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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/13/2014 TSC Minutesji Moms Prospc Director Sean P. Dorsey Mount Prospect Public Works Department 1700 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056-2229 MINUTES OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT TRANSPORTATION SAFETY COMMISSION DRAFT CALL TO ORDER Deputy Director Jason H. Leib The regular meeting of the Mount Prospect Transportation Safety Commission was called to order at 7:05 p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2014. ROLL CALL Present upon roll call Absent: John Keane Justin Kuehlthau Carol Tortorello Bob Smith Aaron Grandgeorge Matt Lawrie Chuck Bencic Robert Fisher Paul Bures Others in Attendance: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairman Commissioner Commissioner Police Department Representative Fire Department Representative Traffic Engineer—Staff Liaison Commissioner (arrived at 7:10 p.m.) Commissioner Public Works Representative Commissioner Tortorello, seconded by Commissioner Kuehlthau, moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Transportation Safety Commission held on March 10, 2014. The minutes were approved by a vote of 5-0. Commissioner Bencic arrived at 7:10 p.m. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD There was no one in attendance that spoke on an issue not on the agenda. TSC Meeting Page 1 of 4 October 13, 2014 OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS A. UPDATE ON BUSSE-LONNQUIST PEDESTRIAN CROSSING PROJECT 1) Background Information The Village of Mount Prospect in cooperation with the Cook County Department of Transportation & Highways improved the pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Busse Road and Lonnquist Boulevard this summer. Busse Road is a two-lane, 35 mph speed limit roadway under the jurisdiction of the County that carries 12,500 vehicles per day. Lonnquist Boulevard is a residential collector street under the jurisdiction of the Village that carries approximately 2,000 vehicles per day. The intersection is currently controlled with STOP signs on Lonnquist Boulevard. Further, Holmes Junior High School and Clearwater Park are near this busy intersection. The Village has received requests from concerned residents over the years to improve this intersection. Many students and park visitors cross Busse Road on a daily basis. In the spring of 2012, the Engineering Staff observed 65 and 130 people crossing Busse Road during a 12 -hour period on a Wednesday and Saturday, respectively. And with only a painted crosswalk and signs, residents have requested additional measures to enhance safety. A traffic signal system was evaluated a few years ago but the Village was told by the County that one did not meet any of the warrants outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The Engineering Division, therefore, investigated various other devices to enhance pedestrian safety at this intersection. Then, in a letter to Cook County Commissioner Timothy Schneider, the Village requested the County's participation to install a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon system at the intersection. Village and County staff met last year and the County agreed to participate financially in a project that would see such a system installed in 2014. The Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) is a fairly new device that uses an irregular flash pattern of LED lights directed at traffic when a button is pressed by a waiting pedestrian or bicyclist. In national studies, the RRFB system has proven to have a much higher rate of compliance by motorists compared to standard flashing beacons. The system is now being installed more and more throughout the country with success including a number of communities in the northwest suburbs. In addition to the RRFB system, the project included new signs, pavement markings, and improved sidewalk ramps to accommodate both pedestrians and bicyclists. Both the Mount Prospect Park District and School District 59 were informed of the improvements and were supportive of the project. 2) Discussion Chairman Keane introduced the item and asked Traffic Engineer Lawrie to present the Engineering Division's report. Traffic Engineer Lawrie provided the Commission with background information and summarized the construction activities. TSC Meeting Page 2 of 4 October 13, 2014 Commissioner Bencic asked if the park district was informed of the project. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said the park district was supportive of the project. Commissioner Bencic suggested the park district include information on the RRFB system in their newsletter and/or on their web site. Commissioner Bencic asked if motorists were required to stop after the pedestrian crossed the street but the flashing lights were still activated. Commander Smith responded that motorists are required to stop when a pedestrian is in the crosswalk per Illinois law. The RRFB system does not serve as stop sign but provides a warning to motorists that a pedestrian may be in the crosswalk. Once a pedestrian is out of the crosswalk, motorists may proceed even if the lights are still flashing. There was general discussion on the condition of Busse Road. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said the condition of the road between Golf Road and Lonnquist Boulevard is in need of repair. Commissioner Tortorello recalled conversations many years ago of the County's desire to widen Busse Road. There was general consensus that the road ought to be improved but there were no specific recommendations. B.) UPDATE ON CENTRAL-WELLER PEDESTRIAN CROSSING PROJECT 1) Background Information Phase I of the Village's Bicycle Plan focuses on creating a network of bicycle routes on local streets. In addition to providing signs and marking on local streets, the Village has identified key crossings across arterial streets to link the bicycle network. One key crossing is at the intersection of Central Road and Weller Lane. Melas Park, a regional park that attracts visitors from the northwest suburbs, is on the north side of Central Road. A neighborhood that includes two schools is on the south side of Central Road. There are currently only pedestrian crossing signs and a painted crosswalk for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross six lanes of traffic. Central Road has a 35mph speed limit and ADT of over 21,000 vehicles. It is owned by the Illinois Department of Transportation. In a twelve-hour period on a Saturday in June 2012, 87 pedestrians were counted crossing Central Road. The goals of the project are to enhance safety for those crossing Central Road and to promote bicycling and walking in the community. Coordination with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has been a critical aspect of the project. With the assistance of an engineering consultant, the Village has received approval from IDOT of the conceptual plans. The Village has submitted a grant application to the Safe Routes to School Program in an effort to receive construction funds. An announcement of selected projects is expected in the fall 2014. 2) Discussion Chairman Keane introduced the item and asked Traffic Engineer Lawrie to present the Engineering Division's report. Traffic Engineer Lawrie provided the Commission with background information and status of the project. After some general discussion on the project, Commissioner Tortorello inquired as to the status of a pedestrian/bicycle bridge connecting Melas Park to Meadows Park. Traffic Engineer Lawrie stated the Village Engineer is working with Village staff and park districts from both Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights to gauge support of the project. Staff is hopeful initial project TSC Meeting Page 3 of 4 October 13, 2014 design will move forward in 2015. Commissioners commented on the potential design challenges with a project such as providing sufficient vertical clearance above Northwest Highway and the railroad tracks while meeting accessibility requirements per the American Disabilities Act. Chairman Keane brought the discussion back to the pedestrian crossing at Central Road and Weller Lane. Commissioner Tortorello suggested that Village staff consider advanced warning signs to alert motorists. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said he would inform the Commission once the announcement is made on the Safe Routes to School Program. COMMISSION ISSUES Traffic Engineer Lawrie highlighted upcoming projects including Central -Arthur -Bosch pedestrian signals, a Rand Road corridor study, and new traffic calming measures along See Gwun Avenue. Commissioner Tortorello inquired as to the schedule for changes to See Gwun Avenue. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said the speed feedback signs may be installed south of the creek this fall. All other work including road resurfacing, TrafficPrint installation, and curb replacement along the 700 block will be done in 2015. Commissioner Tortorello asked if there has been any recent discussion on relocating the train station to Maple Street. She is concerned with traffic delays caused by trains blocking Route 83 and Emerson Street. Traffic Engineer Lawrie responded there has not been any recent discussion on the issue. Some of the Commission members commented on the difficulties with moving the train station including the potential loss of commuter parking. Chairman Keane informed the group of a vacancy on the Commission and said to provide him names of any potential candidates. Interested residents should fill out an application on the Village web site. ADJOURNME With no further business to discuss, the Transportation Safety Commission voted 6-0 to adjourn at 8:32 p.m. upon the motion of Commissioner Bencic. Commissioner Kuehlthau seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, � Matthew P.Lawrie, P.E. Traffic Engineer h:\enginee ring\traffic\safety_commission\recs&mins\TSC-oct14min.docx TSC Meeting Page 4 of 4 October 13, 2014