TC - Item 3A - Traffic Review of Signage and Markings on San Gabriel Boulevard near Hellman Avenue and the EB I-10 Freeway On-Ramp
R OSEMEAD T RAFFIC C OMMISSION
S TAFF R EPORT
TO: TRAFFIC COMMISSION
FROM: GLORIA MOLLEDA, CITY MANAGER
DATE: SEPTEMBER 9, 2021
SUBJECT: TRAFFIC REVIEW OF SIGNAGE AND MARKINGS ON SAN GABRIEL
BOULEVARD NEAR HELLMAN AVENUE AND THE EB I-10 FREEWAY
ON-RAMP
SUMMARY
On behalf of the City of Rosemead, engineering staff completed a traffic review and recommended
appropriate measures to improve and evaluate the existing signage located on San Gabriel
Boulevard for the northbound (NB) travel as drivers approach Hellman Avenue and the eastbound
(EB) 1-10 Freeway On-Ramp. The current signage on San Gabriel Boulevard provides lane
designations for the freeway on-ramp and other roads, however the current signage as is, is not
clear and makes it difficult for motorists to understand and maneuver into the correct lanes,
especially as drivers drive NB approaching the Hellman Avenue intersection and the EB 1-10 On-
Ramp. Due to the on-
Boulevard, there are currently signs installed showing lane designations, however the signs show
as if there are 2 lanes making a right onto the freeway. Clarification of the lane designations exist
with text below the right turn arrows; however, the writing is small. Please note that this
intersection appears to be within Caltrans jurisdiction and may require coordination between the
City and Caltrans to facilitate any improvements. If the recommended improvements are approved,
City Staff may need to initiate the coordination efforts with Caltrans to implement the below
recommended improvements.
This item was previously presented to the Traffic Commission at the March 11, 2021 Traffic
Commission Meeting. After discussion and presentation of the item, the Traffic Commission
directed staff to review the location further and evaluate additional options for signage and
pavement markings. Staff has completed their review based on the Traffic Commission direction
and determined new recommendations for signage and pavement markings at this location.
ANALYSIS
The traffic review included an analysis of the existing roadway conditions and evaluation on ways
to make the lane designations clearer for the motorists, this included a review of existing signage
and pavement legends as well as a review of approximately 5 years of available collision data.
City Traffic Commission Meeting
September 9, 2021
Page 2 of 3
This location is within the City of Rosemead however it appears that the subject intersection may
be under Caltrans jurisdiction. San Gabriel Boulevard is a north/south principal arterial roadway.
San Gabriel Boulevard is approximately 75-feet wide, with two lanes in each direction separated
by a median created by two solid yellow lines. As San Gabriel Boulevard approaches the
intersection with Hellman Avenue, two lanes become four lanes, with a left turn lane and an
exclusive right turn lane to Hellman Avenue added. The right turn lane is strictly for right turns
onto Hellman Avenue. The lane designated by the sign as a shared right and through lane on San
Gabriel Boulevard is indicating that the lane passes through the intersection of Hellman Avenue,
and immediately north of the intersection this lane can either enter onto the I-10 Eastbound Ramp
or stay on San Gabriel Boulevard. This is represented in the attached picture summary. San Gabriel
Boulevard has a posted speed limit of 35 mph. San Gabriel Boulevard carries approximately
35,150 vehicles per day (both directions). The 2018/2019 intersection data also found in the Long
Range Plan that for existing conditions, approximately 1,000 to 1,200 vehicles are continuing
through the intersection in the northbound direction. What this shows is that without adequate
advance signage vehicles will be unable to find a gap in through traffic to merge to the right to
enter the I-10 EB On-Ramp.
Collision data was obtained from the computerized collision records system maintained by the
State of California called the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records Systems (SWITRS). A review
of all collisions that occurred along San Gabriel Boulevard for vehicle traveling NB within 100-
feet of the Eastbound I-10 Ramps was conducted over a 5.5-year period between January 2016 to
the most recent available accident data, May 2021. Per the review of the collision history, there
were 11 collisions over the last 5.5-year period that involved NB traffic within 100-feet of the
intersection. Overall, the intersection had a total of 23 collisions over this same period, however
since the area of concern is the NB traffic getting onto the I-10 EB On-Ramp, only those impacting
the NB movements was recorded.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
After a thorough review of existing field and traffic conditions and per the California Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD), California Vehicle Code (CVC), based on the
traffic review and engineering judgement, it was determined that the signage along San Gabriel
Boulevard approaching the I-10 EB On Ramp would benefit from revised traffic signage that allow
motorists to select the appropriate lane before reaching the end of the line of waiting vehicles.
These improvements will aid in making the lane designations more visible in advance of the
freeway on-ramp and right turn only to Hellman Avenue before motorists get to the end of the line
of waiting vehicles.
This intersection appears to be within Caltrans jurisdiction and may require coordination between
the City and Caltrans to facilitate any improvements. It is recommended that City Staff initiate
these coordination efforts with Caltrans to implement the below recommended improvements.
A detailed traffic report and proposed figure diagram is attached as Attachment A to this staff
report, please refer to the properad diagram in the attachment.
City Traffic Commission Meeting
September 9, 2021
Page 3 of 3
Below is a detailed list of the recommendations:
1. Remove the existing mast arm signage for northbound traffic along San Gabriel Boulevard
and on the approach to the intersection and replace with larger signs (54x45) for Multi-
Lane Roads per CAMUTCD 2B.19. To make the sign easier for motorists to read the lane
designations, it is recommended to add ONLY HELLMAN below the right turn arrow on
the sign per CAMUTCD 2B.19-20. It is also recommended to remove the Thru/RT symbol
on the mast arm sign and replace with a thru arrow with the 10 FWY EAST in larger font
to avoid confusion for vehicles that aim to turn onto Hellman Avenue. The approach sign
2. Re--only lane
along San Gabriel Boulevard as show in the proposed diagram of Attachment A. Add
-feet before Hellman Avenue, directly under
onto Hellman Avenue.
3. -feet south of
Hellman Avenue and again approximately 80-feet south of Hellman Avenue.
4. Install lane line extension through the intersection (per Section 3B.08 and Figure 3B-13 of
the CAMUTCD) for the right turning lane to Hellman Avenue to help guide vehicles to
making the right onto Hellman Avenue.
5.
gure 8
of San Gabriel Blvd and Hellman Avenue.
6.
lane line for the right turn lane, as shown on Figure 10 of Attachment A. (CAMUTCD
Figure 3B-11)
7.
of Attachment A. Per CAMUTCD Section 2C.40, this sign may be used in advance of the
R3-7R sign.
Prepared by:
Jana Robbins, Contract Traffic Engineering Division
Attachments:
A. Attachment A - Technical Engineering Report: Traffic Review of Signage and
Markings on San Gabriel Boulevard Near Hellman Avenue and the EB I-10 Freeway
On-Ramp
�i
TRANSTEch
TO: Rosemead Traffic Commission
FROM: Traffic Engineering, Transtech Engineers, Inc.
DATE: September 2, 2021
SUBJECT: TRAFFIC REVIEW OF SIGNAGE AND MARKINGS ON SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD NEAR
HELLMAN AVENUE AND THE EASTBOUND 1-10 FREEWAY ON-RAMP
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND
On behalf of the City of Rosemead, engineering staff completed a traffic review and recommended
appropriate measures to improve and evaluate the existing signage located on San Gabriel Boulevard for
the northbound (NB) travel as drivers approach Hellman Avenue and the eastbound (EB) 1-10 Freeway
On -Ramp. The current signage on San Gabriel Boulevard provides lane designations for the freeway on-
ramp and other roads, however the current signage as is, is not clear and makes it difficult for motorists
to understand and maneuver into the correct lanes, especially as drivers drive NB approaching the
Hellman Avenue intersection and the EB 1-10 On -Ramp. Due to the on -ramp's proximity to the
intersection of Hellman Avenue on San Gabriel Boulevard, there currently signs installed showing lane
designations, however the signs show as if there are 2 lanes making a right onto the freeway. Clarification
of the lane designations exist with text below the right turn arrows; however, the writing is small. Please
note that this intersection appears to be within Caltrans jurisdiction and may require coordination
between the City and Caltrans to facilitate any improvements. If the recommended improvements are
approved, City Staff may need to initiate the coordination efforts with Caltrans to implement the below
recommended improvements. Please refer to Figure 1 below for a vicinity map of the subject location.
® fs
O E EMD
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
Prepared By: Transtech Engineers, Inc. I Page 1 of 9
TRAFFIC REVIEW OF ON SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD NEAR HELLMAN AVENUE AND THE EB 1-10 FREEWAY ON-RAMP
This item was previously presented to the Traffic Commission at the March 11, 2021 Traffic Commission
Meeting. After discussion and presentation of the item, the Traffic Commission directed staff to review
the location further and evaluate additional options for signage and pavement markings. Staff has
completed their review based on the Traffic Commission direction and determined new
recommendations for signage and pavement markings at this location, which are presented at the end of
this report.
The traffic review included an analysis of the existing roadway conditions and evaluation on ways to make
the lane designations clearer for the motorists, this included a review of existing signage and pavement
legends as well as a review of approximately 5 years of available collision data. Please refer to Figure 2 for
the existing conditions diagram of the area.
Figure 2: Existing Conditions
EXISTING SIGNAGE AND PAVEMENT LEGENDS
I �
L
EAST ONLY
Existing Signage for Northbound Travel at
intersection of San Gabriel Blvd and Hellman Ave
(Signage on NB Mast Arm).
RS EMEAD
tr •.i^
Hellman Ave 1z
e.>~�
T&
Aerial view of the intersection of San Gabriel Blvd and Hellman
Ave (Pavement Legends in Right Lane NB). The NB lanes show no
pavement arrows for the 1" thru lane which leads to the On-
Ramp.The Exclusive Right Lane has an ONLY under the Right Turn
Annow.
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
Prepared By: Transtech Engineers, Inc. I Page 2 of 9
TRAFFIC REVIEW OF ON SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD NEAR HELLMAN AVENUE AND THE EB 1-10 FREEWAY ON-RAMP
This photo shows the northbound view of intersection of San
Gabriel Blvd and Hellman Ave. As seen in this photo the NB
lanes show no pavement arrows for the 111 thru lane which
leads to the On -Ramp which can cause confusion for
approaching vehicles attempting to merge onto the 1-10
Freeway.
EXISTING ROADWAY CONDITIONS
San Gabriel Boulevard: Within the City of Rosemead, San Gabriel Boulevard is a north/south principal
arterial road. San Gabriel Boulevard is approximately 75 -feet wide, with two lanes in each direction
separated by a median created by two solid yellow lines. As San Gabriel Boulevard approaches the
intersection with Hellman Avenue, two lanes become four lanes, with a left turn lane and an exclusive
right turn lane to Hellman Avenue added. The right turn lane is strictly for right turns onto Hellman
Avenue. The lane immediately to the left of the exclusive right turn lane passes through the intersection
of Hellman Avenue, and immediately north of the intersection this lane can either enter onto the 1-10
Eastbound Ramp or stay on San Gabriel Boulevard.
San Gabriel Boulevard has a posted speed limit of 35 mph. San Gabriel Boulevard carries approximately
35,1501 vehicles per day (both directions). The 2018/2019 intersection data also found in the Long Range
Plan that for existing conditions approximately 1,000 to 1,200 vehicles are continuing through the
intersection in the northbound direction from the right turn lane to Hellman Avenue during PM peak
hours. What this shows is that without adequate advance signage vehicles will be unable to find a gap in
through traffic to merge to the right to enter the 1-10 EB On -Ramp.
1 Source: Long Range 2040 City -Wide Traffic Analysis, January 2019
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
Prepared By: Transtech Engineers, Inc. I Page 3 of 9
TRAFFIC REVIEW OF ON SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD NEAR HELLMAN AVENUE AND THE EB 1-10 FREEWAY ON-RAMP
PICTURE SUMMARY: EXISTING CONDITIONS
Northbound at intersection of San Gabriel Blvd and
Hellman Ave.
COLLISION INVESTIGATION
O
�yy y
Northbound along San Gabriel Blvd toward EB 1-10
Ramp.
Collision data was obtained from the computerized collision records system maintained by the State of
California called the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records Systems (SWITRS). A review of all collisions that
occurred along San Gabriel Boulevard for vehicle traveling NB within 100 -feet of the Eastbound I-10
Ramps was conducted over a 5.5 -year period between January 2016 to the most recent available accident
data, May 2021.
Table 1 on the following page provides a detailed list of these collisions within 100 -feet of the Eastbound
1-10 Ramps along San Gabriel Boulevard.
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
Prepared By: Transtech Engineers, Inc. I Page 4 of 9
TRAFFIC REVIEW OF ON SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD NEAR HELLMAN AVENUE AND THE EB 1-10 FREEWAY ON-RAMP
Table 1: Summary of NB Traffic Collisions
Per the review of the collision history, there were 11 collisions over the last 5.5 -year period that involved
NB traffic within 100 -feet of the intersection. Overall, the intersection had a total of 23 collisions over
this same period, however since the area of concern is the NB traffic getting onto the 1-10 EB On -Ramp
only those impacting the NB movements was recorded. Refer to Figure 3 for a diagram of NB collisions
within 100 -feet of the Eastbound 1-10 Ramps along San Gabriel Boulevard.
Figure 3: Collision Diagram
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
Prepared By: Transtech Engineers, Inc. I Page 5 of 9
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Per the review of the collision history, there were 11 collisions over the last 5.5 -year period that involved
NB traffic within 100 -feet of the intersection. Overall, the intersection had a total of 23 collisions over
this same period, however since the area of concern is the NB traffic getting onto the 1-10 EB On -Ramp
only those impacting the NB movements was recorded. Refer to Figure 3 for a diagram of NB collisions
within 100 -feet of the Eastbound 1-10 Ramps along San Gabriel Boulevard.
Figure 3: Collision Diagram
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
Prepared By: Transtech Engineers, Inc. I Page 5 of 9
TRAFFIC REVIEW OF ON SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD NEAR HELLMAN AVENUE AND THE EB 1-10 FREEWAY ON-RAMP
Figure 4: Existing Lane Widths
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1_ -
J
HELLMAN AVE
4�br #
12' 12' 10' 10'
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=18'12'► D
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The addition of a painted median like Atlantic Boulevard was considered; however, it was found that there
is not enough space to add a painted median. The right turn lane and adjacent lane (Lane #3 & Lane #4)
are already at their minimum width. The 18 -foot lane on the west side of the street is required for the bus
stop and thru traffic. Additionally, any lane configuration changes on the south side of the intersection
would also require changes on the north side of the intersection.
After a thorough review of existing field and traffic conditions and per the California Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD), California Vehicle Code (CVC), based on the traffic review and
engineering judgement, it was determined that the signage along San Gabriel Boulevard approaching the
1-10 EB On Ramp would benefit from revised traffic signage that allow motorists to select the appropriate
lane before reaching the end of the line of waiting vehicles. These improvements will aid in making the
lane designations more visible in advance of the freeway on-ramp and right turn only to Hellman Avenue
before motorists get to the end of the line of waiting vehicles.
This intersection also appears to be within Caltrans jurisdiction and may require coordination between
the City and Caltrans to facilitate any improvements. It is recommended that City Staff initiate these
coordination efforts with Caltrans to implement the below recommended improvements.
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
Prepared By: Transtech Engineers, Inc. I Page 6 of 9
TRAFFIC REVIEW OF ON SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD NEAR HELLMAN AVENUE AND THE EB 1-10 FREEWAY ON-RAMP
Recommendations
1. Remove the existing mast arm signage for northbound traffic along San Gabriel Boulevard and on the
approach to the intersection and replace with larger signs (54"x45") for Multi -Lane Roads per
CAMUTCD 2B.19. To make the sign easier for motorists to read the lane designations, it is
recommended to add ONLY HELLMAN below the right turn arrow on the sign per CAMUTCD 26.19-
20. It is also recommended to remove the Thru/RT symbol on the mast arm sign and replace with a
thru arrow with the 10 FWY EAST in larger font to avoid confusion for vehicles that aim to turn onto
Hellman Avenue. The approach sign should be moved to the start of the right turn only lane (150' to
300' in advance).
2. Re -paint existing Right Arrow and "ONLY" Pavement Legend for the right -only lane along San Gabriel
Boulevard according to Figure 7.
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
Prepared By: Transtech Engineers, Inc. I Page 7 of 9
TRAFFIC REVIEW OF ON SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD NEAR HELLMAN AVENUE AND THE EB 1-10 FREEWAY ON-RAMP
a. Add Pavement Legend "ONLY" approximately 80 -feet before Hellman Avenue, directly under
the RT ARROW to say "ONLY" Legend, to indicate to drivers this lane is only for turning onto
Hellman Avenue.
3. Install "Through Arrow with "FWY" pavement legend as shown on Figure 7 - approximately 20 -feet
south of Hellman Avenue and again approximately 80 -feet south of Hellman Avenue as shown in
Figure 7.
4. Install lane line extension through the intersection (per Section 36.08 and Figure 313-13 of the
CAMUTCD) for the right turning lane to Hellman Avenue to help guide vehicles to making the right
onto Hellman Avenue.
Figure 7. Recommendations Aerial View
- E I to �.
i
Remove existing sign at - l
F' he mast arm and replace -'
!Hellman
it with a 54"x45"
updated sign Ave c^!�
�q
Install Lane Line
♦ eExtension to guide �
motorists turning right l -may
onto Hellman Ave, Per is m The approach sign to be '
installed at the start of
lection 313.08 and Figure a
the right turn only lane
jib
313-13 of the CAMUTCD t� ��•.
(150' to 300' in advance).
LEGEND
Proposed Larger Sign: Install updated sign to
show: Straight Arrow (R3 -5a) sign + FWY and
Right Only Arrow (R3 -SR) + HELLMAN ONLY
Sign
Re -paint existing "Right Arrow" legend
And Re -paint "ONLY" pavement Legend
below each RT Arrow
E
Lane Line Extensions
Install Through Arrow with
"FWY" pavement legend
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
Prepared By: Transtech Engineers, Inc. I Page 8 of 9
TRAFFIC REVIEW OF ON SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD NEAR HELLMAN AVENUE AND THE EB 1-10 FREEWAY ON-RAMP
Additional Options
5. Install approximately 25' & 15' of red curb along the east side of San Gabriel Blvd, approximately 150'
& 250' south of the intersection, respectively, as shown on Figure 8 and Figure 9. This will prohibit
any parking within 300' of the intersection of San Gabriel Blvd and Hellman Avenue.
6. Install approximately 100' of wide dotted white lane line following the wide solid white lane line for
the right turn lane, as shown on Figure 10. (CAMUTCD Figure 313-11)
7. Install 36"x36" regulatory sign Thru Traffic Merge Left W74(CA), as shown on Figure 10. Per CAMUTCD
Section 2C.40, this sign may be used in advance of the R3 -7R sign.
Install approximately 15 -feet of +S• ��
red curb along the east side of San
Gabriel Blvd, Approx. 250 -feet
south of Hellman Ave.
Figure 9: Proposed Red Curb along San Gabriel Blvd
•IHellman Ave
It
r.I u
I N
w
3
e=
W
�oausi�xr
c I
Install Approx. 100 -fee
of wide dotted white
lane line following the
wide solid white lane
line for the right turn
lane
Figure 10:
Signage and Pavement
Existing Right Lane Must
Tum (113-711) Signage
located on the eastside
of San Gabriel Blvd
Install Thou Traffic
Merge Leff (W74(CA))
(36"x36") sign on the
eastside of San Gabriel
Blvd approx. 175 -feet
south of Hellman Ave
CITY OF ROSEMEAD
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