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TC - Item 2B - Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Enhancements Adjacent to Southern California Edison Corporate HeadquartersROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION STAFF REPORT TO: TRAFFIC COMMISSION FROM: CHRIS MARCARELLO, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR DATE: DECEMBER 6, 2012 SUBJECT: TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS ADJACENT TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS SUMMARY The City was recently approached by representatives at Southern California Edison (SCE) regarding traffic and pedestrian safety concerns near their corporate headquarters on Walnut Grove Avenue. As a result, SCE funded a traffic study to evaluate traffic and pedestrian conditions in the area. The study found the general conditions to be safe, but also recommended several potential safety enhancements that could be added. SCE has agreed to fund the traffic and signage safety enhancements as identified in the traffic study. Staff Recommendation That the Traffic Commission recommend to the City Council that the traffic and signage enhancements identified in the traffic study be installed on Walnut Grove Avenue adjacent to the SCE Corporate Headquarters. ANALYSIS In late spring 2012, the City was approached by representatives at Southern California Edison (SCE) regarding traffic and pedestrian safety concerns near their corporate headquarters on Walnut Grove Avenue. These concerns were reviewed and SCE agreed to fund the cost of completing a traffic study in the area. The results of this study found the area to be safe, with adequate traffic controls, signage, and pedestrian crossing devices. The study also identified additional enhancement options that could be installed to serve as additional safety features in the area. As identified in the traffic study (Attachment 1), the traffic and signage safety enhancements include the installation of: 1) Reflective thermoplastic traffic striping modifications including striped bulb outs near crosswalks; 2) Larger traffic signal heads and new signal visors; and 3) New signage including some solar powered lighted signage. After reviewing the enhancements, SCE representatives felt that although the area is considered safe, they would like to further enhance safety features in the area. The engineer's estimate for the improvements is approximately $33,000 and as proposed, would be funded entirely by SCE. If approved, it is expected that work would start in January and take approximately one (1) week to complete. Traffic Commission Meefing December 6, 2012 Paae 2 of 2 FINANCIAL REVIEW There is no cost associated with the traffic safety enhancements. SCE has agreed to fund all costs related to the traffic study and enhancements. Submitted by: C&L/4� Chris Marcarello Public Works Director Attachments: 1. Traffic Study and Signage /Striping Improvement Plan --WMEET � § , A ' § ■ _ | \ | Elf . � � \ | „ , __ _Y ` � ■ / • |E ; | CITY OF ROSEMEAD PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK STUDY ON WALNUT GROVE AVENUE between Rush Street and Edison Way Prepared for: City of Rosemead, Department of Public Works Prepared by: evan broc•<s associates 50sou debcy 100 Pasadena, callfww' 91105 a Oeadvanlage Business Enferpt4e Corporation July 2, 2012 Table of Contents 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... ..............................1 2 Field Investigation ............................................................................................... ..............................3 3 Pedestrian and Traffic Counts ......................................................................... ..............................7 4. Standards and Practices for Pedestrian Amenities ............................... .............................11 SIDEWALKSAND CURB RAMPS ................................................................... .............................11 INTERSECTIONCROSSWALKS ..................................................................... .............................11 MID -BLOCK AND UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTION CROSSINGS .. .............................12 OTHERPEDESTRIAN AIDS ............................................................................. .............................12 S . Analysis and Results ......................................................................................... .............................13 6. Additional Pedestrian Enhancements ........................................................ .............................14 CURB EXTENSIONS (BULB-OUTS) .............................................................. .............................15 LIGHTEDBOLLARDS ........................................................................................ .............................15 PEDESTRIAN AND EARLY WARNING SIGNS ........................................... .............................16 LARGERSIGNAL HEADS .................................................................................. .............................17 HIGH VISIBILITY CROSSING STRIPING ..................................................... .............................17 PEDESTRIANLIGHTING .................................................................................. .............................17 ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. i 1. Introduction This report presents a summary of existing pedestrian and traffic counts conducted at the crosswalk on Walnut Grove Avenue between Rush Street and Edison Way in the City of Rosemead, California. An assessment of existing pedestrian safety features is made along with possible additional new features to further improve safety. There have been concerns regarding pedestrian safety at this crosswalk, and recommendations have been warranted to improve existing conditions to minimize these concerns. The subject crosswalk is a mid - block, east -west, pedestrian crossing over Walnut Grove Avenue that provides a route for employees and visitors of the Southern California Edison facilities walking between buildings on both the west and east sides of Walnut Grove Avenue. The crosswalk is solely for pedestrians. Signals, painted pavement and signage tell vehicle drivers to stop for pedestrian crossing. Figure 1 shows the study crosswalk location between buildings and Figures 2 & 3 show two aerial views of the Walnut Grove Avenue segment between Rush Street on the south to Edison Way on the North. Edison Way is a private driveway providing access to Southern California Edison parking lots and buildings. The study crosswalk is equally distanced between Edison Way and Rush Street. Figure 1: Site Location and Aerial View of the Study Crosswalk on Walnut Grove Avenue n a .,.. ... Kliigeman St Study Crosswalk Edlwn Way Rush St ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 1 Figure 3: Aerial Close -up View of the Study Crosswalk on Walnut Grove Avenue ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 2 Figure Z: Aerial View of the Study Crosswalk on Walnut Grove Avenue A three -year accident history of Walnut Grove Avenue between Rush Street and Edison Way was reviewed using SWITRS accident database including all accidents reported for the period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010. The review reveals that there was an accident (rear -end type) on Walnut Grove Avenue 415 feet north of Rush Street (near the study crosswalk) involving two vehicles causing property damage only. 2. Field Investigation A detailed field investigation was completed at the site on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 during the afternoon peak period between 4:45 PM and 5:30 PM to obtain geometric field measurements as well as functional characteristics of traffic and pedestrian control system currently in place at the crosswalk. ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 3 Photo 1: Looking west from eo,>[ eno of Crosssvolk Walnut Grove Avenue is an 84 feet wide north -south secondary arterial street. The street provides two travel lanes in each direction plus a 16 -foot wide raised landscaped median along the center. Both sides of the street have a 6 feet wide sidewalk. On- street parking is prohibited along both sides of the street. Photo 2. Walnut Grove looking south toward study crosswalk from Edison Way The adjacent land uses within the study segment of Walnut Grove Avenue are corporate office buildings. Although there is no speed limit sign posted at the study location, it appears that traffic moves at a speed of 35 to 40 miles per hour under normal conditions in both directions. There are "WAIT HERE" pavement markings and a STOP line striped for both directions, approximately 36 feet ahead of the crosswalk. ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 4 V. _ � �• L�S'iit Photo 3: Crosswalk in foreground with vehicles stopped at "wait here" pavement markings for pedestrian crossing. The study crosswalk provides mid -block pedestrian access between two sides of Walnut Grove Avenue. The crosswalk is located approximately 485 feet north of Rush Street, and 415 feet south of Edison Way. The intersections at Edison Way as well as at Rush Street are signalized and provide pedestrian crosswalks for all directions of pedestrian movement. The study crosswalk is also fully signalized with pedestrian push buttons provided at the two signal poles on the sides as well as at the poles located in the median along the pedestrian paths. Signal heads are mounted on the poles as well as the mast arms of the two side poles. Although pedestrians are provided an adequate refuge area in the median, the pedestrian walk times programmed in the controller are adequate to cross the entire width of Walnut Grove Avenue during a single cycle. ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 5 The crosswalk is approximately 13.5 feet in width. The edges of the crosswalk are striped with 8" wide white lines, and the entire crosswalk area is also lightly colored with reddish paint. Both the east end and west end of the crosswalk are provided with ADA- compliant wheelchair curb ramps. Typical street lights are also provided in the vicinity. ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 6 Photo 4: Crosswalk with vehicle stop lights and pedestrian crossing sign. Photo 5: Street lighting over crosswalk. Photo 6: Caution signage at both sides of crosswalk alert pedestrians of moving vehicles. 3. Pedestrian and Traffic Counts A pedestrian and traffic count was conducted at the crosswalk location on Thursday, May 11, 2012 during the hours of 7:00 AM and 5:30 PM. The counts were recorded for each 15- minute interval. The day of the count represented a typical day clear of abnormal weather and any other factors that might impact the use of the crosswalk. The results of these counts are presented in Tables la & lb. The results of the counts indicate that during 10 -hour 15- minute period a total of 2,278 vehicles traveled northbound and 2,257 vehicles traveled southbound, totaling 5,035 vehicles traveling in both directions across the crosswalk. During the same period, a total of 221 people walked eastbound and 207 people walked westbound, totaling 428 people walking in both directions along the crosswalk The 15- minute period between 5:00 PM and 5:15 PM shows the highest 15- minute traffic volumes with 135 vehicles traveling northbound and 130 vehicles traveling southbound. ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 7 The highest 15- minute pedestrian volumes at the crosswalk were 14 people eastbound during the 4:00 -4:15 PM period and 16 people westbound during the 1:45 -2:00 PM period. ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 8 Table la: Pedestrian and Traffic Counts at the Study Crosswalk, Table (L) Lowest Comb (H) Hlghesl Comm rao xz� e� on M 1630- 0� ttao txml��� 12 K�-�- 1.9U�-�- x0,�' - 6� t430©-�- 11 uu tl ai so�- e � , 3 sas 13a� us� (L) Lowest Comb (H) Hlghesl Comm ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 9 on M 1630- 0� ttao txml��� 12 K�-�- 1.9U�-�- x0,�' - 6� so�- e � , ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 9 Table 1b: Pedestrian and Traffic Counts at the Study Crosswalk, Graph Walnut Grove Ave. Mk Sm bn Pedestrian Count Conducted Thursday, May 11, 1017 East low 111 West Total 107 u 1 .. a — — v A�B:: »S::issafi��yvy »8 ='oo 8ya pd c�oe Go BCioN �9 — wramswwua rouwwu..a+.0 ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 10 l 4. Standards and Practices for Pedestrian Amenities Traffic control and pedestrians safety standards and best practices are widely available to design safe crosswalks. The following summarizes some of the features of pedestrian crossings over roadways. SIDEWALKS AND CURB RAMPS The ideal minimum width of a sidewalk is five feet for two pedestrians to walk comfortably side -by -side. Five feet is also the minimum width needed to allow two wheelchairs to pass. Current ADA standards specify that sidewalks must be a minimum of 3 feet wide in all locations. However, any sidewalks which are fewer than five feet wide must include wheel chair passing areas every 200 feet. In areas with heavier pedestrian volumes, a minimum, ten -foot sidewalk, may be sufficient Curb ramps provide a transition between sidewalks and streets for the purpose of pedestrian crossing and are especially important for disabled pedestrians and those using wheeled mobility aids. In conformance with ADA, curb ramps are required whenever an established pedestrian route crosses a curb. INTERSECTION CROSSWALKS Crosswalk standards generally follow the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways ( MUTCD) which is the State of California's adopted design standard. Crosswalks are marked with painted lines which must be at least 12 inches wide and not more than 24 inches wide and extend across the full width of the pavement. Crosswalks at signalized intersections are usually accompanied by pedestrian hardware, including push buttons and signal heads telling pedestrians when to proceed through the intersection. MUTCD guidelines specify that "crosswalks should be marked at all intersections ". Engineering studies may be performed to determine if marked crosswalks are warranted in a non - signalized intersection. ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 11 MID -BLOCK AND UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTION CROSSINGS A "mid - block' crossing is generally defined as a marked crossing located in the middle of a block (between intersections) where no traffic controls exist. It is also sometimes applied to marked crossings at uncontrolled intersections (lacking signals, stop signs, and other traffic controls). Mid -block crossings that are not signalized may be particularly hazardous for visually- impaired pedestrians. The MUTCD notes that cities should consider signalizing mid -block crossings where the following conditions are met. Pedestrian volumes at the crossing should be greater than 100 in a four -hour period, or greater than 190 in an single hour. In addition, vehicle traffic should have fewer than 60 gaps per hour or sufficient length to allow a pedestrian crossing, In these cases, mid -block crossings may warrant traffic signals to control vehicle and pedestrian movements. However, the MUTCD notes that mid -block crossings should not be signalized if they are located within 300 feet of the nearest traffic signal, or if they are located within 100 feet of a street controlled by a stop sign. In these cases, adding a signal could disrupt traffic and lead to vehicle conflicts. OTHER PEDESTRIAN AIDS In addition to sidewalks, curb ramps, and crosswalks, other pedestrian aids are available to make the environment safer and more convenient for walking. These aids include pedestrian signs, push buttons, signal heads, audible signals, countdown signal heads, and in pavement lighting. MUTCD guidelines provide standards pedestrian warnings signs to alert drivers of pedestrian activity areas and pedestrians crossings. Various eye- catching warnings signs are available. Speed radar signs warn motorist of their speed. Pedestrians push buttons and signal heads are important at signalized intersections to aid pedestrians movement into the roadway. Push buttons are activated by pedestrians and trigger a signal phrase for pedestrian crossing. Signal heads display information to pedestrians about the signal phase. They typically display the image of a walking figure in white lights and the image of a raided hand in orange lights to signal when to proceed into the intersection. Other signal heads include countdown numbers letting pedestrians know how much time they have to cross the intersection. Audible signals are available as an ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 12 aid to visually- impaired pedestrians. In- pavement flashing lighting highlights crosswalk markings and are lighted when the pedestrians pushes the push button. Other lighting aids are available including flashing overhead yellow lights extending on a mast arm over the street, typically accompanied by signage. 5. Analysis and Results Based on the field investigation and data collected on traffic and pedestrian volumes for a typical weekday, it appears that some traffic control devices for the pedestrian crosswalk are already in place. These include vehicle stop lights, pedestrian walk signals, and pedestrian crossing signage. The pedestrian volume also indicates that there is a need for and use of the crosswalk. The traffic volume is not heavy enough to be considered "unduly interrupted" by the use of the crosswalk. The crosswalk is striped and painted red to identify it as a crosswalk for pedestrians. Traffic lights are installed to stop vehicles when pedestrians are in the crosswalk. Push buttons and signal heads are installed to motion pedestrians. Pedestrians "X- Ped" signage hangs from the signal arm over the street alerting motorists that a crosswalk is ahead. Pavement marking (a white line and "wait here" lettering) delineates where vehicles are to stop to avoid encroaching into the crosswalk. A roadway median provides an added safety refuge for pedestrians. Signs are also installed at each end of the crosswalk, warning pedestrians using the mid -block crosswalk to look for vehicles before entering the roadway. These signs provide additional safety measures, important to a mid -block crosswalk where motorists are not expecting a crosswalk, and where pedestrians may experience a false sense of safety in the marked and signaled crosswalk. Some safety impediments were observed. The area is heavily landscaped with large trees along both sides of Walnut Grove Avenue and the median between the northbound and southbound lanes. These large trees may obstruct the view of pedestrians in the crosswalk. Additionally, the dark black color of the pavement and the dark red color of the crosswalk separated by white lines may not provide sufficient contrast between pavement color and crosswalk color. The moving traffic may not be aware of the presence of the crosswalk and the signal control system, particularly during unfavorable traffic and weather conditions. ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 13 Pedestrian safety concerns at the crosswalk can be significantly minimized by improving visibility of the crosswalk. The following recommendations are provided for consideration: 1. Install Pedestrian X -walk Ahead sign (W11 -2 and W16 -9p) for traffic in both directions 300 feet in advance of the crosswalk. 2. Install Pedestrian X -walk sign with Arrow Plate (W11 -2 and W16 -7p) at the crosswalk (may be attached to the signal pole). 3. Reconstruct entire crosswalk area with bright decorative pavement material or paint (or 12' wide vertical white line) to increase visibility. 4. Routinely trim and eliminate tree branches blocking the signal heads at the crosswalk. 5. Install brighter street lights along with brighter and larger vehicle signal heads on the mast arms and signal poles. 6. Consider installing bulb -outs (for approximately 8' of street width) at both ends of crosswalk. This should reduce the 22 feet wide curbside lane to 14 feet, and discourage traffic speeding and running the red lights. < > < > WII -3 N "16 9p AHEAD 6. Additional Pedestrian Enhancements In addition to the above recommendations to improve visibility of the mid -block crosswalk, the following are other types of general pedestrian crosswalk improvements that could be added to further improve safely at the study ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 14 crosswalk. Although current signal, signage, and pavement markings are sufficient to alert drivers of the study crossing, additional features can further calm traffic speeds and warn motorists of pedestrian activity, particularly at a mid -block crossing. CURB EXTENSIONS (BULB -OUTS) Curb extensions, or bulb -outs, are a way to bring the curb closer into the roadway and thus reducing the roadway width and the distance a pedestrian has to cross to reach the other side. Curb extensions also increase drivers' visibility and ability to spot pedestrians. Curb extensions can also be made by painted pavement. Walnut Grove Avenue is a two -lane roadway in both direction with no parking. This type of curb extension for Walnut Grove Avenue could include striped painted pavement to simulate a raised curb. The striped pavement can narrow the traffic lanes at the crosswalk without eliminating a lane. Traffic will slow at the crosswalk and the distance across the crosswalk will shorten improving pedestrian safety. LIGHTED BOLLARDS Lighted bollards are vertical posts extending from the ground, approximately three or four feet high, that both mark and light a walkway. Bollards can be strategically placed to alert both pedestrians and motorists of the crosswalk. ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 15 f PEDESTRIAN AND EARLY WARNING SIGNS As recommended above, early warning pedestrian signs can be installed to alert motorists in advance of the pedestrian crossings. Various early warnings can tell the driver how far ahead the crossing is as illustrated below. Pyngrr GypWwwrrfrn.ry lWw �0 FM I " iYllf FkW ISO FTI Fl�f0 WIIiIMm E C O � ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 16 % LARGER SIGNAL HEADS New, and larger, signal heads could be installed. Although the current signal heads are sufficient, larger heads would better caution motorists to stop at crosswalk. HIGH VISIBILITY CROSSING STRIPING High visibility crossing striping includes special paint materials and reflective additives that make the crosswalk pavement markings and striping more visible. Crosswalks can also be include the "ladder" striping as shown below. Uvwa1M i h i va0itima: pvaYN INV i�mu +Yk /II a Crm, lk h h Mg vlsN,li!y tlpis W with a 1,O r pig PEDESTRIAN LIGHTING Pedestrians scale lighting can be installed at each end of the crosswalk at the median to illuminate the crosswalk and to help mark the area as a pedestrian crosswalk. Pedestrian scale lighting is characterized by shorter light poles, such ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 17 as 15 -foot tall posts instead of standards roadway lamp posts, lower levels of illumination, and shorter spacing between lamps. ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 18