9.2. SR 01-21-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Elk - Request for Action River O. To Item Number Mayor and City Council 9.2 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Work Session January 21, 2014 Justin Femrite, P.E. City Engineer Item Description Reviewed by 2014 Intersection Enhancement Projects - Brad Rolfe, Police Chief Continued Reviewed by Cal Portner, City Administrator Action Requested Continue discussion and provide staff direction on option for flashing stop sign installation at the intersection of Proctor Road and Highland Road. Background/Discussion At the November 18, 2013, meeting, Council requested staff bring back some information on the effectiveness of flashing stop signs and review the existing traffic control in place at the Freeport Street and Jackson Avenue intersection. Proctor Road and Highland Road Intersection Staff originally reviewed this intersection due to the high number of severe accidents resulting from the speed of cross traffic on Proctor Road combined with limited sight lines for Highland Road motorists as they approach Proctor Road. When discussing solutions for this intersection the Council preferred the option of installing flashing stop signs to improve safety of this intersection,but there was question as to the effectiveness of these flashing signs. Staff has researched a number of studies relating to the effectiveness of flashing stop signs. The results indicate the overall rate of vehicles coming to a complete stop after the installation of flashing signs was increased by 28.9% and the amount of motorists blowing through the intersection without reducing speed was reduced by 52.9%. These studies also indicate a reduction in crashes but at lower rates due to crashes being more dependent on other geometric factors that are independent for all intersections. If the flashing stop signs increase the amount of vehicles that come to a full stop at this intersection, those same motorists should have more time to use proper judgment in determining when it is safe to continue with their movement. Jackson Avenue and Freeport Street This 4-way stop controlled intersection has received a number of minor sign modifications in the past year. This past summer a surface mounted crosswalk pylon was added to bring additional attention to the existing crosswalk at this intersection. The previously installed "All Way"plates below the stop signs were replaced with"4-Way"plates in December of 2013. This was done as requested by the adjacent residents that had concerns with the signage. Continual challenges with the performance of this intersection have to do with poor driver behavior not excessive speed,geometric or sight limitations. The P a w E R E U 6 Y NaA f RE]