TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Eric J. Gallt, City Traffic Engineer
DATE: August 31, 2016
SUBJECT:title
A Traffic Study for the Smithfield Lane and Stuart Kaplan Drive/Court intersection. Ward 9, Alderman Bugg.
body
PURPOSE:
A Traffic Study for the Smithfield Lane and Stuart Kaplan Drive/Court intersection to determine ways to improve safety.
BACKGROUND:
A Resident submitted PublicStuff # 1765064 expressing concern about the state of the Smithfield Lane and Stuart Kaplan Drive/Court intersection.
DISCUSSION:
On the initial site visit, all the trees were untrimmed and the branches were about to touch the ground, almost totally obstructing vision for the intersection. Since first observed, all the trees around the intersection have been trimmed appropriately. The main flow of traffic makes the turn from Smithfield Lane to/from Stuart Kaplan Drive.
Traffic counters on Smithfield Lane revealed an ADT of only 275 VPD. Speeds were found to be average 20 mph, with a 85th percentile of 25 mph and a median of 21 mph.
Based on Traffic Calming Policy, this segment of roadway does not qualify for traffic calming nor does the intersection meet minimum requirements for an all way stop installation. However, a STOP sign installed on Smithfield Lane would assist in assigning right of way at the Stuart Kaplan Dr/Ct intersection.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Operations would be responsible for installing the STOP sign.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends installation of a STOP sign on Smithfield approaching Stuart Kaplan Dr/Ct.
cc: Alderman Hart-Burns, Chairman
Alderman Bugg
Alderman Franco
Alderman Mervine, Alternate