To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: TED SEMAAN, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
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APPROVE THE INSTALLATION OF ALL-WAY STOP CONTROLS AT THE INTERSECTION OF FELTON LANE AND RUHLAND AVENUE
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In response to a request from residents, staff has performed an analysis of all-way stop controls at the intersection of Felton Lane and Ruhland Avenue. The subject intersection was evaluated with respect to enhancing pedestrian and motorist safety. Staff’s findings were presented to the Public Works Commission on May 23, 2022. The Commission voted unanimously in support of the installation of all-way stop controls at this intersection. A copy of the Administrative Report for that meeting is included as an attachment.
This item is being advanced for City Council consideration based on analysis of reported correctible traffic collisions at the intersection. Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) data indicates there were five reported crashes in a twelve-month period that can be considered potentially correctible. Installing all-way stop controls at the subject intersection could increase pedestrian and vehicle safety by reducing conflicts to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Therefore, staff recommends that the City Council approve the installation of all-way stop controls at the intersection of Felton Lane and Ruhland Avenue.
BACKGROUND
Staff received a petition in November 2021 requesting all-way stop controls at the intersection of Felton Lane and Ruhland Avenue. Staff proceeded to collect resident support data, perform field observations, and review accident history information as per the City’s recently updated policy for this type of resident request.
Staff mailed a survey to 42 residences within 150-feet of the intersection to determine support for the request. To date only 14 responses have been received, all supportive, which is a response rate of 33%. The response rate required to advance the issue of 66% was not met.
Staff also collected and analyzed reported traffic collision data from SWITRS. A review of the available SWITRS crash data at this intersection during the four-year period ending 12/31/2021 revealed 7 reported accidents between 1/1/2018 and 12/31/2021 that might be considered correctable by all-way stop controls. More significantly in support of stop sign placement, is that five of the identified crashes occurred in the 12-month period between December 2020 and November 2021. This rate of collisions meets the criteria for consideration of stop sign placement in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD).
The consideration to install all-way stop controls at the subject intersection was presented to the Public Works Commission at the May 23, 2022 meeting. During the meeting, the Commission heard public comment, deliberated, and subsequently voted unanimously (7-0) to forward the recommendation to install all-way stop controls at the intersection of Felton Lane and Ruhland Avenue to City Council for consideration.
Staff and the Public Works Commission are recommending all-way stop controls at the intersection. If approved by the City Council, installation of the additional controls will be implemented as soon as possible by City maintenance personnel as part of their regularly assigned work duties.
COORDINATION
Coordination of the public outreach, safety evaluation and preparation of this report were completed by staff in the Public Works Department, with input from the Public Works Commission.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost to install additional signage and associated appurtenance to complete the all-way stop control at this intersection is estimated to be $2,000. Funding for installation of the new stop controls is available in the City’s Traffic Calming Budget.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
Public Works Commission Administrative Report from May 23, 2022 and Exhibits