TO: Mayor Robert J. O’Connor
FROM: Eric J. Gallt, City Traffic Engineer
DATE: May 15, 2017
SUBJECT:title
A Traffic Study for Station Blvd. generally between New York Street and Liberty Street. Ward 10, Alderman Lofchie.
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PURPOSE:
A Traffic Study for Station Blvd. generally between New York Street and Liberty Street with regards to speeds in area.
BACKGROUND:
A resident/previous Alderman submitted a request expressing concern about possible speeding and safety concerns on Station Blvd. in the 800 block.
DISCUSSION:
Station Blvd. is classified as a Major Collector and has a posted Speed Limit of 25 mph. As in previous discussions regarding similar type classification roadways, the appropriate speed limit should be 30 MPH.
Speed and volume measurements were taken during weekdays for five days. The average speed for all classified vehicles ranged from 27 to 28 mph, with mode speeds of 27 to 28 mph. The 85th percentile speeds at or about 33 mph. The ADT count was just over 1,700 vpd (vehicles per day). This stretch of Station Blvd. has crosswalks in paved reddish brick outlined in white thermoplastic paint.
Copy of crash history is attached. This stretch did experience an increase in 2016 but appears to have settled in 2017 so far. This outlier could be associated with the heavy construction distractions and delays of the area during 2016. The vast majority of crashes were property damage only one injury crash reported. There were no recorded incidents involving pedestrians.
The previous Alderman of the Ward had requested numerous traffic control additions to the corridor including but not limited to speed feedback radar signs, all way stops, at all intersection, thermoplastic yield markings at all pedestrian crossings, pedestrian activated LED crossing signs at all pedestrian crossings, in-road pedestrian crossing signage, and residential parking stall markings.
There is no evidence of a safety deficiency on this corridor that necessitates significant investment to improve safety. None of the requested improvements will result in a statistically verifiable improvement to safety on the corridor. On the contrary, published studies indicate an over signage of corridors diminishes the impact of all signs and lessens the impact of regulatory signs.
The City has recently installed pedestrian crossing signs to all crosswalks in the corridor. The previous Alderman had requested and staff agreed to provide one specific crossing with pedestrian actuated LED signage. Based on the quotes received, the cost of this improvement install is $5,000 to $8,000 per crosswalk. These devices generally need replacement every 3-5years.
At this point, staff would not recommend any additional investment in the corridor based on existing traffic data, comparison with similar corridors within the City, and long term cost to the Ward with little to no safety improvement expected.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
No impact at this time.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends acceptance of Traffic Study.
cc: Alderman Hart-Burns, Chairman
Alderman Bugg
Alderman Franco
Alderman Mervine, Alternate