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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReport - Traffic Signal at Hwy 74 and El Paseos 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: Mark Green City Engineer Approval: &A: Homer Croy ACM for DevelopmerSt Services d, P.E. • Department Head: Michael J. Errante, P.E. Director of Public Works Carlos Ort City Mana.er STATE OF CALIFORNIA—BUSINESS, TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AGENCY ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT 8 OPERATIONS (MS-713) 464 WEST 4TH STREET, 6TH FLOOR SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92401 PI-IONE (909) 383-6427 FAX (909) 383-7942 TTY (909) 383-6300 April 12, 2004 Mr. Mark Greenwood City Engineer City of Palm Desert 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260-2578 Dear Mr. Greenwood: RECEIVED APR 1 5 2004 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT CITY OF PALM DESERT Flex your power! Be energy efficient! 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, • ANTONIO SARMIENTO Office Chief, Electrical Operations Riverside County "Caltrans improves mobility across California"