CC - Item 3K - Walgreen's DrivewayROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OLIVER CHI, CITY MANAGER
DATE: FEBRUARY 10, 2009
SUBJECT: SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD SOUTH OF GARVEY AVENUE -
TURNING MOVEMENT AT WALGREEN'S DRIVEWAY
SUMMARY
The Traffic Commission reviewed a request to add red curbing and restrict left turn
movements from the Walgreen's driveway along San Gabriel Boulevard.
Commissioners expressed concerns that existing parking conditions and left turn
movements out of this shopping center limit visibility and cause unsafe driving
conditions, especially during peak travel times. After visiting this site, staff
recommended that red curbing be added and left turns be restricted to help address
these issues.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Traffic Commission's
recommendation and authorize staff to take necessary steps to implement traffic safety
enhancements along San Gabriel Boulevard at the Walgreen's driveway.
DISCUSSION
The Walgreen's development at San Gabriel Boulevard and Garvey Avenue has 2
separate access points that provide a lane for entering vehicles and a left /right turn
lane for exiting vehicles. Commissioners expressed concerns that existing parking
conditions on San Gabriel Boulevard limit visibility for vehicles exiting the Walgreen's
development. Further, Commissioners maintained that exiting vehicles turning left (onto
southbound lanes on San Gabriel Boulevard) create unsafe driving conditions and
delays for traffic heading northbound on San Gabriel Boulevard.
Based on the field observations at the location, the City's traffic engineer agreed that
visibility concerns exist and left turn movements exiting the Walgreen's development do
create unsafe driving conditions. If approved, staff will proceed with the following traffic
improvements:
• Install 68 feet of red curb on the east side of San Gabriel Boulevard south of the
APPROVED FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: _ 6 . I'C'E N
City Council Meeting
February 10, 2009
Page 2 of 2
driveway access of Walgreen's south of Garvey Avenue.
• Install 2 "No Left Turn" signs for vehicles at the entrance and exist of the
Walgreen's driveway on San Gabriel Boulevard south of Garvey Avenue.
• Remove the left turn pavement marking at the driveway of Walgreen's to be
consistent with the proposed "No Left Turn" sign.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Funding for this work is included in the Fiscal Year 2008-09 budget.
Prepared by:
Chris Marcarello
Deputy Public Works Director
Su
Manager
Attachments:
(1) November 6, 2008 Traffic Commission Agenda Report and Minutes
ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND COMMISSIONERS
FROM: JOANNE ITAGAKI, TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DEPUTY
DATE: NOVEMBER 6, 2006
SUBJECT: SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD SOUTH OF GARVEY AVENUE
TURNING MOVEMENT CONCERNS AT WALGREEN'S DRIVEWAY
SUMMARY
Chairperson Knapp and Commissioner Russell both requested this issue be addressed.
The concern was with regards to vehicles parking adjacent to this driveway and the left
turn access from the driveway onto San Gabriel Boulevard.
Staff Recommendation
It is staffs recommendation that the Traffic Commission recommends the following to
the City Council:
1 Install 68 feet of red curb on the east side of San Gabriel Boulevard south of
the driveway access of Walgreen's south of Garvey Avenue.
2. Install two "No Left Turn" (R3-2) signs for vehicles entering and exiting the
Walgreen's driveway on San Gabriel Boulevard south of Garvey Avenue.
3. Remove the left turn pavement marking at the driveway of Walgreen's to be
consistent with the proposed "No Left Turn" sign.
ANALYSIS
San Gabriel Boulevard is 76 feet wide immediately south of Garvey Avenue. Beyond
this, the roadway widens to provide an 84 foot wide roadway. This north/south roadway
provides for 2 lanes of travel in each direction separated by a two-way left turn lane.
Parking in the immediate vicinity of the subject area is generally restricted by marked
red curbs. The posted speed limit on San Gabriel Boulevard is 40 mph.
The Walgreen's development on the southeast corner of San Gabriel Boulevard and
Garvey Avenue has 2 separate access points. One access driveway is on Garvey
Avenue and one is on San Gabriel Boulevard. Both driveways provide a left and right
turn lane out of the development while there is 1 entering lane.
Traffic commission Meeting
November 6, 2008
Page 2 of 3
Exhibit "A" depicts existing conditions on San Gabriel Boulevard south of Garvey
Avenue.
Discussion
The first concern expressed by the Commissioners was the on-street parking on the
east side of San Gabriel Boulevard immediately south of the driveway on San Gabriel
Boulevard. Currently, there is a length of approximately 68 feet that allows for on-street
parking. However, in this section there is a fire hydrant that reduces the available
parking length to 38 feet. The functionality of the 38 foot section for on-street parking is
reduced by the angle the curb takes to accommodate the bridge section.
The on-street parking area is also the only segment of San Gabriel Boulevard in the
immediate vicinity of the driveway that allows for on-street parking. The next available
on-street parking is approximately 125 feet south of the bridge.
During our field observations, there were no vehicles parked in the allowable on-street
parking area. It should be noted, however, that both Chairperson Knapp and
Commissioner Russell indicated that parking does occur in this particular area from time
to time.
Staff Recommendation
It is staffs recommendation that the Traffic Commission recommends the City Council
install 68 feet of red curb on the east side of San Gabriel Boulevard south of the
driveway access of Walgreen's south of Garvey Avenue.
The second concern expressed by the Commissioners was the conflicts between
vehicles turning left from the Walgreen's driveway and vehicles turning left from the
shopping center on the west side of the roadway. The Commissioners base their
concerns on those occasions they have witnessed when these vehicles meet head-on
in the middle of San Gabriel Boulevard.
Turning movement counts were taken at the 2 driveways on San Gabriel Boulevard
south of Garvey Avenue. These counts are shown on Exhibit "A" and indicate the
majority of vehicles entering the Walgreen's driveway are making right turns. Vehicles
exiting the driveway are about equal between right and left turns out. At the shopping
center driveway, the majority of entering vehicles are turning right while the majority of
exiting vehicles are turning left.
Field observations were also made to identify if any "problems" occur between the
turning movements of the driveways. The observations only identified 2 instances
where vehicles coming out of the Walgreen's driveway caused some conflict with
vehicles traveling on San Gabriel Boulevard. No conflicts were observed that involved
left turning vehicles exiting each driveway meeting in the two-way left turn lane. Both
Traffic Commission Meeting
November 6, 2008
Page 3 of 3
instances observed involved vehicles turning left from the driveway blocking the travel
of vehicles on San Gabriel Boulevard.
One conflict observed did create a traffic flow problem that affected all northbound
traffic. This conflict occurred after 5:00 PM. The left turning vehicle exiting the
Walgreen's driveway blocked all northbound lanes of traffic while attempting to enter the
southbound lanes of traffic. This caused a delay of approximately 2 minutes.
This observed conflict is likely to be a typical scene during the peak hours. In addition,
the location of the Walgreen's driveway, within the length of the left turn lane, creates
conflicts with any vehicles turning left into or out of the site. During the peak hours, left
turning vehicles could cause delays in both the northbound and southbound directions.
Staff Recommendation
It is staffs recommendation that the Traffic Commission recommends the City Council
install two "No Left Turn" (R3-7) signs for entering and exiting vehicles of the
Walgreen's driveway on San Gabriel Boulevard south of Garvey Avenue. In addition,
the Traffic Commission recommends the City Council have the left turn pavement
marking on the driveway be removed to be consistent with the proposed "No Left Turn"
sign.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process.
Submitted by:
Joanne Itagaki
Traffic Engineering Deputy
Exhibit A: Existing and proposed improvements on San Gabriel Boiulevard south of Garvey
Avenue.
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Minutes of the Regular
ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING
November 6, 2008
The regular meeting of the Rosemead Traffic Commission was called to order by Chairman Knapp
at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California.
FLAG SALUTE: Vice-Chairman Masuda
INVOCATION: Commissioner Deary
ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS PRESENT: Chairman Knapp, Vice-Chairman Masuda, Commissioner
Deary, Commissioner Lewin, Commissioner Russell.
OFFICIALS PRESENT: Deputy Public Works Director Marcarello, Field Services Manager
Ornellas, Senior Management Analyst Hentabli, and Traffic Engineer Itagaki.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES October 2, 2008 - Regular Meeting
Commissioner Deary made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell, to approve the
minutes along with clarifications. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Deary, Knapp, Lewin, Masuda, Russell
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
2. PUBLIC COMMENT FROM THE AUDIENCE -None
3. OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS
A. MISSION DRIVEIIVAR AVENUE - Southbound Visibility Concerns and Crosswalk
Concerns
This item was originally brought before the Commission on July 17, 2008. At that time, the
Commission approved the installation of red curb on the north side of Mission Drive east of
Ivar Avenue and to add "ladder" striping to the crosswalk.
This item has been brought back to the Commission to provide analysis of school
pedestrians crossing the intersection of Mission Drive/lvar Avenue within the existing
crosswalk. The request is for the installation of a crossing guard, flashing beacon, or in-
roadway warning lights to provide additional notification of this school crossing location.
Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting
Minutes of November 6, 2008
Page 1 of 4
Staff Recommendation: It is staff's recommendation that the Traffic Commission denies the
request for the installation/implementation of additional traffic control devices for the crosswalk on
Mission Drive at Ivar Avenue.
Commissioner Lewin made a motion, seconded by Chairman Knapp, to approve staff's
recommendation and in addition add arrow signs pointing down on both sides of the cross
walk. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Deary, Knapp, Lewin, Masuda, Russell
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Presentation on Citywide Street Striping and Signage Improvement Program
As part of the City's Fiscal Year 2008-09 budget, the City Council included funding to update
street striping conditions and street signage throughout the City. City staff will review a
presentation explaining the project and take input from the Commission on issues related to
these work efforts.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Traffic Commission review the
presentation and provide input related to the Citywide Street Striping and Signage
Improvement Program.
Robert Garcia, Representative of Traffic Operations presented to the Traffic Commission and
reviewed the street improvement program. The program will help improve the visibility of street and
regulatory signs and improve the safety of pedestrians and motorists in the City.
B. EARLE AVENUE - Letter Request to Review Parking Conditions
SUMMARY
City Staff received a letter request from Sheryl Blum, 4824 Earle Avenue, regarding parking
conditions along Earle Avenue north of Mission Drive and south of Grand Avenue. Ms. Blum
has asked that the Traffic Commission review the existing conditions and identify possible
alternatives for improving parking in this area. A petition of residents on Earle Avenue was
also included with the letter request.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Traffic Commission direct staff to study
this item further and develop recommendations for the Traffic Commission's consideration.
Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting
Minutes of November 6, 2008
Page 2 of 4
Sheryl Blum expressed concern over the parking conditions on Earle Avenue; she explained the
current problems the residents are experiencing by the surrounding business and their employees.
Commissioner Lewin made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Russell, to direct staff to
study this item further and develop recommendations. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Deary, Knapp, Lewin, Masuda, Russell
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
C. SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD SOUTH OF GARVEY AVENUE - Turning Movement
Concerns at Walgreens Driveway
Chairperson Knapp and Commissioner Russell both requested this issue be addressed.
The concern was with regards to vehicles parking adjacent to this driveway and the left turn
access from the driveway onto San Gabriel Boulevard.
Staff Recommendation: It is staff's recommendation that the Traffic Commission
recommends the following to the City Council:
Install 68 feet of red curb on the east side of San Gabriel Boulevard south of the driveway
access of Walgreen's south of Garvey Avenue.
2. Install two "No Left Turn" (R3-2) signs for vehicles entering and exiting the Walgreen's
driveway on San Gabriel Boulevard south of Garvey Avenue.
3. Remove the left turn pavement marking at the driveway of Walgreen's to be consistent with
the proposed "No Left Turn" sign.
Commissioner Russell made a motion, seconded by Chairman Knapp, to recommend staff's
recommendations to City Council. Vote resulted in:
Yes: Deary, Knapp, Lewin, Masuda, Russell
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
5. STAFF REPORTS
6. COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting
Minutes of November 6, 2008
Page 3 of 4
Commissioner Masuda suggested to the Commission to place a "keep clear intersection" sign on
Ivar Avenue and Mission Avenue.
Commissioner Lewin indicated there was a visibility issue by the parking lot north of the
Rosemead Chamber of Commerce. Also, asked staff to look into Guess and Hart Avenue
intersection and add a "stop" sign, as well as, a "right turn only" sign on the Rosemead pool parking
lot.
Chairman Knapp invited the Commission and residents to attend the Annual Pancake Breakfast
organized by People for People.
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:39 pm. The next regular meeting is scheduled for December 4,
2008 at the Rosemead City Hall, City Council Chambers, 8838 East Valley Boulevard.
Holly Knapp,
Chairman
ATTEST:
Chris Marcarello,
Deputy Public Works Director
Rosemead Traffic Commission Meeting
Minutes of November 6, 2008
Page 4 of 4