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Item 15 Staff Report Consider Traffic Engineer Report on Englewood Traffic Study Peer ReviewDATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT December 27, 1999 MAYOR AND TOWN COUN IL TOWN MANAGER MEETING DATE: 1/3/00 ITEM NO. / CONSIDER TRAFFIC ENGINEER REPORT ON ENGLEWOOD ]'RAFFIC STUD9EER REVIEW RECOMMENDATION: Consider traffic engineer report on Englewood Traffic Study Peer Review BACKGROUND: The Town Council has requested six traffic studies to address a variety of issues and traffic problems in response to inquiries from residents as well as individual Council members. Three of the six traffic studies have been completed by the Town's Traffic Engineer, Gary Kruger with TJKM Transportation Consultants. This agenda item addresses a peer review of a Santa Clara County traffic study completed for the Englewood area. Two of the reports regarding the Old Town Traffic Study and the evaluation of the Town's Traffic Calming Policy will be reviewed by the Council as a separate agenda item. The three remaining traffic studies (i.e. Downtown Operational Traffic Study, Closure of Santa Cruz Avenue on -ramp to Highway 17, Stop signs at Main and College and Santa Cruz and Bachman) are currently being developed and will presented to the Town Council on February 7, 2000. DISCUSSION: The traffic study attached to this report includes a review of correspondence, council reports and traffic data for traffic conditions on Englewood Avenue. This study provides it's own analysis and recommendation. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: Is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required. FISCAL IMPACT: None Attachments: 1. Peer Review - County Traffic Study of Englewood Distribution: Gary, Kruger, TJKM, Traffic Consultants, 4234 Hacienda Drive, Suite 101, Pleasanton, CA 94588-2721 Englewood Neighborhood List PREPARED BY: PAUL L. CURTIS DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Reviewed by: OIL" Attorney Revised: 12/27/99 11:54 AM Reformatted: 7/14/99 Transportation Cot— .dtants MEMORANDUM RECFiVED DEC 1 ' 1999 TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING DEPARTMENT December 15, 1999 To: From: Subject: Paul Curtis Director of Community Development Town of Los Gatos Gary Kruger, P.E. C :V- Town Traffic Engineer Project No.: 21-030, Task 4 Jurisdiction: Town of Los Gatos Peer Review — County Traffic Study of Englewood Avenue Introduction I have reviewed the correspondence, council reports and traffic data for traffic conditions on Englewood Avenue. The conclusions and findings of this study are misleading. The conclusions are based on averages which appear normal, but the detailed data indicate serious traffic and quality of life problems. I have also investigated traffic conditions on Englewood Avenue through field observations during the morning peak hours which confirm the conclusions reached from a review of the data. Findings Volumes and Cut -Through Traffic: The county's information shows that there are 2,300 vehicles daily on Englewood Avenue, down from 2,500 vehicles daily in a 1991 traffic study conducted by CH2M Hill Consultants. In all probability traffic volumes have neither increased nor decreased in this eight -year period. Traffic volumes vary as much as 10% either side of the mean from day to day, so a decrease of 200 vehicles daily is well within likely variability. There is not enough information to accurately assess whether or not the traffic on Englewood Avenue includes many drivers short -cutting around congestion at Kennedy Road and Los Gatos Boulevard. There is evidence, however, that there is cut -through traffic, because of the relatively high volume of trucks on the street. South of Littlefield Lane, for example, there was an average of 40 northbound and 12 southbound trucks daily over 30 feet in length. Because the land uses served by Englewood are not commercial and industrial, it is likely that these were short-cut trips. If the volume of trucks is roughly 15% of all traffic, cut -through car traffic may be as high as 270 northbound and 80 southbound trips daily. Cut -through traffic may be as high as 20% on this street. Drivers cutting through a neighborhood on residential streets, using either local access or collector streets, tend to drive faster than local residents, because their purpose is to save time, not go to and from home. Field observations during the morning peak hour on December 15, 1999 also revealed the presence of obvious cut -through traffic coupled with a sharp peak in traffic volumes for access to Middlebrook School. During one half hour, traffic volumes were equivalent to peak hour 4234 Hacienda Drive, Suite 101, Pleasanton, California 94588-2721 *Phone (925)463-0611 *Fax (925)463-3690 •e—mail tjkm@tjkm.com ATTACHMENT 1. Transportation Cot Itants Paul Curtis, December 15, 1999, Pg. 2 volumes of 750 vehicles per hour. At these peak hour volumes, the equivalent daily volumes would be between 7,000 to 8,000 vehicles daily, far above the existing volumes of 2,300 to 2,500 daily. Because of the narrow width of the street along with the lack of sidewalks, pedestrian travel along Englewood is hazardous. Vehicles are commonly parked on the shoulders of Englewood leaving pedestrians the option of walking through the front yards of abutting homes or in the pavement along with the vehicles. Our observations showed many large sport utility vehicles, some of which were wide enough that one or the other of two vehicles approaching from opposite directions would need to partially drive along the shoulder where pedestrians are walking. Because of the very high, short-term peak volumes due to the school, it was very common for vehicles to encroach on the shoulder. One instance had vehicles having to completely stop because there was insufficient clearance for two vehicles to pass and avoid hitting pedestrians. During rainy weather, we would expect pedestrians would walk on the pavement in the street. This appears to us to be a hazardous situation. The half-hour peak in the morning is similar in characteristics to traffic volumes on Los Gatos -Almaden Road east of Los Gatos Boulevard. Yet traffic counts for daily volumes would mislead the reviewer into thinking that 2,300 to 2,500 vehicles is well within the traffic capacity and even "environmental capacity" of Englewood Road to accommodate. Speeds: The county study also regarded speeds, and found that the average speeds were 25 mph along Englewood Avenue. At the two locations counted, half of the vehicles were travelling less than 25 mph. The 85th percentile (used as a basis for setting speed limits in engineering and traffic surveys) is less than 30 mph excepting northbound traffic north of Littlefield Lane. In fact, the change in the 85th percentile between a speed survey of northbound traffic south of Littlefield Lane and north of Littlefield Lane is remarkable. South of Littlefield Lane the 85th percentile northbound traffic speed is 28 mph and north of Littlefield Lane the northbound traffic 85th percentile speed is 36 mph, an 8 mph increase in a short distance. This indicates continuing and probably rapid acceleration by many drivers. Of even more interest are the maximum speeds reached in the seven-day count and speed study taken between October 10thand 17th in 1998. In that week there were 73 vehicles traveling 55 mph and above — incredibly, there were 2 cars observed at 75 mph. The percentage of vehicles traveling 55 mph or faster represents only 0.5% of all traffic. Using averages it is easy to overlook these grossly negligent drivers. Under no conditions is it safe to travel 55 mph or faster on Englewood Avenue (or even above 30 mph). The 75 mph speeds were recorded about 700 feet north of Kennedy Road for northbound traffic. Only very high performance cars can easily reach 75 mph in a distance of 700 feet — most likely Mustang GT's, Corvettes, Camaros, Firebirds, and the more expensive sports cars such as Porsches, Ferraris and Acura NSX models. The speeding problem is more pronounced northbound. The over 65 mph speeding occurs on weekdays during the normal workday, with most in the morning and then evenly distributed from noon to 5 p.m. Southbound the majority of speeders are in the morning on weekdays. On Saturday one driver was clocked at 75 mph at 2 p.m. and another driver was clocked at 65 mph around 9 p.m. Tuesday. These drivers also probably run the stop sign at Loma Avenue. Trucks: The number of large trucks over 45 feet in length is also a problem. There were 50 trucks of this size on Englewood Avenue during that week. They do not belong on this street Transportation Cot tants Paul Curtis, December 15, 1999, Pg. 3 unless they are making deliveries, and they are obviously not. The truck drivers are probably familiar with this route and probably use it by habit. The unfamiliar truck driver is less likely to use the street as a short cut. The times of day that large trucks use Englewood Avenue correspond to peak hours on weekdays. The majority of southbound large trucks travel during the morning peak with a secondary peak in the afternoon. Northbound, large trucks travel Englewood primarily in the afternoon with a secondary peak in the morning. Possible Improvement Actions The problems on this street are simple to understand, and perhaps simple to address. Consistent with the current town traffic calming policy, I recommend an incremental approach starting with education and enforcement efforts which may solve the bulk of the problems. If education and enforcement does not result in long-term reductions in speeding and in truck traffic, additional measures could be considered, but until this is evident the town should not consider doing more. Traffic speeds during the sharp peak traffic volumes are not high, and short of building sidewalks, there is little that can be done to reduce traffic, especially traffic going to and from the school. The county completed an analysis of all -way stops at Englewood Avenue and Littlefield Lane, and at Englewood Avenue and Marchmont Drive. The criteria used were developed by the county, but their warrants are based closely on the policies for installing multi -way stop signs in the Caltrans Traffic Manual. The Traffic Manual has the force of law for local jurisdictions (California Vehicle Code, Section 21401, "Conformity to Standards"). I agree that the use of stop signs as a speed control and traffic calming strategy is of limited effectiveness. There are numerous studies indicating that all -way stop signs do not significantly change high speeds on local access and neighborhood collector streets. The speeding problem appears to be drivers familiar with Englewood Avenue as a short cut route around congestion at Kennedy Road and Los Gatos Boulevard. Speeding occurs on weekdays, primarily, and mostly during the commute hours (away from the school peaks). There are many, many drivers exceeding 50 mph, and one in 200 drivers is driving 65 mph or faster. Clearly, enforcement should be a priority over a several -week period, and then repeated over a few months. By that time the negligent drivers will have probably given up Englewood Avenue as a back street where they can make time. I do not think a radar speed trailer or a neighborhood speed watch strategy will work in this instance, because the drivers are more likely from outside the neighborhood, but perhaps some of those drivers live nearby. The town might also consider the use of radar drones as done in the City of Campbell. Radar emitters are mounted on utility poles and set off radar detectors in speeders' cars. The town could also consider parking off -duty police cars along Englewood, and the Sheriff's Department could also do the same. The street should be posted with truck restrictions — perhaps restricting trucks to 5 tons or less. The same enforcement efforts for speeds can also work to control and eliminate the large trucks short - cutting through the neighborhood. It may also be necessary to enforce traffic on Ferris and Spencer during the times of enforcement on Englewood, because that route also presents opportunities for bypassing some of the congestion at Los Gatos Boulevard. I recommend that large 25mph speed signs be placed facing both directions on Englewood Avenue 200 feet north of Kennedy Road and 200 feet south of Shannon Road accompanied by 25mph pavement markings. Because these locations are in the county, they would need to agree to post Transportation Co. tants Paul Curtis, December 15, 1999, Pg. 4 these signs and paint the necessary pavement markings. Truck restriction signs should also be posted, and in the near term, additional signs prohibiting trucks over 5 tons from turning onto Englewood Avenue should be posted at appropriate locations on both Kennedy and Shannon Roads. The remainder of the observations regarding the county study will be contained in our review of the town's traffic calming policy. Specifically, the use of "capacity" for a neighborhood collector might be better based on the concept of "environmental capacity" of a residential street rather than a criterion for maximum traffic flows. Because this portion of Englewood Avenue is in the county, the Town Council may direct staff to respond to the County study in writing. Staff should request the recommended enforcement and additional signs as the first steps in reducing the traffic problems on this street. Town Council Minutes January 3, 2000 Redevelopment Agency Los Gatos, California ENGLEWOOD TRAFFIC STUDY PEER REVIEW/TJKM TRANSPORTATION_.k15.39) Mayor Blanton stated that this was the time and place duly noted to consider traffic engineer report given by Gary -Kruger of TJKM Transportation Consultants. • Gary Kruger, TJKM Consultant, gave an overview of the County's. report on Englewood traffic conditions. He noted speeding problems and the need for enforcement on this street. He suggested posting truck restrictions for this road, adding twenty five MPH signs and painted speed limits on the street surface. Council Consensus to direct Town's police department to take enforcement action in this area for one month, and over a longer period of time explore the problems and solutions of enforcement issues with other jurisdictions and agencies. Staff to also look into methods of restricting truck traffic in this neighborhood. HEARINGS FERRIS AVENUE 16548/MONTESSORI SCHOOL/FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH/APPEAL (13.09) Mayor Blanton stated that this was the time and place duly noted for public hearing to consider appeal of the Planning Commission decision denying a request for modification to a Conditional Use Permit to operate a Montessori School in conjunction with an existing church on properties zoned R-1:8 and prezoned R-1:8. Project Application PRJ-99-082. Property Location: 16548 Ferris Avenue. Property Owner: Faith Lutheran Church. Applicant: Mariposa Montessori. Appellant: Joanne Varni (President Mariposa Montessori). The following people from the audience spoke to this issue: Joanne Varni, 16566 Topping Way, reaffirmed the need for a use permit and approval for the school. She listed the traffic safety practices that the school would encourage and enforce: A mandatory car pool plan; Mariposa school stickers for the cars so neighbors can track irresponsible drivers; Participation in a specified Town established traffic route. Pat Parseghian, 16621 Ferris, opposed the proposal and asked for a traffic study on Ferris. Laura Ericsson, 16929 Kennedy Road, opposed the proposal and noted that the neighbor's concerns had not been addressed. She asked for specific traffic relief on the corner of Ferris and Englewood. Elaine Myers, 293 Marchmont Drive, opposed the proposal, and supported the notion that traffic is a tremendous problem in this area notably due to the number of schools already in this portion of Town. Cathie Keirans, 16573 Ferris Ave, asked that the traffic study be extended to include Ferris Ave. and Spencer so that the impact of additional school use can be determined. Dennis Yost, 16615 Ferris Ave, opposed the intensification of use on his street. David Shade, 16615 Englewood Ave, opposes the additional noise that the school will generate as parents access the parking lot. His home is adjacent to the lot and he would like to see a report on this subject and what the mitigating measures might be. Glen Shore, Council President of the Faith Lutheran Church, 245 Los Gatos Boulevard, spoke of the community benefit of the school and the willingness of the church to share their facilities with the children. He noted that the church would cooperate in any way with traffic regulations and safety mitigations for both the children and the neighborhood. •rc:D I I :MM0I o300 3 Peter & Susan Testa 16751 Loma Ave. Los Gatos, CA 95030 Los Gatos Town Council P.O. Box 949 Los Gatos, CA 95031 To Whom It May Concern: Nats,v,,fr -F (5- January 3, 2000 We live near the site of the proposed Montessori school, Mariposa. It is our understanding that traffic calming measures are to take place in our neighborhood in order to accommodate the new school site. Living on Loma Ave., we heartily agree. Is it feasible to consider closing Spenser at Los Gatos Blvd.? This seems to be where the cut -through traffic is going because of the long line of cars waiting on Kennedy Road to get onto Los Gatos Blvd. We hope you are able to seriously consider this suggestion. Our neighborhood streets have turned into raceways. Sincerely, "rd-2-&___