TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Eric J. Gallt, City Traffic Engineer
DATE: December 31, 2013
SUBJECT: title
A Traffic Study to consider guardrail installation on Liberty Street along the reverse curve in the vicinity of 402 Crane Street. Ward 7, Alderman Hart-Burns
body
PURPOSE:
To determine the appropriates of installing guardrail on the North side of Liberty Street for the curve East of Crane Street to prevent vehicles from leaving Liberty Street and hitting the residence at 402 Crane Street.
BACKGROUND:
A resident submitted ACR Case ID 82466 expressing concern for out-of-control vehicles continuing to lose control on Westbound Liberty Street then crashing into his property and house. Guardrail was installed in the early 2000s, but was removed in the mid-2000's by the Township.
DISCUSSION:
West bound Liberty Street makes a curve about 200-ft to the East of the Crane Street intersection. West bound vehicles, for whatever reason, fail to negotiate this curve, continue straight though a level field, across Crane Street, and onto 402 Crane Street. A stretch of about 110-feet of guardrail set on the North edge of Liberty Street just to the East of Crane Street should reduce these incidents considerably.
The property has experienced two accidents in two years. The recent accident history for 402 Crane Street is well documented in photographs:
· 1987 - House to the west was hit (1716 Liberty Street).
· 2011 - House at 402 Crane Street was seriously damaged.
· 2013 - Fence and tree hit on the house side of the sidewalk.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
About 110 feet of guardrail would need to be installed on the North side of Liberty Street in the Spring of 2014.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends installation of guardrail along this stretch of roadway
cc: Alderman Hart-Burns, Chairman
Alderman Johnson
Alderman Mesiacos
Alderman Mervine, Alternate