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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/12/2001 SC minutes Viii age Engineer ~~~ Mount Prospect Public Works Department 1700 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect; Illinois 800[55-2229 Phone 847/870-5640 Fax 847/253-8377 TDD 84-7/382-1235 MINUTES OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT SAFETY COMMISSION DRAFT CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting o£the Mount Prospect Safety Commission was called to order at 7:35 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2001. ROLi Present upon roll call: Chuck Bencic Commissioner Joan Bjork Commissioner John Keane Commissioner Andy Mitchell Commissioner John Dahlberg Police Department Buz Livingston Fire Department Paul Bures Public Works Matt Lawrie Public Works/Engineering Division Absent: Lee Beening Chairman Nancy Bobikewicz Commissioner Others in Attendance: See Attached Attendance Sheet. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Mitchell, seconded by Commissioner Keane, moved to approve the minutes o£the regular meeting of the Safety Commission held on December 18, 2000. The minutes were approved by a vote of 7-0. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD No citizens came forth at this time to discuss any topics that were not on the current agenda. 1 Recycled Paper - Printed with Soy Ink NEW BUSINESS. A) LEFT TURN PROHIBITION AT CENTRAL ROAD & WA-PELLA AVENUE 1) Background Information During the summer of 2000, Route 83 between Prospect Avenue and Golf Road was under reconstruction. Only southbound traffic was allowed to use this stretch of Route 83; Central Road was part of the detour route for northbound traffic. Due to anticipated increase in traffic, various mm and weight restrictions were enacted by the Village Board prior to the start of the project. The purpose of the ordinances was to enhance safety, maintain acceptable traffic movement and protect the integrity of our streets. One of the signs installed was "No Left Turn" from westbound Central Road to southbound Wa-Pella Avenue at all times.. At the end of the 2000 construction season, the Village Board of Trus[ees repealed all of the turn and weight restrictions related to the Route 83 Reconstruction Project except the left turn prohibition at Central Road and Wa-Pella Avenue. The Village Board recently remanded this issue back to the Safety Commission to review and provide them your recommendations. 2) Existing Conditions Central Road is under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). It is an east-west arterial route that carries over 22,000 vehicles per day. At Wa-Pella Avenue, Central Road is a four lane cross-section and has asphalt pavement. According to records, it appears the road was last reconstructed in 1958. In 1971, the Central Road / Northwest H!ghway intersection was reconfigured and resurface& Today, the road is in a deteriorated state with cracking and potholes. Wa-Pella Avenue is a north-south residential street under the jurisdiction of the Village. The road begins at Central Road and continues south. The north side of Central Road is the driveway to 500 W. Central Road. At Central Road, Wa-Pella Avenue is 46' wide. Parking is allowed on both sides of the street in front of the commercial buildings. Approximately 150' south of Central Road, the street narrows to 26' wide as the residential neighborhood begins. Parking is prohibited on the west side of the street from this point to Busse Avenue. Behind 601 W. Central Road, a 15' wide alley connects the commercial property, 6 Wa-Pella Avenue and the Central Village Apartments to Wa-Pella AVenue. This alley is owned by the Village. Approximately 350' east of the Central Road / Wa-Pella Avenue intersection are the Union Pacific railroad tracks. Prospect Avenue Originates at Central Road and parallels the near side of the tracks. Northwest Highway parallels the far side of the tracks. Approximately 1000' west of the Central Road / Wa-Pella Avenue intersection is Cathy Lane, the next opportunity to enter or exit the neighborhood south of Central Road as you travel west. 2 3) Observations Staff observed the traffic patterns in the vicinity of the Central Road / Wa-Pella Avenue intersection during peak travel times of the day. With the left turn prohibition currently in effect, westbound Central Road traffic moved efficiently with little congestion. On occasion, a vehicle would turn left into the commercial property at 60t W. Central Road. This would lead to a back- up until the vehicle could complete the turn. The same situation would be seen for a vehicle turning left into the Central Village Apartments property. On occasion, vehicles that entered the commercial building property or the Central Village Apartments property would cut through the parking lots to the alley, travel east down the alley and torn right to go southbound on Wa-Pella Avenue. The presence of railroad tracks lead to occasional back-ups for eastbound Central Road traffic near Wa-Pella Avenue. This is compounded by vehicles turning left into the commercial property at 500 W. Central Road. Staff also observed the traffic patterns in the vicinity of the Central Road / Cathy Lane intersection during peak travel times of the day. Staff believed Cathy Lane may be carrying more traffic with the left turn prohibition at Wa-Pella Avenue. Traffic counts were obtained in t998 and manual counts were done on Tuesday, January 16~. The data revealed that the amount of northbound traffic dropped slightly while southbound traffic increased three-fold (82 vehicles in 1998 vs. 260 vehicles in 2001 during the peak 4 hours of the day). Observations at Cathy Lane during the peak hours of the day showed that vehicles waiting to mm left onto Cathy Lane from Central Road Or vehicles waiting to mm left onto Central Road from Cathy Lane did not'have to wait a significant amount of time to complete the mm. On most occasions, a turning vehicle did not have to wait. The most a vehicle had to wait to turn left was approximately 60 seconds. Based. on Staff's observations during the manual counts at Central l~oad and Cathy Lane, approximately 10% of the southbound vehicles turned right or left onto Whitegate Drive. 40% turned left (eastbound) at Busse Avenue. 10% turned right (westbound) at Busse Avenue. 40% continued south past Busse Avenue. Accident report data was obtained for the intersections of Prospect Avenue, Wa~Pella Avenue and Cathy Lane with Central Road over the past five years. The report show accidents have dropped along Central Road at Wa-Pella Avenue and Prospect Avenue since the left mm prohibition went into effect. Accidents at Cathy Lane have not changed significantly. 4) Written Comments Letters were sent to those properties that reside within 200' of the Central Road / Wa-Pella Avenue intersection per the Notification Policy. A sign was also erected at the intersection providing an opportunity for anyone interested to send written comments on this issue to the Village. Half the comments supported the:left turn prohibition citing safety concern because of the railroad tracks and less traffic on Wa-Pella Avenue. Others opposed the left turn prohibition citing an inconvenience of having to go to Cathy Lane and commercial properties experiencing cut through traffic. Some of the comments supported time specific restrictions rather than the current all day restriction. Both the Police and Fire Departments support the left turn prohibition. Eliminating the potential for vehicles stopped on the railroad tracks and the reduction of accidents were a couple of reasons for supporting the left mm prohibition. Representatives of the Police and Fire Departments will be in attendance at the meeting. 5) Conclusions Three issues appear to influence the decision on whether or not to maintain or repeal the left turn prohibition. Safety of motorists, efficient movement of traffic and resident convenience of accessing the neighborhood are ali to be taken into account. /With our history of train/vehicle accidents, the Village is'very concerned with situations that cause any vehicle to be stopped on railroad tracks. Prior to the left turn prohibition, a vehicle waiting to turn left from westbound Central Road to southbound Wa-Pella Avenue would cause a back-up of other vehicles. Due to the close proximity of the mikoad tracks to Wa-Pella Avenue, it only takes approximately 10-12 vehicles to be stopped behind the turning vehicle to reach the raikoad tracks. While this situation is most likely to occur during peak travel times, the potential for this occurrence is possible at any time because of the fluctuation in the amount of traffic throughout the day. The current left turn prohibition is posted for all times in order to eliminate the potential for vehicles stopped on the railroad trackS. Staffhas received comments suggesting only restricting the left turn during peak travel times. While this may be thought of as an acceptable compromise, it does not eliminate the potential of a dangerous situation not to mention the need for a high level of Police enforcement. With the presence of railroad tracks, Central Road can experience greater than normal traffic congestion. The multiple ~xaffic movements at Prospect Avenue and Northwest Highway at Central Road leads to a long traffic signal cycle. For westbound Central Road traffic, congestion is heightened with vehicles turning Ieft at Wa-Pella Avenue because of its close proximity to the railroad tracks and other intersections. Traffic congestion should be alleviated to the greatest extent possible. By prohibiting the left turn movement from westbound Central Road to southbound Wa-Pella Avenue, many residents who live in the neighborhood south of Central Road must now travel four additional blocks by using Cathy Lane rather than Wa-Pella Avenue. Cathy Lane experiences more traff~c now than prior to the left turn prohibition at Wa-Pella Avenue. While data has not been obtained, greater speeds may also be experienced since motorists feel the need to make up "lost" time. Some Wa-Pella Avenue residents, on the other hand, have commented they enjoy the reduction in the amount of traffic on their street. The change in traffic patterns has inconvenienced some motorists and residents while benefitting others. Staff has also received comments from the management companies at 60I and 603 W. Central Road that some motorists use their parking lots as a cut through. We have also observed this situation in the field. With the' assistance of the Village, signs have been installed at the driveway entrances to the properties stating "No Thru Traffic" and '2qo Trespassing". However this still occurs and compromises the safety of pedestrians and other motorists. Additional measures should be considered to address this cut through concern. 4 Recommendations Based on Staff observations, collected data and comments received from residents, motorists and Village Staff.' The Village Traffic Engineer recommends to leave in place the current left turn prohibition from westbound Central Road to southbound Wa-Pella Avenue at all times. Furthem~ore, the Village Traffic Engineer recommends: 1. The Village pursue discussions with IDOT on improving the condition of Central Road. A new pavement surface will be less damaging to vehicles and improve the efficiency of traffic movemenT. 2. The Village pursue discussions with IDOT on widening and reconfiguring Central Road to provide a left turn lane at Wa-Pella Avenue. By providing a separate turning lane, the potential for westbound vehicles stopped on the railroad tracks would be eliminated. If this work were to be completed, the Village Traffic Engineer would support repealing the left mm prohibition. 3. The Village provide some assistance to those properties that are experienmng cut through traffic. Some suggestions would be additional signing and use of a drone squad car supplied by the Police Department in order to reduce the amount of cut through traffic. Discussion Traffic Engineer Lawrie provided a 10-minute presentation of the study that was performed as part of this issue. He touched on the history, observations, written comments, conclusions and recommendations associated with the left turn prohibition. Commissioner Bencic asked for comments/questions from the Commission. Commissioner Bjork wondered when IDOT plans on reconstructing Central Road. Traffic Engineer Lawrie was nor sure but believed it was not planned within the next five years. He anticipated the Village writing a letter to 1DOT in the near future requesting Central Road be reconstructed as soon as possible. Commissioner Mitchell commented that Central Road will be getting street lights between Arlington Heights Road and Northwest Highway this year. Commissioner Bencic asked if additional right-of-way would be needed in order to widen Central Road for a left turn lane. Traffic Engineer Lawhe believed there was enough right-of- way to widen the road. Commissioner Bencic then opened the discussion to the public. Mr. John Swider, 8 Wa-Pella Avenue, believes it is always difficult to turn left on a four-lane road. By prohibiting the turn at Wa-Pella Avenue, the problem is only moving to Cathy Lane. He believes it is even a more dangerous situation at C~thy Lane because of the higher speeds along Central Road in this area. 5 Mr. Lester Fleming, 105 Wa-Pella Avenue, asked why have accidents decreased at Central & Wa-Pella over the past five years and whether restricting the left turn only during rush hour was considered. Traffic Engineer Lawrie explained that limiting the left turn prohibition to certain hours was considered. However, the combination of the fluctuation of traffic and the close proximity of the railroad tracks allows the potential for vehicles to be stopped on the tracks. Time specific restrictions may also lead to confusion for motorists and could increase accidents. Safety reasons lead to the recommendation. Mr. Tom Nowak, 300 W. Central Road, commented that the new Park District building was going to generate more pedestrian activity around Central & Cathy. He also commented that the lighting along Central Road was a ~vaste of money when the road needs to be repaired. He, too, believes the problem is only going to be moved from Wa-Pella to Cathy. Mr. Joe Novelle, 601 W. Central Road, is concerned for the safety of his tenants in the office building. Vehicles are cutting through his property as a result of the left turn prohibition at Wa- Pella. Mr. Bill Ewerling, 609 W. Central Road, represented the Central Village Apartments. He is also concerned about the cut through traffic on his property. Commission Bencic asked if there has been any difference in the amount of cut through traffic when Route 83 was under construction verses now. Mr. Ewerling responded there was not a significant change. Ms. Carol Novelle, 601 W. Central Road, said that the cut through problem goes on all day and believes sbmeone is going to get hurt. Traffic Engineer Lawrie responded to Mr. Nowak's earlier concerns about the street lighting and Park District building. The money for the street lighting was from a State grant and little, if any, Village money was going to be used. Also, while IDOT did not approve a traffic signal at Central & Cathy, pedestrian safety improvements are to be done in the area of the building. Mr. Paul Snead, 121 Wa-Pella Avenue, believes a compromise ought to be considered as time restrictive turns are throughout the Village. Ms. Carol Tortorello, 223 S. Elmhurst Avenue, identified another potential problem at Northwest Highway and Central Road. The eastbound left turn lane is short and creates congestion. She believes Central Road needs to be widened to provide a longer turn lane at Northwest Highway and new turn lanes at Wa-Pella and at Cathy. Traffic Engineer Lawrie responded that the Village plans on bringing up all these issues with IDOT during a future meeting. The Village is aware of the congestion at Northwest Highway as a result of the short eastbound left turn lane. Sergeant Dahlberg responded to an earlier question regarding a reduction in accidents over the past ftve years at Wa-Pella and Central. The sample number of accidents is rather small, therefore, it is difficult to determine the effect of the left turn prohibition. However, traffic movement has improved tremendously. Since the Route 83 project, an additional 15 seconds of green time has been given to central Road at Northwest Highway. Westbound Central Road traffic moves many more vehicles since the left turn prohibition. Sergeant Dahlberg also explained the poor sight line makes it difficult for westbound Central Road traffic to see over the railroad tracks. As a result, vehicles have a difficult time moving from the through lane to the curb lane to avoid a turning vehicle. Vehicles then back up to the tracks and into the Northwest Highway intersection. With the additional green time from the traffic signal and the left turn 6 prohibition, Sergeant Dahlberg believes Central Road has never moved better. He is aware of the inconvenience this causes to residents but he is very concerned for the safety of the motorists. Mr. Nowak added thal he believes the area west of Route 83 and south of Central Road is becoming isolated with the turn prohibitions along Route 83. He too believes restricting the turn prohibition to specific times would be a good compromise since a left mm lane cannot be installed right away. Commissioner Bencic acknowledged Mr. Nowak's position but also said anyone that drives by the intersection is affected. Sergeant Dahlberg reiterated the issue of traffic movement. A vast majority of left turners from westbound Central Road attempt to turn while eastbound traffic has a green light. This causes westbound traffic to back-up until eastbound traffic gets a red light and motorists allow space for the turning vehicle to complete the mm. Only then can westbound traffic proceed Commissioner Bencic then brought the issue back to the Commission. Commissioner Bjork asked if the speed limit along Central Road is enforced by the Village. Sergeant Dahlberg said that it is. She also commented that being hit by a tram is worse that being hit a vehicle travelling 35mph. Commissioner Keane commented that he witnessed a near accident ~vith a vehicle stopped on the tracks as a result of a vehicle waiting to turn left onto Wa-Pella. Fortunately, the inbound train was on another track as it w~nt by. He would be inclined to find a compromise if there was a way to guarantee a vehicle would not be stopped on the tracks. With no further discussion, Commissioner Bencic asked if there was a motion. Commissioner Keane, seconded by Mr. Bures, moved to leave in place the current left turn prohibition from westbound Central Road to southbound Wa-Pella Avenue at all times. The motion was approved by a vote of 6-1. Commissioner Mitchell apposed the motion. Ms. Novelle asked what additional measures could be done to reduce the amount of cut through traffic. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said that he would look at installing additional s~gns in the area. Sergeant Dahtberg said they would provide Police presence immediately to deter motorists from cutting through private property by providing warnings and possibly citations. Mr. Bures pointed out m the audience that no matter what changes are made, accidents may still occur. The decision was based on which one was the safest option. If changes are made m the road to improve safety, the Safety Commission would review the issue again. Mr. Swider asked if the alley behind the medical building is public or private. Mr. Bures stated the alley is public. Ms. Novelle asked if the alley would then be plowed by the Village. Mr. Bures stated it would. 7 DJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, the Safety Commission voted 7~0 to adjourn at 9:10 p.m. upon the motion of Commissioner Keane. Mr. Bures seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, ~ Traffic Engineer x:\files\engineerXsafecomm\traffic~recs&min~feb01 min.doc 8