TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Robert Greene, PE, City Traffic Engineer
DATE: 10/23/18 18-0943
SUBJECT:title
Traffic Study for the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Gladstone Avenue. Ward 4, Alderman Donnell.
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PURPOSE:
Traffic Study for the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Gladstone Avenue, to determine proper traffic control.
BACKGROUND:
Alderman submitted resident email expressing crash history concern at the intersection.
DISCUSSION:
Garfield Avenue is classified as a minor collector roadway, 35 feet in width, with a 25 MPH speed limit. Gladstone Avenue is classified as a residential roadway, 30 feet in width, with a 25 MPH speed limit. The intersection has 2-Way Stop control, with stop signs on the Gladstone Avenue approaches and has yellow curb extending from the crosswalks, approximately 30 feet away from the intersection.
A manual traffic count was conducted at the intersection (to obtain both vehicle and pedestrian counts) and crash data was requested from APD. The count and crash data was compared to All-Way Stop control warrant criteria, defined by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The intersection does not have enough traffic volume or crashes to warrant the installation of All-Way Stop control. Three crashes have occurred at the intersection in the last 4 years.
Unwarranted All-Way Stop control does introduce the following negatives: lack of respect for stop signs by motorist (creating a false sense of security that motorist will stop for pedestrians and other vehicles), an increase in intersection crash frequency (especially rear-end crashes), increased noise from vehicle decelerating/braking and accelerating, increased fuel consumption/pollution and increased motorist speed (to make up for lost time between stop signs or other traffic control devices).
Field observation and data does suggest replacing the existing stop signs, with new stop signs, for the Gladstone approaches, along with warning signs stating "CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP" and extending the existing yellow curb paint an additional 20 feet, on Garfield Avenue, along with possible tree trimming for intersection approaches, would enhance motorist sight distance and traffic control (2-Way Stop) operation understanding.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Street Department & APD Resources
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends maintaining 2-Way Stop Control but install new stop signs, for the Gladstone approaches, along with warning signs stating "CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP" and extending the existing yellow curb paint an additional 20 feet, on Garfield Avenue, along with possible tree trimming for intersection approaches. Also recommend random, selective parking enforcement by APD.
cc: Alderman Hart-Burns, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Lofchie
Alderman Franco, Alternate