Improving Pedestrian Crosswalk Visibility in the COR

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to provide options for improving the visibility of existing pedestrian crosswalks in the COR.
Background:
Staff has received comments on the lack of compliance by motorists for people using the crosswalks near city hall on Sunwood Drive.  Staff has witnessed this behavior and had similar experiences when crossing Sunwood Drive as well.  Colored concrete was used to designate pedestrian crossings in the COR and  is a legal and acceptable method.   There are a total of 12 marked crosswalks on Sunwood Dr between Ramsey Blvd and Zeolite St., but at this time the main concentration of pedestrian traffic is near the Municipal Center campus on Center St and Sapphire St.   

15 Minutes

One of the more effective crosswalk warning signs is the "In Street Pedestrian Marking Signs" which have a motorist yield rate calculated at 87%-90% when used on roads with posted speed limits of 25-30 mph.  The recommended treatment would be four of the in street pedestrian signs, two at the intersection of Sapphire St/Sunwood Dr and two at Center St/Sunwood Dr.  Traffic counts for this area are 3608 ADT.  Because the signs would be used on a  concrete road section, staff would recommend using the portable weighted sign bases.  This would eliminate the need to drill into the concrete road surface to mount the signs.  Staff would also recommend adding 2 advance warning signs, mounted on existing light standards in the general area, one east of Sapphire St and one west of Center St.

General Fund

Staff recommends installing four "In Street Pedestrian Marking Signs" on Sunwood Dr at the intersections of Sapphire St/Sunwood Dr and Center St/ Sunwood Dr.  Staff would also recommend adding 2 advance warning signs in the general area, one east of Sapphire St and one west of Center St

Motion to accept staff recommendation or reject staff recommendation and approve alternative recommendation based on committee discussion.