TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Eric J. Gallt, City Traffic Engineer
DATE: July 16, 2014
SUBJECT:title
A Traffic Study for the 500 block of Forest Avenue. Ward 1, Alderman Bohman
body
PURPOSE:
To investigate traffic speeds on Forest Avenue. The caller was anonymous, so the 500 block was measured because that has the highest traffic volumes.
BACKGROUND:
An anonymous caller submitted ACR Case ID 95210 expressing concern about the Speed of vehicles passing in front of their residence (address not provided).
DISCUSSION:
Measurements taken in the busy 500 block of Forest Lane revealed more west bound traffic (about 3,050 vpd) compared with just 1,750 vpd east bound (totalling about 4,800 vpd Combined ADT). The heavier west bound traffic may be accounted for by the narrow width of Forest Lane (only 24-ft) and the fact that parking is allowed on the southern side, which is the less travelled east bound direction. East bound traffic must pull over to allow oncoming west bound traffic to pass, which also slows for oncoming traffic. This traffic congestion was reflected in Average Speeds of 24mph west bound, and 22 mph east bound. The Mode Speeds in both directions was 20 mph. The 85th percentile Speeds were 24mph west bound and 27mph east bound. These speeds are within the 25mph posted guidelines, and do not require traffic calming.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Staff recommends no action.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends acceptance of the traffic study
cc: Alderman Hart-Burns, Chairman
Alderman Johnson
Alderman Mesiacos
Alderman Mervine, Alternate