TC - Item 3C - Prevention of Midblock U-TurnsROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
TO: TRAFFIC COMMISSION
FROM: MATTHEW HAWKESWORTH, ACTING PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOI �p7,
DATE: NOVEMBER 6, 2014 ��
SUBJECT: PROPOSED ORDINANCE- PREVENTION OF MIDBLOCK U -TURNS
SUMMARY
City Staff has recently received inquiries and concerns regarding U -Turns being made
in the middle of street blocks, as opposed to at intersections. California Vehicle Code
Section 22103 allows for U -Turns to be made midblock, in residential areas, provided
there are no oncoming vehicles within 200 feet. Although the vehicle code allows for
these turns to be made, many community members, including school officials, believe
that these turn movements pose a safety hazard on certain streets and in certain areas
of the City. The City does have the ability to prohibit these turn movements, by
ordinance, in areas where it is deemed necessary. Staff is seeking feedback on a
proposed ordinance that would allow for the City Engineer to designate certain street
segments where midblock U -Turns would be prohibited.
Staff Recommendation
It is recommended that the Traffic Commission provide input on an ordinance to prevent
midblock U -Turn movements in areas designated by the City Engineer.
DISCUSSION
Although provisions of the California Vehicle Code permit U -Turns to be made in the
middle of the block in residential areas, concerns have been raised regarding he safety
of these turn movements in certain residential and school areas. Many roadways in
residential areas are narrow and U -Turns are unable to be made in one fluid movement.
These U -Turns often lead to vehicles backing, making multiple turn movements, and
obstructing oncoming traffic, all of which diminish pedestrian and vehicle safety.
The potential ordinance would include language that would allow the City Engineer to
determine those roadways or segments of roadways on which U -Turn movements shall
be prohibited. Upon making the determination of roadways it would be posted with the
proper signage and would become a violation, for which a citation could be issued by
the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.
Traffic Commission Meeting
November 6, 2014
Page 2 of 2
Initial areas of consideration for application of this ordinance would be near school sites,
most specifically on Marshall Street between Bartlett Avenue and Walnut Grove Avenue
(adjacent to Janson Elementary) and on Fern Avenue between Walnut Grove Avenue
and Angelus Avenue (adjacent to Sanchez Elementary and Temple Intermediate).
Officials at these schools, as well as residents in the areas, raised the concerns
regarding the U -Turn movements in these areas. Should an ordinance be adopted by
the City Council, other sites would be investigated and reviewed for inclusion on the list
based on the conditions and needs of the particular locations.
California Vehicle Code section 22103 would still prevail in areas not explicitly
designated by the City Engineer and appropriately signed for No U- Turns. Based on the
feedback received on this item, Staff intends to present a draft ordinance to the City
Council for consideration in December 2014.
S tted B
Sull
Sullivan
Acting Public Works Manager