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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTraffic Control Device - All Way Stop - Colfax Avenue and LaPorte AvenueUT1{ ��°t,;ipr:y1oBOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS �40 Request for Approval o Traffic Control Device(s) Date: December 18 2017 Project Number: 115-053 I hereby submit the fallowing installation or change of traffic control devices for review: ® New Installation M Removal ❑ Revision ® Stop Sign ❑I Stop Sign. ❑ Stop Sign Yield Sign ❑Yield Sign ❑ Yield Sign ❑ Speed. Limit, ..__.mph ® Speed Limit,_. _mph ❑ Speed Limit, _mph Other, List ® Other, List ❑ Other, List All Way Stop Traffic Signal Location(s): Colfax Avenue and LaPorte Avenue This has been submitted: ❑ In response to request by a citizen/ neighbor/ passerby: ® In response to contracted reconstruction or improvements ❑ In response to developer -provided reconstruction or improvement ® In response to an interrnally-generated concern from the Traffic Study for Project 4115-053 Remarks: See attached meano o er," . Nawrot, PE, PLS Assis ant City Engineer f� Date: ,i ,� / APPROVED: SOUTH BEND BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS Clary A. Oilot, resident Suzanna M. Fritzberg, Member Jarnyl A. Mueller, Member Elizabeth A. Maradik, Member Therese J. Dorau, Member L Distribution Bureau ofTraffdc and Lighting South Bend Police Department Traffic Division Recommend Approval: ,b r M. Boyl s, P PE Ci Enginee Date: I I / r , Attest: Linda M. Martin, Clerk Date 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!! "if the engineering study indicates that the traffic control signal is no longer justified, and a decision is made to remove the signal, removal should be accomplished using the following steps: A. Determine the appropriate traffic control to be used after removal of the signal. B. Remove any sight -distance restrictions as necessary. C. Inform the public of the removal study. D. Flash or cover the signal heads for a minimum of 90 days, and install the appropriate stop control or other traffic control devices. E. Remove the signal if the engineering data collected during the removal study period confirms that the signal is no longer needed." In line with MUTCD, the Board of Public Works approved that the signal at LaPorte Avenue and Colfax Avenue be converted to all red flash for a period of at least 90 days for study. During this 90 period, the city hosted a public engagement meeting to discuss the two-way conversion of Colfax and the removal of the signals. There were no issues brought up during that meeting. At the end of the 90 days, the City reviewed public input, traffic safety, and other considerations. In review of the accident history, there was one accident with no injuries during the 90 day period at this intersection for failure to yield right of way. In the previous year and half there were there three accidents with multiple injuries reported. It is my recommendation that the Board of Public Works make this a permanent all -way stop traffic control measure. We deliver services that ernpawer everyone to thrive!!