TC - Item 3B - Request to review Traffic Conditions at the intersection of Jackson Avenue and Garvalia AvenueROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
TO: TRAFFIC COMMISSION
FROM: CHRIS MARCARELLO, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: JUNE 5, 2014
SUBJECT: RQUEST TO REVIEW TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AT THE INTERSECTION OF
JACKSON AVENUE AND GARVALIA AVENUE
SUMMARY
A request was received for the Traffic Commission to review traffic and safety conditions at
the intersection of Jackson Avenue and Garvalia Avenue. The request noted that vehicle
speeding and school pedestrian activity pose potential safety concerns at the location. A
traffic study was conducted at the location, including a warrant study to determine if the
installation of stop controls were necessary. After studying the location, it was determined
that the intersection did not meet minimum volume or accident thresholds for the
installation of stop controls. However, the study did determine that that the addition of
traffic calming enhancements would help to slow vehicle traffic in this area.
Staff Recommendation
It is recommended that the Traffic Commission recommend to the City Council that traffic
calming enhancements be installed on Jackson Avenue in between Graves Avenue and
Fern Avenue to help increase traffic and pedestrian safety.
ANALYSIS
Jackson Avenue is a north - south, 36 foot wide, two lane residential street with a posted
speed limit of 30 miles per hour (MPH). There are two schools along Jackson Avenue in
this vicinity, including Bitely Elementary on the west side at Fern Avenue and Garvey
Intermediate on the east side just south of Garvey Avenue. Jackson Avenue is posted with
25 MPH signs for traffic during school hours. Land uses in the vicinity of Jackson Avenue
and Garvalia are solely residential.
Approximately 450 feet north of the subject intersection (at Garvalia Avenue) there is an all -
way, stop controlled intersection with crosswalks at Jackson Avenue and Fern Avenue. In
addition, approximately 1,000 feet south of the subject intersection there is a traffic signal
controlled intersection with crosswalks at Jackson Avenue and Graves Avenue. Also of
note, this area was recently improved in 2012 using Safe Routes to School grant monies.
The grant project included the installation of new signage, roadway striping, raised bulb
outs, and a flashing crosswalk at Jackson Avenue and Egley Avenue (directly adjacent to
both nearby schools).
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June 5, 2014
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Warrant Study Analysis
A field investigation and counts were conducted at the intersection of Jackson Avenue and
Garvalia Avenue during the week of May 12, 2014. Both a traffic count of turn movements
and pedestrian activities was conducted at the intersection. These counts were taken
when schools were in full session.
Based on the analysis of these counts, it was determined that the peak hours of traffic
movements were as follows:
Time
NIB and SIB on
Jackson Ave
(Major
Approach)
EB on
Garvalla Ave
(Minor
Approach)
Total
Approach
into
Intersection
7 - 8 am
243
56
299
8 - 9 am
205
40
245
12 - 1 pm
163
19
182
1 - 2 pm
130
34
164
2 - 3 m
221
48
269
4 - 5 m
220
40
260
5 - 6 pm
244
44
268
6 - 6:15 pm
99
31
130
As illustrated in the table above, the peak traffic on Jackson was observed during the 7
a.m. - 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. hours (during morning and evening commute times).
Secondary peak travel times were observed from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. and from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
(typical school drop -off and pick -up times).
Time
Pedestrians Currently Crossing Jackson
Avenue and Garvalia Avenue
Walking East/West
(Across Jackson
with no Stop Sin )
Walking North /South
(Across Garvalia
with Stop Sign)
7 -8 am
3
37
8 -9 am
3
28
12
-1
pm
3
2
1 -2 prn
1
3
2 -3 prn
5
29
4 -5 pm
6
22
56 m
1
9
6-6:15 prn
2
8
Pedestrian peak hour travel counts were taken during the same peak traffic travel hours.
As illustrated in the table above, most pedestrians cross Garvalia Avenue where the traffic
is stop controlled (walking north and south). Only a few pedestrians were observed
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June 5, 2014
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crossing Jackson Avenue where traffic is not stop controlled (walking east and west).
Attachment 2 includes a full warrant analysis of traffic volumes and pedestrian crossings.
As part of the traffic investigations, a 3 -year accident history was reviewed for the
intersection of Jackson Avenue and Garvalia Avenue. The accident investigation included
a review of the last 3 available years from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System
( SWITRS). The record research found that there were no reported vehicle or pedestrian
accidents within the last 3 years (2011, 2012, and 2013) as recorded in SWITRS for the
subject intersection.
Findings
The criteria for determining if all -way stop controls are warranted is based on a number of
factors as set by the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices ( MUTCD). These
factors include an analysis of minimum volumes of traffic on each street approach,
accidents, vehicle speeds, pedestrian traffic and potential sight obstructions.
Based on a review of these factors, it was determined that the intersection does not meet
minimum volume or accident thresholds as determined by the MUTCD for the installation of
all -way stop controls at Jackson Avenue and Garvalia Avenue. This information is
summarized below:
A. Traffic control signals are justified
(Not Met)
B. A crash problem exists as indicated by 5 or more
(Not Met)
accidents in a 12 -month period
C. Minimum Volumes are met if:
(Not Met)
Volume entering intersection from the major approach
(total of both approaches) averages 300 vehicles per
hour for any 8 hours of an average day.
Ad
A
(Not Met)
The combined vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle volumes
entering the intersection from the minor street
approaches averages at least 200 units per hour for the
same 8 hours.
If the 85th percentile approach speed of the major -street
(Posted speed limit is 30 mph)
exceeds 40 mph the minimum volumes are 70 percent of
the above values.
California Manual of Uniform Trgfc Control Devices, Section 28.07 Multtway Stop Applications
page 2B -7
Other criteria that may be considered in an engineering study include:
A. The need to control left turn conflict (NOT MET)
B. The need to control vehicle /pedestrian conflicts near locations generating high
pedestrian volumes (NOT MET)
C. Locations where a road user, after stopping cannot see conflicting traffic and is
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June 5, 2014
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not able to safely negotiate the intersection unless conflicting traffic is also
required to stop. (NOT MET)
D. An intersection of two residential neighborhood collector (through) streets of
similar design and operating characteristics where multiway stop control would
improve traffic operational characteristics of the intersection.
The California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control (CAMUTCD) covers all aspects of the
placement, construction and maintenance of every form of approved traffic control. The
guidelines prescribe five basic requirements for all devices. They must:
• Fulfill a need
• Command attention
• Convey a clear and simple meaning
• Command respect of road users
• Give adequate time for proper response
Summary
The intersection of Jackson Avenue and Garvalia Avenue did not meet minimum volume
and accident thresholds for the installation of an all -way stop control per the California
Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). After a careful review, it was
determined that an all -way stop control would not be warranted at this location. The
purpose of the all -way stop is to assign right -of -way and has been shown in many studies
to be ineffective in reducing vehicle speeds.
In order to enhance traffic safety, it is recommended that traffic calming enhancements be
installed at this location. As proposed, this would include the following improvements:
• Install a painted, 6" white edge line stripe along Jackson Avenue heading
north /south from Graves Avenue to Fern Avenue. This will help create a narrow
traffic lane for drivers and help to reduce speeds. Similar traffic calming measures
have been installed elsewhere in the community with great success in reducing
speeding. As proposed, travel lanes would be reduced to 10 feet in each direction
with 8' parking lanes along the curb.
• Install rumble strips /dots on Jackson, adjacent to the intersection of Garvalia. This
will help remind vehicles to slow down at the subject location.
• Conduct additional traffic safety enforcement during peak travel hours including the
use of motor officers and speed radar trailers.
• If necessary, contact property owners to request supplemental trimming of
vegetation and plants to help improve visibility.
Notifications of the proposed improvements were circulated to effected residents and
businesses within a 300 foot radius of the intersection.
Attachments
1. Location Map
2. Notification Distributed to Area Residents
Jackson Avenue and Garvalia Avenue
Existing Conditions
,
Approach from Northbound Jackson Avenue
Approach from Southbound Jackson Avenue
City of Rosemead
TRAFFIC CONCERN NOTIFICATION
A request was received for the Traffic Commission to review traffic and safety conditions at the
intersection of Jackson Avenue and Garvalia Avenue. The request noted that vehicle speeding and school
pedestrian activity pose potential safety concerns at the location. A traffic study was conducted at the
location, including a warrant study to determine if the installation of stop controls were necessary. After
studying the location, it was determined that the intersection did not meet minimum volume or accident
thresholds for the installation of stop controls. However, the study did determine that that the addition of
traffic calming enhancements would help to slow vehicle traffic in this area.
You are being notified because your property is in close proximity to this location. We encourage
your comments regarding traffic safety in this area. If you wish to comment on the issue, you are
invited to attend the Traffic Commission's next meeting on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 7 PM at the
Rosemead City Hall City Council Chambers.
If you are unable to attend the meeting, you may send a letter with your comments directly to City
Hall, attention Chris Marcarello, Director of Public Works. You may also fax your letter to City Hall
at (626) 307 -9218.
We appreciate your concern for traffic safety in the City of Rosemead. Should you have any
questions regarding this letter, please contact us at (626) 569 -2118.
For information please call:
Para obtener mss informacibn, favor de Ilamar al:
WlMMA , IRS:
D6 bi6t them chi tilt, xin g9i:
626- 569 -2150
AFFECTED AREA
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