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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.1 1st reading of an ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18, "TRAFFIC" IN THE VILLAGE CODE4/15/2020 BoardDocs® Pro Agenda Item Details Meeting Mar 03, 2020 - REGULAR MEETING OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT VILLAGE BOARD - 7:00 p.m. Category 7. NEW BUSINESS Subject 7.1 1st reading of an ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18, "TRAFFIC" IN THE VILLAGE CODE OF MOUNT PROSPECT. This ordinance will restrict turn movements at the intersection of Central Road and Emerson Street. Access Public Type Action Preferred Date Mar 03, 2020 Absolute Date Mar 03, 2020 Fiscal Impact Yes Budgeted No Budget Source Not applicable. Recommended Action Enact an ordinance that prohibits thru movement at all times for northbound Emerson Street at Central Road; prohibits left turns at all times from eastbound Central Road onto northbound Emerson Street; prohibits left turns at all times from southbound Emerson Street onto eastbound Central Road, repeals an existing ordinance restricting left turns from northbound Emerson Street to westbound Central Road between 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm. Public Content Information The Transportation Safety Commission (the Commission) transmits the following recommendations associated with the planned intersection improvements at Central Road and Emerson Street: 1. Prohibit through movement at all times for northbound Emerson Street at Central Road. 2. Prohibit left turns at all times from eastbound Central Road onto northbound Emerson Street. 3. Prohibit left turns at all times from southbound Emerson Street onto eastbound Central Road. 4. Prohibit left turns at all times from northbound Emerson Street onto westbound Central Road. A key component of the Mount Prospect Strategic Plan is to evaluate pedestrian and bicycle crossing activity along the entire limits of Central Road in the Village of Mount Prospect and to develop an overall plan for safe and efficient crossings. The Village's ongoing efforts to construct sidewalk, install signed & marked bike routes, install pedestrian signals & crosswalks, and promote walking & biking in the Village have resulted in an increase in activity throughout the community. A 2017 Village -initiated study and 2018 IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation)/FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) study of the Central Road corridor both describe recommended improvements at Emerson Street. The existing marked crosswalk experiences pedestrian activity throughout the day; primarily in the morning and early evening. Typical destinations for users of this crossing include the train station, library, Village Hall, as well as downtown shopping and dining. Central Road is five (5) lanes wide at Emerson Street and under the jurisdiction of IDOT. The marked crosswalk has signs at, and in advance of, the crosswalk without a pedestrian refuge island. Left turns from northbound Emerson Street onto westbound Central Road are restricted during the evening hours, 4:00 pm -6:30 pm. https://go.boarddocs.com/il/vomp/Board.nsf/Private?open&login 1/4 4/15/2020 BoardDocs® Pro Staff has retained the services of a consultant, Gewalt-Hamilton Associates (GHA), to redesign the crossing in order to enhance safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. Their work includes obtaining the approval and a permit from IDOT. Elements of the plan include overhead pedestrian crossing signs, a refuge island on Central Road, a right-in/right-out barrier on the north leg of the intersection, signage, and pavement markings. These elements are consistent with those recommended in the Village -initiated study and IDOT/FHWA study of the Central Road corridor. The primary feature with this design is the addition of a pedestrian refuge island. Today, the center median is flush with the road surface and has yellow -hatched markings providing eastbound vehicles a storage area outside the thru lanes to turn left onto Emerson Street. These vehicles are in direct conflict with pedestrians using the crosswalk waiting in the median. A curbed refuge island will replace the flush yellow -hatched markings providing a protected area for pedestrians to cross one direction at a time. The issue was first presented to the Transportation Safety Commission (the Commission) at their September 10, 2018, meeting. Five (5) residents from the 22 notified properties attended the meeting. The Commission and residents in attendance supported the design and associated turn restrictions with one significant change. GHA's plan and staff's recommendations included removing the current evening left -turn restriction for northbound Emerson Street onto westbound Central Road and allowing northbound left turns at all times. The Commission suggested that left turns be prohibited from northbound Emerson Street onto westbound Central Road at all times. The Commission asked GHA and Staff to evaluate the impact of prohibiting left turns at all times from northbound Emerson Street onto westbound Central Road and return for further discussion. GHA first submitted plans to IDOT for their review and comments. All work within the Central Road right-of-way must be approved by IDOT, and a permit issued, before proceeding with construction. IDOT's initial review confirmed that the design would require a refuge island for pedestrians, prohibited left turns from eastbound Central Road onto northbound Emerson Street, and a right-in/right-out barrier on the north leg of the intersection to reinforce the turn restriction. IDOT would not require, though not oppose, prohibiting left turns from northbound Emerson Street onto westbound Central Road. GHA next analyzed the potential impact on traffic volume in the area by prohibiting left turns from northbound Emerson Street onto westbound Central Road. GHA concluded that approximately 175 vehicles per day would be displaced onto adjacent streets such as Maple Street and Main Street. GHA estimated that 40 vehicles per day would be added to Emerson Street (south of Central Road) by removing the evening turn restriction as recommended by Staff. Finally, GHA considered the design of northbound Emerson Street under three (3) different scenarios. There is currently one (1) right -turn lane and one (1) shared left/through lane with left turns restricted during evening hours. The first scenario removes the existing northbound shared left/through lane should only right turns be permitted onto Central Road as recommended by the Transportation Safety Commission. This would require curb realignment as well as pavement, sidewalk, and storm sewer work in order to reduce the number of northbound lanes from two to one. The second scenario modifies the shared left/through lane to a left -turn only lane should left turns be permitted onto Central Road at all times as recommended by staff. The northbound through movement will be eliminated with a right-in/right-out barrier on the north leg of the intersection. Only the pavement markings would need to be redone to convert the lane from a shared left/through lane to a left -turn only lane. Two (2) northbound lanes would remain; one (1) left -turn lane and one (1) right -turn lane. The third scenario continues to permit left turns except during the evening hours. This scenario, however, may create confusion for motorists. The northbound through movement will be eliminated with a right-in/right-out barrier on the north leg of the intersection. The left lane, therefore, will be for left turns only. Motorists, however, will not be permitted to turn left during the evening hours under this scenario. Motorists may mistakenly enter the lane and either make an illegal left turn or be forced to make a right turn from a left -turn lane. GHA and staff believe the best solution, if the evening left turn restriction were to remain, would be to reduce the two northbound lanes to one shared right-turn/left-turn lane. This would, however, increase delay for vehicles turning onto Central Road from northbound Emerson Street. It would also require curb realignment as well as pavement, sidewalk, and storm sewer work. The issue was again presented to the Transportation Safety Commission at their December 10, 2018, meeting. Staff recommended allowing northbound left turns at all times from northbound Emerson Street onto westbound Central Road. This scenario would have minimal impact on the street network and be the least expensive of the three (3) previously discussed scenarios. The updated plan included additional measures such as installing a yellow dashed arc to guide northbound left -turning vehicles around the refuge island and possibly adding directional signs at the Village Hall parking structure exit to encourage motorists to use Busse Avenue and Main Street rather than northbound Emerson Street for those traveling west. https://go.boarddocs.com/il/vomp/Board.nsf/Private?open&login 2/4 4/15/2020 BoardDocs® Pro The Commission expressed concern that vehicles may hit the refuge island and compromise pedestrian safety. They continued to support only allowing right turns from northbound Emerson Street onto eastbound Central Road. They suggested the plan be implemented without permanent changes to Emerson Street, perform a post -study one (1) year after completion of the project, and bring the issue back for further discussion. Permanent changes to Emerson Street could be made after review of the one year post -study. By a vote of 7-0 at their September 10, 2018, meeting, and 9-0 at their December 10, 2018, meeting, the Transportation Safety Commission recommended the following: 1. Prohibit through movement at all times for northbound Emerson Street at Central Road (Section 18.2017). 2. Prohibit left turns at all times from eastbound Central Road onto northbound Emerson Street (Section 18.2002). 3. Prohibit left turns at all times from southbound Emerson Street onto eastbound Central Road (Section 18.2002). 4. Prohibit left turns at all times from northbound Emerson Street onto westbound Central Road (Section 18.2002). IDOT recently approved intersection improvement plans that allow a left -turn from northbound Emerson Street tc westbound Central Road. As noted previously, IDOT does not require a left turn restriction on northbound traffic; though they would likely not oppose a voluntary application. Staff concurs with the recommendations of the Transportation Safety Commission to prohibit through movement at all times for northbound Emerson Street at Central Road, prohibit left turns at all times from eastbound Central Road onto northbound Emerson Street, and prohibit left turns at all times from southbound Emerson Street onto eastbound Central Road. Staff does not concur with the recommendation to prohibit left turns at all times from northbound Emerson Street onto westbound Central Road. Rather, Staff recommends repealing the ordinance prohibiting left turns from 4:00 pm -6:30 pm for northbound Emerson Street onto westbound Central Road and allowing left turns from northbound Emerson Street to westbound Central Road at all times. Staff has concluded that a left turn prohibition for northbound Emerson Street at Central Road is unwarranted; or at the very least, premature. Staff is concerned that this restriction will unnecessarily increase traffic on adjacent streets, increase delay at the intersection, and foster driver confusion. Furthermore, it is relevant to note that this proposed project is the first of several designed to increase mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists as they encounter IDOT highways in the Village. For example, staff is also currently in the process of obtaining permits from IDOT for pedestrian crossing improvements at Main Street and Busse Avenue as well as Central Road and Pine Street. To date, feedback from IDOT suggests that turn restrictions, such as the right-in/right-out limitation stipulated for the north leg of the Central and Emerson intersection, will be the norm. IDOT posits these types of turn restrictions will help reduce rear -end collisions caused by cars waiting in the inner travel lanes to make a left -turn. Rear -end collisions are the predominant form of crash along the Central Road corridor. Since some form of turn restriction will likely be a prerequisite for future IDOT intersection improvement permits, staff feels it imprudent to add voluntary turn restrictions, such as the instant case, that are not based on a well understood need and could confound downtown traffic. The estimated cost of construction is $131,200.00. Staff plans to advertise the project in March and present a construction contract award recommendation to the Village Board in April. Construction is expected to begin in June and take approximately two (2) months to complete. Staff will perform a post -study one (1) year after construction to re -assess the need for the omitted turn restriction at this intersection and report the results with the Transportation Safety Commission. Attached, for the Village Board's consideration, is an ordinance that's implements staff's proposed intersection modifications. Alternatives 1. Adopt an ordinance implementing staff's recommendations for turn restrictions at the intersection of Central Road and Emerson Street. 2. Action at discretion of Village Board. https://go.boarddocs.com/il/vomp/Board.nsf/Private?open&login 3/4 4/15/2020 Staff Recommendation BoardDocs® Pro Staff recommends that the Village Board enact an ordinance that prohibits through movement at all times for northbound Emerson Street at Central Road; prohibits left turns at all times from eastbound Central Road onto northbound Emerson Street; prohibits left turns at all times from southbound Emerson Street onto eastbound Central Road, repeals an existing ordinance restricting left turns from northbound Emerson Street to westbound Central Road between 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm. - r - 1 -r ;r Administrative Content We may want to add an aerial map of this intersection showing existing conditions (NB) Executive Content Motion & Voting Enact an ordinance that prohibits thru movement at all times for northbound Emerson Street at Central Road; prohibits left turns at all times from eastbound Central Road onto northbound Emerson Street; prohibits left turns at all times from southbound Emerson Street onto eastbound Central Road, repeals an existing ordinance restricting left turns from northbound Emerson Street to westbound Central Road between 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm. Motion by Paul Hoefert, second by Michael Zadel. Final Resolution: Motion Carries Yea: Eleni Hatzis, Paul Hoefert, Richard Rogers, Colleen Saccotelli, Michael Zadel Nay: William Grossi https://go.boarddocs.com/il/vomp/Board.nsf/Private?open&login 4/4 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18, `TRAFFIC' OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF MOUNT PROSPECT BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS ACTING IN THE EXERCISE OF THEIR HOME RULE POWERS: SECTION ONE: That Section 18.2017, "SCHEDULE XVII — RESTRICTED INTERSECTION MOVEMENTS," of Chapter 18, "Traffic," of the Village Code, as amended, is further amended by inserting the following: "Intersection and Direction Restriction Northbound traffic on Emerson Street at Central Road No through movement to Emerson St." SECTION TWO: That Section 18.2002, "SCHEDULE II — PROHIBITED TURNS," of Chapter 18, "Traffic," of the Village Code, as amended, is further amended by inserting the following: Direction of Prohibited Into "Name of Street Traffic Movement Turn (Name of Street) Central Road Eastbound Left Northbound Emerson St. Emerson St. Southbound Left Eastbound Central Rd." SECTION THREE: That Section 18.2002, "SCHEDULE II — PROHIBITED TURNS." of Chapter 18, "Traffic," of the Village Code, as amended, is further amended by repealing the following: Direction of Prohibited Into "Name of Street Traffic Movement Turn (Name of Street) Emerson St. Northbound Left Central Rd. (4 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.)" SECTION FOUR: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval and publication in the manner provided by law. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: PASSED and APPROVED this day of March, 2020 Arlene A. Juracek, Mayor 1 ATTEST: Karen M. Agoranos, Village Clerk STATE LAW 36"x12" FYG AQ H�E�RE� R1 -5B (36"x36") f FOR © R3-2 (36"x36") STATE LAW STOP R 1-6A © FOR (12"x36") WITHIN CROSSWALK SIGN LEGEND Qp W11-2 (36"x36") QE 1�� W16 -7P (24"x12") QF AHEAD W16 -9P (24"x8") © I (w R3-5 (30"x36") ONLY STATE LAW O STOP FOR PEDESTRIANS R1 -9A (24"x901 LED ILLUMINATED CROSSWALK SIGN (SEE LIGHTING PLAN) 167 WATT SERVICE REQUIRED PER SIGN QI SPECIAL "LOOK BOTH WAYS" SIGN (SEE INSET) (NEW SIGN PLACED ON RELOCATED SIGN PANEL ASSEMBLY) �v 24" WHITE — 43.23' LT RELOCATED ON NEW SIGN R1-1 "STOP SIGN" PANEL— DECORATIVE SIGN POST Lu ~ RELOCATED "ATTENTION USE CAUTION WHEN Q LU U CROSSING CENTRAL ROAD" < SIGN PANEL IX zl EX ROW a Lu LU E ID PAINT PAVEMENT MARKING MEDIAN (YELLOW) (POLE MOUNTED FACING SOUTH)I A A A A A A A g A - - - - - - - - - - - - --------- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CENTRAL ROAD (DOUBLE SIDED) D ® ......... ......... ........ E ... 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A (ON RELOCATED SIGN ASSEMBLY) EX ROW III I '• I II I `': ----- — — — -- _ A A ❑ A A A _A -A A A 12" WHITE @ 3' C -C, 8" WHITE 6' LONG D C 126 127 T-.:: 128.. - — — — — — — — — — — — — — — PAINT PAVEMENT MARKING MEDIAN(YELLOW)..........................................................................................................::..::::::::.:.:.:::: .... --©(ON MAST\ARM) 6" YELLOW PI (STA. 128+ 0) 2' DASH - 6' SKIPN 1966988.11 - m... 55' R E 1"092501.924 m �— 12" WHITE @ 3' C -C, 6' LONG 12" WHITE @ 3' C C, 6' LONG ------- �—_— — IIIIIIIII IIIIIIu EX ROWLL Tr— I � I — � IIIA IL 24" W}NITE ® III 45.36' RT III III a �—�III ,III ( II III iI III III '25' III III LETTERS & SYMBOLS WHITE II O III li I III III® 4 2 I Ili iii ONL `. MW 4.::I �� mll I� III III o x j lllll it MI I Ill X (� w l I II III �l I III III Wait for All 11� I �I ,� Traffic is Stop _L // . III II i F III II II (. 72 III 11 I I _ Look Both Ways III 11 II o\ Cautiously rr J II II �// II II I III �II II = 2 , III III II SPECIAL "LOOK BOTH WAYS" SIGN L ii II' I GEWALT HAMILTONILE' 55962pOM -1.1W SHEET NUMBER: COPYRIGHT NOTICE PAVEMENT MARKING AND SIGN PLAN DRAWN BY: MJV GHA PROJECT ' and Is not o the property a Gpurp Hse other Assoc.. Inc.In ASSOCIATES, INC. °^d if ^°t t° be used for any herein Other than the CENTRAL ROAD AND EMERSON STREET DATE: 12.20.19 5396.2 specific project and site nomad her@in, and cannot be reproduced In any manner without the express written 625 Forest Edge Drive ■ Vernon Hills, IL. 60061 permission from Gewalt-H°mllton Associates. Inc. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AND INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS CHECKED BY: KLB SCALE: TEL 847.478.9700 0 F.AX 847.478.9701 VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS N0. BY DATE REVISION NO. BY DATE REVISION DATE: 12.20.19 1"=20' OF 21 SHEETS Mount 'Prosq)ect 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 roi i Tn nQr)PP 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, September 10, 2018. Rni i roi i Present upon roll call: Justin Kuehlthau Chairperson John Keane Commissioner Christopher Prosperi Commissioner Carol Tortorello Commissioner Jeff Schmitz Police Department Representative Aaron Grandgeorge Fire Department Representative Scott Moe Public Works Department Representative Matt Lawrie Traffic Engineer —Staff Liaison Absent: Jill Morgan Vice Chairperson Robert Fisher Commissioner Others in Attendance: see attached sheet APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Keane, seconded by Commissioner Prosperi, moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Transportation Safety Commission held on August 13, 2018. The minutes were approved by a vote of 5-0 with Chairperson Kuehlthau and Officer Schmitz abstaining. TSC Meeting Page 1 of 6 September 10, 2018 CITIZENS TO BE HEARD Sara Raymond, 19 N. Emerson Street, said this past weekend it was difficult to travel on Henry Street near Busse Park because of parked vehicles. From Owen Street to Louis Street, vehicles are parked on both sides of the street for baseball games allowing for only one travel lane. Others in the audience reported the same experience. Park District baseball games and practices take place at the park during spring, summer, and fall throughout the day on weekends and evenings on weekdays. Ms. Raymond suggested parking be limited to one side of the street. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said he would contact the Park District and request a schedule of practices and games. Staff will then observe the parking situation at different times and days of the week. Traffic Engineer Lawrie will then follow-up with Ms. Raymond on next steps. OLD BUSINESS None. KIPIA/ Ri KINIPcc A. Central Road & Emerson Street Intersection Improvements 1) Background A key component of the Mount Prospect Strategic Plan is to evaluate pedestrian and bicycle crossing activity along the entire limits of Central Road in the Village of Mount Prospect and to develop an overall plan for safe and efficient crossings. The Village's ongoing efforts to construct sidewalk, install signed & marked bike routes, install pedestrian signals & crosswalks, and promote walking & biking in the Village have resulted in an increase in activity throughout the community. A Village -initiated study and IDOT/FHWA study of the Central Road corridor were recently completed and presented to the Transportation Safety Commission last month. One of the crossings highlighted in both studies is at Emerson Street. The marked crosswalk experiences pedestrian activity throughout the day, primarily in the morning and early evening. Primary destinations include the train station, library, Village Hall, and downtown shopping & restaurants. Central Road is five lanes wide at Emerson Street and under the jurisdiction of IDOT. The marked crosswalk has signs at and in advance of the crosswalk without a pedestrian refuge island. The Engineering Division has retained the services of a consultant, Gewalt-Hamilton Associates (GHA), to redesign the crossing in order to enhance safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. Coordination with IDOT will be an important aspect of the project. Current Traffic Regulations 1. Parking is prohibited between 2:00am and 6:00am on all Village streets. 2. Parking is prohibited at all times along both sides of Central Road. 3. Parking is limited to two hours along both sides of Emerson Street north and south of Central Road from 7:00am to 6:00pm. 4. The speed limit on Emerson Street north of Central Road is 25 mph and south of Central Road is 20 mph. The speed limit on Central Road is 35 mph. 5. STOP signs exist on Emerson Street at Central Road and at Henry Street. 6. Left turns are prohibited from northbound Emerson Street onto westbound Central Road from 4:00pm-6:30pm. TSC Meeting Page 2 of 6 September 10, 2018 Current Layout 1. Emerson Street between Central Road and Henry Street is approximately 31' wide (back -of -curb to back -of -curb). It is a residential neighborhood. 2. Emerson Street south of Central Road is a collector street with row homes on the east side of the street. The Mount Prospect Library and Village Hall are on the west side of the street. 3. Central Road is typically afour-lane arterial street under the jurisdiction of IDOT. There is a left turn lane for westbound traffic at Emerson Street making it a five -lane cross-section at this location (60' wide street). 4. Marked crosswalks exist on the north, south and west legs of the intersection. 5. A traffic signal system with marked crosswalks and pedestrian crossing signals exist one block to the west at Central Road and Main Street (IL Route 83). Volume & Speed Data Traffic data was collected in 2018 on Emerson Street and on Maple Street, one block to the east. The IDOT web site was also used for estimated traffic counts. ('Antral Rnnrl Average Daily Traffic —17,700 vehicles Emerson Street south of Central Road Average Daily Traffic — 4,700 vehicles Emerson Street north of Central Road Average Daily Traffic — 629 vehicles Peak morning hour (8:OOam — 9:OOam) — 42 vehicles Peak evening hour (S:OOpm — 6:OOpm) — 83 vehicles Average speed — 26 mph 85th percentile speed — 31 mph Maple Street north of Central Road Average Daily Traffic — 586 vehicles Peak morning hour (9:OOam—10:OOam) — 33 vehicles Peak evening hour (S:OOpm — 6:OOpm) — 59 vehicles Average speed — 26 mph 85th percentile speed — 30 mph Pedestrian Data Pedestrian counts were done at the intersection for a 12 -hour period in 2017. Central Road & Emerson Street North leg —19 pedestrians South leg —18 pedestrians East leg —12 pedestrians West leg — 72 pedestrians Crash History The Police Department provided crash reports for accidents between 2013 and 2017 at the intersection of Central Road & Emerson Street. In summary, Year # of Crashes # Correctable with Plan* 2013 5 2 2014 8 6 TSC Meeting Page 3 of 6 Year # of Crashes # Correctable with Plan* 2015 8 4 2016 5 2 2017 6 5 Average 6.4 3.8 *the plan designed by GHA may have prevented some crashes from occurring Design Features The preliminary plan designed by GHA addresses the primary goal of enhancing safety for pedestrians and bicyclists crossing Central Road. It will also reduce the amount of cut thru traffic in the neighborhood and potential for vehicle crashes at the intersection. The approximate construction cost is $90,000.00. Some of the design features of the plan include: 1. Overhead pedestrian crossing signs 2. Pedestrian refuge island with pedestrian crossing signs 3. Right -in / right -out island on north leg 4. Advanced signs and pavement markings 5. Stop line in advance of marked crosswalk 6. Pedestrian lighting at the crosswalk 2) Resident Survey As part of the study, surveys were sent to 22 residential properties along Emerson Street between Central Road and Henry Street to solicit their input on this issue. As of the date of Staff's report, two surveys (9%) were returned to the Village. One survey suggested northbound left turns be prohibited and a traffic signal be installed at the intersection. The other survey supported the crosswalk improvements but opposed the right-in/right-out median. 3) Recommendations GHA will soon complete the engineering drawings and specifications for the project. They will then be submitted to IDOT for review. Revisions will be made as necessary until the plans meet IDOT's requirements and are approved. Village staff will request approval of the plans from the Village Board as well as funding in the 2019 Budget to construct the project next summer. Should funds be available, we will solicit bids from qualified contractors once we have approval from IDOT. Any construction contract awarded by the Village Board will meet the requirements of IDOT and the Village. 1. Approve the crosswalk improvement plan as designed by GHA. 2. Remove the evening left -turn restriction of 4:00pm — 6:30pm for northbound Emerson Street onto westbound Central Road. 3. Prohibit thru movement at all times for northbound Emerson Street at Central Road. 4. Prohibit left turns at all times from eastbound Central Road onto northbound Emerson Street. 5. Prohibit left turns at all times from southbound Emerson Street onto eastbound Central Road. 4) Discussion Traffic Engineer Lawrie provided background information on the issue. He then introduced Mike Vasak with Gewalt-Hamilton Associates. Mr. Vasak provided an analysis of their study and highlighted the design elements of the proposed project. Traffic Engineer Lawrie summarized the study and detailed the recommendations to the Commission. TSC Meeting Page 4 of 6 September 10, 2018 Commissioner Prosperi asked if the intersection experiences more or less accidents compared to similar intersections in the Village. Officer Schmitz responded that because of its close proximity to Central Road & Route 83 traffic often backs up to Emerson Street along Central Road. This, along with the high amount of traffic on Emerson Street near the library, can result in accidents. It was not known how the number of accidents compares to other intersections. Officer Schmitz and Commissioner Prosperi raised the idea of eliminating northbound left turns from Emerson Street onto westbound Central Road. The concern is allowing unrestricted left turns may result in an increase in vehicle accidents. It may also result in vehicles hitting the pedestrian refuge island. Residents in the audience agreed that northbound left turns should be eliminated. Chairperson Kuehlthau suggested the south leg of the intersection have a right-in/right-out median. This prompted discussion on eliminating the right-in/right-out median on the north leg of the intersection as proposed. However, it was pointed out that construction of a pedestrian refuge island would force eastbound left turning vehicles to turn from the thru lane. Removing the right-in/right- out median on the north leg may also not have an impact on reducing cut thru traffic. One resident suggesting adding a sign to stop motorists from blocking the intersection. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said the design would include stop lines and signs before the crosswalk to show where to stop when a pedestrian crosses the street. It may also help to reduce vehicles from blocking the intersection. A question was raised whether emergency vehicles would be able to turn onto Emerson Street with the right-in/right-out median. Mr. Vasak responded the median would have a low profile and be mountable should a fire truck need to access the street. He mentioned the median was designed so that a school bus would not have to go over the curb. The refuge island would have a non -mountable curb to protect pedestrians. Discussion followed on safety concerns associated with left turning vehicles at the intersection. A suggestion was raised to eliminate westbound left turns from Central Road onto Emerson Street. However, Commission members were concerned this would shift traffic and negatively impact the library. There was general support to restrict or eliminate northbound left turns from Emerson Street onto Central Road. Traffic Engineer Lawrie requested that Staff have the opportunity to study the impact on the street network should that be the decision of the Commission. Commissioner Prosperi made a recommendation to approve the following: 1. Approve the crosswalk improvement plan as designed by GHA. 2. Prohibit thru movement at all times for northbound Emerson Street at Central Road. 3. Prohibit left turns at all times from eastbound Central Road onto northbound Emerson Street. 4. Prohibit left turns at all times from southbound Emerson Street onto eastbound Central Road. 5. Direct Staff to study the impact of eliminating northbound left turns from Emerson Street onto westbound Central Road and report back to the Commission. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Keane. The motion was approved by a vote of 7-0. COMMISSION ISSUES No issues were raised by Commission members. TSC Meeting Page 5 of 6 September 10, 2018 Anini IRninnFNT With no further business to discuss, the Transportation Safety Commission voted 7-0 to adjourn at 8:20 p.m. upon the motion of Commissioner Keane. Commissioner Prosperi seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, Matthew P. Lawrie, P.E. Traffic Engineer h:\engineering\traffic\safety_commission\recs&mins\TSC-septemberl8min.docx TSC Meeting Page 6 of 6 September 10, 2018