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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDirection Restriction of Left Turns from Tucson Circle to NB Washington StreetCITY OF PALM DESERT PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT REQUEST: Direct Staff on the Restriction of Left Turns from Tucson Circle to Northbound Washington Street. SUBMITTED BY: Mark Greenwood, P.E., City Engineer DATE: July 14, 2005 CONTENTS: Vicinity Map Recommendation: Direct Staff on the Restriction of Left Turns from Tucson Circle to Northbound Washington Street. Discussion: The raised medians on Washington Street are being modified as part of the proposed street improvements associated with the Darby Road Middle School development. One proposed deviation from the existing street configuration is that the median will be constructed so as to prohibit left turn movements from eastbound Tucson Circle to northbound Washington Street. This particular left turn movement has increasingly become viewed as a safety concern by City Staff due to Washington Street's increased traffic volumes, high travel speeds (posted for 50 mph), and the six -lane configuration. Letters were sent to the 72 residents within Tucson Homes area informing them of the proposed left turn restriction and announced a Public Information meeting on June, 30, 2005 to discuss the proposed median improvements, receive comments regarding the proposed left turn restriction, and address any questions the residents may have regarding the project. The letter also requested residents to call the City Transportation Engineer, especially if they would be unable to attend the meeting. As of July 1, 2005, the letter generated six phone calls. Support and opposition to the proposed left turn restriction were equally split among the residents who called. Of the 72 homeowners within the Tucson Homes area, 15 came to the meeting. Five of the residents were in support of the left turn restriction and ten were opposed. Also in attendance was the Homeowners Association Manager (a non-resident) who expressed Direct Staff on Tucson Circle Left -Turn Restriction Page 2 of 3 July 14, 2005 opposition to the left turn restriction. Below are several points that were raised by the residents at the meeting. Staff's response follows each of the points. • With only one access point into Tucson Homes, the prohibition of the left turn from Tucson Circle to northbound Washington Street creates an undue hardship on the residents. Staff Response: Restricting left turns from Tucson Circle will alter the travel pattern for residents destined north on Washington Street. In Staffs opinion, the reduction in accident potential outweighs any inconvenience to drivers and the turn restriction should be implemented. • The existing refuge area in the middle of Washington Street used by left turning vehicles from Tucson Circle should be maintained. Staff Response: The refuge area will be eliminated with or without the left turn restriction. • The traffic on Washington Street is too fast. It needs to be slowed down. The left turn would then become a safe maneuver. Staff Response: Speed limits are posted per the requirements set forth by the California Vehicle Code. • Southern California Edison utility box restricts the view of oncoming traffic creating line -of -sight issues. Staff Response: SCE will be contacted to obtain information regarding the possible relocation of the utility box. Staff will investigate possible striping modifications at the Tucson Circle exit to improve sight distance at the intersection. • The intersection of Tucson Circle and Washington Street should be signalized. Staff Response: Existing conditions at the intersection do not warrant installation of a traffic signal now nor in the foreseeable future. • U-turns should be restricted for northbound traffic at the intersection. Staff Response: Staff will investigate the need for U-turn restrictions at the intersection. Direct Staff on Tucson Circle Left -Turn Restriction Page 3 of 3 July 14, 2005 • Daily egress from Tucson Homes should be allowed onto Robin Road from the emergency access gate. Staff Response: A formal request to the City by the Homeowners Association should be made in order to begin any discussion regarding egress access from the emergency gate. The primary contention made by City Staff is that the left turn across six lanes of traffic is inherently unsafe, and the fact that there hasn't been a major accident at that intersection does not mean that the City should wait for one to occur before addressing a potentially unsafe situation. Staff's recommendation from a safety standpoint is that Council approve the design as it currently stands. The safety factor outweighs the inconvenience caused by the prohibition of the left turn. Therefore, staff requests that City Council direct staff on the restriction of left turns from Tucson Circle to northbound Washington Street. Submitted By: Mark Greenwood, P.E. City Engineer Approval: 4 Homer L. 00 ACM for Devi Car os L* Ort City Manager ent Services Department Head: t R ?_ Michael Errante, P.E. Director of Public Works C, Paul S. Minance on Director 31Y3S Ol ION QLLJ W CL J 0 W U OO zzO GOZ_ Ur M� ~' 3