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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.B.8. Revised Stop Sign Policy-Res. No. 6983 6:0. ~. CITY OF SHAKO PEE Memorandum CO~S~~~T TO: Mayor & City Council .,1. ti\J. Mark McNeill, City Administrator FROM: Bruce Loney, Public Works Director SUBJECT: Approving a Revised Stop Sign Policy DATE: January 19,2010 INTRODUCTION: Attached is Resolution No. 6983, a resolution adopting a revised Stop Sign Policy for the City of Shakopee. BACKGROUND: The City adopted by Resolution No. 5074, a Signing Study and Policies on March 2,1999. On December 2,2008, the City Council authorized WSB & Associates, Inc. to update the Traffic Signing Policy in regard to stop signs. The City has used the existing Stop Sign Policy since 1999 and it is being updated for clarity and to make the policy more current. A final copy of the new policy and a final markup copy is attached. The major changes ofthe updated policy is as follows: 1. Under Traffic Conditions added Crash History in the evaluation of intersection control. 2. Eliminated human factors from intersection evaluation as this is extremely difficult to define and can change over time. 3. Analysis Procedure: Revised the appropriate section in the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). 4. Step 2 Data Collection: These steps were combined and steps were more defined. 5. Initial Evaluation: Added clarity to minimum traffic volume criteria and included the Traffic Safety Review Committee in policy. The committee was formed last year. 6. Intersection Control Study, Collector/Arterial Intersection: Language updated from MUTCD. 7. Intersection Control Study, Local Street Intersection: Two-Way Stop Sign Controlled Intersection was updated to current standards and practices. Main change was in sight distance by intersections with figure added. 8. Intersection Control Study, Local Street Intersection, All-Way Stop Sign Control: Updated to current standards and practices particularly the sight distance by intersections. 9. Intersection Control Study: Added the Traffic Safety Review Committee into the process. 10. Added Figure 1 on Sight Distance Requirements for Stop Sign Policy. It is staffs intent to replace the proposed policy in the Signing Study if Council adopts Resolution No. 6983. ALTERNATIVES: 1. Adopt Resolution No. 6983, a resolution adopting a revised Stop Sign Policy. 2. Deny Resolution No. 6983. 3. Table for additional information. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends Alternative No.1. ACTION REOUESTED: Offer Resolution No. 6983, A Resolution Adopting a Revised Stop Sign Policy and move its adoption. ~w~ Public Works Director ENGRl2010.PROJECTS/2010.COUNCIL/MEM.6983-ADOPTING.REVISED.STOP-SIGN.POLlCY RESOLUTION NO. 6983 A Resolution Amending Resolution No. 5074 by Adopting A Revised Stop Sign Policy WHEREAS, the City Council of Shakopee authorized on August 5, 1997 for WSB & Associates, 'Inc. to prepare a Transportation Signing Study for the City of Shakopee and to determine if existing signs are in compliance with State laws; and WHEREAS, the Signage Study includes policies of signage and recommendations to signage in the City of Shakopee; and WHEREAS, the City Council of Shakopee has reviewed this Signing Study at an October 26, 1998 Council Work Session and at a March 2, 1999 Council meeting; and WHEREAS, that the Signing Study was approved and adopted on March 2, 1999 by the adoption of Resolution No. 5074, A Resolution Adopting A Signing Study and Policies, and City officials are hereby directed to follow said policies in the Signing Study; and WHEREAS, the City Council authorized a Traffic Signing Policy be updated on December 2, 2008; and WHEREAS, a revised Stop Sign Policy has been presented and reviewed by the City Council at its January 19, 2010 meeting. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIIL OF SHAKOPEE, MINNESOTA, that a revised Stop Sign Policy dated January 19, 2010 is hereby approved and adopted and City Officials are hereby directed to follow said policy and that Resolution No. 5074, Section II - Stop Sign Policy is hereby amended by the adoption of the January 19, 2010 Stop Sign Policy attached hereto and made a part hereof. Adopted in session of the City Council of the City of Shakopee, Minnesota, held this day of ,2010. Mayor of the City of Shakopee ATTEST: --~~----~-----------~-----------~--------_.~ .-- City Clerk ENGRI201 O-PROJEcrs/201 O-COUNCIL-RES-6983.ADOPT-REVISED-STOP-S1GN.POLlCY STOP SIGN POLICY The traffic control at an intersection is critical to the operation of both intersecting roadways. If incorrect traffic control is installed for the existing traffic conditions and topographic characteristics of the intersection, unduly delays and even unnecessary accidents could occur. The traveling public, especially persons not familiar with the area, typically drive based on instinct. Drivers subconsciously evaluate their surroundings to determine if a stop sign or yield sign should or shouldn't be located on an intersection approach. It is very difficult to determine what the correct intersection control should be, however, the following factors should be evaluated when determining intersection control. Traffic Conditions: The traffic conditions of an intersection include: . Traffic approach volume . Speed of traffic approaching the intersection . Number of turning vehicles in an intersection . Vehicle makeup (i.e. trucks, buses, etc.) . Crash history in the intersection Topographic Conditions: The topographic conditions of the intersections are the physical features in the area, including: . The grade of each approaching roadway . Location and size of adjacent buildings or structures . Angle of the intersection . Geometrics (number of lanes) of the intersection . If a school, park or major pedestrian generator is located in the area Based on these conditions and factors, potential intersection control should be evaluated and determined. Several techniques have been developed to determine what type of intersection control is warranted at a specific location. Policies for two-way and all-way stop sign installation are discussed below. Intersection Control Policies: When developing policies for two-way and all-way stop sign controlled intersections, the traffic -- com.tition-s-amhopograp1riccorrdition~mrb-e-l1sed-quite--readtlrin-fu-e---ana1ysis-1JToce1iure-. -- Additional, non-technical factors may also be considered during the analysis procedure. Therefore, engineering judgment should be utilized when evaluating the appropriate intersection control. Shako pee Signing WSB Project No. 1014.26 Section 11 Page 3 Analysis Procedure: The best procedure in evaluating the need and location of two-way or all-way stop sign control can be found in the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MnMUTCD), Section 2B-5 and 2B-7. Based on those warrants, the following two-way and all-way stop sign installation procedures should be followed: Step 1: Request for intersection control evaluation This request can come from either a resident, the City Council, or from staff observation of a particular intersection. If a request is made from a resident, a signed petition of more than 80% of the households within a 300' radius of the intersection, must accompany the request. A stop sign installation request form is included in Appendix D. Step 2: Data collection This step in the procedure involves collecting the data necessary to evaluate the proposed intersection control. The data required for each phase is listed below. . Average Daily Traffic Volume data . Traffic speed by approach . Vehicle classification (number of trucks, etc.) . Pedestrian volumes crossing all approached during peak periods . Intersection topographic information . Detailed crash data . Detailed site visit viewing the intersection operations for the peak hours of a typical day Step 3: Initial evaluation An initial evaluation of the intersection should be completed to determine if a detailed intersection control study should be performed. This evaluation is something that can be applied with minimal data (i.e., ADT traffic volumes, accident history and roadway geometrics). This procedure is as follows: A. Minimum traffic volume: If the daily (ADT) traffic volume approaches the intersection on each leg adds up to more than 1,000 vehicles in a day, the intersection IS a candidate for an intersection control study (EB+WB+NB+SB = 1000+) or, --~~~---------------- B. Accident history: If there are more than two reported crashes per year in the previous two years or, three accidents in the previous 12 month period, of a type that is correctable with stop sign control (i.e. right angle or Shako pee Signing WSB Project No. 1014.26 Section II Page 4 turning in front of another vehicle), an intersection is a candidate for an intersection control study. If the intersection does not meet these requirements no further study will be completed without direction from the City's Traffic Safety Review Committee or City Council. A letter to the resident requesting the information, outlining the findings will be sent by the Public Works Director. This letter will include the City's policies for appeal ofthe engineer's decision. Step 4: Intersection Control Study If the initial evaluation concludes that an intersection control study is necessary, the following procedures will be followed to determine which type of traffic control is required. A. Intersection operation analysis: This would involve analyzing the operation of the intersection using the current version of the Highway Capacity Manual to determine the Level of Service and potential delays on specific approaches. This analysis can be conducted for either a two-way or four-way stop sign controlled intersection. B. Collector! Arterial Intersections: The analysis procedure should only be used for the intersections of collector or arterial roadways. The analysis procedures as outlined in the MnMUTCD should be conducted to determine if a two-way or four-way stop signed controlled intersection should be installed. These procedures are as follows: Two-way stop sign controlled intersection: 1. Intersection of a less important road with a main road where application of the normal right-of-way road is unduly hazardous or, 2. Street entering a through highway or street or, 3. Unsignalized intersection in a signalized area or, 4. A combination of high speed restricted sight distance and serious crash history indicating a need for control by a stop Sign. All-way stop sign control: _._------ --l-;---where-traffic-signal-s-are-warranted and wgentlynreded, tl1l; -..- all-way stop can be an interim measure or, 2. Crash problem indicating that five or more reported accidents of a type susceptible to correction by a multi-way stop sign installation in a 12-month period or, Shako pee Signing WSB Project No. 1014.26 Section 11 Page 5 3. Minimum traffic volumes: a. A total vehicular volume entering the intersection from approaches must average at least 300 vehicles per hour for any eight hours of an average day and b. The combined vehicular and pedestrian volume from the minor street or highway must average at least 200 units per hour for the same eight hours, with an average delay to minor street vehicular traffic of at least 30 seconds per vehicle during the maximum hour but c. When the 85% approach speed of the major street traffic exceeds 40 MPH, the requirements can be reduced to 70%. C. Local Street Intersection: This analysis procedure should only be used for the intersection of two local streets. This analysis uses the data as collected in Step 2 of the stop sign control policies. The analysis procedures, as outlined below, should be conducted to determine if a two-way or four-way stop sign controlled intersection should be installed. The procedures are as follows: Two-Way Stop Sign Controlled Intersections: 1. If the major street traffic volume approaching the intersection for each leg adds up to more than 1,000 vehicles per day and the minor street traffic volume is less than 50% of the major street traffic volume (500 - 750 vehicles per day). 2. There have been more than two reported crashes, per year in the previous two years or, three reported crashes in the preVIOUS year of a type correctable with stop Sign installation. 3. The pedestrian volumes across the minor approach (that which would be stopping) is more than 15 pedestrians per hour during peak traffic hours. 4. If the safe stopping sight distance of the minor approach is restricted by less than 100 feet by horizontal and/or vertical roadway alignment or by other permanent obstructions (see figure). --~--- -~--._~~-----_.._---_.~------_._--------- --_._-----------~- If condition No.1 and one other condition are met, this intersection would be a candidate for two-way stop sign control. All-Way Stop Sign Control: Shako pee Signing WSB Project No.1 014.26 Section II Page 6 1. If the major street traffic volume approaching the intersection for each leg adds up to more than 1,500 vehicles per day and the minor street traffic volume approaches the intersection for each leg adds up to be greater than 750 vehicles per day. 2. There have been more than two reported crashes, per year in the previous two years or, three reported crashes in the previous year of a type correctable with stop sign installation. 3. If the pedestrian volumes crossing any approach is more than 15 pedestrians per hour during the peak traffic hours. 4. If the safe stopping sight distance on the uncontrolled approach is restricted by less than 100 feet by horizontal and/or vertical roadway alignment or other permanent obstructions. 5. If the 85th percentile speed in the intersection is greater than 35 mph and the highest reported speed with two or more observations is greater than 45 mph. If condition No.1 and two other of the five conditions outlined above apply, this intersection is a candidate for all-way stop sign control. Ifthe intersection meets the requirements, as outlined above, for either a two-way or all-way stop sign control, the intersection is considered a candidate for stop sign control. Based on this analysis and further review by city staff and the Traffic Safety Review Committee, a recommendation will be made to City Council to either install or not to install the stop sign control. If the intersection does not meet these requirements no further study would be completed without direction from city council. A letter to the resident requesting the information, outlining the findings will be sent by the Public Works Director. This letter will include the City's policies for appeal of the engineer's decision. - -----------_._---~-------- ----~--~----_._-------~~--~----------~._._- Shako pee Signing WSB Project No. 1014.26 Section II Page 7 I I ~ I I I SHAKOPEE I I , I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I , I I I , I I I I I ! + L___ I I - -- ' I - -- I 1 , 1 I I 100' , I I' 1'1 ____________________________w_________________________-- DJ]d- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -!-:- ------~ ., I 1 , ' 1 .. I 1 - -- ' 1 1--- - -- I 1 , I I I , 10 I I~ I , I I I I I , I , I I , i I " , I BUILDING / 'i~ OBSTRUCTION I I I I I I I ~ I ,; u I c .2 .~ I '" .I! ~ I I I ~ I I ~ I I I .c ---------------------------1. ~------------- ~ [ " D <..l ----1---- 0; - --. c':" 0<5 ~~ S~ '0" mm ~E s; g t~ m ~'" c>v, ",,,, .. Stop Sign Policy - Sight Distance Requirements WSB & .1ss(lciares. Tf/c. Figure 1 STOP SIGN POLICY The traffic control at an intersection is critical to the operation of both intersecting roadways. If incorrect traffic control is installed for the existing traffic conditions and topographic characteristics of the intersection, unduly delays and even unnecessary accidents could occur. The traveling public, especially persons not familiar with the area, typically drive based on instinct. Drivers subconsciously evaluate their surroundings to determine if a stop sign or yield sign should or shouldn't be located on an intersection approach. It is very difficult to determine what the correct intersection control should be, however, the following factors should be evaluated when determining intersection control. Traffic Conditions: The traffic conditions of an intersection include: . Traffic approach volume . Speed of traffic approaching the intersection . Number of turning vehicles in an intersection I . Vehicle makeup (Le. trucks, buses, etc.) . Crash history in the intersection Topographic Conditions: The topographic conditions of the intersections are the physical features in the area, including: . The grade of each approaching roadway . Location and size of adjacent buildings or structures . Angle of the intersection . Geometrics (number oflanes) of the intersection . If a school, park or major pedestrian generator is located in the area Human Factors: Human factors are 'leT)' difficult to define. They can include: - The age of a drivCf . Hew a clriver responoo tEl certain situations - Plrysieal attributes ofthc dri'ler Based on these conditions and factors, potential intersection control should be evaluated and determined. Several techniques have been developed to determine what type of intersection control is warranted at a specific location. Policies for two-way and all-way stop sign installation are discussed below. Intersection Control Policies: When developing policies for two-way and all-way stop sign controlled intersections, the traffic conditions and topographic conditions can be used quite readily in the analysis procedure. ~ human facmrs are '/ery diffieult to define and evalua-te as part of the analysis procedtwe.Additional. non-technical factors may also be considered during the analysis procedure. Therefore, engineering judgment should be utilized when evaluating the human facmr of the analysis proeedurethe appropriate intersection control. Analysis Procedure: The best procedure in evaluating the need and location of two-way or all-way stop sign control I can be found in the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MnMUTCD), Section 2B-5 and 2B-7. Based on those warrants, the following two-way and all-way stop sign installation procedures should be followed: Step 1: Request for intersection control evaluation This request can come from either a resident, the City Council, or from staff observation of a particular intersection. If a request is made from a resident, a signed petition of more than 80% of the households within a 300' radius of the intersection, must accompany the request. A stop sign installation request form is included in Appendix D. Step 2: Data collection This step in the procedure should be conducted in two phases. The first phase ',..ould include collecting the data necessary for the initial. e'..aluation (step 3) and the second phase '..;oald be the data collection required fer a full interseetion coatrol study (Step ~involves collecting the data necessary to evaluate the proposed intersection control. The data required for each phase is listed below. I Phase-!- . Average Daily Traffic Volume data . .^.eeidcftt summary . Initial si-t~ visit ~ . Traffic speed by approach . Vehicle classification (number of trucks. etc.) . Pedestrian volumes crossing all approached during peak periodstiata . Intersection topographic information I . Detailed accident crash data . Detailed site visit viewing the intersection operations for the peak hours of a typical day Step 3: Initial evaluation An initial evaluation of the intersection should be completed to determine if a detailed intersection control study should be performed. This evaluation is something that can be applied with minimal data (i.e., ADT traffic volumes, accident history and roadway geometries). This procedure is as follows: A. Minimum traffic volume: If a daily volume of more than 1000 vehicles pcr duy OR all combined upproaches ~sts, the intersection is a candidate for an int-ersection control studyIf the daily (ADT) traffic volume approaches the intersection on each leI!: adds up to more than 1.000 vehicles in a day. the intersection is a candidate for an intersection control study (EB+WB+NB+SB = 1000+) or, I B. Accident history: If there are more than two reported aecidents crashes per year in the previous two years or, three accidents in the previous 12 month period, of a type that is correctable with stop sign control (Le. right angle or turning in front of another vehicle), an intersection is a candidate for an intersection control study. If the intersection does not meet these requirements no further study will be completed .0- --~._{ Formatted: Left 1 -without direction from the City's Traffic Safety Review Committee or eity-City eetmeHCouncil. A letter to the resident requesting the information, outlining the findings will be sent by the Public Works Director. This letter will include the City's policies for . appeal of the engineer's decision. . . . . Step 4: IntersectIOn Control Study If the initial evaluation concludes that an intersection control study is necessary, the following procedures will be followed to determine which type of traffic control is required. A. Intersection operation analysis: This would involve analyzing the . . operation of the intersection using the current version of the Highway Capacity Manual to determine the Level of Service and potential delays on . .. specific approaches. This analysis can be conducted for either a two-way or four-way stop sign controlled intersection. B. Collector/Arterial Intersections: The analysis procedure should only be . used for the intersections of collector or arterial roadways. The analysis procedures as outlined in the MnMUTCD should be conducted to determine if a two-way or four-way stop signed controlled intersection should be installed. These procedures are as follows: .. . .. Two-way stop sign controlled intersection: . . ... o. .0. . .0 .. . . . 1. Intersection of a less important road with a main road where .0.... .... .. application of the normal right-of-way road is unduly 0.. o. .... o. hazardous or, 2. Street entering a through highway or street or, . . 3. Unsignalized intersection in a signalized area or, 4. A combination of high speed restricted sight distance and . . . I serious ac~idont crash history indicating a need for control by a stop SIgn. .0 All-way stop sign control: 1. Where traffic signals are warranted and urgently needed, the all-way stop can be an interim measure or, .... I 2. lJi accidentCrash- _problem indicating that five or more. . . reported accidents of a type susceptible to correction by a multi-way stop sign installation in a 12-month period or, 3. Minimum traffic volumes: a. A total vehicular volume entering the intersection I from approaches must average at least ~300 vehicles per hour for any eight hours of an average . day and .. b. The combined vehicular and pedestrian volume from the minor street or highway must average at least ... 200 units per hour for the same eight hours, with an average delay to minor street vehicular traffic of at . .. least 30 seconds per vehicle during the maximum .00. hour but c. When the 85% approach speed of the major street traffic exceeds 40 MPH, the requirements can be . reduced to 70%. C. Local Street Intersection: This analysis procedure should only be used for the intersection of two local streets. This analysis uses the data as collected in Step 2 of the stop sign control policies. The analysis procedures, as outlined below, should be conducted to determine if a two-way or four-way stop sign controlled intersection should be installed. The procedures are as follows: Two-Way Stop Sign Controlled Intersections: . 1. If the major street traffic volume is morc than 1000 '1ehic1es .. .i per day and the minor street traffic T/olume is less than 50% of the major street traffic v{llume.If the major street traffic volume approaching the intersection for each leg adds up to more than 1.000 vehicles per day but is less than 1 500 vcl1ieles per day and the minor street traffic volume is less . .. . . .. .. , .. . . .. than 50% of the major street traffic volume (500 - 750 ,., . vehicles per day). .... ",.. ..... 2. There have been more than two reported accidootscrashes, .. per year in the previous two years or, three reported . I accidents crashes in the previous year of a type correctable . .. with stop sign installation. . 3. The pedestrian volumes across the minor approach (that .. ... ..... . which ~ould be stopping) is more than 15 pedestrians per .. .. I hour dunng the "A..M. and P.M. peak traffic hours. 4. If the safe stopping sight distance of the minor approach is .. I restricted by less than ~ liliLfeet by horizontal and/or . vertical roadway alignment or by other permanent I obstructions (see figure). . . I If two ofilie four conditioRs are met,If condition No.1 and one other condition are .. . met. this intersection would be a candidate for two-way stop sign control. .. All-Way Stop Sign Control: . ., 1. If the major street traffic volume is more than 1500 vehicles.. . . pcr day and the minor street truffie volume is greater than 750 vehicles per day.If the maior street traffic volume approaching the intersection for each leg adds up to more . than 1.500 vehicles per day and the minor street traffic volume approaches the intersection for each leg adds up to . be greater than 750 vehicles per day. 2. There have been more than two reported accidefltscrashes, per year in the previous two years or, three reported I accidents crashes in the previous year of a type correctable with stop sign installation. 3. If the pedestrian volumes crossing any approach is more . I than 15 pedestrians per hour during the A.M. and P.M. peak traffic hours. 4. If the safe stopping sight distance on the uncontrolled .. I approach is restricted by less than HOO feet by horizontal . , .. and/or vertical roadway alignment or other permanent obstructions. . ". 5. If the 85th percentile speed in the intersection is greater than . 35 mph and the highest reported speed with two or more observations is greater than 45 mph. .. . I Ifthree ofthe five conditions outlined above applyIf condition No. 1 and two other of the five conditions outlined above apply. this intersection is a candidate for all- way stop sign control. .'. . . . . ..' . ,. . If the intersection meets the requirements, as outlined above, for either a two-way or all-way stop sign control, the intersection is considered a candidate for stop sign control. Based on this I analysis and further review by city staff and the Traffic Safety Review Committee, a . . recommendation will be made to City Council to either install or not to install the stop sign .. control. .. If the intersection does not meet these requirements no further study would be completed without . . direction from city council. A letter to the resident requesting the information, outlining the findings will be sent by the Public Works Director. This letter will include the City's policies for . appeal of the engineer's decision. .. . .... . . . . .. . . . . . . ,.. .. ...,...