INSTALLATION OF MULTI-WAY STOP CONTROLS

AT VALLEY DRIVE AND SIXTH STREET

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the City Council approve the installation of multi-way stop controls at the intersection of Valley Drive and Sixth Street.

Background:

Representatives from the City of Hermosa Beach Street Maintenance staff and the Public Works Director requested a study of conditions at said location in order to assist City workers and manufacturing industrial users of Sixth Street when they try to enter Valley Drive.

The City Traffic Engineer conducted a study of conditions at this location. A copy is attached.

Analysis:

The Valley Drive and Sixth Street intersection has sight line restrictions for turning vehicles emerging from Sixth Street due to the curvature of Valley Drive.

Numerous City trucks and vehicles from the manufacturing and industrial areas along Sixth Street must negotiate both left and right turns each day.

Installation of multi-way stop controls are normally done when a location satisfies the recognized CALTRANS warrants. When an installation does not meet these warrants there is usually unnecessary stoppages and delays to the major street and a disregard for the stop signs by either running or "rolling" the major street stop.

This location does not meet any of the recognized warrants for a multi-way stop sign. However, the sight restriction is a serious concern to emerging slow moving vehicles such as City trucks. The vehicles are exposed longer in the intersection than the conventional automobile vehicle.

Further, when they turn left they are turning directly into the area where the sight restriction is the worst. The City to date has been fortunate in that accident history is low.

Installation of said multi-way signing will unnecessarily stop Valley traffic, but it will provide adequate gaps for safe entry for Sixth Street traffic.

Based on the aforementioned two criteria, it is believed that the installation of said stop controls would be beneficial rather than detrimental to all concerns.

Alternative Considerations:

1. Retain Status Quo.

Not wholly unreasonable in view of the lack of warrants and good accident history despite the sight restriction.

2. Prohibit Left turns from Sixth Street using Signing.

This would force users from the City Yard and commercial/industrial areas to use a circuitous route, i.e. Valley South to 2nd; "U" turn at 2nd, back to 8th; thence North on Valley. This could also encourage traffic to exit illegally from Valley driveway despite the sight limitations. This alternative is not desirable.

Fiscal Impact:

Funds are available in the current Operations and Maintenance budget; therefore, no additional appropriation is required.

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