HomeMy WebLinkAboutTraffic Signal at Hwy 74 and El Paseo t,
CITY OF PALM DESERT
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: Existing Traffic Signal at Highway 74 and El Paseo
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Greenwood, P.E., City Engineer
DATE: July 8, 2004
CONTENTS: April 12, 2004 Letter from Caltrans
Vicinity Map
Recommendation:
Receive in file.
Executive Summary:
The Public Safety Commission had requested that staff investigate the potential need for an
additional traffic signal head for southbound traffic on Highway 74 at El Paseo. Staff reviewed the
intersection and found that visibility of the southbound signal heads was somewhat obstructed by
the curve in the road and that an auxiliary signal head could be installed to improve the situation.
Since this traffic signal is under the jurisdiction of Caltrans, we forwarded a request that Caltrans
review the situation and install the signal head. As indicated on the attached response, Caltrans
does agree that an additional signal head could improve visibility of the signals, however, they
indicate that they do not have the resources to complete the work at this time. In fact, Caltrans
offers no solution or plan to resolve this issue, apparently leaving it in the City's hands to resolve.
Staff intends to include installation of this auxiliary signal head along with the construction of the
recently approved signal at Highway 74 and Shadow Mountain Drive. Completion of the Shadow
Mountain Drive traffic signal, as well as the auxiliary head at El Paseo, are currently anticipated to
be completed in the fall of 2005.
Submitt d y: Department Head:
Mark Green d, P.E. Michael J. Errante, P.E.
City Engineer Director of Public Works
Approval:
roll: Homer Croy Carlos Ort
ACM for Developme t Services City Mana er •
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
APPROVED DENIED
RECEIVED- R lc- OTHER
MEETING DATE y
AYES: � snn r1 , <i r erju i e y
NOES: Zvi2 ABSENT: A/Cn e-
ABSTAIN: Ncoe-
VERIFIED BY•
Original on File with City Clerk's Office
STATE OF CALIFORNIA—BUSINESS.TRANSPORT I AND HOUSING AGENCY ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER.Governor
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DISTRICT 8 • r
OPERATIONS(MS-713) .1,
464 WEST 4TH STREET,6TH FLOOR
SAN BERNARDINO,CA 92401 .
FlPHONE (909)383-6427 energyne yo ar pc►ent!
Be efficient.
FAX (909)383-7942
TTY (909)383-6300
RECEIVED
April 12, 2004
APR 1 5 2004
Mr. Mark Greenwood PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
City Engineer CITY OF PALM DESERT
City of Palm Desert
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260-2578
Dear Mr. Greenwood:
This is in response to your letter to Mr. John Pagano in which you requested the Department of
Transportation to evaluate the visibility of signal indications for southbound traffic on Highway
74 at El Paseo. After our field investigation on March 23, 2004 we have determined that a
near-left indication facing southbound traffic would enhance signal visibility for motorists as
they round the curve.
We have requested our Electrical Maintenance office to install the additional signal as you have
suggested. However, we were informed that they cannot perform this work with the resources
they have at this time.
Thank you for your concern for the safety of motorists in your area. If I can provide any
additional information,please contact me at(909) 383-6427.
Sincerely,
cc �
ANTONIO SARMIENTO
Office Chief, Electrical Operations Riverside County
"Caltrans improves mobility across California"