To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: TED SEMAAN, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
TITLE
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APPROVE THE TEMPORARY INSTALLATION OF TURN RESTRICTIONS ON NORTH HELBERTA AVENUE TO PROHIBIT ALL SOUTHBOUND TURNS FROM CARNELIAN STREET ON WEEKDAYS FROM 7:00 TO 9:00 AM AND 2:00 TO 4:00 PM
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In response to area traffic concerns, staff is bringing forward a Public Works and Sustainability Commission (PWSC) recommendation to implement turn restrictions as an interim measure that could be used to inform later discussions about potentially converting the 500 block of N Helberta Avenue to a one-way northbound street. Details of staff’s analysis, presented to the PWSC on February 26, 2024, can be found in the PWSC Administrative Report. Several traffic calming measures to alleviate congestion in the area, especially during drop-off and pick-up hours at Redondo Union High School were discussed with the PWSC at their January 23, 2023 meeting. At that time, residents were surveyed and given an opportunity to provide input at the meeting. Following discussions, the PWSC recommended the block be converted to one-way traffic northbound on the block, but also asked staff to consider other alternatives.
Since that time, staff performed further analysis and visits to the segment of N Helberta Avenue between Diamond Street and Carnelian Street and determined that interim measures could be explored while traffic data is collected to support a more substantial discussion regarding a permanent change to one-way, northbound operations.
If the proposed temporary changes are approved, staff will introduce weekday peak period turn restrictions onto southbound N Helberta Avenue from Carnelian Street during school pick-up and drop-off times (7:00 - 9:00 AM and 2:00 - 4:00 PM). Traffic data would be collected before and after this change. Depending on traffic pattern shifts and resident feedback, further measures, such as the one-way conversion, will be considered.
In addition, staff proposed removing the non-standard, yellow center line in the street due to insufficient lane width. This change was also supported by the PWSC. Based on these factors and the PWSC’s unanimous recommendation, staff is bringing the matter to City Council for consideration of approval.
BACKGROUND
N Helberta Avenue, between Diamond and Carnelian, runs roughly north-south along a westerly curve, is classified as a local street, and has a 25-mph residential prima facie speed limit. The street is approximately 30 feet wide. Parking is allowed on both sides of the street. A yellow center line in the middle of the street creates 2 substandard travel lanes as shown in the attached PWSC Administrative Reports, which provide full detail of the difficulties experienced by residents along the narrow street, especially during school pick-up/drop-off times. Staff presented 3 options to the PWSC to address the issue: eliminating parking; creating a one-way street; or only removing the center line. At the time, residents favored creating a one-way street, which was recommended by the PWSC. The PWSC also recommended that staff study other alternatives, such as specific time restrictions and other less drastic options, for City Council consideration.
Subsequent to the PWSC meeting, staff performed additional analysis including visits to the area. Staff observations led to the recommendation to remove the yellow center line, as this creates narrow lanes that may result in minor collisions when vehicles are parked opposite each other simultaneously. Drivers traveling in opposing directions on this block of N Helberta Avenue must slow down to negotiate the shared space, similar to other narrower residential streets in the area. This recommendation was brought back to the PWSC on February 26, 2024.
Staff also recommend collecting two-way traffic count data along N Helberta Avenue to establish baseline conditions during the school year. After data is collected, staff proposes to install turn prohibition signage to prohibit entry into southbound N Helberta Avenue from Carnelian Street. This would include a left-turn prohibition from westbound Carnelian and a right-turn prohibition from eastbound Carnelian, to be in effect on weekdays from 7:00-9:00 AM and 2:00-4:00 PM, which coincides with school pick-up/drop-off times. Note that turn restrictions would affect any member of the public wishing to enter the street from Carnelian, including residents of the street. Access would still be provided from Diamond Street. The PWSC unanimously recommended this turn restriction on February 26, 2024 for City Council approval.
After a trial period of at least 60 days, traffic counts would be recollected to determine the efficacy of the signed turn restriction and feedback would be collected along the block. If the turn restriction is deemed successful, no further action would be required for it to remain. If further measures are appropriate, these measures would be brought to the City Council for consideration.
COORDINATION
The proposed temporary traffic modification was coordinated by the Public Works Department with assistance from the PWSC and the District 2 City Council Member.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost to install signs and to remove the center line striping for this block is estimated to be $2,000. The cost to collect 24-hour, two-way counts, twice is estimated to be about $600. Funding for these modifications is available in the City’s Traffic Calming budget.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Administrative Reports - Public Works and Sustainability Commission, February 26, 2024 and January 23, 2023