necessary, would result in a disregard for the stop sign and in turn would promote other accidents. The Sheriffs Department, for example, reports that there are an extreme number of stop sign violations at the Whites Canyon/Steinway intersection. Staff is recommending signalization of that intersection in a separate agenda report. Additionally, with the relocation of the school bus as explained above, the traffic and roadway conditions at this intersection are very similar to that of several others in this same neighborhood. Installing stop signs at one intersection, creates a non-uniformity of traffic laws and control devices in the vicinity which has an adverse effect on traffic safety throughout this neighborhood. Crosswalks. Since the school bus stop is being relocated to the Grove Park intersection, staff advises against installing any crosswalk markings or signs at this intersection. As it has been previously reported to the Council, many studies conducted by other cities have proven that marked crosswalks that are not controlled by stop signs or traffic signals have continuously registered far more pedestrian accidents than unmarked crosswalks. Marked crosswalks present a false sense of security to the pedestrians and are not recommended unless they are necessary to channelize pedestrians across complex intersections. Similar to the argument for stop signs, there are several other intersections along this and other adjacent streets that do not have any crosswalks. Installing crosswalks at one intersection poses the same lack of uniformity for traffic control devices as explained above. Sight Visibility Concerns: Staff has identified several plants/bushes on the north side of Bobwhite Circle which partially block the view of oncoming traffic. Removal or trimming of these bushes would enhance the visibility of oncoming traffic to motorists exiting this private driveway. The bushes are located within a public easement and the Homeowners Association has been notified to remove or trim these bushes. It should be mentioned that the, sight visibility from Bobwhite Circle (private entrance) was reviewed in the past and Brock Canyon Villas' Boardmembers were advised to install stop signs and stop legends on their private property. There is also a utility company box in the sidewalk area that partially blocks the view. Staff is currently coordinating with the utility company for possible relocation of the existing box which is at the northeast corner of this intersection. Roadway Restriping and Addition of Bike Lanes: As it was referenced above, although this roadway is built to accommodate four traffic lanes, it is currently striped for two traffic lanes (see attached exhibits). Staff believes that it would take a minimum of seven or eight years before additional traffic lanes would be needed here. For this reason, staff recently applied for a grant to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) that would have funded installation of bike lanes along this and several other roads. Unfortunately, the grant did not TRAFFIC ISSUES ALONG HASEELL CANYON ROAD June 24, 1997 - Page 3 receive enough points to receive funding from MTA. As the potential funding for the next call for projects is several years away, staff believes that it will be worthwhile to spend City funds to accomplish this task. Staff proposes to remove the existing centerline south of Jeffers Lane, replace it with a center two-way left -turn lane, and install a bikelaneand appropriate bike signs and legends on each side of the street from Grove Park Drive to Copper Hill Drive. As there are no parking demands on this street, no -stopping signs will be installed along the entire route to ensure the safety of bicyclists. This action would result in 1.85 miles of bike lanes on Haskell Canyon Road. Once Copper Hill Drive is widened to its ultimate width, staff also intends to install bike lanes on that street from Haskell Canyon Road to Seco Canyon Road. The installation of bike lanes will greatly benefit the commuter as well as recreational bicyclists who use this road. The proposed striping will also result in narrower traffic lanes and will accommodate right -turn pockets at intersections. The narrower field of view would help reduce speeds and would help reduce or eliminate the driving of two side-by-side vehicles. The striping will also provide a buffer zone for motorists coming out of Bobwhite Circle and will enable vehicles to pull out of the driveway and have a better view of oncoming traffic before they attempt their turns. Speed Enforcement: Staff has observed speeds along this stretch of road and measured the operating speeds using a radar device. Although some sporadic speeding occurs on this street, in general there is a very good conformance to the posted speed limit. The speeding patterns are very typical of many other streets in the City. In order to address the speeding concerns along this stretch of road, this matter has been forwarded to the Sheriffs Department for selective enforcement. In addition, staff will install the City's PARET speed display unit along this roadway to inform the motorists of their operating speeds. Meetings and Notification: Staff has met with Mr. Bob Nolan and Ms. Alison Hunsaker of the Brock Canyon Villas Homeowners' Association, and Mr. John Ruiz, one of the area residents, to discuss the findings of this report. Mr. Ron Lewis, who also spoke at the meeting, was contacted, but was unable to meet with staff and requested a copy of the report. As Council requested at the May 27, 1997 meeting, all the attendees that spoke regarding this issue at that evening have been notified in writing regarding this meeting and have been provided a copy of this staff report. Council adopt Resolution No. 97-86 and direct staff to implement a revised striping plan along Haskell Canyon Road from Grove Park Drive to Copper Hill Drive to include a center two-way left -turn lane and a striped bike lane on each side of the street, and improve the corner of Haskell Canyon Road/Grove Park Drive to accommodate the stopping of school buses in the Fall of 1997. ATTACHMENT$ 1. Resolution No. 97-86 2. Vicinity Map 3. Roadway Restriping Proposal 4. Letter from School District's Coordinator of Transportation BJ:Ikl ..d1\n97.88.rjr RESOLUTION NO. 97-86 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA PROHIBITING THE STOPPING; STANDING, OR PARKING OF VEHICLES ON THE EAST AND WEST SIDES OF HASKELL CANYON ROAD, BETWEEN BOUQUET CANYON ROAD AND COPPER HILL DRIVE WHEREAS, the safety of the motoring public would be enhanced by the prohibition of stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles on certain streets in the City of Santa Clarita; and WHEREAS, the California'Vehicle Code Section 22507 provides for location authorities to prohibit or restrict the stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles on certain streets or highways or portions thereof during all hours of the day. NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA does hereby resolve as follows: SECTION 1. That stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles during all hours of the day shall be prohibited on Haskell Canyon Road, between Bouquet Canyon Road and Copper Hill Drive (5,900 feet), along the east and west side of the street. SECTION 2. That the prohibition of stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles, as provided herein, shall apply when appropriate signs or curb markings having adequate notice thereof have been placed as described in Section 1. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of 1997. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk RESO NO. 97-86 June 24, 1997 - Page 2 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) § CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) I, Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, City Clerk, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the above and foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the day of , 1997 by the following vote of Council: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: City Clerk BJ:lkl mmeMm97-M-. y dOis I! II = ......dOi.S H i� l� COPPER I COPPER HILL DR I i HILL DR .......... .............. ... .�. I STOP STOP i STOP STOPLd I AGAJANIAN DR ¢ AGAJANIAN DR a 26'J'.12' 26* ---[13' 13' 12 x-13' 13' �i r u BRISTOL WAY BOBWHITE CIR I BRISTOL WAY BOBWHITE'CIR I ; (PRIVATE) 3NI8LANE (PRIVATE) 3NVl BIKE JEFFERS LN BOBWHITE CIR JEFFERS LN II BOBWHITE CIR (PRIVATE)I I � /� (PRIVATE) I I 13 14' i 14': 13' 27' 37' 26' 4 3NI8 LANE 32' 32' 3NVl BIKE a 64' a a U U J J J J w w Y Y V) N a I a = NTS = 16 16' I 16 16' GROVEPARK DR dOlS RIDGEGROVE DR GROVEPARK OR dOIS RIDGEGROVE DR STOP STOP �— EXISTING PROPOSED EXHIBIT "A" (SCHEMATIC DRAWING) L� 1 J4y94 P- Pe' a tr w ri CVPREss PEqL 1 1 3`� I f JNF PE i v. Wr�l 44o- �t 44REL PJ i� 1 r4 I � 3 PAW Nut l I s . v `a „ EV EaL'PPEtrN. 1 p I II rvyNpvE. , �'H �, _ 1 'a riirR9v-: I � � step a°ttJ �COP0.� <' 1 SDR? uLi`•° (Ly F y O (V0.F L N IXIVA a iw Z I e 'YTir `a TO Kt 'J9 � =DNW 4Y PL WANE4r i o I P P 4 N(� R� E`' •C ii5 t? 'E i 3 wlJ � 1 S u�. 40 , OR I : C'Je1NYR af> s •vac �Z Y. 0 A "' I CA DEFT pn <,�,P,F�z I PRPNWOOD DR C ,� - T. >1i�0 0q �QPR o yJEFFERS - z I GLWOOD ST X55 JST a y tr Y i91M r R r CRY PE DR ` ° '" �¢� E v I qM`'�t RO 3Y� BDUQUETCAHYDn GE PARR F P p Suss ' 4 r1 _f 01 8 •, 3e cP F� LN i tiT I I' [ FST e1P• Cep M1 aTRNA a � I n4-- Ty Nuj w oA n0.COitP ^ L: Ir 'lY�q Wt. y LfQ W"� oA F DR NPN PL WNEYOP PU? op a°AVA' �W` % AA aL�A•t e' �� OLFn O0. PAMPL�O o m R 3 EN tE� Z Of/'a W' SCF➢FER GIFN iR 6 P� V Lr T OEEV OaCRE NLN PDEL�O, e sarvrA cuaral UAOIIA� v °rYP�1RR I s MI I� — I _ ! > r2T A�Wh' n y g uLor a0 lO efOO ' ' �!P! AN A LOS 9 i1GRE5 ` PF ELL OR tj a O A 4[r P+ 1 O40L SVE LN Y ' p W NNE 3 � 1 < NE V Canyon :-`�'y FTrFr County y `r FRFN� �r T^ 19 F VICINITY MAP' I fo- —Ricer ��FF�,b/ � ,i' wrra n ueNRNEEE • sT b�•/ � 'py N� 2 MIEWEPMfY (k7 William S. Hart Union High School District June 9, 1997 Mr. Bahman Janka City Traffic Engineer City of Santa Clarita 23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite #300 Santa Clarita, Ca 91355 Subject: School Bus Stop: Haskell Canyon/Jeffers Lane Dear Bahman: It was a pleasure meeting with you this morning to review the school bus stop at Haskell Canyon/Jeffers Lane. As a result of our discussion this morning, The Hart District supports the City's request to move the Haskell Canyon/Jeffers Lane home to school bus stop. Effective September, 1997, the school bus stop on Haskell Canyon/Jeffers Lane will be eliminated. The new stop will be: a.m. - Haskell Canyon/Ridgegrove (north of Ridgegrove at 45 MPH sign) p.m. - Haskell Canyon/Ridgegrove (south of Ridgegrove at 45 MPH sign) The District requests that the city provide improvement to the roadway shoulder on Haskell Canyon south of Ridgegrove to accommodate the school bus stop. Continued 21515 Redview Drive, Santa Clarita, California 91350 805 259-0033 FAX 805 254-8653 Mr. Bahman Janka Page 2 Due to the joint transportation efforts between the school District and the City of Santa Clarita, it is uncertain how much seating space may be available on the school bus that may service Haskell Canyon. If we can be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Gary Smith, Coordinator of Transportation Services GS:mm cc: Mike vonBuelow Jackie Snyder