CC - Item 3C - Review of Traffic Conditions On Loftus Drive East of Temple City BoulevardROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JEFF ALLRED, CITY MANAGER
DATE: FEBRUARY 26, 2013 O M
SUBJECT: REVIEW OF TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ON LOFTUS DRIVE EAST OF
TEMPLE CITY BOULEVARD
SUMMARY
The Traffic Commission received a request to review traffic conditions at Loftus Drive,
between Temple City Boulevard and the east City limit. Residents in this area
expressed concerns that turn access onto Loftus Drive from Brookline Avenue and
Strang Avenue is often delayed, especially during peak travel hours. Further, there are
concerns that existing on- street parking at the southern intersections of Loftus Drive
/Brookline Avenue and Loftus Drive /Strang Avenue limits line -of -sight visibility to the
east and west. After studying the location, it was determined that the installation of
some traffic safety enhancements would improve safety in this area. The Commission
concurred with this recommendation.
Staff Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council approve the Traffic Commission's
recommended street striping plan and improvements, including:
1. The installation of approximately 10 feet of red curbing at the southeast and
southwest corners of the intersections of Loftus Drive /Brookline Avenue and
Loftus Drive /Strang Avenue; and
2. The installation of "Keep Clear" pavement markings at the intersection of Loftus
Drive /Brookline Avenue and Loftus Drive /Strang Avenue.
Loftus Drive (east of Temple City Boulevard) is approximately 60 feet wide with two
traffic lanes for both east and westbound traffic. Opposing lanes of traffic are separated
by a double yellow centerline. On- street parking is generally open on both sides of the -
street with the exception of street sweeping parking restrictions and some designated
no parking areas. The speed limit is 35 miles per hour along the street from Temple
City Boulevard to the east City limit. Attachment 1 includes a neighborhood overview
and pictures showing the existing road conditions.
The intersection of Loftus Drive and Temple City Boulevard is signalized. Field
'STEM NO.
City Council Meeting
February 26, 2013
Page 2 of 2
observations were made at this location in early morning and early afternoon hours
during a regular weekday. During peak morning travel times, heavy traffic was
observed due to vehicles entering the westbound Interstate 10 Freeway on -ramp at
Temple City Boulevard. As a result of this traffic, vehicles are often delayed on Temple
City Boulevard and Loftus Drive. In addition, this vehicle queue can often block access
to westbound Loftus Drive from other residential streets (including Brookline Avenue
and Strang Avenue).
During field observations, staff also observed line -of -sight issues associated with some
vehicles parked immediately adjacent to the southern intersections of Loftus Drive
/Brookline Avenue and Loftus Drive /Strang Avenue. Vehicles parked at these
intersections limit visibility to oncoming traffic along Loftus Drive. This creates a
potentially unsafe driving condition for vehicles in the area.
In order to improve vehicle access, it is recommended that "Keep Clear" pavement
markings be added at the intersections of Loftus Drive /Brookline Avenue and Loftus
Drive /Strang Avenue. These markings will help provide a gap to allow turning vehicles
to enter the street. Further, in order to improve visibility, it is recommended that
approximately 10 feet of red curbing be added at the southwest and southeast
intersections of Loftus Drive /Brookline Avenue and Loftus Drive /Strang Avenue. These
parking restrictions will significantly improve line -of -sight visibility along Loftus Drive.
Photographs of the existing conditions are included in your packet for further review.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The funding for this project is available in the City's operations budget.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (a) of the CEQA Implementing Guidelines.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process. In addition,
notification cards were delivered to properties immediately adjacent to this intersection
regarding the proposed safety measures.
Submitted by:
cha- 1a
Chris Marcarello
Director of Public Works
Attachments:
1. Area Overview and Detail Site View
2. Notification Postcard
Loftus Drive (Westbound) at Strang Avenue
Strang Avenue (Northbound) at Loftus Drive
Loftus Drive (Westbound) at Brookline Avenue
Brookline Avenue (Northbound) at Loftus Drive
Clear Zone"
.ed Curbing
City of Rosemead
TRAFFIC CONCERN NOTIFICATION
The City of Rosemead Traffic Commission will be reviewing a request to install red curbing and traffic
safety improvements along the south side of Loftus Drive at Strang Avenue and Loftus Drive at
Brookline Avenue. As proposed, 10 feet of red curbing would be installed at the southwest and southeast
corner of each intersection. This request has been made due to a resident's concerns that parked vehicles
at each comer cause line -of -sight visibility concerns along Loftus Drive. In addition, the Traffic
Commission will review the potential installation of a "Keep Clear" area at both intersections. This
request has been made due to a resident's concerns that during peak travel hours; vehicles back up on
Loftus Drive making access to the street difficult.
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, February 7 1h 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 mas informaci6n, favor de Ilamar al:
fle biet them chi tiet, An goi:
626- 569 -2150