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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/08/2019 TSC MinutesDirector Sean P. Dorsey 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 Deputy Director Jason H. Leib The meeting of the Mount Prospect Transportation Safety Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2019. ROLL CALL Present upon roll call: Justin Kuehlthau Chairman Tina DeAragon Commissioner John Keane Commissioner Carol Tortorello Commissioner Scott Moe Public Works Department Representative Aaron Grandgeorge Fire Department Representative Matt Lawrie Traffic Engineer —Staff Liaison Absent: Christopher Prosperi Vice Chairman Jeff Schmitz Police Department Representative Others in Attendance: Ron & Kathy Hayes, 629 Bunting Lane APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Keane, seconded by Chairman Kuehlthau, moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Transportation Safety Commission held on March 11, 2019. The minutes were approved by a vote of 5-0 with Battalion Chief Grandgeorge abstaining. 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 April 8, 2019 OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS A. Forest Avenue Traffic Calming Project 1) Background Prospect Meadows Subdivision is located near Prospect High School bounded by Kensington Road to the south and Rand Road to the north. The narrow streets do not have curb and gutter but rather a ditch and culvert drainage system in the parkway. Forest Avenue is one of the three north -south streets in the neighborhood. Five east -west streets terminate at Forest Avenue creating T - intersections. There are currently no STOP signs on Forest Avenue except at Kensington Road. The terminating streets have STOP signs creating one-way stop controlled intersections. In addition to local traffic, motorists traveling to and from the high school and the subdivision south of Kensington Road use Forest Avenue. A traffic study in 2009 showed typical speeds for a neighborhood street. However, recent concerns from residents prompted the Engineering Division to gather updated traffic data which showed higher speeds than the 2009 study. A storm sewer project along Forest Avenue will take place this summer. The subdivision has experienced flooding issues and this project is expected to reduce flooding during heavy rain events. As part of the project, the street will be torn up requiring it to be resurfaced with new asphalt after installation of storm sewer pipe. Recognizing the speeding concerns and the benefit of a planned construction project, the Engineering Division has developed potential traffic calming measures to be incorporated in the project. Current Traffic Regulations I. Parking is prohibited between 2:00am and 6:00am on all Village streets. 2. Parking is prohibited on both side of Forest Avenue between Kensington Road and Larkdale Lane on school days from 10am-11am and fpm-2pm. 3. The speed limit on Forest Avenue is 25 mph. 4. STOP signs exist on Forest Avenue at Kensington Road. STOP signs also exist on the intersecting streets to Forest Avenue. 5. Forest Avenue south of Kensington Road is one-way northbound. 6. Right turns are prohibited from eastbound Rand Road onto southbound Prospect Manor Avenue from 6:00am-9:00am Monday -Friday. 7. Left turns are prohibited from northbound Prospect Manor Avenue onto westbound Rand Road from 4:00pm-7:00pm Monday -Friday. 8. Left turns are prohibited from westbound Rand Road onto southbound Prospect Manor Avenue at all times. 9. NO THRU TRAFFIC signs are installed on Forest Avenue at Kensington Road and on Prospect Manor Avenue at Rand Road. 10. Forest Avenue has a posted 6 -ton weight limit. Current Layout 1. Forest Avenue between Kensington Road and Bob -o -link Road is approximately 22' wide. 2. The west parkway is approximately 10' wide and the east parkway is approximately 13' wide. 3. The segment is four blocks totaling approximately 1/4 of a mile. TSC Meeting Page 2 of 6 April 8, 2019 4. The segment is classified as a north -south local street and is not a primary emergency vehicle response route. Volume & Speed Data Traffic data was collected both in 2009 and 2017 on Forest Avenue between Kensington Road and Bob- o -link Road. In summary, Forest Avenue north of Kensington Road 2009 Average Daily Traffic — 393 vehicles Average speed — 22 mph 85th percentile speed — 27 mph Forest Avenue north of Albion Lane 2009 Average Daily Traffic — 275 vehicles Average speed — 23 mph 85th percentile speed — 29 mph Forest Avenue north of Larkdale Lane 2017 Average Daily Traffic — 393 vehicles Northbound average speed — 27 mph Southbound average speed — 28 mph Northbound 85th percentile speed — 31 mph Southbound 85th percentile speed — 34 mph Surrounding Streets Traffic data was also collected in 2009 on the other two north -south streets in the neighborhood, Prospect Manor Avenue and Elmhurst Avenue. The Engineering Division has not received feedback from the neighborhood concerning speeding on these two streets. In summary, Prospect Manor Avenue north of Kensington Road Average Daily Traffic — 985 vehicles Average speed — 24 mph 85th percentile speed — 29 mph Prospect Manor Avenue north of Albion Lane Average Daily Traffic — 928 vehicles Average speed — 24 mph 85th percentile speed — 29 mph Elmhurst Avenue north of Oriole Lane Average Daily Traffic — 407 vehicles Average speed — 26 mph 85th percentile speed — 32 mph Crash History The Police Department provided crash reports for accidents between 2014 and 2018 along Forest Avenue at its intersection with Kensington Road, Oriole Lane, Larkdale Lane, Albion Lane, Bunting Lane and Bob -o -link Road. In summary, TSC Meeting Page 3 of 6 April 8, 2019 Intersection # of Crashes Kensington Road 5 Oriole Lane 0 Larkdale Lane 0 Albion Lane 0 Bunting Lane 0 Bob -o -link Road 0 Comments 0 involving a vehicle on Forest north of Kensington Traffic Calming Criteria The traffic data was measured against the criteria established in the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program. The four criteria are average speed, 85th percentile speed, average daily traffic volume, and peak hour traffic volume. In summary, Forest Avenue north of Larkdale Lane Northbound average speed (mph) 27 Southbound average speed (mph) 28 Northbound 85th percentile speed (mph) 31 Forest Avenue north of Larkdale Lane Southbound 85th percentile speed (mph) 34 Average daily traffic volume (vehicles) 393 Peak hour traffic volume (vehicles) 37 2) Analysis Minimum limit Met? 30 No 30 No 34 No Minimum limit Met? 34 Yes 1000 No 120 No The traffic data indicates an increase in vehicle speeds along Forest Avenue since 2009. Engineering measures should be considered to reduce speeds along all four blocks. Since adopting the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program, the Village has constructed several traffic projects such as on See-gwun Avenue, Highland Street, Lincoln Street and Louis Street. A combination of speed feedback signs and geometric changes to the roadway have shown to reduce the higher speeds. STOP signs are not speed control devices and additional signs are not warranted on Forest Avenue based on the traffic data and crash history. Speed humps were not considered a viable option as they could divert traffic to adjacent neighborhood streets as evident with a past speed hump project in the Village. Traffic volume on Forest Avenue is within atypical range seen on similar neighborhood streets. It may experience some cut through traffic but not to the level that would require traffic calming measures to intentionally divert vehicles. The primary objective of the project is to reduce the higher recorded speeds. 3) Recommendations Forest Avenue is a local neighborhood street with connections to Kensington Road and Rand Road. In recent years there has been an increase in vehicle speeds. A combination of engineering measures and enforcement can reduce vehicle speeds. Should a traffic calming project on Forest Avenue be constructed and result in lower speeds, similar measures could be considered on Prospect Manor Avenue and Elmhurst Avenue in the neighborhood. A traffic study would need to be done to determine if traffic calming warrants are met based on the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program. 1. Install bump outs at Oriole Lane and Bunting Lane — Bump outs slow traffic by interrupting a straight path. The concept plan shows two bump outs that are 8' wide at the apex and has grass behind the bump out. They include curb & gutter on both sides of the street, advance signs, reflective markers and pavement markings. The bump outs would not be abrupt but designed to TSC Meeting Page 4 of 6 April 8, 2019 guide motorists at a comfortable speed below the speed limit. Oriole Lane and Bunting Lane were chosen as they are the first intersections after turning onto Forest Avenue and begins the traffic calming for the street. The Police Department and Fire Department conducted a preliminary plan and did not have any concerns with the bump outs. The estimated cost of two bump outs and associated work is $6,000.00. 2. Install speed feedback devices — Most residents commented that installing STOP signs on Forest Avenue would slow traffic. However, STOP signs are not considered a speed control device and additional STOP signs are not warranted on Forest Avenue based on the traffic data. Speed feedback devices can lower speeds and will not impede emergency vehicles. They have shown to be successful on other streets in the Village such as See-gwun Avenue and Louis Street. Speed feedback signs can display a vehicle's speed 600' in advance of the sign. In combination with the bump outs, the speed feedback signs will help to reduce speeds along the entire four blocks of Forest Avenue. The estimated cost of two speed feedback signs is $5,500.00. 3. Post -study — Performing a post -study after implementation of the approved plan will gauge the effectiveness of the measures to reduce vehicle speeds. Further changes can be made as necessary based on the updated traffic data. In addition, similar engineering measures could be considered on Prospect Manor Avenue and Elmhurst Avenue if traffic calming warrants are met. 4) Discussion Traffic Engineer Lawrie provided a brief presentation on the issue. He summarized the existing traffic volume and speed data, and described the recommended traffic calming measures. Chairman Kuehlthau asked if the street would be widened with the project. He mentioned narrow lanes can be challenging for bicyclists when sharing the lane with vehicles. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said the street is to remain the same width but staff will consider bicyclists with the design. Commissioner DeAragon asked if sidewalk was proposed as part of the project. She noted the narrow width of the streets in the neighborhood and a park at the north end of Forest Avenue. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said it was not planned as there has not been a formal request from the neighborhood. Kathy Hayes, 629 Bunting Lane, responded there are many residents who walk along Forest Avenue and she would be in favor of a sidewalk. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said a sidewalk along the east side of the street would be difficult due to the ditch system, trees, and limited parkway. A sidewalk along the west side may be more feasible but would require an analysis of the impact on drainage and to parkway trees. The Commission supported a sidewalk along the west side of Forest Avenue if it could be installed without significant impact and if there was sufficient funding. Ron Hayes, 629 Bunting Lane, suggested improved street lighting at the intersections along Forest Avenue. There was discussion that ComEd is replacing high pressure and metal halide luminaires with LED luminaires on their poles in the Village. Once completed, it will enhance lighting along the street. There was general discussion on the planned storm sewer project this summer. Public Works Superintendent Moe gave an overview of the project and explained the expected benefits to the neighborhood. Mr. Hayes inquired about a pipe under Forest Avenue near his property at Bunting Lane. Superintendent Moe said the existing pipe network has been surveyed and the improvements will help to alleviate flooding. Mr. Hayes suggested reflective markers at the realigned intersections (bump outs) to assist motorists. Commissioner DeAragon suggested plantings behind the curb at the bump outs to give motorists the visual cue to slow down when going around the bump outs. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said these ideas will be considered during design of the engineering plans. TSC Meeting Page 5 of 6 April 8, 2019 Battalion Chief Grandgeorge said the realigned intersections (bump outs) will not impact Fire Department vehicles responding to an emergency. The Commission discussed on -street parking along Forest Avenue. Traffic Engineer Lawrie responded and Mrs. Hayes confirmed there aren't parking issues along the street. There a daytime parking restrictions in the neighborhood near Kensington Road to discourage Prospect High School students from parking. Mrs. Hayes did note that residents south of Kensington Road often walk along Forest Avenue and a sidewalk would be beneficial. Commissioner Keane made a recommendation to approve the traffic calming measures as presented by Traffic Engineer Lawrie. In addition, he recommended the Engineering Division evaluate the feasibility of installing a sidewalk along the west side of Forest Avenue. The motion was seconded by Chairman Kuehlthau. The motion was approved by a vote of 6-0. COMMISSION ISSUES Traffic Engineer Lawrie shared information on the Multimodal Transportation Plan being created by the Northwest Municipal Conference. Interested people can provide input via a project webpage to help shape the plan. An online survey can be completed at http://nwmcmultimodalplan.org/. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, the Transportation Safety Commission voted 6-0 to adjourn at 7:45 p.m. upon the motion of Commissioner DeAragon. Chairman Kuehlthau seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, Matthew P. Lawrie, P.E. Traffic Engineer h:\engineering\traffic\safety_commission\recs&mins\TSC-apriI19min.docx TSC Meeting Page 6 of 6 April 8, 2019