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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSS3 - Santiago Drive Speed Reduction Program Update and Introduction to the Draft Neighborhood Traffic Management GuidelinesJune 27, 2000 STUDY SESSION AGENDA ITEM NO. (3152 TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: Public Works Department SUBJECT: SANTIAGO DRIVE SPEED REDUCTION PROGRAM UPDATE AND INTRODUCTION TO THE DRAFT NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES INTRODUCTION The City Council discussed the Santiago Drive Speed Reduction Program on May 9, 2000 and requested a schedule for receiving the results of the Program. On May 23, 2000, the City Council agreed with staffs' recommendation to present the results of the data collected on Santiago Drive to the City Council at the second meeting in June. The City Council also concurred with staffs proposal to introduce the Draft NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES at the same meeting. Specific traffic calming recommendations for Santiago Drive and the three streets immediately to the south would be developed in conjunction with the residents and presented to.the City Council on July 25, 2000. NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES Last Fall, in conjunction with a Speed Reduction Program for Santiago Drive, the City Council approved the development of a set of guidelines to be used by staff when working with residents to address traffic issues on their streets. The objective of the guidelines is identify appropriate changes to neighborhood streets in order to lower speeds and, when appropriate, to discourage pass - through traffic. The Draft NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES is attached for City Council consideration. It was prepared by the firm of Willdan Associates, which has experience with neighborhood traffic management in five cities and thirty neighborhoods. The Draft GUIDELINES describe a process to be used and eleven measures that can be implemented to address traffic concerns on neighborhood streets. These measures range from Education and Enforcement to Street Closure. Each measure includes threshold traffic volume and speed criteria to determine SUBJECT: Santiago Drive Update June 27, 2000 Page 2 where implementation would be appropriate. The criteria in the Draft GUIDELINES are those that the consultant has found to be most workable in a variety of cities. They are a key element to any neighborhood traffic management program and should be considered carefully by the City Council prior to finalizing the GUIDELINES. For example, the volume threshold in the Draft document is 2000 vehicles per day (vpd). This volume is generally considered to be the "environmental capacity" of a two -lane street above which the liveability of the street diminishes if some form of traffic measures aren't taken. The volumes range considerably from one jurisdiction to another. Costa Mesa uses a threshold volume of 3500 vpd for the installation of road bumps while the City's former road bump policy specified a range of 500 to 1500 vpd. A primary consideration in setting this threshold is the number of streets that will be eligible for consideration of traffic calming. Cities that set low thresholds find they need to to devote considerable staff time and /or budget dollars for consultants to respond to the demand. An example is the City of Sacramento with a population of approximately 400,000, a staff of five full -time employees to handle traffic calming improvements, and an annual budget of $500,000 for neighborhood traffic management. SANTIAGO DRIVE SPEED REDUCTION UPDATE The City Council approved a 30 miles per hour (MPH) speed limit on the segment of Santiago Drive between Irvine and Tustin Avenues in October 1999. This new speed limit was required by the California Vehicle Code in order to allow the Police Department to use radar as an enforcement tool. A six -month period was established to determine the effectiveness of enforcement. An extensive data collection program was approved by the City Council to determine the effectiveness of the enforcement and document traffic patterns. This program is shown on Attachment 1. A summary of the data collected is shown on Attachments 2 and 3. The summary shows that during the period of heavy enforcement, average speeds, eighty -fifth percentile speed, and maximum speeds were reduced. The eighty -fifth percentile speed is the speed used in determining appropriate speed limits. The heavy enforcement lowered this indicator by about 3 MPH. After the heavy enforcement was scaled back, speeds increased somewhat with the eighty -fifth percentile speed rising 1 MPH. The fastest drivers on a street are often the most noticeable and irritating. The highest speeds measured during off -peak periods were reduced between 5 and 17 MPH. SUBJECT: Santiago Drive Update June 27, 2000 Page 3 Based upon the data summarized in the Attachment, enforcement has been able to reduce speeds on Santiago Drive. Speeds still remain higher than would typically be found on residential streets; however, they are consistent with those speeds found on collector and commuter arterial streets. Staff looks forward to direction from the City Council after they have had an opportunity to review the Draft GUIDELINES. In the meantime, it is our intent to begin working with the residents of Santiago Drive, Windward Lane, Francisco Drive, and Holiday Road on specific improvements within the next few weeks. Based upon prior discussions with residents and Council, we expect to focus on Lane Narrowing as the most appropriate measure to use on through collector streets such as Santiago Drive and Holiday Road. Windward Lane and Francisco Drive have traffic volumes well below the suggested threshold but will be included since they are a part of the potentially impacted neighborhood. A report on these efforts is anticipated for your meeting on July 25, 2000. Respectfully ubmitte PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Don Webb, Director % By: 4 a.�.cG AA.w�. ,d , Richard M. Ed onston Transportation & Development Services Manager Attachments: Attachment 1 - Program Attachment 2 - Santiago Drive Tables Attachment 3 - Draft Guidelines Santiago Drive Area Count Program A. Before speed change: (Week of November 86' or 151') 1. 7 day -24 hour counts with speeds, by hour on the following streets between Irvine and Tustin Avenues: a. Holiday Road b. Francisco Drive c. Windward Lane d. Santiago Drive e. 23rd Street 2. Radar spot speed samples, 1 hour duration, during both a.m. and p.m. off -peak periods. Samples to be taken approximately mid -way between Irvine and Tustin Avenues: a. Holiday Road b. Santiago Drive B. Interim Count #1 (November 29 thru December 12) 1. 7 day -24 hour counts with speeds, by hour with daily downloads except data from Friday thru Sunday to be downloaded on Mondays. Count to take place for two weeks from November 29 through December 12. a. Santiago Drive between Irvine and Tustin Avenues 2. 7 day -24 hour counts with speeds, by. hour during the week of December 6 — 12. All locations are between Irvine and Tustin Avenues a. Holiday Road b. Francisco Drive c. Windward Lane d. 23rd Street C. Interim Count #2 (January 3 — 9) 1, 7 day -24 hour counts with speeds, by hour on Santiago Drive 2. 1 hour radar speed samples on Santiago Drive, both a.m. and p.m. D. Interim Count 93 (March 6 —12) Repeat data collection from A.1. and A.2. above E. Final Count (June 5 — 11) Repeat data collection from A.1. and A.2. above. ATTACHMENT #1 2 W J m H 0 a lV d CL 't3 C O d O c a) E n o- a� c 0 O oN T c a 0 ID > ° m a �6 E 7 0 L a) a 0 > L O N a y c > a 0 O N a) Co ° a) w y 7 O C w O U O CL a) y C 00 > O y O L w x a) v O j N 0 CL > > to N N � w H O r cW rn C � =a U M v M �i M Div M M h h O d Nt[)hMe- to to h h r r r r A d d W LO mciclMM �OOOMh O M h oo It =oo h0h r r N r O 0 N -..-, M M N ... 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O 0 :• 0 N w ++ Nl N N N N 0 M 4) y y y y y 4) y W W W W W W 3 W 3 W 0 rn o0 00 °o d oo v en vn R 0 0 0 M � 0 0 0 m a F 0 N F- Z W 2 Q Q Q N 0 O N O) O) m d 3 y a� U N N N f0 O N a 20 N N >, L L C U O) 7 co CL 2 co 0) O) N O +L U L t r� > 0 cco:) o E co 2— c c � = m (D m co N � y n (D 0 0 L 0 ID 0 Cc N M H W d O 0 Z N m a F 0 N F- Z W 2 Q Q Q N 0 O N O) O) m d 3 0 THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH DRAFT NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES 0 I LIFoV, Prepared by Willdan June 2000 • TABLE OF CONTENTS Paoe INTRODUCTION.............................................................................. ............................... 1 OBJECTIVE..................................................................................... ............................... 2 GOALS............................................................................................. ............................... 2 PROCESS........................................................................................ ............................... 2 PETITIONS • Engineering Study ...................................................................... ............................... 8 • Traffic Management Measures ................................................... ............................... 9 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES • Education and Enforcement ..................................................... ............................... 10 • Higher Visibility Crosswalks ...................................................... ............................... 17 • Lane Narrowing — Curb Extensions or Chokers ........................ ............................... 20 • Intersection or Mid -Block Medians ............................................ ............................... 27 • Gateway Treatments ................................................................. ............................... 30 • One -Way Street( s) .................................................................... ............................... 35 • Roundabout ................................................................................ .............................38 • Speed Humps ............................................................................. .............................41 • Diagonal Diverters .................................................................... ............................... 51 • Semi - Diverters or Half Closures ............................................... ............................... 54 • Cul -de -sac or Street Closure .................................................... ............................... 59 • 12394 \3001 \R01 updated.doc v'- Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines �`-% City of Newport Beach 0 TABLE OF CONTENTS • • Page List of Figures Description ProcessFlowchart ....................................................... ..............................6 2 Application Process Schedule .................................... ............................... 7 Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines City of Newport Beach INTRODUCTION The City of Newport Beach Neighborhood Traffic Management Program has been developed in an effort to provide residents with concerns for traffic safety access to traffic management measures that can serve to alleviate their concerns. The program requires significant citizen involvement, but has been designed to address concerns in a timely manner by relying on City staff to take the initial steps to address any perceived problems. Final traffic management measures should be recommended by the City's Traffic Affairs Committee and approved by the City Council. The City has been receiving, in recent years, numerous concerns regarding a variety of traffic - related issues within residential neighborhoods. These concerns are generally regarding perceived excessive speeds and at times are focused on high traffic volumes or number of accidents. Traffic professionals over the years have developed techniques to reduce the negative impacts of such problems in urban settings. This program, prepared for the City of Newport Beach has been developed through a comprehensive survey and evaluation of similar efforts in other municipalities throughout North America. Some of the material presented in this report is drawn from similar documents prepared for those municipalities. Obviously, each community must carefully evaluate and choose only those techniques that are suitable for their needs and will enjoy public support. • This report provides a "Tool Box" of neighborhood traffic management measures identifying each technique's advantages and disadvantages, establishing general parameters for their use, and polices /procedures for their implementation. • Conventional passive types of control such as speed limit signs are already regulated by State laws and are not presented here. Also, regulatory traffic control devices such as traffic signals and STOP signs serve a different purpose and their use for neighborhood traffic management is discouraged by federal and state guidelines. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 1 �a City of Newport Beach 0 OBJECTIVE The objective of the Newport Beach Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines is to improve the livability of City neighborhoods and to minimize adverse impacts to vehicular traffic on residential streets through a system of education, enforcement, and engineering. GOALS Manage the speed of vehicles on residential streets with demonstrated speeding concerns to levels consistent with residential speed limits (25 mph) or other posted limits as determined by the Municipal Code or California Vehicle Code. • Discourage the use of local residential streets by non -local (cut through) traffic by making the streets less attractive as a commuter route. • Increase safety by reducing potential conflict on impacted streets to acceptable levels as defined by generally accepted traffic engineering standards. • Develop and emphasize focused neighborhood educational programs which address residential traffic concerns. • Implement selective enforcement actions in neighborhoods with demonstrated traffic - related concerns. While implementing the Program Goals, • care will be taken to: Encourage citizen participation throughout the Program by seeking the input of affected residents and non- resident property owners through neighborhood meetings, written communication, open forum workshops and public hearings before the City's Traffic Affairs Committee and City Council. Minimize impacts on emergency vehicle response times caused by implementation of neighborhood traffic management measures. Limit the potential for shifting traffic from one residential neighborhood to another when implementing traffic management measures. • Respond to complaints in a timely manner. PROCESS The process by which a concern is identified, reviewed, and possibly mitigated is a series of education, enforcement, and engineering steps. The process from notification to implementation can be illustrated using a flow diagram, see Figure 1. Figure 2 presents an approximate Application Process Schedule. The process is summarized in the following steps. 1 - Initial Complaint and Site Review The initiation of City involvement in mitigating a neighborhood traffic concern begins with a complaint by a citizen, a homeowner's association or a group of residents. The compliant generally involves a perception that a significant number of Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 2 v`i5i City of Newport Beach 0 • • motorists traveling through a neighborhood are violating the law in some way. 2 — Site Review by Staff Staff conducts a field review of the complaint. This review may include traffic counts, speed surveys, field observations, and analyses of collision records. 3 — Increased Enforcement/Education In the case of speeding, staff may request additional traffic enforcement by the police and /or schedule the placement of the radar speed trailer. 4 — Traffic Affairs Committee Meeting with the Neighborhood (optional) The individual complainant or neighborhood group may meet with the Traffic Affairs Committee. This meeting will provide an opportunity for the Committee to hear concerns, and for staff and the committee to compare neighborhood conditions to the reasonable expectations of traffic volumes, traffic speeds, collision rates, etc. The Traffic Affairs Committee will provide information about traffic safety to the neighborhood and encourage neighborhood action to distribute this information to the community. 5 — Neighborhood Action Utilizing information provided by the Traffic Affairs Committee, the neighborhood will begin an educational campaign. Information about traffic safety will be distributed by door -to -door communication; the homeowners' association newsletter or other means as may be appropriate. If, after an educational campaign, there is still demonstrated evidence that only physical changes can resolve their concerns, the residents can petition the City to request further engineering studies to address neighborhood concerns. To ensure that everyone who may be affected will have the opportunity to participate in the process, the area in which the petition is circulated will be determined by staff If a petition signed by 60 percent of the residents in the defined project area is submitted to the City requesting additional traffic analysis, a neighborhood workshop will be conducted. 6 — Neighborhood Workshop Upon receipt of a qualifying petition for further engineering study, the City will schedule a community workshop to address the issues. Notice of the workshop will be sent by the City to all potentially affected residents in the study area. The study area will be defined by City staff considering the nature of the concern, the geographic boundaries of the petition as well as natural boundaries such as arterial highways. City staff will conduct the workshop which will include presentations of options and time for hearing specific concerns. Following the Neighborhood Workshop, a traffic study will be performed which reviews collision history, collects data, and conducts appropriate studies. A report would be prepared which summarizes findings and identifies various options. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 3 \1 of Newport Beach 0 • • 7 — Engineering Analysis The basic criteria for neighborhood traffic management follows. The rationale for these criteria is also explained below: Speeding on residential streets is fairly common. Generally, speeds near the 85th percentile is considered reasonable and safe. However, many residents feel that vehicle speeds past their homes, nevertheless, are excessive. This is particularly true on residential streets where the prima facie speed limit is 25 mph. Speeds in the range of 33 to 38 mph are common. One of the goals of the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program is to mitigate concerns of speeding on residential streets. To that end, the program finds that by the time 67 percent of traffic exceeds the residential speed limit, a significant concern is demonstrated. Therefore, the criteria for considering neighborhood traffic management strategies is met when observed speeds show that 67 percent of traffic exceeds the speed limit. This normally results in the prevailing speeds being at or near the 85th percentile. An important element of the criteria is traffic volume. The criteria sets the minimum volume of 2,000 vehicles per day of 200 vehicles during any hour. There is no doubt that some speeding occurs on every street, no matter its length or volume of traffic. The program is not designed to solve every social ill and the now and then abuse of a typical residential street is something we have to live with as being part of the cost of being in the main stream of society. street's "environmental capacity," some remedial measures should be considered. This program recognizes that 2,000 vehicles per day is the "environmental capacity" of a residential street; beyond which the residential character of the street and thus the "quality of life" is compromised. Taking this concept further, the program looks at the reason the "environmental capacity" of the street has been exceeded. In some cases, the cause may be traced to either an inadequate arterial system or an incomplete arterial network. In other cases, the cause may be directly traced to development practices which relied on the use of the residential street for access to too great of extent. In any of these cases, it can be argued that the City has a higher responsibility to its residents when the agencies' policies and practices have contributed to the "problem." In these cases, the City may owe the residential community an "environmental correction" on those streets where the "quality of life" has been compromised by traffic flow. 8 — Review by the Traffic Affairs Committee The report outlining the various options and recommendations would be reviewed by the Traffic Affairs Committee and the Public at a regular meeting of the Traffic Affairs Committee. If the Traffic Affairs Committee determines that the installation of a traffic management measure is appropriate, staff will prepare a petition, for neighborhood consideration which describes the recommended traffic management measure(s), while listing potential benefits and disadvantages (if any) associated with the measure. On the other hand, once traffic builds on a residential street to a point beyond the Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 4 !v?1 City of Newport Beach 1�1 • 9 — Consideration by the Neighborhood A petition describing the proposed Neighborhood Traffic Management strategy would be circulated by members of the community. The petition should be signed by a minimum of 75 percent of the potentially affected residents or property owners. Once the petition is submitted to the City, preliminary engineering plans and costs estimates for the traffic management measures will be prepared by the City. 10 — Second Neighborhood Workshop Once the implementation petition is submitted and the preliminary engineering completed, a second Neighborhood Workshop will be scheduled. The City will send out notices to the previously described study area. City staff will present the results of the petition process and describe the preliminary traffic management measures being proposed. Time will be set aside for questions and answers. 11— Consideration by City Council A noticed public hearing would be scheduled before the City Council. The City Council would review the matter and determine if the recommended traffic measures are to be implemented. Appropriate funding mechanisms would be recommended by City staff. 12 — Plans prepared and Publicly Reviewed (if applicable) Upon completion, construction plans would be reviewed by the Public at a regular Traffic Affairs Committee and City Council meel A recommended course of action would be forwarded to the City Council for final approval. 13 — Traffic Management Measures Implementation Once approved by City Council, staff would proceed with implementation of the approved Neighborhood Traffic Management measures by either contract or the use of City forces. If temporary measures are to be implemented, a trial period should not exceed six (6) months. If temporary measures are intended to precede permanent installations, an interim review process would be followed. This process would resemble Steps 8 through 10. The Traffic Affairs Committee would have authority to either abandon the project or proceed with its completion. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 5 City of Newport Beach PROCESS FLOWCHART FIGURE Initial Complaint from Neighborhood Field Review by Staff Increased Enforcement Meeting with Traffic Affairs Committee Neighborhood Action /Education Petition Submitted for Engineering Study Neighborhood Workshop #1 1 • Engineering Analysis E Review by Traffic Affairs Committee and Public Petition Submitted for Implementation of Traffic Management Measures Neighborhood Workshop #2 Review and Approval by City Council Engineering Plans Prepared Engineering Plans Reviewed by Traffic Affairs Committee Implementation of Traffic Management Measures Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 6 % City of Newport Beach E 0 • Q O CL I— z W w C7 Z V LL qLL H O O O x s O m 0 III z E M 0 L CL 15 !q CL E 0 0 a C t6 a) CL O 0 m o � c d (D a) ta N V ( N O :3 -0 O) M aLL > O E ID c cc O. Q a a) as O L CL d lU N a) 7 a) U N N N 4) 0 O L d s a a Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 7 0 City of Newport Beach m • ' 1 • 1 m , 77 ....................... ................................................................................................................ ............................... o > a « d 0 E b 2 ¢ 'Oi A E o a c 8 E a acgi o G y o ° ¢ -E E E a� a a Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 7 0 City of Newport Beach 0 Petition for Engineering Study Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines City of Newport Beach SU RVEYI PETITION . TO ASSESS NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC PROBLEMS l J • We, the undersigned, request the City of Newport Beach to undertake traffic engineering studies for the purpose of developing preliminary recommendations to mitigate traffic concerns occurring on: Traffic concerns include the following: Excessive travel speeds Vehicle noise High volumes of non -local traffic Pedestrian safety Demonstrated collision problem Bicycle safety Other Name Address lease print) lease print) Telephone No. Date Signature Petition Spokesperson: Telephone Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 8 City of Newport Beach 9 0 Petition for Implementation of Traffic Management Measures i Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines "' City of Newport Beach SURVEY /PETITION FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES We, the undersigned, desire, agree with, and request implementation of the following traffic management measure(s): understand that the proposed traffic management measures may have a direct impact on my property. By signing this petition, I acknowledge that I have read the detailed description of the traffic management measures being proposed. Name Address lease print) lease print) Telephone No. Date Signature Petition Spokesperson: Telephone Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 9 City of Newport Beach 0 Traffic Management Measures Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines -� City of Newport Beach E u E EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT DESCRIPTION: Education and enforcement are traffic management measures that can be applied during the entire traffic management process. The measures include workshops, speed trailer, and traditional enforcement. PURPOSE: The primary purpose is to inform and educate citizens and motorists of traffic management measures. EFFECTIVENESS: Education is very effective in developing a better understanding of neighborhood traffic management, and enforcement is effective in compliance with traffic laws. COST: Costs for education and enforcement varies from $200 to $2,000, and is generally measured by manhours. PARKING IMPACTS: None. EMERGENCY SERVICE IMPACTS: None. NOISE IMPACTS: None. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Depending on the effectiveness during the petition process, ongoing reinforcement may be required. GUIDELINES: Education and enforcement are an integral part of the petition process. The City Council may consider the installation of neighborhood traffic management education and enforcement in any neighborhood as a prerequisite to any formal Neighborhood Traffic Management Program O Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 10 City of Newport Beach • Definition: Activities that inform and seek to modify driver behavior. Techniques include printed information, meetings and workshops with staff, interaction with neighbors, enforcement activities, school programs, public outreach, etc. Advantages Disadvantages • Can be relatively effective and inexpensive. • Not likely to be as effective on non- Involves and empowers citizens. neighborhood traffic. • Works well with other mitigation tools. • May be difficult to measure effectiveness. • Can be time consuming. • May take time to be effective. • Effectiveness may decrease over time. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 11 City of Newport Beach E • Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 12 City of Newport Beach 0 4� E Definition: Mobile radar display advises motorists of their speed. ��• i1 •I I• b � ti��• Advantages Disadvantages • Good educational tool. . Requires periodic enforcement. • Very good public relations tool. . Effective for limited duration. • Useful especially in school and construction • Unit . moves frequently which requires zones where spot speed reduction is important. personnel. O Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 13 City of Newport Beach Radar Speed Monitoring Trailer Y �4y � E Definition: Periodic monitoring of speeding and other violations by police. Advantages Disadvantages • Good temporary public relations tool. • Effect is not permanent. • Serves to inform public that speeding and • Enforcement is an expensive tool. other traffic law violations are undesirable behavior for which there are consequences. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 15 City of Newport Beach Traditional Enforcement J�. -Iffrz • E HIGHER VISIBILITY CROSSWALKS DESCRIPTION. Higher visibility crosswalks are used to increase driver recognition of a crosswalk by using one of the following techniques: 1) designing the crosswalk with paving blocks or contrasting textured concrete, or 2) painting the crosswalk with either diagonal or longitudinal stripes or without transverse stripes. Higher visibility crosswalks should only be used at uncontrolled crosswalks. They would ordinarily be placed where a significant volume of pedestrian activity has been identified. PURPOSE. The primary purpose of a higher visibility crosswalk is to increase driver recognition of the crosswalk. EFFECTIVENESS: Higher visibility crosswalks provide more visibility to drivers than traditional crosswalks. They are also a stronger indicator of the accepted or preferred crossing location for pedestrians. As with any crosswalk, pedestrians may, however, place too high a level of reliance on the ability of the crosswalk to control driver behavior. COST. Higher visibility crosswalks cost $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the design technique. PARKING IMPACTS: There are no direct parking impacts associated with installing a higher visibility crosswalk within an existing crosswalk. However, a minimum of 20- 30 feet of curbside parking may need to be prohibited on each side of the crosswalk to provide increased visibility of the crosswalk. EMERGENCY SERVICE IMPACTS: None. NOISE IMPACTS: Noise impacts are minimal for striped crosswalks. Crosswalks designed with paving blocks or contrasting colored concrete can produce significant amounts of noise, depending on the design. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Installation of higher visibility crosswalks would increase maintenance costs. There are also traffic control signs and pavement markings that are typically unattractive that are associated with crosswalks. GUIDELINES FOR HIGHER VISIBILITY CROSSWALKS The guidelines for the establishment of Higher Visibility Crosswalks are: • They are only created at uncontrolled locations. • Care must be taken at mid -block locations. • As with any crosswalk, they are to be used for guidance and education. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 17 City of Newport Beach O Definition: Crosswalk treatments which increase driver awareness of pedestrian activities. IIIIIII� Advantages Disadvantages • Relative low cost • Can induce a greater false sense of security in • Can be effective at increasing driver the pedestrian. awareness • Can be incorporated into other roadway features such as chokers. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page f8 City of Newport Beach Higher Visibilitv Crosswalks r� U • LANE NARROWING CURB EXTENSIONS OR CHOKERS DESCRIPTION: Curb extensions or chokers narrow the street by widening the sidewalk or the landscaped parkway. This can include lane striping. PURPOSE A walkway feature should be incorporated into the narrowing design to provide for pedestrian activity when conventional sidewalks are not present. GUIDELINES: The City Council may consider the installation of curb extensions or chokers if the criteria listed below are satisfied: These roadway design features are 1. A speed survey must demonstrate employed to make pedestrian crossing that at least 67 percent of the easier, to narrow the roadway, and /or to motorists exceed the prima facie slow traffic. speed limit. EFFECTIVENESS: Curb extensions effectively reduce auto /pedestrian conflict by reducing the street crossing distance and improving sight distance. They also influence driver behavior by changing the appearance of the street. COST: Curb extension cost $7,000 to $10,000 PARKING IMPACTS: Parking impacts will vary with the design. Each curb extension occupies street area that might otherwise be available for curbside parking. EMERGENCY SERVICE IMPACTS: Adequate, provided 20 feet clear is maintained. NOISE IMPACTS: None. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Where the crowns of the street are steep, curb extensions may actually go "uphill" because the new curb is higher than the original curb. This and other street drainage issues should be considered during the design. 2. The street must have no more than two traffic lanes; one traffic lane in each direction for two -way streets or one traffic lane for one -way streets. A minimum width of 20 feet is needed for two -way traffic. 3. The average traffic volume must be greater than 2,000 vehicles per 24- hour period or 200 vehicles per any hour, total in both directions on an average weekday. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 20 "' City of Newport Beach 0 • • Definition: Street physically narrowed to expand sidewalks and landscaped areas. (Similar to Neckdowns but used at mid - block.) Advantages Disadvantages • Minor inconveniences to drivers. 0 Only partially effective as a visual obstruction. • Minimal inconveniences to local traffic. 0 Unfriendly to bicyclists unless designed to • Good for pedestrians due to shorter crossing accommodate them. distance. • Drainage issues need to be resolved. • Provides space for landscaping. 0 Restricts parking. • Slows traffic without seriously affecting • Can restrict driveway access. emergency response time. • Effective when used in a series. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 21 City of Newport Beach Lane Na 0 • 11 Definition: Physical curb reduction of road width at intersections. Similar to lane narrowing but used at intersection(s). Widening of street corners at intersections to discourage cut - through traffic and to help define neighborhoods. (Multiple application shown below.) Advantages Disadvantages • May be aesthetically pleasing, if landscaped. • Unfriendly to bicyclists unless designed to • Good for pedestrians due to shorter crossing accommodate them. distance. • Landscaping may cause sight line problems if • Can be used in multiple applications or on a not maintained. single segment of roadway. • Increased maintenance if landscaped. • Drainage issues need to be resolved. • Impacts street parkin . Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 23 City of Newport Beach Neckdown(s r J.� ny 4 _ u:a�3'itl3 t •. Ll is • Definition: Highlighting various areas of the road to increase the driver's awareness of certain conditions (e.g., edge of road striping to create a narrowing /slowing effect while defining space for bicyclists) ca Advantages Disadvantages • Inexpensive. May not be as effective as other more • May reduce speed. structured techniques. • Edge treatment reduces potential vehicle conflict with bicyclists and pedestrians. • Low maintenance. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 25 S by City of Newport Beach U • Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 26 _0 City of Newport Beach • �J INTERSECTION OR MID -BLOCK MEDIANS DESCRIPTION: Intersection or mid -block medians are typically constructed with concrete curb with opportunities for landscaping. PURPOSE: These roadway design features are intended to narrow the roadway and break up the linear appearance of the street. These features are employed to discourage through traffic much like the Gateway Treatment (see page 23). They can also be effective at slowing traffic in the vicinity of the median treatment. EFFECTIVENESS: Much like the lane /street narrowing, medians can reduce auto /pedestrian conflicts by providing refuge in the middle of the street. COST: Medians can cost from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on size and landscaping treatment. PARKING IMPACTS: To be effective, medians should provide for a single travel lane on either side. Consequently, parking will be impacted adjacent to the median. EMERGENCY VEHICLE IMPACT: Minimal if designed to accommodate. A roadway width of 14 feet is usually recommended. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Drainage is usually not an issue with medians. However, they can be unfriendly to bicyclists. Also, medians tend to force vehicles closer to sidewalk /parkway areas and closer to homes. A walkway feature should be incorporated into the narrowing design to provide for pedestrian activity when conventional sidewalks are not present. GUIDELINES: The City Council may consider the installation of curb extensions or chokers if the criteria listed below are satisfied: 1. A speed survey must demonstrate that at least 67 percent of the motorists exceed the prima facie speed limit. 2. The street must have no more than two traffic lanes; one traffic lane in each direction. 3. The average traffic volume must be greater than 2,000 vehicles per 24- hour period or 200 vehicles per any hour, total in both directions on an average weekday. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 27 City of Newport Beach 1`1 U is E Definition: An island or barrier in the center of a street that serves to separate traffic. Advantages Disadvantages • Provides a refuge for crossing pedestrians. 0 May reduce sight lines if over landscaped. • May improve streetscape if landscaped. 0 Increased maintenance. • Provides barrier between lanes of traffic. 6 Forces vehicle traffic closer to homes. • May produce a limited reduction in vehicle • Impacts street parking. speeds. • Can restrict driveway access. • Can impact bicycle use. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 28 �� City of Newport Beach 9 f� Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 29 City of Newport Beach • • GATEWAY TREATMENTS DESCRIPTION: Gateway treatments consist of physical and textural changes to streets and are located at key entry ways into a neighborhood. PURPOSE: Gateway treatments create visual, and in some cases tactile cues that tell drivers they are entering a local residential area or that the surrounding land uses are changing. The intent is a reduction in speed. EFFECTIVENESS: Gateway treatments have minimal influence on a familiar driver's routine behavior. Overall speeds and total volumes are not influenced, but it is believed that drivers are made more aware of the environment in which they are driving and are more considerate of pedestrians. Unfamiliar drivers may be influenced to avoid the use of a neighborhood street with a Gateway treatment when searching for a through route. COST: Gateway treatments cost approximately $5,000 to $10,000. PARKING IMPACTS: None. EMERGENCY SERVICE IMPACTS: None. NOISE IMPACTS: Textured pavements will introduce some additional noise. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: None. GUIDELINES: The City Council may consider the installation of Gateway treatments if the criteria listed below are satisfied: 1. A speed survey must demonstrate that at least 67 percent of the motorists exceed the posted speed limits. 2. The street must have no more than two traffic lanes, one traffic lane in each direction for two -way streets or one traffic lane for one -way streets. 3. The average traffic volume must be greater than 2,000 vehicles per 24- hour period or 200 vehicles per any hour, total in both directions on an average weekday, and at least 60 percent of the traffic is found to be "cut- through." Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 30 City of Newport Beach 0 Definition: Treatment to a street that includes a sign, banner, landscaping or other structure that helps to communicate a sense of neighborhood identity. Advantages Disadvantages • Positive indication of a change in • Maintenance responsibility. environmental from arterial road to residential • Not friendly to bicycles. area. • May impact street parking. • Reduces entry speed. • Reduces pedestrian crossing distances. • On wide streets provides space for landscaping the median. • Helps give neighborhood a sense of identity. • Allows neighborhood creativity and participation in design. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 31 �7 City of Newport Beach Gatewav Treatment I u 0 • • Definition: A change in pavement texture (e.g., asphalt road to brick crossing) that helps to make drivers aware of a change in the driving environment. Advantages Disadvantages • May be aesthetically pleasing. • May be used to define pedestrian crossing. • Increased maintenance. • May (will) increase ambient noise. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 33 City of Newport Beach Textured Pavement R AR • ONE -WAY STREET(S) NOICE IMPACT: None. DESCRIPTION: One or more streets within a neighborhood can be designated as "one- way," thereby redefining traffic patterns within the neighborhood. PURPOSE: The primary purpose of one -way street(s), as a traffic - management tool, is to prohibit certain neighborhood cut - through movement. EFFECTIVENESS: One -way streets can be very effective at eliminating cut - through traffic in the prohibited direction of travel. However, a series of one -way streets can actually increase travel distances to certain residences thereby increasing overall traffic volumes on individual roadway segments. One -way operations can displace traffic to the parallel couplet. COSTS: The cost associated with designating certain roadways within a neighborhood as one -way streets would be in the $2,000 to $4,000 range per street. PARKING IMPACTS: None. EMERGENCY SERVICE IMPACTS: Fire trucks and other emergency vehicles could proceed along a one -way street in the wrong direction of travel required for an emergency. An opportunity to comment on proposed one -way streets must be provided to appropriate emergency service agencies. These comments will be considered by the Traffic and Safety Committee and the City Council in their review. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: If a wide residential street is converted to a one -way street, the direction of one - way travel may not be easily understood by an unfamiliar motorist exiting a residential driveway along the street. A substantial number of 'one -way' signs, corresponding to the number of driveways along the street, would be required to indicate the proper direction of travel to unfamiliar motorists. These signs would likely be perceived as very unattractive. "Wrong -Way" and "Do Not enter" signs, located at the end of a one - way street, would also be aesthetically unpleasing. This may be particularly true in an area with a lot of tourist traffic. GUIDELINES: The City Council may consider the installation of one -way streets if the criteria listed below are satisfied: 1. A speed survey must demonstrate that at least 67 percent of the motorists exceed the prima facie speed limit. 2. The street must have no more than two traffic lanes; one traffic lane in each direction. 3. The average traffic volume must be greater than 2,000 vehicles per 24- hour period or 200 vehicles per any hour, total in both directions on an average weekday, with at least 60 percent being identified as "Cut - through." Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 35 City of Newport Beach CK One -Way Streets 0 u Definition: Self- explanatory. (Changing the traffic flow pattern with one -way streets should be considered only in areas where there is a documented high percentage of cut - through traffic and where alternative routes exist.) r � �� 4� •w � r � r r � r � � w� � � r w. Advantages Disadvantages Tends to reduce vehicle conflicts due to lack Can lead to increased vehicle speeds. of friction from opposing traffic flow. May result in longer trip lengths. Can facilitate traffic flow through an area. May increase emergency response time. Can open up narrow streets for more resident May increase volumes on other streets. parking. Initial safety concerns as drivers adjust. Maintains reasonable access for emergency Can induce intentional violations by residents. vehicles. Maze effect of one -way traffic can discourage through traffic. May facilitate increased parking opportunities through angle parking. Q -! Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 36 �'! City of Newport Beach One-Way Streets ji Ll E ROUNDABOUT DESCRIPTION: A roundabout is a modern version of a traffic circle with approach diverter islands. A circular island is placed in the center of an existing local street intersection. Traffic approaching the intersection is guided around the circular island. Roundabouts are generally designed to require approaching traffic to slow down when entering the intersection, while allowing a relatively easy exit movement for traffic exiting the intersection. PURPOSE: The purpose of a roundabout is to reduce intersection approach speeds and reduce the potential for angle and turning -type accidents, while maintaining or possibly increasing the capacity of an intersection. EFFECTIVENESS: Roundabouts are very effective at lowering speeds in their immediate vicinity. They are also very effective at reducing turning -type collisions; however, the potential for accidents could increase initially until drivers become accustomed to the change. ' • 4146 r sell .ee s 1, a K1111 to 1 off Me PARKING IMPACTS: Due to the approach diverter islands associated with a roundabout, 30 -50 feet of curbside parking prohibitions may be required at all four corners of an intersection. EMERGENCY SERVICE IMPACTS: Emergency service response times can be reduced by the installation of a roundabout at an intersection. NOISE IMPACTS: Noise impacts are minimal. There may be some noise related to vehicles decelerating and accelerating near a roundabout. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: If well maintained, roundabouts can be very attractive. However, there are also a lot of traffic control signs and pavement markings associated with roundabouts that would likely be unattractive. Landscaping must be maintained to assure visibility. Marked and unmarked crosswalks must be modified to fit revised vehicle travel patterns. ADA ramps must be modified accordingly. Also, traffic controls must be carefully considered. A four -way "Yield" situation may not be appropriate. Two -way "Yield" or "Stop" controls may be applicable. GUIDELINES: The City Council may consider the installation of a roundabout if the criteria listed below are satisfied: 1. A speed survey must demonstrate that at least 67 percent of the motorists exceed the prima facie speed limit. 2. The street must have no more than two traffic lanes; one traffic lane in each direction. 3. The average traffic volume must be greater than 2,000 vehicles per 24- hour period or 200 vehicles per any hour, total in both directions on an average weekday, with at least 60 percent being identified as "Cut - through. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 38 City of Newport Beach Ll 0 Definition: Roundabouts are raised circular areas (similar to medians) placed at intersections. Drivers travel in a counter - clockwise direction around the circle. Modern roundabouts are generally `yield upon entry," meaning that cars in the circle have the right -of -way and cars entering the circle must wait to do so until the path is clear. When a roundabout is placed in an intersection, vehicles may not travel in a straight line. all Advantages Disadvantages May reduce potential vehicle conflicts. May be restrictive for larger vehicles if Reduces speed at intersection approach. designed to a low speed. Providing a Provides space for landscaping, mountable apron minimizes this limitation. Effective at multi -leg intersections. May require additional lighting and signage. Provides equal access to intersections for all If left turns by large vehicles are to be drivers. accommodated then right -of -way may have to Does not restrict movements, but makes them be purchased. more difficult. Initial safety issues as drivers adjust. May increase volumes on adjacent streets. Maintenance responsibility if landscaped. May increase vehicle /pedestrian conflicts. May not be bicycle friendly. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 39 City of Newport Beach • Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines City of Newport Beach Page 0 SPEED HUMPS/TABLES EFFECTIVENESS: • DESCRIPTION: Speed humps are pavement undulations installed along a roadway for the purpose of regulating traffic speed. There is a significant difference between speed humps and speed bumps, which are devices commonly used in shopping center parking lots. A speed bump is an abrupt pavement feature, three or four inches high and only one to three feet in length at the base (measured in the direction of vehicle travel). A speed hump, on the other hand, is generally 3 inches in height, but much gentler in configuration, with a length of at least 12 feet at the base. Speed humps properly designed and placed in appropriate locations control speed without the "jarring" effect of speed bumps. Each installation should consist of a minimum of three humps, spaced at 300 -400 feet apart. Because visibility of the speed humps is very important, they should be identified with appropriate signs and markings. Speed humps can also be applied to intersections for improved intersection recognition, as well as for controlling speeds. Speed tables are similar to speed humps in overall height. The basic difference between speed tables and speed humps is their length. Speed tables are typically 22 feet in length with the 3 -inch rise occurring over the first 6 feet on either the arrival or departure side with the center 10 feet being flat. PURPOSE: Speed humps are intended to reduce vehicle speeds and /or divert traffic. Twelve -foot speed humps may be effective at encouraging 25 mph vehicle speed. Speed tables may be effective at encouraging 30 -mph vehicle speeds. COST: Speed humps and tables cost approximately $2,000 to $2,500 each (minimum $6,000 for a series). Intersection humps cost approximately $5,000 to $10,000 depending on intersection size. PARKING IMPACTS: None. EMERGENCY SERVICE IMPACTS: Like other vehicles, emergency response vehicles must cross a speed hump at reduced speeds. The speed hump design selected for a street takes into consideration whether it is used as a primary response route. The Fire Department should have an opportunity to review all speed humps that are proposed. An opportunity to comment on proposed speed humps must be provided to appropriate emergency service agencies and transportation service agencies. These comments will be considered by the Traffic and Safety Committee and the City Council in their review. NOISE IMPACTS: Speed humps generate some noise. The only mitigation is to consider a hump's proximity to homes when determining where humps might be located. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 41 ,(a City of Newport Beach OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Traffic volumes typically decrease slightly after speed humps are constructed. Additional signage maybe objectionable to residents. GUIDELINES: The City Council may consider the installation of speed humps if the criteria listed below are satisfied: a posted 30 -mph speed limit may be considered for speed tables. 4. A speed survey must demonstrate that at least 67 percent of the motorists exceed the speed limit. 5. The street must have no more than two traffic lanes; one traffic lane in each direction for two -way streets or one traffic lane for one -way streets. 1. Speed humps will be considered for 6. The average traffic volume must be a particular street section only after greater than 2,000 vehicles per 24- persistent attempts to resolve hour period or 200 vehicles per any speeding by all appropriate hour, total in both directions on an conventional methods (posting of a average weekday. speed trailer, increased enforcement, etc.) have been 7. The street must have a sustained exhausted. longitudinal grade of 6 percent or less. Exceptions may be allowed for 2. The street segment on which speed steeper street grades where the humps are proposed must be at steeper grades prevail over relatively least — mile long and must be a short distances. For instance, residential street as defined by the grades up to 8 percent may be California Vehicle Code. The street acceptable for up to 400 feet and must include a logical segment for grades up to 10 percent may be installation of speed humps (isolated acceptable for up to 200 feet. or very short segments along a continuous street, relatively short 8. The street must have a horizontal cul -de -sacs that are less than 800 and vertical alignment such that feet, and L- intersection corner areas there is adequate sight distance, as are generally not appropriate for determined by the City. Example: A speed hump installations). proposed speed hump must be visible from a three and one half foot At the discretion of the Traffic Affairs height at 150 feet. Committee and the City Council, Speed Tables may be considered on 9. An opportunity to comment on collector streets provided the posted proposed speed humps must be speed limit is no greater than 30 mph provided to appropriate emergency and all of the other speed hump service agencies and transportation criteria are satisfied. service agencies. These comments will be considered by the Traffic and 3. The speed limit on the proposed Safety Committee and the City street must be the posted or prima Council in their review. . facie 25 miles per hour. A street with Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines '� Page 42 City of Newport Beach JUDeed Humps S • Definition: Speed Humps are wave- shaped paved humps in the street. The height of the speed hump determines how fast it may be navigated without causing discomfort to the driver or damage to the vehicle. Discomfort increases as speed over the hump increases. Typically speed humps are placed in a series rather than singularly. Advantages Disadvantages Reduced vehicle speeds in the vicinity of the May create noise particularly if there are loose hump. Better if used in a series at 300' to 500' items in the vehicle or trailer. spacing. If not properly designed, drivers may try to Self enforcing, skirt around to avoid impact. Relatively inexpensive. May delay emergency vehicles. May impact drainage. Drivers may speed up between humps. Difficult to properly construct. Requires signage that may be considered unsightly. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 43 City of Newport Beach 0 E City of Newport Beach 0 • • Definition: A raised plateau where roads intersect. The plateau is generally 3" above the surrounding street. Advantages Disadvantages Slows vehicle in the most critical area and • Increased difficulty of making a turn. therefore helps to make conflict avoidance • Increased maintenance. easier. Requires adequate signage and driver Highlights intersection. education. Can reduce auto /pedestrian conflicts. More costly than speed humps. Aesthetically pleasing if well designed. Effective speed reduction, better for emergency vehicles than speed humps. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 45 City of Newport Beach LI • • Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 46 City of Newport Beach r� • Definition: Speed Tables are similar to speed humps in overall height. The basic difference between speed tables and speed humps are their lengths. Speed tables are typically 22 feet in length with the 3 -inch rise occurring over the first 6 feet on either the arrival or departure side with the center 10 feet being flat. 0 • S;j = Advantages Disadvantages Reduced vehicle speeds in the vicinity of the May create noise particularly if there are loose hump. Better if used in a series at 300' to 500' items in the vehicle or trailer. spacing. If not properly designed, drivers may try to Self enforcing. skirt around to avoid impact. Relatively inexpensive. May delay emergency vehicles. May be installed on "collector" streets May impact drainage. May be installed in streets with prima facie 30 Drivers may speed up between humps. mph speed zones. Difficult to properly construct. Requires signage that may be considered unsightly. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines City of Newport Beach 47 Speed Table Mai 0 E Definition: A speed hump designed as a pedestrian crossing, generally used at mid -block locations. Advantages Disadvantages Effective speed control at the installation. May create noise, particularly if there are Effective pedestrian amenity. loose items in the vehicle or trailer. May be designed to be aesthetically pleasing. May be a problem for emergency vehicles. May impact drainage. Drivers may speed up between humps. May increase volumes on other streets. Requires signage that may be considered unsiahth, . _ Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 49 City of Newport Beach Raised Crosswalks ` � A _r = t Am j � L 0 DIAGONAL DIVERTERS DESCRIPTION: Diagonal diverters place a barrier diagonally across an intersection, disconnecting the legs of the intersection. Provisions should be made to make diagonal diverters passable for pedestrians and bicyclists. GUIDELINES: The City Council may consider the installation of diagonal diverters if the criteria listed below are satisfied: PURPOSE: Strategically located diagonal diverters 1. A speed survey must demonstrate reduce traffic volumes on a street. that at least 67 percent of the Diagonal diverters prevent all through motorists exceed the prima facie moves at an intersection. speed limit. EFFECTIVENESS: 2. The street must have no more than Diagonal diverters are very effective in two traffic lanes; one traffic lane in reducing volumes. each direction for two -way streets or one traffic lane for one -way streets. COST: Diagonal diverters cost approximately 3. The average traffic volume must be $10,000 to $30,000. greater than 2,000 vehicles per 24- hour period or 200 vehicles per any PARKING IMPACTS: hour, total in both directions on an None. average weekday with at least 60 percent being identified as "cut - EMERGENCY SERVICE IMPACTS: through. ". Generally, the turn restrictions imposed by a diagonal diverter would apply to 4. Temporary installations should be emergency vehicles as well and are considered before permanent typically not used on primary fire diagonal diverters are constructed. response routes. However, diagonal diverters can be designed and installed to provide for emergency vehicle access. NOISE IMPACTS: None. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Diagonal diverters apply to all drivers, including local residents. Very special care must be taken to consider the availability, capacity, and appropriateness of the alternative routes • drivers might use if a diagonal diverter is constructed. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 51 City of Newport Beach JUagonal Diverters • Definition: A barrier placed diagonally across a four - legged intersection, interrupting traffic flow across the intersection. This type of barrier may be used to create a maze -like effect in a neighborhood. Advantages Disadvantages • Eliminates through traffic. • May inconvenience residents gaining access to • Provides area for landscaping. their properties. • Reduces traffic conflict points. 0 May inhibit access by emergency vehicles. • Increases pedestrian safety. 0 May divert through traffic to other local streets. • Can include bicycle path connection. • Altered traffic patterns may increase trip length. • Corner properties must be protected from violators. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 52 City of Newport Beach Diagonal Diverters r.� C` FiI °f S M> w' I r.� C` FiI °f 0 • • SEMI - DIVERTERS OR HALF CLOSURES /FORCED TURNS DESCRIPTION: Semi - diverters or half closures are located at intersections and limit access to a street by blocking the 'receiving" lane of the street. They prevent drivers from entering certain legs of an intersection PURPOSE: Strategically located semi - diverters can effectively reduce traffic volumes on a street. EFFECTIVENESS: Semi - diverters are very effective in reducing volumes. COST: Semi - diverters cost approximately $7,000 to $15,000. PARKING IMPACTS: Semi - diverters can impact curbside parking opportunities. EMERGENCY SERVICE IMPACTS: Semi - diverters allow a higher degree of emergency vehicle access than cul -de- sacs or diagonal diverters. Semi - diverters can be designed to allow emergency vehicle access, but careful consideration needs to be given to their use on primary fire response routes. An opportunity to comment on proposed semi - diverters or half closures must be provided to appropriate emergency service agencies. These comments will be considered by the Traffic and Safety Committee and the City Council in their review. NOISE IMPACTS: None. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Semi - diverters apply to all drivers, including local residents. Very special care must be taken to consider the availability, capacity, and appropriateness of the alternative routes drivers might use if a semi - diverter is constructed. Frequent violations by local drivers may occur. The "half- closure" may need to be of adequate distance (60 to 100 feet) to discourage this unlawful activity. GUIDELINES: The City Council may consider the installation of semi - diverters of half closures, if this criteria listed below are satisfied. 1. A speed survey must demonstrate that at least 67 percent of the motorists exceed the prima facie speed limit. 2. The street must have no more than two traffic lanes; one traffic lane in each direction. 3. The average traffic volume must be greater than 2,000 vehicles per 24- hour period or 200 vehicles per any hour, total in both directions on an average weekday with at least 60 percent being identified as "cut - through." O Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 54 City of Newport Beach 0 • Definition: Physical blockage of one direction of traffic on a two -way street. The open lane of traffic is signed 'one way," and traffic from the blocked lane is not allowed to go around the barrier through the open lane. F� T t i �_Ii* Advantages Disadvantages • Reduces through- traffic in one direction • Reduces access for residents. and possibly in the other. • Emergency vehicles are only partially • Allows two -way traffic in the remainder of affected as they have to drive around the street. partial closure with care. • Good for pedestrians due to shorter • Compliance with semi - diverters is not 100 crossing distance. percent. • Provides space for landscaping. • May increase trip length for some • Can be designed to provide two -way residents. access for bicycles. • Maintenance responsibility if landscaped. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 55 City of Newport Beach Partial Street Closure Alf, • • Definition: Small traffic islands installed at intersections to channel turning movements. a' 1 ;x -OWN, Advantages Disadvantages • Changes driving patterns. 0 May increase trip lengths for some divers. • May reduce cut though traffic. • Can be aesthetically unattractive if not • May be attractive if landscaped. landscaped. • May increase response times for emergency vehicles. • Maintenance responsibility if landscaped. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines City of Newport Beach LI E • Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 58 ' City of Newport Beach iCUL -DE -SAC OR STREET comments will be considered by the CLOSURE Traffic and Safety Committee and the City Council in their review. • • DESCRIPTION: Cul -de -sacs are created by either closing a street at an intersection or at a mid - block location. Pedestrian access is provided across a landscaped island. The closure must be located away from driveways. PURPOSE: The purpose of a cul -de -sac is to eliminate through- traffic and /or reduce speeding on long uninterrupted sections of roadway. EFFECTIVENESS: Cul -de -sacs are very effective at reducing traffic volumes on the cul -de- sac roadway; however, diverted traffic can increase traffic volumes on adjacent roadways. COST: Installing cul -de -sacs on a roadway could cost approximately $10,000 to $30,000. PARKING IMPACTS: Up to 150 feet of curb -side parking should be prohibited at the location where cul- de- sac(s) are being installed. EMERGENCY SERVICE IMPACTS: Cul -de -sacs can negatively affect response times for emergency services, particularly if they are installed on primary emergency service access routes. The landscaped island that forms the cul -de -sac can be designed as a traversable island for emergency purposes. An opportunity to comment on a proposed cul -de -sac or street closure must be provided to appropriate emergency service agencies and transportation service agencies. These Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines City of Newport Beach NOISE IMPACTS: Noise impacts are minimal. In fact, there may be a reduction in noise levels due to decreased traffic volume at the cul -de- sac location. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: In large neighborhoods, installing a cul- de -sac on a roadway could shift a problem elsewhere, unless a strategic pattern of neighborhood traffic - management tools are used. Cul -de- sacs can also generate confusion on the part of users searching for an address along a street. This can be resolved by renaming a portion of the street on one side of the cul -de -sac. Provisions should be made to make the cul- de- sac(s) passable for pedestrians and bicycles. GUIDELINES: The City Council may consider the installation of a cul -de -sac or street closure if the criteria listed below are satisfied: 1. A speed survey must demonstrate that at least 67 percent of the motorists exceed the prima facie speed limit. 2. The street must have no more than two traffic lanes; one traffic lane in each direction. 3. The average traffic volume must be greater than 2,000 vehicles per 24- hour period or 200 vehicles per hour, total in both directions on an average weekday, with at least 60 percent being identified as 'but- through." Page 59 • • 4. Section 21101 of the California Vehicle Code is quite restrictive with respect to street closures. The City Council may need to make a finding that the street is no longer needed for traffic in order to close the street. If traffic is using the street, such a finding may be difficult to make. Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 60 City of Newport Beach 10 • • Definition: Street closed to motor vehicles using planters, bollards, or barriers, etc. ' • h ;• a I 1 Advantages Disadvantages Eliminates through traffic. Reduces emergency vehicle access. Reduces speed of the remaining vehicles. Reduces access to properties for residents. Reduces potential conflicts for street users. May be perceived as inconvenient by some Pedestrian and bicycle access maintained. neighbors and an unwarranted restriction by the general public. May increase trip lengths. May increase volumes on other streets. 0 Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines Page 61 City of Newport Beach Cul -De -Sac