HomeMy WebLinkAboutPedestrian Barriers for Portola Ave BridgeCITY OF PALM DESERT
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST:
SUBMITTED BY:
DATE:
CONTENTS:
Recommendation:
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Receive and File Informational Report Concerning Pedestrian
Barriers for Portola Avenue Bridge Over the Whitewater Channel
Mark Greenwood, P.E., Director of Public Works
September 14, 2006
Photos
Vicinity Map
Receive and file informational report and direct staff toward the
appropriate course of action.
Discussion:
One of the major reasons for building the new Portola Avenue Bridge over the
Whitewater Channel was to provide for pedestrian crossing where no such means
existed before. The first phase of the bridge is now complete, and includes an eight-
foot-wide raised sidewalk. At the request of City Council, staff has evaluated the need
for a barrier on the Portola Avenue Bridge at the Whitewater Channel to separate
pedestrians from vehicular traffic.
Staff evaluated various methods and devices that might be used to provide a barrier.
These methods include a metal guard railing, concrete railing, water-filled crash
barriers, and decorative railing similar to that installed at the outer edge of the bridge.
As an interim measure, staff believes that the water-filled barrier would be the most
practical device due to its cost-efficiency, ease and timeliness of installation, and the
fact that it would leave no trace upon removal. As a long-term measure, the decorative
rail mounted just behind the curb line across the bridge would provide the most
aesthetically pleasing and effective barrier. Metal guard rail was rejected as impractical
and aesthetically unpleasant. Concrete railing was rejected as it would narrow the
sidewalk and may not be technically feasible.
However, having reviewed this location versus other pedestrian facilities throughout the
City, staff does not believe that a barrier is necessary at the Portola Bridge location.
The eight-foot-wide sidewalk is as wide or wider than any other pedestrian walkway on
a bridge or crossing in the City of Palm Desert.
By comparison, the Monterey Avenue Bridge over the Whitewater Channel has a six-
foot-wide sidewalk with no barrier; the Cook Street crossing over the Whitewater
Informational Report Portola Bridge Pedestrian Barrier
Page 2 of 2
September 14, 2006
Channel includes an eight-foot-wide raised sidewalk with no barrier. The Fred Waring
crossing over the Whitewater Channel includes a six-foot-wide sidewalk with no barrier.
The Monterey Avenue overcrossing at I-10 has a six-foot-wide sidewalk with no barrier
between pedestrians and traffic. There are numerous locations throughout the City
where a six-foot-wide, or less, sidewalk is located directly adjacent to the curb, which is
then directly adjacent to high-speed arterial traffic in relatively narrow lanes. Specific
locations include Fred Waring Drive in front of COD, and Monterey Avenue between
Fred Waring Drive and the Westfield Towne Center. All of these pedestrian facilities
have operated safely for a number of years without a reported incident. Both the Miles
Avenue and Eldorado Road bridges at the Whitewater Channel do have barriers
between pedestrians and traffic; however, these bridges were designed to provide the
extra width needed to accommodate the barrier. The Portola Avenue Bridge was not
designed for a pedestrian barrier; therefore, any alternative selected may not provide
the desired result.
Therefore, staff recommends that City Council receive and file this informational report
and direct staff as to the appropriate course of action.
Subm
Mark Greenwbod, P.E.
Director of Public Works
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Approval:
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� Homer Croy �
ACM for Development Services
Carlos L. Ort�ga
City Manager
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Portola Avenue Bridge over the Whitewater Channel
Portola Avenue Bridge Decorative Rail
Cook Street Crossing over the Whitewater Channel
Eldorado Bridge over the Whitewater Channel
Fred Waring Drive in front of COD
Fred Waring Drive Crossing over the Whitewater Channel - 1
Fred Waring Drive Crossing over the Whitewater Channel - 2
Miles Avenue Bridge over the Whitewater Channel - 1
Miles Avenue Bridge over the Whitewater Channel - 2
Monterey Avenue Bridge over the Whitewater Channel
Monterey Avenue south of Fred Waring Drive
Monterey Avenue – Interstate 10 Overcrossing
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