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Home My WebLink About5. NEW BUSINESS 08/19/08 Mount Prospect ~ Mount Prospect Public Works Department INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: VILLAGE MANAGER MICHAEL E. JANONIS 'l>b~ e \ ,q 10" FROM: PROJECT ENGINEER DATE: AUGUST 14,2008 SUBJECT: NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC STUDY FINAL REPORT FOR ZONES 7, 8 & 13 The Engineering Division in collaboration with KLOA Inc., the Village's traffic engineering consult have performed post-studies at the one year mark after implementing the approved intersection co 01 and speed limit plans in three neighborhoods. These neighborhoods, Zones 7, 8 and 13, represent completion of the Neighborhood Traffic Study for the first three of eighteen zones as part of this Village- wide program. This report highlights the post-studies for these three neighborhoods and provides final intersection control and speed limit recommendations. Zone 7 Zone 7 is bounded by Northwest Highway to the north and east, Central Road to the south, and the western Village limits. It contains 7 intersections and 1.6 miles of streets. Melas Park and the Central Community Center are within the neighborhood. The first post-study was performed approximately six months after implementing the sign changes. Each property in the neighborhood was mailed a letter highlighting the results of the study. A web page on the Village web site was also created with additional information. The second post-study, performed one year after implementing the sign changes, focused on those locations that were deemed to require additional evaluation based on the results of the first post-study. Therefore, the second post-study involved gathering vehicular volume and speed data at only 2 locations compared to 7 locations from the first post-study. However, similar to the first post-study, the Village also reviewed accident records at all 7 intersections in the neighborhood. Below is a summary of the results: First Post-Study Daily Volume (comparing data before sign changes to data from first post-study) - Stayed consistent or decreased at 5 locations (71 %) Increased by 10% or more at 2 locations (29%) Average Speed (comparing data before sign changes to data from first post-study) - Stayed consistent or decreased at 7 locations (100%) Increased by 5mph or more at 0 locations (0%) Accident Rate (# accidents per month in the neighborhood) - 3-year period before the sign changes: 0.03 6-month period after the sign changes: 0.00 100% rednction page 2 of6 Neighborhood Traffic Study - Zones 7, 8 & 13 August 14,2008 Second Post-Study Daily Volume (comparing data before sign changes to data from second post-study) - Stayed consistent or decreased at 1 location (50%) Increased by 10% or more at 1 location (50%) Average Speed (comparing data before sign changes to data from second post-study) - Stayed consistent or decreased at 2 locations (100%) Increased by 5mph or more at 0 locations (0%) Accident Rate (# accidents per month in the neighborhood) - 3-year period before the sign changes: 0.03 I-year period after the sign changes: 0.00 100% reduction Evaluation The results of the post-studies indicate that the operating characteristics within the neighborhood have generally improved since implementation of the intersection traffic control and speed limit modifications. It appears the sign changes have improved the flow of traffic within the neighborhood and enhanced safety. Overall, traffic volumes and speeds are within acceptable ranges and the accident rate has decreased. The one location that has experienced a 10% or more increase in traffic volume (Cathy Lane) is adjacent to the Central Community Center. This may be attributed to the greater variation in traffic along this section of Cathy Lane as it serves other uses than just residential. Recommendation Based on the two post-studies performed by the Engineering Division and KLOA Inc., there are no recommended adjustments to the intersection control or speed limits in the neighborhood. Zone 8 Zone 8 is bounded by Kensington Road to the north, Main Street (Route 83) to the east, Central Road and Northwest Highway to the south, and the western Village limits. It contains 61 intersections and 12.8 miles of streets. Prospect High School, Fairview Elementary School and Meadows Park are within the neighborhood. The first post-study was performed approximately six months after implementing the sign changes. Each property in the neighborhood was mailed a letter highlighting the results of the study. A web page on the Village web site was also created with additional information. The second post-study, performed one year after implementing the sign changes, focused on those locations that were deemed to require additional evaluation based on the results of the first post-study. Therefore, the second post-study involved gathering vehicular volume and speed data at only 13 locations compared to 46 locations from the first post-study. However, similar to the first post-study, the Village also monitored pedestrian activity at 4 intersections and reviewed accident records at all 61 intersections in the neighborhood. Below is a summary of the results: First Post-Study Daily Volume (comparing data before sign changes to data from first post-study) - Stayed consistent or decreased at 38 locations (83%) Increased by 10% or more at 8 locations (17%) Average Speed (comparing data before sign changes to data from first post-study) - Stayed consistent or decreased at 45 locations (98%) Increased by 5mph or more at 1 location (2%) page 3 0[6 Neighborhood Traffic Study - Zones 7, 8 & 13 August 14,2008 Accident Rate (# accidents per month in the neighborhood) - 3-year period before the sign changes: 1.42 6-month period after the sign changes: 0.67 53% reduction Second Post-Study Daily Volume (comparing data before sign changes to data from second post-study) - Stayed consistent or decreased at 10 locations (77%) Increased by 10% or more at 3 locations (23%) Average Speed (comparing data before sign changes to data from second post-study) - Stayed consistent or decreased at 12 locations (92%) Increased by 5mph or more at 1 location (8%) Accident Rate (# accidents per month in the neighborhood) - 3-year period before the sign changes: 1.42 I-year period after the sign changes: 0.58 59% reduction Evaluation The results of the post-studies indicate that the operating characteristics within the neighborhood have generally improved since implementation of the intersection traffic control and speed limit modifications. It appears the sign changes have improved the flow of traffic within the neighborhood and enhanced safety. Overall, traffic volumes and speeds are within acceptable ranges and the accident rate has decreased. The three locations that have experienced a 10% or more increase in traffic volume are all on collector streets (Elmhurst Avenue - 2 locations & Gregory Street). These are streets that are expected to carry a higher volume of traffic than local streets and are the preferred routes to distribute neighborhood traffic. The one location that has experienced a 5 mph increase in average speed (Henry Street) is now at 20 mph, still below the average speed on a typical residential street. And with respect to the accident rate, of the seven accidents that occurred in the one-year period, no one intersection presented itself as problematic. Recommendation Based on the two post-studies performed by the Engineering Division and KLOA Inc., Staff is recommending one change to the intersection control in the neighborhood: 1. Gregory Street & Dale Avenue - This intersection was originally controlled with four stop signs. The approved plan resulted in the two stop signs on Gregory Street being removed. Gregory Street, a collector street, currently has uninterrupted flow from Waterman Avenue to Oak Street. Meadows Park and Fairview Elementary School are near this 0.4 mile stretch of Gregory Street. In addition, Gregory Street west of Dale A venue is 3 l' wide and has curb and sidewalk. In this area, the daily traffic volume is 1666 vehicles and the average speed is 27 mph. Gregory Street east of Dale Avenue is 24' wide and does not have curb or sidewalk. In this area, the daily traffic volume is 1343 vehicles and the average speed is 27 mph. The primary concern along this portion of Gregory Street is the conflict between vehicles and pedestrians. Both Meadows Park and Fairview Elementary School generate high pedestrian volumes. The appropriate solution is to install sidewalk along Gregory Street to connect these two pedestrian generators and enhance safety. A proposal to install sidewalk along the south side of Gregory Street was made by Staff. However, because of opposition by the neighborhood sidewalk will not be installed at this location anytime in the near future. As a result, pedestrians will continue to have to negotiate along side vehicles on this narrow stretch of Gregory Street between Dale Avenue and Oak Street. An alternate solution is to reestablish a 4-way stop at Gregory Street and Dale Avenue. Dale Avenue represents the border between a curbed street and a narrower non-curbed street, sidewalk and no sidewalk, and two communities. It also carries the highest daily traffic volume compared to other nearby parallel streets that intersect Gregory Street. For these reasons, Dale Avenue is the best option to stop Gregory Street at in order to regulate page 4 of6 Neighborhood Traffic Study - Zones 7, 8 & 13 August 14, 2008 conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians. Recommendation: Adjust Gregory Street and Dale Avenue to become a 4-way stop controlled intersection. The Engineering Division has no other recommended adjustments to the intersection control or speed limits in the neighborhood. Zone 13 Zone 13 is bounded by Central Road to the north, Mount Prospect Road to the east, and Northwest Highway to the south and west. It contains 28 intersections and 6.6 miles of streets. St. Paul Lutheran School, Owen Park, the Mount Prospect Library and Village Hall are within the neighborhood. The first post-study was performed approximately six months after implementing the sign changes. Each property in the neighborhood was mailed a letter highlighting the results of the study. A web page on the Village web site was also created with additional information. The second post-study, performed one year after implementing the sign changes, focused on those locations that were deemed to require additional evaluation based on the results of the first post-study. Therefore, the second post-study involved gathering vehicular volume and speed data at only 8 locations compared to 22 locations from the first post-study. However, similar to the first post-study, the Village also monitored pedestrian activity at 2 intersections and reviewed accident records at all 28 intersections in the neighborhood. Below is a summary of the results: First Post-Study Daily Volume (comparing data before sign changes to data from first post-study) - Stayed consistent or decreased at 18 locations (82%) Increased by 10% or more at 4 locations (18%) Average Speed (comparing data before sign changes to data from first post-study) - Stayed consistent or decreased at 22 locations (100%) Increased by 5mph or more at 0 locations (0%) Accident Rate (# accidents per month in the neighborhood) - 3-year period before the sign changes: 0.58 6-month period after the sign changes: 0.00 100% reduction Second Post-Study Daily Volume (comparing data before sign changes to data from second post-study) - Stayed consistent or decreased at 6 locations (75%) Increased by 10% or more at 2 locations (25%) Average Speed (comparing data before sign changes to data from second post-study) - Stayed consistent or decreased at 8 locations (100%) Increased by 5mph or more at 0 locations (0%) Accident Rate (# accidents per month in the neighborhood) - 3-year period before the sign changes: 0.58 I-year period after the sign changes: 0.00 100% reduction Evaluation The results of the post-studies indicate that the operating characteristics within the neighborhood have generally improved since implementation of the intersection traffic control and speed limit modifications. It appears the sign changes have improved the flow of traffic within the neighborhood and enhanced safety. Overall, traffic volumes and speeds are within acceptable ranges and the accident rate has page 5 0[6 Neighborhood Traffic Study - Zones 7, 8 & 13 August 14,2008 decreased. The two locations that have experienced a 10% or more increase in traffic volume are both on local streets. Evergreen Avenue has seen an increase of 40 vehicles per day and George Street has seen an increase of 45 vehicles per day. For both locations, it represents less than 2 additional vehicles per hour over the course of the day. The Village has not received complaints about the additional traffic on these two streets as it is not a noticeable increase. Recommendation Based on the two post-studies performed by the Engineering Division and KLOA Inc., we are recommending one change to the intersection control in the neighborhood: 1. Busse Avenue and Maple Street - This intersection has been controlled with four stop signs, even before the study began. As part of the original traffic study, KLOA Inc. recommended that the stop signs on Busse Avenue (collector street) be removed making it a two-way stop controlled intersection. The recommendation was approved by the Village Board of Trustees. However, before implementing the plan for the neighborhood, the Fire Department voiced their concern over removing the stop signs. As Maple Street is a regularly used route by emergency vehicles, allowing Busse Avenue to have the normal right-of-way may compromise the safety of their operations. Keeping the stop signs on Busse A venue would provide an added safety measure for emergency vehicles traveling on Maple Street that require priority. As a result, the stop signs on Busse Avenue were not removed. The intersection has operated safely over the last year (no accidents) and is recommended to remain a 4-way stop. The Village Code, however, no longer recognizes Busse Avenue as having stop signs at Maple Street. Recommendation: Amend the Village Code to reflect Busse Avenue and Maple Street as a 4-way stop controlled intersection. The Engineering Division has no other recommended adjustments to the intersection control or speed limits in the neighborhood. Resident Notification Earlier this month, residents within the three neighborhoods were notified of the one-year post-studies. The notices summarized the results and directed them to the Village web-site for additional information. They also provided notice of the August 19th Village Board Meeting where the results and final recommendations would be presented by the Engineering Division. Residents were invited to attend and participate in the meeting. Decisions made by the Village Board of Trustees at this upcoming Village Board Meeting will serve as closure to the Neighborhood Traffic Study for Zones 7, 8 and 13. Another neighborhood meeting will not be held per your direction. Final Recommendations In summary, the Engineering Division recommends the following changes to the Village Code: Section l8.2004A: Stop Signs Ordinances to be Added Name of Street Direction of Traffic Movement At Intersection With Gregory Street East and Westbound Dale Avenue Busse A venue East and Westbound Maple Street page 60f6 Neighborhood Traffic Study - Zones 7, 8 & 13 August 14,2008 Please include this item on the August 19th Village Board Meeting Agenda. Representatives from the Engineering Division will be in attendance to present the results of the post-studies and final recommendations as well as answer questions. Attachments Neighborhood Traffic Study Zone Map Zone 7 - Traffic Regulation, Volume & Speed Maps Zone 8 - Traffic Regulation, Volume & Speed Maps Zone 13 - Traffic Regulation, Volume & Speed Maps c: Village Clerk Lisa Angell h: lengineeringltrajJiclritcplzones7-12-13 Ivb Jinal JeportJ-8-13.doc ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18 ENTITLED 'TRAFFIC CODE' OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF MOUNT PROSPECT BE IT ORDAINED BY THE PRESIDENT 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 Subsection A, "STOP SIGNS," of Section 18.2004, of "SCHEDULE IV _ STOP AND YIELD SIGNS," of Chapter 18 of the Village Code of Mount Prospect, as amended, is hereby further amended by inserting the following: "Name of Street Busse Avenue Direction of Traffic Movement East and Westbound At Intersection with Maple Street Gregory Street East and Westbound Dale Avenue." SECTION TWO: That this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval and publication in pamphlet form in the manner provided by law. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: PASSED and APPROVED this day of 2008. A. John Korn Mayor Pro Tem ATTEST: M. Lisa Angell, Village Clerk H :\CLKO\WI N\ORDI NANCE2\CH 18-Z0NEposlsludyaug usl2008 .doc J) ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING REPRESENTATIVE TO THE NORTHWEST SUBURBAN MUNICIPAL JOINT ACTION WATER AGENCY FOR THE VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT WHEREAS, the Village of Mount Prospect is a member of the Northwest Suburban Municipal Joint Action Water Agency, as authorized by Ordinance No. 3081; and WHEREAS, Section 9 of the Joint Action Water Agency Agreement and Articles II and III of the by-laws to said Agency require the members to designate and appoint both a representative and alternate representative of the Village to the Board of Directors of the Joint Action Water Agency and the Executive Committee. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE PRESIDENT 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 Arlene A. Juracek, Village Trustee is hereby appointed an Alternate Director of the Board of Directors of the Northwest Suburban Municipal Joint Action Water Agency, for a term beginning August 19, 2008 and expiring April 30, 2009. SECTION TWO: That this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval and publication in pamphlet in the manner provided by law. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: PASSED and APPROVED this day of August, 2008. A. John Korn Mayor Pro Tem ATTEST: M. Lisa Angell Village Clerk H:ICLKOIWI NIORD INANCE2\JAW Aamend reps, 2007 -D9august2008. doc G