TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Robert Greene, PE, City Traffic Engineer
DATE: 2/20/18 18-0148
SUBJECT:title
A traffic study for Sherman Avenue and 4th Street. Ward 4, Alderman Donnell.
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PURPOSE:
A traffic study for the intersection of Sherman Avenue and 4th Street to determine appropriate traffic control.
BACKGROUND:
Alderman submitted request on behalf of the South Harbor Neighbors, residents complaining about vehicle speed on Sherman Avenue near 4th Street and concern for pedestrians crossing Sherman Avenue.
DISCUSSION:
Sherman Avenue and 4th Street are classified as minor collectors, pavement width varies between 22 to 26 feet, with existing speed limits of 25 mph. Existing traffic control is a 2-way stop, with 4th Street stopping for Sherman Avenue. A recent, manual traffic count was performed for the intersection, but existing traffic volumes do not warrant all-way stop control, based on the criteria from the FHWA Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The manual traffic count did reveal pedestrians crossing Sherman Drive mainly on the east side of 4th Street. Intersection had one crash in 2015, one in 2016 and zero in 2017.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Street Department and APD resources.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends the addition of pedestrian warning signs, in advance of 4th Street, on Sherman Avenue. Also, recommend Street Department review the existing intersection stop signs and stop bar pavement markings for retro-reflectivity and possible upgrades. Further recommend random, selective speed enforcement by APD, for Sherman Avenue.
cc: Alderman Hart-Burns, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Lofchie
Alderman Franco, Alternate