CC - Item 3E - Request to Review Traffic Conditions at the Intersection of Jackson Avenue and Garvalia AvenueROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JEFF ALLRED, CITY MANAGER/ Q�j
DATE: JUNE 24, 2014 `- /iJ'_V
SUBJECT: REQUEST TO REVIEW TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AT THE
INTERSECTION OF JACKSON AVENUE AND GARVALIA AVENUE
SUMMARY
The Traffic Commission reviewed a request from a resident to review traffic 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, 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 the addition
of traffic calming enhancements would help to slow vehicle traffic in this area. Based on
a review of these findings, the Traffic Commission approved the recommendation to
install traffic calming improvements at the intersection of Jackson Avenue and Garvalia
Avenue.
Staff Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council approve the Traffic Commission's
recommendation to install traffic calming improvements (edge line striping, rumble dots,
signage, and curb markings) in the vicinity of Jackson Avenue and Garvalia Avenue.
DISCUSSION
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 School and Garvey Intermediate School.
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
TI EM NO. O L,
City Council Meeting
June 24, 2014
Paae 2 of 5
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).
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
INIM and SIB on
Jackson Ave
(Major
Approach)
EB on
Garvalia Ave
(Minor
Approach)
Total
Approach
into
Intersection
7 - 8 am
243
56
299
8 - 9 am
205
40
245
12- 1 prn
163
19
182
1 - 2 pm
130
34
164
2 - 3 m
221
48
269
4 - 5 m
220
40
260
5 - 6 m
244
44
288
6 - 6:15 prn
1 99
31
1 130
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).
City Council Meeting
June 24, 2014
Page 3 of 5
Time
Pedestrians Currently Crossing Jackson
Avenue and Garvalia Avenue
Walking East(West
(Across Jackson
with no Stop Sign)
Walking North /South
(Across Garvalia
with Stop Sign)
7 -8 am
3
37
8 -9 am
3
26
12 -1 pm
3
2
1 -2 pm
1
3
2 -3 pm
5
29
4 -5 pm
6
22
5-6 pm
1
9
6-6:15 prin
2
1 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 crossing Jackson Avenue where traffic is not stop controlled (walking east and
west).
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. Subsequent review by the Sheriffs
Department found that there were 2 accidents during 2014 (from January to June 2014).
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
City Council Meeting
June 24, 2014
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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.
And
(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 85 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 Traffic Control Devices, Section 2B.07 Multiway 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 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
City Council Meeting
June 24, 2014
Pace 5 of 5
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 an 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 6' 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.
Based on a review of the existing conditions and warrant study, the Traffic Commission
concurred with the recommendation to install traffic calming enhancements at the
subject location. In addition, the Commission further asked that approximately 5 feet of
red curbing be installed at each corner of the intersection to help improve visibility for
drivers turning from Garvalia Avenue to Jackson Avenue.
Notifications of the proposed improvements were circulated to effected residents and
businesses within a 300 foot radius of the intersection.
Subnmitt�ed/b�y,:.
�..J�/� `
Chris Marcarello
Director of Public Works
Attachments
1- Location Map
2- Resident Notification
3- Draft Minutes of Traffic Commission Meeting June 5, 2014
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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 m6s informacion, favor de Ilamar al:
mb "M *' 15k a:
fle biet them chi tiet, xin gpi:
626 -569 -2150
AFFECTED AREA
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Meeting Minutes for the
ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION
June 5, 2014
The regular meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chair Russell -
Chavez at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California.
FLAG SALUTE: Vice Chair Masuda
INVOCATION: Commissioner Quintanilla
PRESENT: Chair Russell- Chavez, Vice Chair Masuda, Commissioner Quintanilla and Ornelas
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Public Works Director Marcarello, Management Analyst Sullivan,
Administrative Assistant Llamas
1. PUBLIC COMMENT FROM THE AUDIENCE
NONE
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
Commissioner Quintanilla motioned, seconded by Vice Chair Masuda to approve Item A (April 3,
2014 Minutes) on the Consent Calendar as presented. Votes resulted in:
Yes: Quintanilla, Masuda, Russell- Chavez, Omelas
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
3. NEW BUSINESS
A. REQUEST TO INSTALL PARKING RESTRICTIONS — MISSION DRIVE/TOMIK
CIRCLE
Slag provided the Traffic Commission with a brief description about the location, along with
suggestions that may be used in order to improve traffic safety.
Curtis Lee, 4421 Tomik, discussed his concerns regarding this location and provided a copy of a
petition signed by each resident in support of the recommendation to add red curbing at this
intersection. Mr. Lee also provided copies of photographs illustrating the safety concern at the
location.
Mr. Velasquez, resident on Tomik Circle, also discussed his concerns regarding the location and
further discussed problems with delivery trucks at a nearby store at the comer of Ivar /Mission.
Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting
Meeting Minutes of April 3, 2014
Page 1 of 3
Chair Russell- Chavez thanked Mr. Lee and Mr. Velasquez for their comments and for attending the
meeting. She further inquired regarding specific vehicles that park in the area.
Commissioner Omelas commented on the conditions that he observed and concurred with the
need to install red curbing.
Vice Chair Masuda also commented that he observed vehicles directly adjacent to this intersection
and agreed with the recommendation.
Vice Chair Masuda motioned, seconded by Vice Chair Quintanilla the item as presented. Voles
resulted in:
Yes: Quintanilla, Masuda, Russell- Chavez, Omelas
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
B. REQUEST TO REVIEW TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AT THE INTERSECTION OF
JACKSON AVENUE AND GARVALIA AVENUE
Staff provided the Traffic Commission with a brief description about the location, along with
suggestions that may be used in order to improve traffic safety in this neighborhood.
Tam Dinh, 7621 Garvalia, discussed her concerns regarding this location and described concerns
with street racing on Jackson Avenue. She further indicated that the installation of red curbing
adjacent to the comers at this intersection would help to improve visibility when turning from
Garvalia onto Jackson.
Chair Russell- Chavez inquired regarding the possibility of adding a striped median along Jackson
in order to help reduce vehicle speeding.
Staff discussed the street width and some of the limitations with making changes to the striping
along this street.
Vice -Chair Masuda asked if it would be possible to paint crosswalks for pedestrians traveling
north /south on Jackson Avenue. This may help to provide additional protection for pedestrians.
Commissioner Ornelas discussed the landscaping on private properties at this location. He asked
about height limitations for vegetation in front yard areas and asked if the residents could be asked
to trim plant materials in order to improve visibility.
Commissioner Quintanilla suggested that pedestrian warning signs should be added in this area to
wam motorists of pedestrian travel along Jackson Avenue.
Vice Chair Masuda motioned, seconded by Vice Chair Quintanilla the item with a recommendation
to add red curbing adjacent to the comers at this intersection. Votes resulted in:
Yes: Quintanilla, Masuda, Russell- Chavez, Omelas
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Rosemead Traffic commission Meeting
Meeting Minutes of April 3, 2014
Page 2 of 3
4. STAFF REPORT
Staff updated the Traffic Commissioners on current projects and events throughout the City
5. COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Vice Chair Masuda asked about an item reviewed during staff reports and whether additional
inquiries had been received regarding this issue.
Commissioner Omelas expressed his gratitude to the Public Works Department for the quality of
roads in our community.
Chair Russell- Chavez asked staff to look into the left -turn signal at San Gabriel Blvd/Portrero
Grande and Rush. She further inquired regarding staffs discussions with Monterey Park Water
Department regarding truck traffic and access from the Southern California Edison transmission
corridor and Charlotte Ave. Lastly, she reported that a tree was obstructing visibility of a stop sign
in the vicinity of Rio Hondo and Marshall.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m. The next Traffic Commission meeting is scheduled for July 3,
2014 at 7:00p.m., and in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, located at 8838 East Valley
Boulevard.
Joanne Russell- Chavez
Chair
ATTEST:
Chris Marcarello
Public Works Director
Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting
Meeting Minutes of April 3, 2014
Page 3 of 3