5.1.
Public Works Committee
- Meeting Date:
- 05/17/2022
- By:
- Grant Riemer, Engineering/Public Works
Title:
Review Non-Conforming Traffic Sign Policy
Purpose/Background:
Background:
Staff received a request to install a sign referencing that an autistic child lives in the neighborhood. The sign was requested based on the approval of a home occupancy permit in the neighborhood. The assumption was that the business would increase traffic in the neighborhood, thus posing a greater threat to all children in the neighborhood. Staff located a speed trailer, in the neighborhood, that had the ability to record vehicle counts and speed. The trailer was left in place for two weeks. The first week the display is turned off , so vehicle speed is not affected by the flashing display, and the second week the display is turned on so the driver can see their current speed. Over the course of two weeks, 1312 cars passed the speed trailer with the average speed recorded being 21-22 mph, with the 85 percentile speed being 26 mph. The posted speed for a residential neighborhood is 30 mph.
Staff received a request to install a sign referencing that an autistic child lives in the neighborhood. The sign was requested based on the approval of a home occupancy permit in the neighborhood. The assumption was that the business would increase traffic in the neighborhood, thus posing a greater threat to all children in the neighborhood. Staff located a speed trailer, in the neighborhood, that had the ability to record vehicle counts and speed. The trailer was left in place for two weeks. The first week the display is turned off , so vehicle speed is not affected by the flashing display, and the second week the display is turned on so the driver can see their current speed. Over the course of two weeks, 1312 cars passed the speed trailer with the average speed recorded being 21-22 mph, with the 85 percentile speed being 26 mph. The posted speed for a residential neighborhood is 30 mph.
Timeframe:
15 minutes
Observations/Alternatives:
Our policy is to follow the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). This manual is the national standard by which all traffic engineering is designed around. Traffic signs are used to give motorists clear directions or warn about unusual road conditions ahead. Signs such as “Slow Deaf Child Area”, “Slow Children at Play”, “Watch for Children”, Etc. are no longer recognized by the manual. These signs are vague in their description and don’t provide drivers with clear directions. When drivers are traveling in a residential area, they should be aware of children, as this would be a common condition for the area. Any child near the road is a cause for concern and the driver should react accordingly. We have followed this policy for approximately 15 years.
Funding Source:
N/A
Recommendation:
The staff recommendation is to continue our practice of following the MUTCD and not install what are considered non-conforming traffic signs.
Action:
The motion to the Committee is to continue our practice of following the MUTCD and not install what are considered non-conforming traffic signs.
Attachments
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Hagen | Brian Hagen | 05/12/2022 01:03 PM |
- Form Started By:
- Grant Riemer
- Started On:
- 04/25/2022 02:39 PM
- Final Approval Date:
- 05/12/2022