1988 11 17 TTC Minutes
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Ron Kiedrowski, City Manager
Frank Reynolds, Director of Public
City Engineer
November 18, 1988
Technical Traffic Committee
Works/ _
The regular meeting of the Technical Traffic Committee wa:; held at
11:15 A.M. on Thursday, November 17, 1988. Present were:
Members: Sgt. Betty Beyer, Sheriff's Department
Roger Hirdler, City of La Quinta
Dick Barrera, Riverside County
Frank Reynolds, City of La Quinta
Staff: Jerry Coffey, City of La Quinta
Guest: Lee Norwine, SunLine Transit
Member Absent: Gene Marshall, Caltrans
New Business•
Mr. Reynolds explained that the City and SunLine Transit: would like
to get the Committee's input as to the most desirable location for a
bus stop on Washington near Highway 111. The bus stop has been
placed in two locations thus far, and neither of them has: proven to
be satisfactory.
Mr. Norwine pointed out that this is an important transfer point
between Routes 4 and 19. Route 4 travels north and. south on
Washington, and Route 19 east and west on Highway 111. He said that
the original location for the Route 4 stop was near the intersection,
and as such it was quite convenient for his riders. However, it
caused a problem for eastbound motorists making a right turn onto
111. Therefore, it was moved further south on Washington to a site
south of the driveway to the shopping center and immediately north of
the driveway to the Point Happy Ranch.
This present location, while solving the traffic safety problem at
111, has resulted in the creation of other problems:
1. It's very inconvenient for riders wishing to trarsfer, both
because of its distance from the Route 19 stop and the chronic water
problems at the entrance to the shopping center.
2. Complaints from the owner of the Point Happy Ranch because
of: a) Vandalism to his lighting and landscaping.
b) Production of debris.
c) Sight distance problems for vehicles attempting to
exit the ranch onto Washington.
Technical Traffic Committee Report
November 17, 1988 meeting
Page 2
Mr. Norwine then suggested that the stop be relocated. to a point
some 90 feet north of the entrance to the shopping center, which
would place it approximately midway between that entrance and the 111
intersection.
Mr. Reynolds showed a videotape he had taken of the three. locations
under discussion. In order to assist with the taping Mr. Norwine had
helpfully furnished a bus so that its position at all three` locations
could be shown and the aforementioned considerations demonstrated.
In the discussion following the presentations the Committee members
concurred that the proposed new location for the bus stop will be
satisfactory. Mr. Reynolds pointed out, however, that the stop
should not be relocated until after the construction of th,e drainage
pumping facility near the shopping center entrance is complete. He
will notify SunLine when the move can take place.
Miscellaneous
1) Mr. Reynolds advised that pursuant to the comments made at the
October meeting by Sgt. Beyer, the City has installed "Reduced Speed
Ahead" signs in advance of the 25 mph signs on Avenue 50 at the
school.
2) Scheduling of the new traffic signal at Washington and Fred
Waring was discussed. In connection with this, it was pointed out
that once the signal is in operation a problem probably will be
created at the Miles intersection as southbound platoons of vehicles
clear the Fred Waring intersection. Mr. Barrera agreed to check the
traffic counts on Miles and investigate the feasibility of removing
the stops for Washington and installing a flashing amber and red
warning system.
3) Mr. Reynolds stated that he would like to place on the agenda
for the next meeting items dealing with the safety aspects of center
median island landscaping and safety lighting at problem intersection.
The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled for 11:00 A.M. on
Wednesday, December 14, 1988.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:10 P.M.