9.2. SR 01-21-2014 City of
Elk - Request for Action
River O.
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 9.2
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Work Session January 21, 2014 Justin Femrite, P.E. City Engineer
Item Description Reviewed by
2014 Intersection Enhancement Projects - Brad Rolfe, Police Chief
Continued Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Continue discussion and provide staff direction on option for flashing stop sign installation at the
intersection of Proctor Road and Highland Road.
Background/Discussion
At the November 18, 2013, meeting, Council requested staff bring back some information on the
effectiveness of flashing stop signs and review the existing traffic control in place at the Freeport Street
and Jackson Avenue intersection.
Proctor Road and Highland Road Intersection
Staff originally reviewed this intersection due to the high number of severe accidents resulting from the
speed of cross traffic on Proctor Road combined with limited sight lines for Highland Road motorists as
they approach Proctor Road.
When discussing solutions for this intersection the Council preferred the option of installing flashing stop
signs to improve safety of this intersection,but there was question as to the effectiveness of these flashing
signs.
Staff has researched a number of studies relating to the effectiveness of flashing stop signs. The results
indicate the overall rate of vehicles coming to a complete stop after the installation of flashing signs was
increased by 28.9% and the amount of motorists blowing through the intersection without reducing
speed was reduced by 52.9%. These studies also indicate a reduction in crashes but at lower rates due to
crashes being more dependent on other geometric factors that are independent for all intersections. If
the flashing stop signs increase the amount of vehicles that come to a full stop at this intersection, those
same motorists should have more time to use proper judgment in determining when it is safe to continue
with their movement.
Jackson Avenue and Freeport Street
This 4-way stop controlled intersection has received a number of minor sign modifications in the past
year. This past summer a surface mounted crosswalk pylon was added to bring additional attention to the
existing crosswalk at this intersection. The previously installed "All Way"plates below the stop signs
were replaced with"4-Way"plates in December of 2013. This was done as requested by the adjacent
residents that had concerns with the signage. Continual challenges with the performance of this
intersection have to do with poor driver behavior not excessive speed,geometric or sight limitations. The
P a w E R E U 6 Y
NaA f RE]
Police Department has increased enforcement at this intersection and will continue to monitor the
effectiveness of the in place traffic control.
We have contacted the representative from the Elk Run Village Home Owners Association who
approached the City Council with the original concerns about this intersection and invited them to attend
the meeting and hear the discussion.
Financial Impact
Improvements described above are included in the CIP and anticipated to be funded through the Street
Improvement Reserve Fund. If directed to move forward, staff will purchase the necessary materials and
install the new flashing sign system.
Attachments
■ Links to referenced studies and additional information on flashing stop signs
www.imsasafery.org/,journal/jf07/8.pdf
www.fhwa.dot.gov%publications/research/safety/08048/
http://safety.f iwa.dot.gov/intersection/resources/techsum/fhwasa09006/
www.fasthorseinc.com/blog/2012/08/28/when-stop-signs-make-us-less-safe/