Traffic Control Device - All Way Stop - Colfax Avenue and LaPorte Avenue

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CITY OF SOUTH BEND 1AC DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS , Y DIVISION OF ENGINEERING FROM: Patrick C. Kerr, Ph.D., P.E. Director of Redevelopment Engineering SUBJECT: Signal Removal Study at LaPorte and Colfax DATE: October 17, 2017 On July 25, 2017, the Board of Public Works approved a 90 day signal removal study at LaPorte and Colfax. The intersection was converted to an all -way stop on July 31, 2017. The 90 day study was performed because the City of South Bend hired DLZ to perform a traffic signal warrant study for the intersection of LaPorte Avenue and Colfax Avenue, The results of that study submitted by DLZ on June 23, 2017 are summarized below: "Traffic counts indicate that vehicular volumes and bicycle volumes are relatively low at the intersection of Colfax Avenue and LaPorte Avenue. Pedestrian traffic crossing the legs of the intersection is low as well. Based on the analysis, it has been shown that the conversions of Lasalle Avenue and Colfax Avenue from one-way operation to two-way operation is not expected to have a negative impact on the intersection of Colfax Avenue and LaPorte Avenue, in terms of operational level of service. All approaches of the intersection are expected to operate at an, acceptable level of service under the proposed two-way traffic operation. It was also shown that neither a traffic signal nor a multi -way stop condition is warranted. However, the intersection should be controlled by a multi -way (i.e., 4- way) stop rather than a two- way stop due to limited sight distance for the eastbound and westbound approaches. Furthermore, a multi -way stop may also facilitate pedestrian flow at the intersection during church hours. The number of reported crashes at the intersection are greater than the predicted average number of crashes. It was determined that a 24% reduction in crashes could be expected over the long term if the unwarranted signal is removed. Capacity analysis of a multi -way stop control under two-way traffic operation shows that the overall intersection will operate at LOS "A". The greatest delay is expected to occur on the eastbound shared left/through lane approach during the PM peak hour, with a delay of 10.91 seconds." In short, DLZ recommended removal of the study and conversion of the signal to a 4-way stop condition under the proposed two-way conditions. Per Section 4B.02.05 of MUTCD: We deliver services that einpower everyone to thrive!!