REQUEST FOR RED BLINKING LIGHTS

AT PIER/VALLEY/ARDMORE INTERSECTIONS

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the City Council receive and file this report.

Background:

On February 24, Council directed staff to prepare a report outlining when red blinking lights will be placed at the Pier/Valley/Ardmore intersection. In addition, Council directed staff to include the costs for restriping to add a left turn lane into Hermosa Plaza from eastbound Pier Avenue.

Analysis:

A traffic engineering study of the intersection of Pier/Valley/Ardmore has been completed. The study included:

• a review of traffic volumes
• an investigation of the physical conditions
• an investigation of existing traffic controls
• an analysis of reported accidents
• an observation of speeds
• an observation of traffic movements through the intersection

The study of the many factors affecting traffic behavior at this intersection indicates that the intersection warrants signalization.
The capital cost of the signal installation is estimated to be more than $200,000. The annual energy cost is estimated to be $720. Therefore, staff recommends that this signal installation be programmed as a Capital Improvement Project. As an interim measure, to ensure the safe and orderly movement of traffic through the intersection, staff recommends the installation of flashing red beacons on the east and west approaches to the intersection. Please refer to Exhibit "A".
It will take staff approximately 10 to 12 weeks to develop the plans, specifications and estimates to hire a contractor to install the flashing red beacon system.
Concerning the costs for restriping Pier Avenue to provide for left turns into Hermosa Plaza, it will take staff approximately 6 to 8 weeks to conduct an investigation, evaluate the feasibility of the request and report back to Council.
Fiscal Impact:

Staff has estimated that cost for the installation of the flashing red beacon system and appurtenant work to be between $6,000 to $8,000. However, staff is not requesting an appropriation now. Staff will budget for this work in the FY 1998-99 budget year.

Should the restriping of Pier Avenue prove to be feasible, the work will be included in the traffic safety division budget for FY 1998-99.

All costs were arrived at without the benefit of detailed plans and specifications, therefore, the actual costs may be higher or lower.

Alternatives:

1. Approve staff's recommendation.
2. Appropriate $8,000 and direct staff to install the flashing beacons now.
3. Appropriate $200,000 and direct staff to install traffic signals at the intersections.
4. Take no action.

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