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CC - Item 4D - Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Enhancements Adjacent to Southern California Edison Corporate HeadquartersROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: JEFF ALLRED, CITY MANAGER DATE: DECEMBER 11. 2012 SUBJECT: TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS ADJACENT TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS SUMMARY The Traffic Commission recently reviewed a request from Southern California Edison (SCE) to evaluate traffic and pedestrian safety conditions adjacent to their corporate headquarters on Walnut Grove Avenue. In coordination with City staff, representatives from 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. After review of the improvements and the finding that they will not require the use of City funds, the Commission concurred with the recommendation to proceed with additional traffic enhancements along Walnut Grove Avenue. Staff Recommendation It is recommended that the City Council: 1. Approve the traffic striping and signage plan, 2. Authorize the City Manager to approve a funding agreement with SCE to fund the cost of improvements, and 3. Authorize staff to proceed with the installation of the identified improvements in an amount not -to- exceed the engineer's estimate of $33,000. DISCUSSION 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 ITEM NO. City Council Meeting December 11, 2012 Page 2 of 2 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 traffic 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. The draft reimbursement agreement (Attachment 2) also includes provisions for a project contingency in the case of unforeseen conditions. Following consideration by the City Council, cost proposals would be solicited for the improvements. If the proposals are acceptable, it is expected that work would start in January and take approximately one (1) week to complete. 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"4(,4,�& Chris Marcarello Public Works Director Attachments: A. Traffic Study and Sig nagelStriping Plan 6. Draft Funding Agreement ROSH STREET g im 4 < .0 m I L I ! „ ] EDISON WAY a 6 i O < a � FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON AND THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD FOR TRAFFIC ENHANCEMENT WORK THIS FUNDING AGREEMENT ( "Agreement ") is entered into as of the date of the last signature of the Parties at the end of this Agreement, by and between Southern California Edison (SCE) and the City of Rosemead, a California municipal corporation, ( "City"). SCE and City are sometimes hereinafter referred to individually as "Party" and collectively as "Parties ". RECITALS A. SCE and the City have been working together to analyze pedestrian safety adjacent to SCE's recently expanded headquarters at 2244 Walnut Grove Avenue, in the City of Rosemead ( "Property"). A traffic study, undertaken by the City and reimbursed by SCE found that the area adjacent to the Property was safe but there were recommendations made for safety enhancements to the area that could be added, if desired ( "Traffic Study "). B. SCE desires to fund some of the traffic enhancements noted in the Traffic Study including certain traffic and signage enhancements ( "Enhancement Project" or "Project "). C. The City considers the Enhancement Project to be a benefit to the health, safety and public welfare of the residents and businesses of the City of Rosemead and therefore the City desires to undertake the work with SCE providing the funding to the City for its costs. AGREEMENT NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and subject to the conditions contained herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows: 1. Description of the Project. The Project is generally described as traffic and signage enhancements along Walnut Grove Avenue from Rush Street to Klingerman Street. The project includes the installation of a thermoplastic striping along both northbound and southbound traffic directions, the installation of two (2) solar powered warning signs, and the installation of new pedestrian countdown signals. The Project including a detailed scope of work, plans, project schedule and estimate of costs, is more fully described in Exhibit A ("Scope of Work ") attached hereto and incorporated into this Agreement. 2. SCE Funding Amount. SCE hereby agrees to distribute to City, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, the sum of Thirty -Three Thousand Dollars ($33,000.00), to be used to fund the City for eligible Project expenses as described in Section 3 herein ( "Funding Amount "). SCE also agrees to reimburse up to an additional 20% of the cost of the Funding Amount to cover City approve change orders ( "Total Project Costs "). 3. Project Costs Eligible for Advance/Reimbursement. The Total Project Costs may include the following items, provided that such items are included in the Exhibit A Scope of Work: (1) City and/or consultant costs associated with direct Project coordination and support; (2) funds expended in preparation of preliminary engineering studies; (3) costs incurred in the preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates by City or consultants; (4) CITY costs associated with bidding, advertising and awarding of the Project contracts; (5) construction costs, including change orders to construction contract approved by the City; (6) construction management, field inspection and material testing costs; and (7) any CITY administrative cost to deliver the Project. 4. Ineligible Project Costs. The Total Project Cost shall not include the following items which shall be home solely by the CITY without reimbursement: (1) any CITY administrative fees attributed to the reviewing and processing of the Project; and (2) expenses for items of work not included within the Scope of Work in Exhibit A. 5. Procedures for Distribution of Funds to City. (a) Pgment by the SCE. Within 30 days of the execution of this Agreement SCE will deposit with the City a check in the amount $33,000.00, which the parties have determined is the estimated cost of the Project. (b) Review of Costs by SCE. The City will maintain all invoices and costs that are within the Total Project Costs. In the event SCE desires to see any invoices, the City will provide them within 7 business days of the receipt of a written request by SCE. (b) Disouted costs. SCE may only dispute costs for work that are not included in the attached Scope of Work, Exhibit A. In the event there is a dispute over costs that are outside of Exhibit A, the Parties shall meet and confer in an attempt to resolve the dispute within 5 business days of the City receiving written notice of the dispute from SCE. If the meet and confer process is unsuccessful in resolving the dispute, either party may have the issue reviewed by an SCE's representative and the City Manager pursuant to a written request within 5 business days of the unsuccessful meet and confer process. The SCE representative and City Manager will meet and attempt to resolve the dispute. If the Parties cannot resolve the dispute the Parties may agree to select an outside 3` party reviewer to make a determination. City and SCE must both agree on the 3rd party reviewer and the costs of such review shall be shared equally by the Parties. The 3` party reviewer's decision is not binding. The parties can take any other actions available at law or in this Agreement to resolve the dispute. 6. Contingency Proiect Funding. The funds may be increased beyond $33,000.00 for those costs that are within the 20% contingency amount pursuant to a City approved change order. The change order is subject to the review and approval of SCE, such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. If the event SCE does not approve a change order the City may utilize the disputed costs process in Section 5(b) to this Agreement. 7. Review of Work The City shall allow SCE's Representative to inspect or review the progress of the Project at any reasonable time in order to determine whether the terms of this Agreement are being met. 2 8. Termination. (a) Notice. Either SCE or City may, by written notice to the other party, terminate this Agreement, in whole or in part, in response to a material breach hereof by the other Party, by giving written notice to the other party of such termination and specifying the effective date thereof. The written notice shall provide a 30 day period to cure any alleged breach. During the 30 day cure period, the Parties shall discuss, in good faith, the manner in which the breach can be cured. (b) Effect of Termination. In the event the Agreement is terminated the City shall, within 180 days, repay to SCE any unexpended Project Funds provided to the City under this Agreement and shall complete any portion of segment of work for the Project for which Funds have been provided. (c) Cumulative Remedies. The rights and remedies of the Parties provided in this Section are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or under this Agreement. 9. Progress Reports. SCE may request the City to provide SCE with progress reports concerning the status of the Project. 10. Indemnification City Responsibilities The City agrees to indemnify and hold harmless SCE, its officers, agents, consultants, and employees from any and all claims, demands, costs or liability arising from or connected with all activities governed by this Agreement including all design and construction activities, due to negligent acts, errors or omissions or willful misconduct of the City or is contractors. The City will reimburse SCE for any expenditures, including reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred by SCE, in defending against claims ultimately determined to be due to negligent acts, errors or omissions or willful misconduct of the City. (b) SCE Responsibilities. SCE agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the City, its officers, agents, consultants, and employees from any and all claims, demands, costs or liability arising from or connected with all activities governed by this Agreement including all design and construction activities, due to negligent acts, errors or omissions or willful misconduct of City or its sub - consultants. SCE will reimburse the City for any expenditures, including reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred by the City, in defending against claims ultimately determined to be due to negligent acts, errors or omissions or willful misconduct of SCE. 11. Conflict of Interest. For the term of this Agreement, no member, officer or employee of the City or SCE, during the term of his or her service with the City or SCE, as the case may be, shall have any direct interest in this Agreement, or obtain any present or anticipated material benefit arising therefrom. 12. Limited Scope of Duties. SCE's and the City's duties and obligations under this Agreement are limited to those described herein. SCE has no obligation with respect to the 7 safety of any Project performed at a job site. In addition, SCE shall not be liable for any action of City or its contractors relating to the construction of the Project. 13. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed with the laws of the State of California. 14. Attorneys' Fees. If either party commences an action against the other party arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, the prevailing party in such litigation shall be entitled to have and recover from the losing party reasonable attorneys' fees and costs of suit. 15. Time of Essence. Time is of the essence for each and every provision of this Agreement. 16. Headings. Article and Section Headings, paragraph captions or marginal headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall have no effect in the construction or interpretation of any provision herein. 17. No Joint Venture. This Agreement is for funding purposes only and nothing herein shall be construed to make SCE a party to the construction of the Project or to make it a partner or joint venture with the City for such purpose. 18. Notices. All notices hereunder and communications regarding interpretation of the terms of this Agreement or changes thereto shall be provided by the mailing thereof by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid and addressed as follows: If to CITY: City of Rosemead 8838 E. Valley Blvd. Rosemead, CA 91770 Attention: Chris Marcarello If to SCE: Southern California Edison 2244 Walnut Grove Avenue Rosemead, CA 91770 Attention: Victor Ramirez Any notice so given shall be considered served on the other party three (3) days after deposit in the U.S. mail, first class postage prepaid, return receipt requested, and addressed to the party at its applicable address. Actual notice shall be deemed adequate notice on the date actual notice occurred regardless of the method of service. 19. Integration: Amendment. This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the Parties agreement or representation respecting matters addressed herein that are not expressly set forth in this Agreement is null and void. This Agreement may be amended only by mutual written agreement of the Parties. 4 20. Severability. If any term, provision, condition or covenant of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. 21. Conflicting Provisions. In the event that provisions of any attached appendices or exhibits conflict in any way with the provisions set forth in this Agreement, the language, terms and conditions contained in this Agreement shall control the actions and obligations of the Parties and the interpretation of the Parties' understanding concerning the Agreement. 22. Effective Date This Agreement will be effective until execution by both Parties. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives to be effective on the day and year first above - written. CITY OF ROSEMEAD SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON Jeff Allred, City Manager Date Date Attest: Gloria Molleda, City Clerk Date Title: By: Approved as to Form: General Counsel Date Rachel H. Richman, City Attorney EXHIBIT "A" CITY OF ROSEMEAD PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK STUDY ON WALNUT GROVE AVENUE between Rush Street and Edison Way •V {I t �c . ' . y �{' - . Y o -. v �� I I �T - Prepared for: City of Rosemead, Department of Public Works evan brcoKs associates 5trategic Plonning Solutions 50 south debcy avenue 100 posodena, colHOrnb. 91105 a Disadvantage Business Enterprise Corporation July 2, 2012 Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Field Investigation 3. Pedestrian and Traffic Counts ......................................................................... ..............................7 4. Standards and Practices for Pedestrian Amenities ............................... .............................11 SIDEWALKSAND CURB RAMPS ................................................................... .............................11 INTERSECTION CROSSWALKS 11 MID -BLOCK AND UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTION CROSSINGS .. .............................12 OTHER PEDESTRIAN AIDS ............................................................................. .............................12 5. 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 Kiingerman St Study Crosswalk Edpwn Way ..a..e. FusM1 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 2: 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 east end of Crosswalk 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 1. 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 Y 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 crosswolk Photo 6: Caution signoge 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 1a & lb. The results of the counts indicate that during the 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 — fe,fE brl! a.eMM!-MM!- -MM!m I n I1s a$MM!-_mM! _ M0!-MN!- 99I ImMW- _. ASS . 3 30 MW-MM!- I n I6MW-MM!- i] M -MMM- ..MWm®- 1C .MW-MM!- =�= 11AeMM!-MM!- •IDMMM - 1115©- ®. 11 -®-MM!- 1195©.©- 31m MW.©- I3I5 u® U..IDMM- ©- u 3:15MW!'-MM!-I #MM0!-MM!- s4s 415 AmMM!- r3s uMN!m I.MM!m ��M�m ©m on 4lli© sis 1I4� us® (t) Lowest Cwnts (H) NWT l Cwnts E.tt - WM a.eMM!-MM!- -MM!m I n I90MM!-MM!- a$MM!-_mM! _ M0!-MN!- 99I ImMW- T4MM!1-MM!- �MMI-MW- .s0M!-M0!- W3IMM!- I n .MM!-NM!- I F =M =�= 11AeMM!-MM!- I VMM!O©- us�MMM!m laolmNWm 1wsMM!-MM1- -=W'm L15NM!-WM!- u® ztMW!lmM! sm�m�m1 3:15MW!'-MM!-I #MM0!-MM!- .{pMM!-©- 415 AmMM!- 4loMM!-MW- 4+sMM!-=M!- uMN!m I.MM!m ��M�m ©m on ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 9 Table 1b: Pedestrian and Traffic Counts at the Study Crosswalk, Graph WaOxa Grove Ave h1165eRion Cr Count Conducted Thursday, Mar U, 2012 South Total 2,157 North Tob12,278 — saswvs Walm,t Grove Ave. Mid - Section Vedestrbn Courd Conducted lh.,cfay. May 11, 2011 Emt Total 221 WestT 1207 na�YtlSYraM G V3iii gnsc ^. an Yaa ?gya�a ^you Ve °iA$a� un ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 10 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 INIERSECIION 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. <X> W11_2 Eel 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 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. /w�K,l. IYpM1��YYq,pr, aae I rat I az 50011 Iltlta uarlo!!± Q DD Cl 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. C, V.4vdlh> U l InJiRYW Pv >I1111N@ fiW4,vM1_ Crmfwalk 0 X N/rHtlbllry omtxalA witM1 o I Whn ne:ign 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. I. ROSEMEAD, Walnut Grove Pedestrian Crosswalk Study Page. 18 EXHIBIT "A-1" ESTIMATE OF COST 1 W41 Iii MAM PROJECT SCHEDULE