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2020 Traffic Study - Adams St Crosswalk (October 20, 2020)City of La Quinta CITY COUNCIL MEETING: October 20, 2020 STAFF REPORT AGENDA TITLE: DISCUSS TRAFFIC STUDY FOR ADAMS STREET NEAR LA PALMA DRIVE RECOMMENDATION Discuss traffic study for Adams Street near La Palma Drive, and safety measure implementation options. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY •The City’s contract Traffic Engineer (Traffic Engineer) conducted a traffic study along Adams Street near La Palma Drive to address resident safety concerns. •The Traffic Engineer has recommended options for consideration to address the safety concerns, including: o A “road diet” along Adams Street between Miles Avenue and Fred Waring Drive o Adding self-closing gates to the existing fences at Adams Park o Continuing to enforce the speed limits along Adams Street. •Additional measures suitable for implementation are also identified and can be phased in, if needed. FISCAL IMPACT Resealing and restriping this roadway as part of a “road diet” will cost an estimated $40,000 and self-closing gates approximately $10,000. No funds are currently allocated for either of these projects. BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS The City Council requested an analysis be performed along Adams Street near La Palma Drive to address resident’s concerns about excessive vehicular speeds and pedestrian crossings. The Traffic Engineer provided options for consideration by the City, along with recommendations for best results. (Attachment 1) Adams Street is essentially a 4-lane divided highway with painted medians, or two way turn lanes, and pedestrians cross Adams Street unassisted at uncontrolled locations. The primary concern that residents have is with the STUDY SESSION ITEM NO. 4 135 speed of approaching traffic. Some drivers adhere to the posted 25 mph near the park, while others ignore that limit and reach speeds up to 50 mph in the posted 40 mph and 25 mph sections. This makes it difficult for pedestrians to select appropriate gaps when crossing. A “road diet” on Adams Street would eliminate one travel lane in each direction between Fred Waring Drive and Miles Avenue. Based on existing and projected traffic volumes, the City can still maintain reasonable circulation and capacity for future growth. The advantages of having just one lane include: •Improved sight distance for exiting side street traffic •Less lanes for drivers/pedestrians to gauge the speed of approaching vehicles •Reduced speeds on Adams Street by not allowing any passing •Adds a wide bike / golf cart lane to connect to the amenities nearby •Adds buffer zone between vehicles and golf carts, bicyclists & pedestrians •Create potential for adding right turn only lanes at key intersections •Create potential for adding acceleration lanes at key intersections •Reduces the number of travel lanes that pedestrians must cross •Provides several refuge areas for pedestrians when crossing •Potentially reduces collisions •Enhances pedestrian safety when crossing For these reasons, a “road diet” should be considered as the first feasible option for implementation on Adams Street. This resolves most of the current issues experienced by residents driving, walking along or crossing Adams Street. Two additional recommended options to consider are: •Continue to enforce the speed limit along Adams Street •Installation of self-closing gates at Adams Park to assist with controlling children possibly running into the street Additional measures considered suitable for implementation that could be added, if desired in the future, include: •Installation of a mid-block crosswalk approximately 180 ft. south of La Palma at the opening to the park and relocating advance warning signs to this crossing •Feedback signs in each direction reminding drivers of the speed limits •A Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) for the mid-block crosswalk •A raised center median on Adams Street at the mid-block crossing •Flashing beacons reinforcing when the 25-mph speed limit is in effect Pedestrian safety, walkability, expanding golf cart connectivity, bicycling and speed calming along Adams Street are some of the primary purposes for this type of project and implementation of these recommendations should assist significantly with those goals. Once implemented, a follow-up study could take 136 place to see if further traffic calming measures are justified, if any measures need to be adjusted, and if enforcement strategies are being effective. Prepared by: Julie Mignogna, Management Analyst Approved by: Bryan McKinney, Public Works Director/City Engineer Attachment(s): 1. Adams Street Crosswalk Traffic Study 137 138 CITY OF LA QUINTA Adams Street Crosswalk Study Prepared for: City of La Quinta 78495 Calle Tampico La Quinta, California 92253 Prepared by: Willdan Engineering 13191 Crossroads Parkway North, Suite 405 Industry, California 91746 Telephone (562) 908-6200 Fax (562) 695-2120 September 2020 ATTACHMENT 1 139 City of La Quinta Adams Street Crosswalk Study Table of Contents Page Executive Summary ........................................................................................................ 1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3 Background/Existing Conditions ...................................................................................... 3 Data Collection ................................................................................................................ 4 Analysis ........................................................................................................................... 4 Traffic Calming Measures ............................................................................................... 8 Recommendation .......................................................................................................... 13 Conclusions ................................................................................................................... 14 Exhibits Exhibit 1 – Area Map ....................................................................................................... 5 Exhibit 2 – Road Diet Only ............................................................................................ 10 Exhibit 3 – Road Diet w/ mid-block crossing ................................................................. 12 Appendix A.Speed Surveys 140 1 City of La Quinta Adams Street Crosswalk Study Executive Summary: The City of La Quinta requested an analysis be performed along Adams Street near La Palma Drive to address resident’s concerns about excessive vehicular speeds and pedestrian crossings. Willdan Engineering has been contracted to provide a review of the existing conditions, analyze the issues, provide options for consideration by the City, along with recommendations for best results. The findings and recommendations will be presented to City staff and/or City Council for final determinations. Adams Street is essentially a 4-lane divided highway with painted medians, or two way turn lanes, dividing the travel lanes. Left turn pockets are provided at intersections and no bike or golf cart lanes currently exist anywhere along the entire segment between Miles Avenue and Fred Waring Drive. There are controlled crossings at the signalized intersections of Fred Waring Drive and Adams Street approx. 750 ft. to the north of La Palma Drive, and at the intersection of Miles Avenue and Adams Street approx. 1,750 ft. to the south of La Palma Drive. At other adjacent intersections, pedestrians cross Adams Street unassisted at uncontrolled locations. A review of visibility indicates that visibility is acceptable for conditions and speeds at these intersections along Adams Street. Field observations also revealed light volumes along Adams Street. This is primarily due to 3 major factors a) the summer season is about half the population as the winter season b) the COVID 19 restrictions has reduced travel on all streets in the Coachella Valley and c) nearby schools are not open for attendance and classes are being held virtually online. Our review also determined that speeds are the primary issue that residents have concerns with, with some drivers adhering to the posted 25 mph near the park, and some ignoring that limit and reaching speeds up to 50 mph in the posted 40 mph and 25 mph sections, making it more difficult for pedestrians to select appropriate gaps when crossing. Recommendations: As mentioned, Willdan Engineering was tasked with analyzing conditions along Adams Street and developing mitigation measures including the possible implementation of a “road diet” on Adams Street. The road diet on Adams Street would require the elimination of one travel lane in each direction. In order to maintain a level of service “E” or better with just one lane in each direction and left turn lanes at intersections, segment traffic volumes need to be less than 17,000 vehicles per day. The entire section of Adams Street is well below that threshold. Based on the available capacity, this allows the City to consider a “road diet” solution on Adams Street and still maintain reasonable circulation and capacity with future growth. The primary advantages of having just one lane on the segment between Miles Avenue and Fred Waring Drive are: •Improved sight distance for exiting side street traffic. •Less lanes for exiting drivers to gauge the speed of approaching vehicles •Potentially reduced speeds along Adams Street by platooning vehicles into one lane and not allowing any passing •Allows for the addition of a wide bike / golf cart lane to connect to the amenities nearby 141 2 City of La Quinta Adams Street Crosswalk Study •Creation of a wide buffer zone between moving vehicles and golf carts, bicyclists & pedestrians •Create potential for adding right turn only lanes at key intersections •Create potential for adding acceleration lanes at key intersections •Reduces the number of moving travel lanes that pedestrians, school children, and bicyclists must cross •Provides several refuge areas for pedestrians, school children, and bicyclists when crossing •Potentially reduce collisions •Enhance pedestrian safety when crossing. For these reasons, a “road diet” should be considered as the first feasible option for implementation on Adams Street. The “road diet” resolves most of the current issues experienced by residents driving and walking along and crossing Adams Street. Additional measures are also suitable for implementation at various locations, as well as cost effective, and could be phased in or included with the initial restriping of Adams Street to include as example some of the following: 1.Continue to enforce the speed limit along Adams Street 2.Installation of a mid-block crosswalk approx. 180 ft. s/o La Palma at the opening to the park and relocating advance warning signs to this crossing 3.Speed feedback signage in each direction to remind drivers of the posted speed limits. 4.Install a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) for the mid-block crosswalk 5.Install a raised center median on Adams Street at the mid-block crossing 6.Install flashing beacons reinforcing when the 25 mph speed limit is in effect Summary: Application of various traffic calming and safety measures will help the City of La Quinta resolve issues along Adams Street in the most cost-efficient manner. The program outlined will include public comments and be tailored to the needs of the residents and the City. Traffic volumes are such that the levels of service at key intersections will be maintained with the new striping proposed yet enhancing the flow where needed. Approximate cost estimates have been provided for many of the options to allow the City to gauge how many traffic calming features they wish to pursue. Pedestrian safety, walkability, expanding golf cart connectivity, bicycling and speed calming along Adams Street are some of the primary purposes for this type of project and implementation of these recommendations should assist significantly with those goals. Meeting with staff, City Council, and residents will help ensure public input and buy-in for the proposals presented. Once implemented, a follow-up study could take place to see if further traffic calming measures are justified, if any measures need to be adjusted, and if enforcement strategies are being effective. 142 3 City of La Quinta Adams Street Crosswalk Study Adams Street Crosswalk Study Introduction: The City of La Quinta requested an analysis be performed along Adams Street near La Palma Drive to address resident’s concerns about excessive vehicular speeds and pedestrian crossings. Willdan Engineering has been contracted to provide a review of the existing conditions, analyze the issues, provide options for consideration by the City, along with recommendations for best results. The findings and recommendations will be presented to City staff and/or City Council for final determinations. Background/Existing Conditions: Adams Street is essentially a 4-lane divided highway with painted medians, or two way turn lanes dividing the travel lanes. Left turn pockets are provided at intersections and no bike or golf cart lanes currently exist anywhere along the entire segment between Miles Avenue and Fred Waring Drive. There are controlled crossings at the signalized intersections of Fred Waring Drive and Adams Street approx. 750 ft. to the north of La Palma Drive, and at the intersection of Miles Avenue and Adams Street approx. 1,750 ft. to the south of La Palma Drive. At other adjacent intersections, pedestrians cross Adams Street unassisted at uncontrolled locations. A review of visibility indicates that visibility is acceptable for conditions and speeds at these intersections along Adams Street. The adjacent land use along Adams Street is non-fronting residential communities with Adams Park located at the southwest corner of Adams Street and La Palma Drive. Field observations also revealed light volumes along Adams Street. This is primarily due to 3 major factors: a) the summer season is about half the population at the winter season; b) the COVID 19 restrictions has reduced travel on all streets in the Coachella Valley; and c) nearby schools are not open for attendance and classes are being handled on-line. Our review also determined that speeds are the primary issue that residents have concerns with, with some drivers adhering to the posted 25 mph near the park, and some ignoring that limit and reaching speeds up to 50 mph in the posted 40 mph and 25 mph sections, making it more difficult for pedestrians to select appropriate gaps when crossing. An area map of the study area is shown in Exhibit 1. 143 4 City of La Quinta Adams Street Crosswalk Study Exhibit 1- Study Area Data Collection: The existing volumes were not collected at various key locations or along Adams Street, as engineering judgment reveals that these volumes are currently much lower than peak season. However, the review of previous data indicates that none of the uncontrolled intersections would meet any warrants for upgrading to signalization based on traffic volumes or collision history. Speed surveys were collected in August 2016. Sight distances were observed at each of the uncontrolled intersections in both directions. Lane widths were measured along Adams Street and the street was driven to identify where possible placement of speed feedback signs may be helpful. Analysis: Speed Data – Initially, speed data was reviewed to see what options may be available for possible reducing of speed limits along Adams Street. Radar speed surveys were collected in this roadway segments in August 2016 for La Quinta’s Engineering and Traffic Survey. The speed survey is in Appendix A and is summarized in the table below: Roadway Segment Posted Speed Limit 85th Percentile Speed Proposed Speed Limit Adams Street: Fred Waring Drive – Miles Avenue 40 42 40 144 5 City of La Quinta Adams Street Crosswalk Study Roadway Segment Posted Speed Limit 85th Percentile Speed Proposed Speed Limit Adams Street: n/o Ocotillo to La Palma 25 25 The results show that the section of Adams Street from Miles Avenue to Fred Waring Drive has an 85th percentile speed of 42 mph currently. Due to the current California Vehicle Code and MUTCD standards, it is possible to reduce the speed limit to 40 mph by rounding down. It should be noted that restriping portions of Adams Street as one lane each way (road diet) could lead to lower speeds and thus resurveying Adams Street after such installations could lead to additional lowering of speed limits should the 85th percentile speed drop a few miles per hour. Sight Distance – Existing sight distances were measured at each of the uncontrolled intersections in both approaching directions. The primary purpose for this evaluation is to identify possible candidates for adjustment of the existing speed limits. The latest California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) standards for corner sight distance and minimum stopping sight distance are: Speed Corner Sight Distance (7.5 seconds) Minimum Stopping Sight Distance 25 mph 275 ft 150 ft 30 mph 330 ft 200 ft 35 mph 385 ft 250 ft 40 mph 440 ft 300 ft 45 mph 495 ft 360 ft 50 mph 550 ft 430 ft 55 mph 605 ft 500 ft Sight distances were then compared to the latest California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) standards for corner sight distance and minimum stopping sight distance. Ideally, agencies would prefer to have corner sight distance available at all intersections. However, due to location, geometric design in place, curvature of the roadway (vertical and horizontal curves), walls, trees, shrubs, monument signs, etc., corner sight distance isn’t always achievable. To that end, sight distance greater than the minimum stopping distance but less than corner sight distance is generally considered acceptable. A review of the sight distance revealed no locations that are less than the “minimum stopping sight distance” of 300’ for the existing posted speed limit of 40 mph. These are: 145 6 City of La Quinta Adams Street Crosswalk Study Corner and Minimum Sight Distance at Study Intersections Direction of Driver / Street Left Right Allowable Speed for Available Sight Distance WB La Palma Drive 1750’ 750’ C/M = >55mph each way EB La Palma Drive 750’ 1750’ C/M = >55mph each way WB Ocotillo Drive 700’ 1800’ C/M = 27/40mph Bold and Underlined = critical distance / direction C/M = current corner sight distance allowable speed/minimum stopping sight distance allowable speed OK = more than 605’ of sight distance (55 mph) Options like reducing the roadway width by restriping to one lane and providing a “buffer” zone between the bike / golf cart lane and travel lane or striping right turn only lanes and acceleration lanes at certain side streets, allows vehicles to creep further into the street and increase their visibility, thereby making all locations acceptable in terms of sight distance for approaching vehicles. Upon installation of a road diet, speeds along those segments may also decline as “no passing” is allowed and vehicles wanting to speed can no longer go around slower vehicles that are driving the speed limit. Re-evaluation of speeds may also lead to a lower posted speed limit in this section of Adams Street, further enhancing the opportunities for side street traffic to exit and pedestrian safety when crossing. Volume Data – Existing volumes (both 24 hour and peak hours) were measured and reviewed by Willdan Engineering to see what options were available for restriping and possible lane reductions. Twenty-four (24) hour traffic volumes conducted in September 2016 (when school was in session) along Adams Street and are shown in the table and figure below. Street Average Annual Daily Traffic (ADT) Adams Street: Fred Waring Drive - Miles Avenue 8,353 per day La Palma Drive w/o Adams Street (estimated) 1,000 per day As mentioned, Willdan Engineering was tasked with analyzing conditions on Adams Street and developing mitigation measures including the possible implementation of a “road diet”. The road diet on Adams Street would require the elimination of one travel lane in each direction. In order to maintain level of service “E” or better with just one lane in each direction and left turn lanes at intersections, segment traffic volumes need to be less than 17,000 vehicles per day. The entire street is well below that threshold and based on the available capacity, this allows the City to consider a “road diet” solution on Adams Street and still maintain reasonable circulation and capacity with future growth. The advantages of having just one lane on the segment between Fred Waring Drive and Miles Avenue are: •Improved sight distance for exiting side street traffic. 146 7 City of La Quinta Adams Street Crosswalk Study •Less lanes for exiting drivers to gauge the speed of approach vehicles •Potentially reduced speeds along Adams Street by platooning vehicles into one lane and not allowing any passing •Allows for the addition of a wide bike / golf cart lane to connect to the amenities nearby •Creation of a wide buffer zone between moving vehicles and golf carts, bicyclists and pedestrians •Create potential for adding right only lanes at key intersections •Create potential for adding acceleration lanes at key intersections •Reduces the number of moving travel lanes that pedestrians, school children, and bicyclists must cross •Provides several refuge areas for pedestrians, school children and bicyclists when crossing •Potentially reduces collisions •Enhance pedestrian safety when crossing. Collision Data – Existing collision data from the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) was researched along Adams Street between Fred Waring Drive and Miles Avenue to identify if there were any reoccurring patterns that would be considered “correctable” with the installation of traffic control devices or restriping options. The search of the collision history for the last 5 full calendar years indicated that no collisions were reported in this area, neither vehicular nor pedestrian type. 147 8 City of La Quinta Adams Street Crosswalk Study Traffic Calming Measures: Traffic calming measures are various techniques applied that have achieved some success over years of studies in slowing down or making streets safer for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists. The list of traffic calming options below are those that were reviewed to see which may be best suited for application to Adams Street based on a combination of geometry, volumes, collision history, sight distances, prevailing speeds, and other engineering factors. Possible Solutions Considered and Not Recommended Include: 1.Painted Crosswalk ($1,500) – Merely painting a crosswalk with paint on the ground in itself does not add any safety for pedestrians trying to select gaps and negotiate crossing 4 approaching lanes of travel. If located at the intersection of La Palma Drive as example, it is further complicated by the vehicles approaching from the side street and turning across the crossing. Painted lines on the pavement are not deterrents for drivers to slow down as commonly believed. It has been studied for decades by industry safety leaders and found that pedestrians are 6 times more likely to be struck in a painted crosswalk than in an unpainted crossing. The primary reason for this is the “false sense” of security many pedestrians assume when they step into the street in front of an approaching vehicle. It is recommended that a crosswalk not be painted without other safety enhancements put into place with it. 2.All way stop control ($4,000) – All way stop control warrants were not completed, but engineering judgment concluded that these intersections would not meet the minimum criteria for all-way stop control. Additionally, this arterial street is not designed for this type of control measure, but instead signalization is typically along an arterial street such as Adams Street. 3.Traffic Signal ($400,000) – Similarly, a signal would not meet the minimum criteria for this intersection and the cost would not be recommended with other less costly options available to consider first. 4.Pedestrian Bridge ($2,000,000) – Extremely expensive option that may not even have the r-o-w to construct and would not be recommended with other less costly options available to consider first. 5.Pedestrian Tunnel ($2,000,000) - Extremely expensive option that may not even have the r-o-w to construct and would not be recommended with other less costly options available to consider first. 6.Raised Crosswalk ($30,000) – Not appropriate design feature for an arterial roadway like Adams Street. 148 9 City of La Quinta Adams Street Crosswalk Study 7.Speed Humps ($40,000) – Not appropriate design feature for an arterial roadway like Adams Street. 8.Lighting ($20,000) – Adding lighting to an intersection increases the appearance and location where potential crossings may be either a vehicle or pedestrian, but not likely effective to resolving the speed concerns nor pedestrian issues with selecting gaps in traffic. Since this does not currently have a safety history, lighting isn’t recommended at this time at the intersection of La Palma Drive. 9.Roundabout ($1,000,000) - A mini traffic circle in lieu of all- way stop is an option that can be considered for assisting with slowing of traffic approaching an intersection. These work best with just one entering lane from each approach and could possibly be designed to fit within the existing right-of-way on Adams Street at La Palma Drive. An example of a mini traffic circle is shown in the image on the right. This would be instead of an all way stop or signal. With a road diet installation and an all-way stop at this intersection, traffic could back up during peak periods. The cost for such an installation is high and based on existing accident history and public acceptance for these types of designs, it may be prudent to hold off and try lessor cost options first. Solutions Considered for Possible Recommendations Include: 1.Enforcement by Police (Included in current contract) – provide monitoring and enforcement as appropriate to help control vehicle speeds. 2.Road Diet ($40,000) – Restriping the roadway to provide one lane in each direction will provide many traffic calming and safety advantages including: •Improved sight distances for side street traffic exiting •Less lanes to have to gauge the speed of approaching vehicles •No high-speed passing, potentially reducing speeds along Adams Street •Creation of wide bike/golf cart lanes w/ buffer zones between moving vehicles and bicyclists/golf carts •Creation for potential adding right only lanes or acceleration lanes at key intersections •Provide wide refuge for pedestrians, children and bicyclists when crossing 149 10 City of La Quinta Adams Street Crosswalk Study •Reduces the number of moving travel lanes that pedestrians, school children, and bicyclists must cross •Potentially reduces collisions / enhance pedestrian safety when crossing. 3.Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons ($30,000) – This option is to bring attention to pedestrians crossing at uncontrolled locations. The rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB), shown in the image below does not stop traffic on the major street, but when activated by the pedestrian, it flashes a yellow strobe like light warning the driver a pedestrian may be in or soon entering the roadway. This type of additional control may be beneficial at either location (at La Palma Drive or at the proposed option for a mid-block crossing approx. 180 ft s/o La Palma Drive). The combination of an RRFB and a road diet (one lane only each way) can enhance the opportunity for pedestrians to cross safely. The cost and installation for an RRFB is relatively minor and can be added in future if desired at any uncontrolled location where pedestrian activity may be higher than others. 150 11 City of La Quinta Adams Street Crosswalk Study 4.Raised Median ($10,000) – providing a raised refuge w/ ADA compliant ramps in the center of the roadway will give pedestrians an added option to stop crossing and allow a vehicle to pass by before continuing. If the location of the crossing has also RRFB capabilities, then the refuge area also allows for placement of push buttons to re-activate those flashing lights when pedestrians re-start their crossing. 5.Speed Feedback Signs ($25,000) – to assist drivers with monitoring their speeds, La Quinta and other cities have had success with the deployment of speed feedback signs along various streets. Adams Street is a candidate for this type of application to remind drivers to maintain speeds at the posted speed limit by displaying traveling speeds of the approaching vehicles. The suggested locations for speed feedback signs include: o NB Adams Street n/o Ocotillo Drive – where 25 MPH zone ahead sign is o SB Adams Street s/o Fred Waring Drive – at the 25 MPH sign Speed feedback signs at the suggested locations will allow the City to record and monitor speeds along these segments and recommend police enforcement strategies accordingly. The signs help remind drivers of their speed and can assist with reducing speeds along Adams Street. 6.Flashing Beacons on 25 MPH Speed Limit Signs ($20,000) – these would be to add flashing yellow beacons to the existing 25 mph signs to alert drivers when 25 mph is appropriate. (currently 6am to 10pm). This reminder may be helpful in getting driver attention to reduce from the 40 mph zone to 25 mph zone quicker 151 12 City of La Quinta Adams Street Crosswalk Study and/or allow the City Council to consider other hours of operation such as sunrise to sunset and flashing lights adjusted throughout the year accordingly. 7.Relocating Crossing to Mid-Block s/o La Palma Drive ($20,000) – By relocating a potential crossing of Adams Street to 180 ft s/o La Palma Drive, there is an opportunity to line up a crosswalk directly with the opening in the Adams Street Park fencing and lead pedestrians directly to a major neighborhood destination. The advantage of this location for pedestrians is that they would only have to seek a gap in traffic in one direction, walk to the center median, and then continue after seeking a gap in the opposing direction. There would not be a need to encounter turning vehicles in and out of La Palma Drive along with the 4 lanes approaching. 8.Add Gates to Park Fencing ($10,000) – Part of the concern for establishing the 25 mph zone adjacent to the Adams Streets Park may have been to help protect against a young child entering the roadway from the adjacent park site which was unfenced. Fencing has since been added and by adding self-closing gates to the 3 openings, it could add one more safety measure along this side of the roadway. 152 13 City of La Quinta Adams Street Crosswalk Study 9.Installing Pedestrian HAWK Signal ($45,000) – This device is designed to stop all approaching traffic when activated by a pedestrian. The signal will go solid red and have countdown pedestrian heads to get the pedestrian started. Once crossing has begun, the signal will flash red allowing cars in the opposing lanes to clear the crosswalk if the pedestrian has already crossed that half of the street. This has an advantage over the RRFB devices in that it brings all traffic to a stop, instead of just warning drivers that someone may be crossing. 10. Mid-Block Pedestrian Signal ($150,000) – This is similar to a full traffic signal at an intersection but has the advantage of less equipment needed to cross only pedestrians mid-block. The pedestrian signal stops all approaching traffic and provides crossing time to clear the entire street with countdown pedestrian signal heads. The signal would typically also include overhead safety lighting and illuminated signs on the mast arms for better identification. Recommendations: While the ten measures listed above are suitable for implementation at various locations, as well as cost effective, Willdan Engineering would recommend the following traffic calming be considered first for possible implementation: 153 14 City of La Quinta Adams Street Crosswalk Study Phase 1 (approx. $50,000) 1.Provide active enforcement as appropriate for the 25 mph zone 2.Road diet for one lane in each direction to include – right turn lanes at intersections, bike/golf cart lanes on each side 3.Buffer zones separating moving vehicles from bikes and golf carts 4.Install crosswalk approx. 180 ft s/o La Palma Drive with ADA ramps and appropriate signs and markings Phase 2 (if needed – approx. $55,000) 5.Add pedestrian RRFB/Flashing Beacon to crosswalk to alert drivers a pedestrian is in the roadway or about to cross 6.Speed feedback signs to remind drivers of the 25 mph speed limit and their prevailing speed. Conclusions: Application of various traffic calming measures will help the City of La Quinta resolve issues along Adams Street in a cost-efficient manner. The program outlined will include public comments and be tailored to the needs of the residents and the City. Traffic volumes are such that the levels of service at key intersections will be maintained with the new striping proposed yet enhancing the flow where needed. Approximate cost estimates have been provided for many of the options to allow the City to gauge how many traffic calming features they wish to pursue. The options recommended were selected based on the lower cost for the most benefits, helping stretch the City’s funding further. Pedestrian safety, walkability, connecting golf cart lanes, bicycling and speed calming on Adams Street are some of the primary purposes for this type of project and implementation of these recommendations should assist significantly with those goals. Meeting with staff, Council, and residents will help ensure public input and buy-in for the proposals presented. Once implemented, a follow-up study should take place to see if further speed reductions are justified, if any measures need to be adjusted, and if enforcement strategies are being effective. 154 City of La Quinta Adams Street Crosswalk Study Appendix 155 City of La Quinta Adams Street Crosswalk Study APPENDIX A SPEED SURVEYS 156 City of La Quinta Adams Street Crosswalk Study 157 City of La Quinta Adams Street Crosswalk Study 158