CC - Item 7C - Olney Street Traffic StudyTO:
FROM:
DATE
ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GLORIA MOLLEDA, CITY MANAGER .� .
DECEMBER 11, 2018
SUBJECT: OLNEY STREET TRAFFIC STUDY
SUMMARY
Since October of last year, the Traffic Commission has met three times (October 7, 2017;
September 6, 2018; and October 4, 2018) to discuss the traffic conditions on Olney Street between
Rio Hondo Avenue and Temple City Boulevard. In response to various traffic concerns raised by
residents, staff has proposed incremental measures that include enhanced traffic signage and
pavement markings to address many of those concerns.
However, many residents have expressed a greater preference, if possible, to close the east end of
Olney Street at Temple City Boulevard and eliminate the on-ramp to the westbound 1-10 Freeway
as well as access to Olney Street from southbound Temple City Boulevard. Therefore, it has
become clear, that a comprehensive traffic study is necessary to review all of the traffic movements
impacting Olney Street, and explore the feasibility of closing the cast end of Olney Street.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize staff to solicit proposals from qualified traffic consultants to perform a traffic
study in the vicinity of Olney Street and Temple City Boulevard; and
2. Take any additional related actions that may be necessary.
DISCUSSION
On October 7, 2017, the Traffic Commission discussed staff s recommendation to install raised
pavement markers (8" yellow domes) and painted pavement markings and signs identifying the I-
10 Freeway entrance at the east end of Olney Street. These measures were proposed in response
to resident complaints that motorists heading eastbound on Olney Street often make U-turns on
Olney Street to avoid entering the freeway, as many do not realize that the east end of Olney Street
at Temple City Boulevard leads directly to the on-ramp to the westbound 1-10 Freeway. The
Cornmission concurred with staff s recommendation, and the City Council approved the
installation of the pavement domes, markings and signs on November 14, 2017.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 7.0
City Council Meeting
December 11, 2018
Page 2 of 3
However, since then, residents have expressed additional concerns at the September 6, 2018 and
October 4, 2018 Traffic Commission meetings that included the following:
• There has been an increase in robberies in the area due to the proximity of the 1-10 Freeway
on-ramp; many robberies occur in the daytime.
• There has been a significant increase in traffic volumes on Olney Street.
• Many cars are traveling at excessive speeds on Olney Street, and there have been many
accidents; speed humps or additional stop signs are needed to slow down the vehicles.
• Eastbound cars are continuing to make U-turns on Olney Street between Ellis Lane and
Temple City Boulevard.
• Vehicles headed southbound on Temple City sometimes get trapped in the far right lane,
forcing them to make a right turn onto Olney Street, then making a U-turn on Olney to get
onto the freeway.
• Those making U-turns on Olney Street often drive up onto the resident's driveways, and it
can be difficult to back out of the driveways during rush hour.
• Vehicles are bypassing the southbound traffic on Temple City Boulevard by cutting
through on Ellis Lane and Olney Street to get to the freeway.
• Since there is no sidewalk on Olney Street, kids walk in the streets on the way to Savannah
School; kids can't play in the street due to all the cars; it's not safe.
In order to mitigate some of these concerns, staff has proposed various incremental measures such
as installing "No U-turn" signs, "25 mph Speed Limit" signs, and additional "Stop" signs on Olney
Street at the intersections of Marybeth Avenue and Ellis Lane. However, the overwhelming
preference expressed by residents at the October 4, 2018 Traffic Commission meeting is to close
the east end of Olney Street.
Therefore, it is recommended that a comprehensive traffic study be performed to review all of the
traffic movements impacting Olney Street, and explore the feasibility of closing Olney Street. The
study would include, but not be limited to performing traffic counts, turning movement counts,
speed survey, and warrant analysis for stop signs; and reviewing accident history, police records
regarding speeding citations and burglary reports. The study would also include community
outreach, contacting Caltrans to determine if ramp closure is a viable option, and coordinating with
the County Sheriff and Fire Departments to determine any impacts to emergency response.
If ramp closure is a possibility, the study would outline the process for obtaining Caltrans'
approval. If ramp closure is not an option, the study would provide recommendations on the proper
placement of traffic signage and pavement markings in accordance with the California Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) to mitigate the ongoing traffic issues.
Upon completion of the traffic study, staff will present the results of the study and
recommendations to the City Council.
City Council Meeting
December 11, 2018
Page 3 of 3
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for a traffic study on Olney Street at an approximate cost of $20,000 is available in the
current Public Works Budget for Professional Consulting Services.
STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT — None
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Section 15301 (C) of the CEQA Implementing Guidelines.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process.
Prepared By:
Submitted By:
19
Rafael M. Fajardo, P.E., City Engineer Rey Alfonso. P.E., Director of Public Works
Attachment A — Vicinity Map
Attachment A
Vicinity Map
City Council Meeting
December 11, 2018
Page 4 of 4
ATTACHMENT A
VICINITY MAP
® "10 -West
Fwy" Sign
L"Right Turn
ONLY Only" Sign
f,�R Speed
25 Limit" Sign
"Freeway
Entrance"
M