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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/09/2017 TSC MinutesDirector Deputy Director Sean P. Dorsey Jason H. Leib \1 ?/ 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 The regular meeting of the Mount Prospect Transportation Safety Commission was called to order at 7:03 p.m. on Monday, January 9, 2017. ROLL CALL Present upon roll call Absent: Jill Morgan John Keane Christopher Prosperi Carol Tortorello Bob Smith Aaron Grandgeorge Scott Moe Matt Lawrie Justin Kuehlthau Robert Fisher Others in Attendance: Mark Wesby Jill Maher APPROVAL OF MINUTES Vice Chairperson Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Police Department Representative Fire Department Representative Public Works Department Representative Traffic Engineer—Staff Liaison Chairperson Commissioner 122 E. Highland Street 514 S. Wapella Avenue Commissioner Keane, seconded by Commissioner Prosperi, moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Transportation Safety Commission held on September 12, 2016. The minutes were approved by a vote of 7-0. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD There was no one in attendance that spoke on an issue not on the agenda. TSC Meeting Page 1 of 6 January 9, 2017 OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS A. HIGHLAND STREETTRAFFIC STUDY 1) Background A traffic accident on Highland Street between Maple Street and Elm Street involving a vehicle and pedestrian prompted a traffic study performed by the Engineering Division. On September 2, 2016, a child ran across the street midblock in front of a vehicle and was struck. The low speed/impact collision did not result in any significant injuries to the child. Nearby residents, however, voiced their concerns that vehicles often speed on Highland Street and use it as a cut through to avoid the Rand -Elmhurst -Kensington intersection. The Engineering Division was tasked to gather vehicular volume and speed data on Highland Street to determine if the street qualifies for traffic calming measures per the Village's Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program. Current Traffic Regulations 1. Parking is prohibited between 2:00am and 6:00am on all Village streets. 2. Besides the overnight parking ban, there are no other parking regulations on Highland Street. 3. The speed limit on Highland Street is 25 mph. 4. The intersecting neighborhood streets along Highland Street are controlled with STOP signs. Highland Street is controlled with STOP signs at Maple Street and is uncontrolled at Emerson Street and at Elm Street. 5. Highland Street has full access at both Main Street and Rand Road. Current Layout 1. Highland Street between Main Street and Rand Road is approximately 29' wide (back -of -curb to back -of -curb). 2. The segment is four blocks totaling % mile. 3. The segment is classified as an east -west neighborhood collector street. 4. On -street parking is permitted on both sides of Highland Street. 2) Traffic Data Collection Volume & Speed Data Two traffic counters were placed on Highland Street during the week of October 10, 2016. One was placed east of Emerson Street and one west of Elm Street. In summary, Highland Street east of Emerson Street Average Daily Traffic —1568 vehicles Peak morning hour (7:00am — 8:00am) —155 vehicles Peak evening hour (5:00pm — 6:00pm) —182 vehicles Average speed — 26 mph 85th percentile speed — 31 mph Highland Street west of Elm Street Average Daily Traffic —1752 vehicles Peak morning hour (7:00am — 8:00am) —156 vehicles TSC Meeting Page 2 of 6 January 9, 2017 3) 4) Peak evening hour (5:00pm — 6:00pm) — 217 vehicles Average speed — 24 mph 85th percentile speed — 29 mph Parking Data Staff inspected the street on eight separate occasions and inventoried the number and location of parked vehicles on Highland Street. Days included weekdays and weekends, and times included morning, afternoon and evening. Overnight parking on Highland Street is only permitted based on an individual request basis. The Police Department reports overnight parking on Highland Street is occasionally requested and permitted, but is not a regular occurrence. In summary, Block Route 83 to Emerson Street Emerson Street to Maple Street Maple Street to Elm Street Elm Street to Rand Road Side Total Average North 0 0 South 9 1.1 North 15 1.9 South 5 0.6 North 21 2.6 South 8 1.0 North 0 0 South 2 0.3 Crash History The Police Department provided crash reports for accidents since 2011 along Highland Street at its intersection with Emerson Street, Maple Street and Elm Street. In summary, Year Intersection Crash Type 2011 Highland Street & Emerson Street Construction related; no injury 2015 Highland Street & Maple Street Parking related; no injury 2015 Highland Street & Elm Street Parking related; no injury 2016 Highland Street & west of Elm Street Vehicle/pedestrian crash; injury Resident Survey As part of the study, surveys were sent to 36 residential and business properties along Highland Street between Main Street and Rand Road to solicit their input on this issue. A total of 9 surveys (25%) were returned to the Village. Analysis Per the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program, the recorded average speeds of 24 & 26 mph along Highland Street fall below the minimum 30 mph to qualify for traffic calming measures. The recorded 85th percentile speeds of 29 & 31 mph also fall below the minimum 34 mph. Highland Street, therefore, does not qualify for traffic calming measures based on recorded speeds. Per the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program, the average daily traffic volumes of 1568 & 1752 vehicles along Highland Street exceed the minimum 1000 vehicles to qualify for traffic calming measures. The peak hour traffic volumes of 182 & 217 vehicles also exceed the minimum 120 vehicles. However, since Highland Street is considered a collector street, traffic calming measures are only considered if a high pedestrian generator is adjacent to the street. Typically, this is a school, church or park where enhancing pedestrian safety is the primary goal of a traffic TSC Meeting Page 3 of 6 January 9, 2017 calming project. In this case, Maplecrest Townhomes does generate pedestrian activity, particularly with owners parking on Highland Street. While Maplecrest Townhomes is not a high pedestrian generator, given the high density of residents on a short stretch of roadway, it would be appropriate to consider measures that would enhance pedestrian safety and alert motorists of the residential surroundings. On -street parking is evident but minimal throughout the day. Evenings and weekends tend to see more on -street parking compared to weekday mornings and afternoons. A majority of the on -street parking appears to be associated with the Maplecrest Townhomes. The two outer blocks (between Route 83 & Emerson Street and between Elm Street & Rand Road) saw more on -street parking on the south side of the street adjacent to the single family residential properties. The two inner blocks (between Emerson Street & Elm Street) saw more on -street parking on the north side of the street adjacent to the multi -family properties. Based on Staff's observations, on -street parking could be limited to one side of the street, if appropriate, without impacting Emerson Street, Maple Street or Elm Street. There have been only four recorded crashes since 2011 along Highland Street. Two crashes involved parked vehicles, one was construction -related, and one was the vehicle -pedestrian accident that prompted this study. There have been no crashes involving two moving vehicles or crashes that would raise concerns at a particular intersection. Overall, the crash frequency along Highland Street is low. 5) Recommendations Highland Street is a collector street and, as such, traffic should not be diverted to other neighborhood streets. However, engineering measures could be implemented to make motorists more aware of the residential surroundings and enhance pedestrian safety. And while the traffic data showed typical speeds for a residential street, engineering measures could have a secondary benefit of slowing the higher individual vehicle speeds. 1. Limit on -street parkins; to one side of the street — Highland Street experiences above average traffic volume for a neighborhood street (although typical for a collector street) as it has direct connection to Route 83 and Rand Road. It also experiences consistent on -street parking, primarily because of Maplecrest Townhomes. To limit pedestrians in the roadway walking to and from parked vehicles, it is recommended to only allow on -street parking on the side of the street that experiences more parking. For the two outer blocks, it would be the south side of the street. For the two inner blocks, it would be the north side of the street. This alternating pattern may also slow vehicle speeds through intersections as travel lanes shift. 2. Install bump -outs at the Highland Street & Maple Street intersection — Curb extensions or "bump -outs" are an effective traffic calming measure to enhance pedestrian and vehicle safety at an intersection. They are used to slow traffic, reduce the crossing distance for pedestrians, increase Stop sign compliance, and prevent on -street parking near the intersection to improve visibility. The Village has installed several bump -outs with success including on Burning Bush Lane, Wheeling Road, and Lincoln Street. 3. Narrow the travel lanes with pavement markings — With limited on -street parking and no pavement markings, motorists may perceive wide travel lanes that can lead to higher vehicle speeds. Narrowing the travel lanes to 10' with a combination of a yellow centerline and a white parking line can confine vehicles to a limited space resulting in slower speeds. Lincoln Street and Meier Road are examples of streets that have seen lower vehicles speeds after adding a yellow centerline and white parking lines. TSC Meeting Page 4 of 6 January 9, 2017 4. Install signs & pavement markings to slow traffic and remind motorists of the residential surroundings — The word SLOW painted on each travel lane and a corresponding SLOW sign in advance of the multi -family properties would remind motorists of the residential surroundings. Similar SLOW signs have been installed on See Gwun Avenue with a positive effect of reducing vehicle speeds. Additional Stop signs or lowering the speed limit are not recommended based on the results of the traffic data and crash reports. 5. Install signs to deter cut through traffic in the neighborhood — NO THRU TRAFFIC signs at Rand Road and at Main Street can reduce the traffic volume on Highland Street. Such signs are not enforceable by the Police Department but have shown to be effective at other locations in the Village. 6. Continue Police Department enforcement of the speed limit and Stop signs, and utilize the speed feedback trailer to slow traffic — Periodic education and enforcement efforts are effective in maintaining safe driver behavior. They can be done before and after a traffic calming project. 6) Discussion Vice Chairperson Morgan asked Traffic Engineer Lawrie to present the Engineering Division's report. Traffic Engineer Lawrie provided the Commission with background information on this issue and stated the Engineering Division's recommendations. Commissioner Prosperi raised a concern with alternating the parking restrictions from block to block. He asked if motorists would have sufficient distance to adjust to the shifting centerline through an intersection. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said that it did meet standard design guidelines. Commander Smith also expressed concern with the shifting centerline. Commissioner Prosperi suggested restricting parking along the south side of the street for all four blocks to provide a consistent centerline alignment. Traffic Engineer responded the proposed design tried to minimize residents crossing the street to get to their vehicles based on the current parking pattern. He concurred restricting parking to the same side of the street would eliminate the shifting centerline concern. Commission members noted that on -street parking was primarily along the two interior blocks adjacent to Maplecrest Townhomes and questioned whether parking regulations were necessary along the two outer blocks. In particular, Commission members did not want to eliminate parking in front of the Moose Lodge if their parking lot could not accommodate all of their patrons. Mark Wesby, 122 E. Highland Street, thanked the Commission for discussing the issue. He commented the Moose Lodge parking lot is not typically full. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said throughout the study, which included observations during the evening, staff did not see the parking lot full. Commission members agreed that on -street parking associated with the Moose Lodge may only be seen during special events. There was general consensus to not add parking regulations on the two outer blocks. The Commission discussed the proposed bump outs at the Highland Street & Maple Street intersection. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said their purpose is to prevent vehicles from parking close to the intersection making pedestrians crossing the street more visible. They also shorten the crossing distance for pedestrians. Traffic Engineer Lawrie pointed out that one of the concerns from the resident survey was motorists not stopping at the STOP signs. He said the bump outs allow the STOP signs to be moved closer to a driver's line -of -sight often increasing STOP sign compliance. Commissioner Keane expressed his support for them. TSC Meeting Page 5 of 6 January 9, 2017 the Commission would next be presented to the Village Board for their consideration. With their approval, the Engineering Division would then develop construction drawings and incorporate the project into the street resurfacing program this summer. A post -study would be performed in the future and the findings presented to the Commission. Commissioner Keane made a recommendation to approve the following: 1. Prohibit parking on the south side of Highland Street between Emerson Street and Elm Street at all times. 2. Install pavement markings as proposed on Highland Street between Emerson Street and Elm Street. 3. Construct bump outs at the intersection of Highland Street and Maple Street. 4. Install NO THRU TRAFFIC and SLOW signs as proposed. 5. Continue enforcement of the speed limit and STOP signs by the Police Department. 6. Perform a post -study after implementation and present the findings to the Commission. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Prosperi. The motion was approved by a vote of 7-0. COMMISSION ISSUES At the last meeting, Chairperson Kuehlthau reported a sight obstruction at the intersection of Route 83 & Henry Street. Traffic Engineer Lawrie reported that the tree in question has been trimmed to improve the visibility for motorists. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, the Transportation Safety Commission voted 7-0 to adjourn at 7:55 p.m. upon the motion of Commissioner Tortorello. Commissioner Keane seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, Matthew P. Lawrie, P.E. Traffic Engineer h:\engineering\traffic\safety_commission\recs&mins\TSC-januaryl7min.docx TSC Meeting Page 6 of 6 January 9, 2017