Staff ReportN
MEETING DATE: 01/19/16
� ITEM NO:
sit COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT 14
DATE: JANUARY 11, 2016
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCILp�/j�
FROM: LAUREL PREVETTI, TOWN MANAGERd�
SUBJECT: PROVIDE DIRECTION ON SPECIFIC TRAFFIC MITIGATION MEASURES FOR
THE UPCOMING SUMMER TRAVEL SEASON AND BEYOND TO CONTINUE TO
REDUCE THE IMPACTS OF CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC.
RECOMMENDATION:
Provide direction on specific traffic mitigation measures for the upcoming summer travel season and
beyond to continue to reduce the impacts of cut through traffic.
BACKGROUND:
At the September 1, 2015 Town Council Meeting, staff provided the latest report on cut through traffic
(Attachment 1). The report included activities through that date and additional efforts staff intended on
implementing over the Labor Day holiday weekend, the last likely weekend of heavy traffic for the
summer season. Additionally, staff has received the final report on cut through traffic from the Town's
consultant, Traffic Patterns (Attachment 2).
DISCUSSION:
As communicated previously, the approach to cut through traffic has focused on three outcomes — short
term mitigation, midterm relief, and long term reductions. It is important to note that each action taken
has the potential for creating other local impacts that warrant careful consideration.
The midterm relief portion of the approach included incremental improvements to the short term
mitigation efforts deployed over the summer and added measures that required coordination with
Caltrans and VTA, targeting the Labor Day holiday. Traffic over the holiday weekend was light on both
Saturday and Monday, and very heavy on Sunday. A summary table of summertime efforts combined
PREPARED BY: MATT MORLEY / �� /s4�—
DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND PUBL WORKS
Reviewed by: Issistant Town Manager ) own Attomey Finance
PAGE
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: PROVIDE DIRECTION ON SPECIFIC TRAFFIC MITIGATION MEASURES FOR
THE UPCOMING SUMMER TRAVEL SEASON AND BEYOND TO CONTINUE TO
REDUCE THE IMPACTS OF CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC
JANUARY 11, 2016
DISCUSSION (cont'd):
with select solutions from the cut through traffic study is provided as Attachment 3. The following
sections highlight the most recent efforts in affect during the Labor Day weekend.
Changeable Message Signs on Freeways — In coordination with Caltrans, staff deployed portable
message signs in three locations approaching the Highway 85 and Highway 17 interchange: southbound
Highway 17 prior to Highway 85, northbound Highway 85, and southbound Highway 85. These signs
provided advisory information to drivers to utilize southbound Highway 17 to Santa Cruz. A phase two
message, with a notice adding "delay on local streets" was planned for days where excessive local traffic
was identified. This message was to be added in joint agreement with Caltrans and requires real time
traffic monitoring, a labor intensive effort. This message was only activated on the Sunday aftemoon of
Labor Day weekend, the day traffic most impacted local streets.
Similar messages were designed for the permanent Caltrans changeable message signs on the freeways.
The allowance for programming these signs demonstrates willingness from Caltrans to work with the
Town towards solutions. These messages were displayed on both north and southbound Highway 85.
The Caltrans sign on southbound Highway 17 was out of service for that weekend and consequently was
not utilized. Caltrans and VTA staff have been active and engaged in looking for solutions during and
after the summer traffic season, including several visits to the Town.
Santa Cruz and Main Street Signal Modifications — The success of traffic signal sequence modifications
at this intersection led to the continued implementation of these operational changes. The modifications
include serving east and west approaches separately which allows for traffic to flow with less conflict
between left turns for east and west bound traffic, thereby relieving congestion on Main Street towards
University Avenue.
Other Signal Modifications — Additional traffic signal timing modifications were made to intersections
throughout Town, with a focus on Lark Avenue and Winchester Boulevard as well as those along Los
Gatos Boulevard. These modifications were made in a way contrary to typical traffic engineering
practices in that signal timing was optimized to reduce traffic progression through town. This resulted
in increased travel times on local streets that are equivalent to freeway traffic (see charts on pages 5 and
7 of Attachment 2). Even with the changes though, cut through traffic was significantly quicker until it
approached Highway 9, at which point the cut through route slowed significantly through the downtown.
Testing the hypothesis that traffic prefers to move, even if the end travel time is the same, these
adjustments were put in place. Subsequent observations showed little impact to cut through traffic,
although it may require longer implementation periods to fiilly test this theory. However, impacts to
local traffic appeared to significantly affect residents based on increased complaints to staff.
Tait and Massol Closure — The closure of Tait and Massol access from Highway 9 proved effective,
although it impacted local residents as well as cut through traffic. On the heaviest day during the Labor
PAGE
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: PROVIDE DIRECTION ON SPECIFIC TRAFFIC MITIGATION MEASURES FOR
THE UPCOMING SUMMER TRAVEL SEASON AND BEYOND TO CONTINUE TO
REDUCE THE IMPACTS OF CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC
JANUARY 11, 2016
DISCUSSION (cont'd):
Day weekend, traffic backups on Highway 9 through Monte Sereno created cut through traffic along
Ridge Crest Avenue and into the Almond Grove area. The Police Department was able to close Ridge
Crest Avenue fairly quickly to stop this traffic, but the closure required an ongoing police presence to
keep traffic from entering and this is a resource intensive effort.
Caltrans and VTA Coordination Both Caltrans and VTA staff were present over the Labor Day
weekend to observe traffic conditions and to assist with recommendations. Caltrans staff has suggested
that the Town, in collaboration with Caltrans and VTA, explore an origin -destination study. Such a
study would measure where vehicles are coming from and where they are going, including a travel
route. This type of a study would quantify the cut through traffic impact and provide solid information
for making a case for addressing the issue. Additionally, the study would provide the information
necessary to target specific locations for ways to change traffic and serve as a starting point towards
further analysis to consider time -of -day closures to freeway on -ramps.
Web Based Mapping Applications — Mapping applications, such as Waze, continue to challenge
traditional traffic management thinking. Staff continues to work with Waze towards identifying
incremental steps towards improvements. Based on recent engagement with the company, it is apparent
that the company is engaged worldwide on multiple fronts. Gaining enough traction to make a
measurable difference in Los Gatos will be challenging.
Long Term Reductions — The efforts undertaken last summer provide the groundwork for longer term
efforts to establish sustainable reductions in cut through traffic. Initial concepts for exploration or
implementation include:
Traffic Signal Upgrades — This solution could provide for expanded functionality, such as signal timing
associated with real time demand known as Adaptive Traffic Signal Operations. This is likely a large
capital project that would occur in the next three to five years. Funding opportunities may arise through
the Envision Silicon Valley and Valley Transportation Plan (VTP) 2040. Staff has added the project to
the Town's VTP 2040 submittals and is preparing documents such that a project is ready to bid,
strategically placing the project into the shovel -ready category. Staff will be initiating a preliminary
analysis of the traffic signal network this Spring to help identify improvements and develop budgetary
costs for the CIP.
Corridor Study - Caltrans has recommended a corridor study for the greater Highway 17 and Highway
85 area. A corridor study will help to identify deficiencies in the highway and freeway system. Staff
will look for opportunities for funding this study as well and has included a project in the VTP 2040
submittal.
PAGE 4
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: PROVIDE DIRECTION ON SPECIFIC TRAFFIC MITIGATION MEASURES FOR
THE UPCOMING SUMMER TRAVEL SEASON AND BEYOND TO CONTINUE TO
REDUCE THE IMPACTS OF CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC
JANUARY 11, 2016
DISCUSSION (cont'd):
Signage modifications — Within the cut through traffic study, the consultant has recommended
increasing permanent fixed signage guiding drivers to freeway entrances. This includes electronic signs
and traditional fixed roadway signs as well as bold pavement markings identifying routes to freeways
(see exhibit 4-6 of Attachment 2).
Freeway Ramp Metering — Ramp metering could provide a means for governing the flow of traffic onto
the freeway. The impact of metering traffic creates a smoother merge on the freeway which lightens the
impact upstream and decreases the overall drive time. The combination of delays at the on ramps and
the decreased drive time on the freeway serve to discourage cut through traffic. One concern with
metering lights is the potential for and increased impact to local streets from queues at the ramps.
Caltrans highly encourages the Town to facilitate metering ramp installation at Highway 9 and South
Santa Cruz Avenues.
Freeway Ramp Closure - The closure of the South Santa Cruz Avenue freeway on ramp continues to
come up as a potential solution. Conceptually this has some merit towards providing relief from traffic
in a large area of downtown and in the Almond Grove as cut through traffic would need to enter
Highway 17 at Highway 9. The solution assumes that information on the closure of the onramp will get
to travelers such that they do not try the route through downtown. This would require a significant effort
in coordination with Waze, Caltrans, media sources, and through on road signage. Potential pitfalls
include gridlock if the information is not widely received, as there would be no relief point for traffic
heading south once in the downtown. This solution does not address Highway 9 backups or cut through
traffic north of Highway 9. Caltrans has concerns that, without a comprehensive analysis, this type of
solution could create unintended impacts with regional ramifications. If unable to come to terms with
Caltrans on this measure, an alternative could be a local street closure instead of a ramp closure. This
solution could be implemented for one or several weekends on a trial basis with the use of standard
traffic control devices, with the ability to re -open fairly quickly if the effort fails. Other variations
include creating one-way traffic on North Santa Cruz Avenue. This is more difficult to implement on a
trial basis due to traffic signals and lane striping and may more directly impact businesses.
CONCLUSION:
Fully eliminating cut through traffic may not be feasible. However, ensuring Los Gatos remains a
livable community can be addressed with incremental changes, some of which will take several years to
implement and require additional funding sources.
Based on the efforts to date and additional options put forward, staff recommends that the Town Council
provide direction on specific traffic mitigation measures for the upcoming summer travel season and
beyond to continue to reduce the impacts of cut through traffic. Attachment 3 outlines 15 measures that
have been identified to address traffic mitigation, the impact of the measure, pros and cons, as well as
staffs recommendations.
PAGE 5
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: PROVIDE DIRECTION ON SPECIFIC TRAFFIC MITIGATION MEASURES FOR
THE UPCOMING SUMMER TRAVEL SEASON AND BEYOND TO CONTINUE TO
REDUCE THE IMPACTS OF CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC
JANUARY 11, 2016
COORDINATION:
This report has been coordinated with the Police Department, VTA, and Caltrans.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Town incurred expenses for managing cut through traffic as outlined below. A request for a budget
adjustment will be included in the mid -year budget, update scheduled for the March 1, 2016 Council
meeting.
PD Overtime - $7,049
Changeable Message Sign Rental — $11,551
Traffic Patterns Consultant Agreement - $12,992
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
Attachments:
1. September 1, 2015 Cut Through Traffic Council Report
2. Final Consultant Report from Traffic Patterns
3. Matrix of Cut Through Traffic Mitigation Measures
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
MEETING DATE: 09/01/15
ITEM NO: 9
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
AUGUST 21, 2015
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
LES WHITE, INTERIM TOWN MANAG
ACCEPT THE STAFF REPORT ON CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Town Council accept the staff report on cut through traffic and
modify the list of V'I'P projects to add traffic signal upgrades and a corridor study for the greater
Highway 17 and Highway 85 area.
BACKGROUND:
Local roads continue to experience high levels of traffic as travelers leave the freeway in the
search for a more expeditious route. Although this has been a Los Gatos issue for many years,
the growing economy and the advent and growth of mobile phone applications that direct
vehicles to alternate routes, such as local residential streets, has exacerbated the situation. Staff
from the Town Manager's office, the Police Department, and the Parks and Public Works
Department have been diligently working to reduce this traffic.
DISCUSSION:
The approach to cut through traffic has focused on three outcomes — short term mitigation,
midterm relief, and long term reductions. Staff has implemented multiple measures towards these
outcomes. It is important to note that each action taken has the potential for creating other local
impacts that warrant careful consideration. The Parks and Public Works Department has hired a
consultant, Traffic Patterns, to evaluate and identify measures to align with this approach. The
evaluation and mitigation measures are a work in progress and will culminate Labor Day
weekend with the end of the summer travel season. Lessons teamed may drive actions for future
years.
Short Term Mitigation — This summer, staff has implemented various measures over several
weekends to try to mitigate the impact of traffic. These measures address the traffic where it
impacts the community and not at the source. These short term measures are important steps and
staff has used the opportunity to try various changes to measure and observe the impact on
PREPARED BY: MATT MORLEY "
Director of Parks and Public Works
Reviewed by:
Town
Attorney Finance
ATTACHMENT
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC
AUGUST 21, 2015
DISCUSSION (cont'd):
traffic. These changes are temporary in nature and not sustainable on an ongoing basis due to the
high cost of expenditures and reliance on overtime, and the impact on staff that need to be
present on weekends to evaluate the effects of each change.
Examples of measures explored include:
(1) The installation of portable changeable message signs: These signs have been positioned
in locations targeted to encourage traffic to return to Highway 17. Staff optimized the
locations of these signs each weekend.
(2) Placement of signage to change the use of Tait and Massol Avenues: This began with
advisory signage discouraging all but local traffic. The advisory signage proved
relatively ineffective and subsequent alterations expanded this measure to close Tait and
Massol Avenues at Highway 9. The street closures had a much greater impact, although
some traffic found alternate routes onto neighborhood streets.
The Police Department has been active in providing flexible service and solutions while working
collaboratively with Parks and Public Works. This included efforts: (1) to manage traffic
gridlock at intersections with increased traffic enforcement and control and (2) to manually
control the intersection of Main Street and Santa Cruz Avenue during one busy weekend as a
subsequent effort. Manually controlling the intersection allowed for quick adjustments to
vehicle and pedestrian congestion, and allowed for the testing of several scenarios. This
information provided the Parks and Public Works Department and the traffic consultant the
opportunity to see and evaluate those scenarios. The Police Department will continue to deploy
additional resources through the Labor Day weekend, monitoring cut through traffic and
remaining adaptive in adjusting traffic control measures in congested areas (Downtown and
residential streets).
As a result of the work of the Police Department, temporary weekend changes have been made
to the controller programming at West Main Street and Santa Cruz Avenue. The intersection has
been adjusted to run as a four way intersection, with West Main Street having a dedicated
eastbound and a dedicated westbound movement. This differs from the base configuration,
which is for those two movements to occur concurrently. Additional adjustments will allow for
improved pedestrian movements. By adding this extra phase to the intersection, staff hopes to
eliminate a conflict between east and westbound traffic that allows for a limited number of
vehicles to pass through on each cycle. (Visual descriptions will be provided at the Council
meeting).
Additionally, Parks and Public Works staff has adjusted signal timing on Winchester Boulevard
near Lark Avenue. The expected outcome from these adjustments is delayed access to Town
streets from the Town limits. The changes developed from initial data collection from the
consultant demonstrated that total drive times in traffic through the Town and along the freeway
to be approximately equal; however, the drive time through the initial stretch of the cut through
PAGE 3
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC
AUGUST 21, 2015
DISCUSSION (cont'd):
path is significantly quicker. The modifications test slowing that initial stretch and measuring
the impact on traffic and directions provided by mobile navigation applications. These changes
do affect local traffic in the same way they affect cut through traffic, and therefore, may not
provide great permanent solutions.
Midterm Relief— As the Labor Day holiday weekend approaches, staff is expecting a high level
of traffic congestion. With that in mind, staff will cant' forward a number of the successful
efforts. In addition, staff has been working with Valley Transportation Authority (VTA),
Caltrans, and Waze to implement additional measures.
VTA and Caltrans have been very willing to discuss the traffic concerns and are working to
accommodate Town requests. Concerted efforts by both organizations to work with the Town is
leading to some initial successes. Primarily, Caltrans has committed to issuing an encroachment
permit to allow the Town to place portable message signs along Highways 85 and 17, just prior
to popular Town exits, for the Labor Day weekend. These signs will provide language advising
drivers to use Highway 17 to Santa Cruz. In developing this message, Town staff and Caltrans
considered several messaging options, including the use of travel times. Because travel time
information is dynamic and the portable signs have no way of automatically updating, Caltrans
was not willing to allow travel time information on the signs. Town staff concurs with this
direction.
Town staff has also formally requested similar messages for Caltrans permanently installed
changeable message signs and it is likely that Caltrans will allow the message advising drivers to
use Highway 17 to Santa Cruz. There are three signs, one in each direction on Highway 85
approaching Highway 17 and one on Highway 17 approaching Highway 85. These signs do
have the ability to post travel times, however, in discussions with Caltrans, VTA, and the Town's
consultant, all concurred that posting freeway travel times, especially times that reflect lengthy
delays, may actually induce local cut through traffic as drivers look to avoid those delays. There
is no real time measure of travel times on local streets, so providing accurate travel time
comparisons is not possible at this point.
In spite of the public popularity of the request, Caltrans has declined any discussion on closing
freeway off -ramps or on -ramps. They have, however, expressed an interest in exploring
metering traffic at on -ramps. Caltrans maintains that metering changes driver behavior and may
be a way of mitigating impacts.
Navigation applications, the most popular of which is Waze, have provided additional challenges
to managing traffic flow. These applications work on data gathered by users over time. The
biggest impact has developed because Waze does not distinguish between residential, collector,
and arterial streets. Staff has reached out to Waze directly and Waze has expressed a willingness
to de -prioritize a limited number of residential streets in their algorithm. Waze has not yet done
this for any other jurisdiction, so this will be a pilot effort. Staff provided a limited list of streets
for this effort. The list is limited in the pilot effort to encourage Waze to implement the change
prior to Labor Day, to provide observable areas for measuring the impact, and to ensure Waze
remains engaged (removing streets from the algorithm is counter to their business model).
PAGE 4
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC
AUGUST 21, 2015
DISCUSSION (cont'd):
The street segments provided to Waze are:
o Massol Avenue from Highway 9 to Main Street
o Tait Avenue from Highway 9 to Main Street
o Main Street from University to Santa Cruz Avenue
o Main Street from Massol to Santa Cruz Avenue
Massol and Tait Avenues have been the residential streets that have experienced the greatest
impact. Deprioritizing Main Street is intended to focus traffic to Santa Cruz Avenue, and avoid
the use of University Avenue and Main Street past the high school. Staff acknowledges there are
other impacted residential streets, but none to the extent of Massol and Tait Avenues. If
successful, the next steps will include a broader discussion with Waze representatives.
Long Term Reductions — The efforts undertaken over the last several weeks will provide the
groundwork for longer term efforts to establish sustainable reductions in cut through traffic.
Initial concepts worth exploring include:
o Traffic Signal upgrades to provide for expanded functionality, such as signal timing
associated with real time demand. This is likely a large capital project that would
occur in the next three to five years. Funding opportunities may arise through the
Envision Silicon Valley and Valley Transportation Plan (VTP) 2040. Staff has added
the project to the Town's VTP 2040 submittals.
o Caltrans has recommended a corridor study for the greater Highway 17 and Highway
85 area. A corridor study will help to identify deficiencies in the highway and
freeway system. Staff will look for opportunities for funding this study as well and is
including a project in the VTP 2040 submittal.
o Infrastructure modifications — As the Town's consultant finalizes his report, there
may be opportunities for other infrastructure modifications. Town staff will review
these and include them in a follow up Council report prior to the end of the calendar
year.
o Traffic flow modifications, especially in the Downtown, continue to be an area of
interest. These measures could include closing of portions of Santa Cruz Avenue or
realigning traffic to flow in a one way direction. These are ideas that take some
preparation and likely warrant a trial event prior to implementation.
o There are many varied alternatives to these measures. Staff will continue to explore
these opportunities in follow up work efforts.
PAGES
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC
AUGUST 21, 2015
CONCLUSION:
Staff continues to gear up for Labor Day weekend and expects modifications implemented that
weekend to further inform longer term cut through traffic reduction efforts. The
successes to data are encouraging; however, expectations should remain tempered. Town
Council should accept this report and provide comments on the measures discussed as well as the
addition to the VTP 2040 of traffic signal upgrades and a corridor study for the greater Highway
17 and Highway 85 area.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is not a project as defined under CEQA and no further action is required
FISCAL IMPACT:
Total fiscal commitments to date total approximately $33,000.
o Consultant - $15,000
o Portable Changeable Message Signs - $10,000
o Staff Overtime - $8,000
Future commitments may include the following:
o Portable Changeable Message Signs for the Freeway - $3,000
o Additional Staff Overtime - $5,000
Staff anticipates submitting a mid -year budget adjustment for the unanticipated costs associated
with cut through traffic.
TRAFFIC
PATTERNS
August 31, 2015
Town of Los Gatos
Attn: Lisa Peterson
41 Miles Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95033
TECH MEMO: Town of Los Gatos Freeway Cut -Through Traffic Study
Introduction
Traffic Patterns was contracted by the Town of Los Gatos to analyze freeway cut -through traffic within
the town from Highway 85 and Highway 17 in efforts to identify operations recommendations to help
deter traffic from using local town streets as freeway alternatives. Both Town staff and media
references note freeway cut through traffic within the Town of Los Gatos as a historical problem with
the largest impacts occurring during weekend periods. Freeway cut through traffic this summer is also
noted as being significantly more prevalent compared to prior years.
To help analyze and provide recommendations to the Town of Los Gatos Traffic Patterns conducted two
Saturday traffic monitoring sessions. The first session occurred on Saturday, August 1, 2015 and was
focused on documenting travel patterns through the city, noting excessive queue lengths, and
documenting any unusual motorist behavior. The second session occurred on Saturday, August 8, 2015
and was focused on conducting Floating Car - Travel Time comparisons on freeway routes versus cut -
through routes. In addition to the two weekend sessions Traffic Patterns also conducted Floating Car -
Travel Time studies during weekday PM commute and non -commute periods to help establish baseline
travel times through the town. Traffic Patterns also inventoried existing freeway guide signage
throughout the Town to identify recommendations for signage improvements.
The findings of the Freeway Cut -Through Traffic Study are documented within this report along with
Traffic Patterns recommendations for immediate, near-term and long-term improvements. Immediate
improvements are items that the Town should be able to implement within 4-6 weeks and are focused
primarily on signage & striping improvements. Near-term improvements should be feasible
improvement within 6 months and involve traffic signal modifications/timing improvements or
additional focused studies. Long-term improvements will very in duration depending on capital funding,
plan ning/environmental analysis and resident/polity input. The recommendations are summarized
below with more detailed information as to how the recommendations were formulated documented
within the report.
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
ATTACHMENT 2
To: Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo: Town of Los Gatos —freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date: August 31, 2015
Page: 2 of 37
Summary of Recommendations
No. Term
Brief Description
1 Near -Term
Use Southbound Hwy 85 Changeable Message Sign (CMS) at
Pollard Rd to advise motorists to stay on Hwy 85 towards Hwy 17
2 Near -Term
Install Freeway Travel Time equipment along both Highway 85
and Highway 17 to City of Santa Cruz to feed into CMS's
3 Long -Term
Install Cantilever CMS on Northbound Highway 85 between
Bascom Avenue and Union Avenue exits
4 Immediate
Obtain Caltrans Encroachment Permit to install Portable CMS's
along freeways
5 Immediate
Install static freeway guide signs along Winchester Blvd and Los
Gatos Blvd at Lark Avenue to guide motorists towards freeway
on -ramps at Lark Avenue and Highway 9
6 Immediate
Supplement new static freeway guide signs along Winchester
Blvd and Los Gatos Blvd with "Highway Pavement Markers" to
better delineate freeway on-ramp routes
7 Immediate
Initiate study for Lark Avenue improvements from Winchester
Blvd to Hwy Southbound Ramps
8 Long -Term
Install Blank -Out No Right Turn signs at Highway 9 & Massol
Avenue and Highway 9 & Tait Avenue to restrict eastbound right
turn movements into the Almond Grove neighborhood.
9 Long Study
Study "Relinquishment" of Highway 9 from Caltrans to Town of
Los Gatos and implement seasonal LEFT TURN ONLY restrictions
for Southbound Santa Cruz Avenue traffic at Highway 9
10 Immediate
Manage traffic signal timing along Los Gatos Blvd between
Blossom Hill Road and Highway 9
11 Immediate
Study Signage & Striping at Los Gatos Blvd & Highway 9 to better
highlight Highway 17 on -ramps
12 Near -Term
Modify traffic signals along Main Street between Santa Cruz
Avenue and University Avenue to eliminate conflicting
movements that impact roadway efficiency
13 Long -Term
Initiate Complete Street Study to identify community -preferred
improvements to promote connectivity while simultaneously
deterring cut -through traffic
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
To: Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo: Town of Los Gatos — Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date: August 31, 2015
Page: 3 of 37
Existing Conditions: Traffic Pattems from Freeway Cut -Through Traffic
Traffic Patterns conducted field observations on Saturday, August 1, 2015 to document existing traffic
patterns conditions resulting from freeway cut through traffic through the Town of Los Gatos.
Observations were made by bicycle traveling across the Town between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Figure 1
— Existing Freeway Cut -Through Traffic Patterns documents Traffic Patterns field observations during the
Noon to 2:00 PM time frame and serves as the basis for recommendations documented within this
report. Congested roadway segments are show in Red bold color, Yellow areas represent minor
congestion and Green areas represent free flow travel conditions.
Figure 1
Existing Freeway Cut Through Traffic Patterns
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
To: Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo: Town of Los Gatos — Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date: August 31, 2015
Page: 4 of 37
Cut -Through Route: SB Highway 85 to Winchester Blvd -Santa Cruz Avenue
Motorists traveling along southbound Highway 85 in the exit lane to southbound Highway 17 find
themselves in the same exit lane to Winchester Boulevard. With the advent of real-time travel time
data now available to motorists via remote apps or in -dash vehicle navigation systems, the use of
Winchester Boulevard as an alternative route to the freeway appears as an attractive route with no
visible congestion from the top of the off -ramp. By the time motorists finds themselves in queues at the
base of the off -ramp to Winchester Blvd motorists end up on a path with longer travel times towards
Santa Cruz County than if they had stayed on the freeway. Providing motorists with real-time travel
information regarding travel times to Santa Cruz County from Highway 85 prior to the Winchester Blvd
would be beneficial in informing motorists and possibly influencing their decision to staying on the
freeway instead of using the Winchester Blvd -Santa Cruz Av corridor as a Cut -through route.
A freeway cantilever Changeable Message Sign (CMS) is located on Southbound Highway 85
approximately a half -mile north of the Winchester Boulevard -Highway 17 exit near the Pollard Road
Bridge. This sign is in the ideal location to provide motorists with travel time information. Travel time
information on CMS's is dependent upon data availability. Caltrans relies on travel time information
from solutions such as Inrex Corporation. Town Staff has met with Caltrans to determine if Inrex
Corporation, or other data sources, are available that can provide accurate travel time information
between Highway 85 and the Santa Clara County limit of Highway 17.
Caltrans is currently researching the availability of Inrix Corporation travel time data and will contact
Town staff directly regarding its findings. If accurate travel time data along the Highway 85/Highway 17
corridor is not available, Caltrans and Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) staff will need to identify
opportunities to install equipment that can collect this information to help ensure accurate information
for display on freeway cantilever CMS'. Caltrans has a strict policy to protect the integrity of their CMS
program so only accurate travel time information can be displayed.
Traffic Patterns participated in the last Caltrans/NTA/Town meeting and suggested the use of the
existing cantilever CMS sign to simply highlight the Santa Cruz County route on Highway 17 as well as to
encourage Caltrans to allow the use of Portable CMS signs on State right-of-way, ahead of the
Winchester Blvd exit and other freeway intersections within the town. Caltrans was open to the both
suggestions pending Inrex Corporation data confirmation and Travel Time comparison information along
Winchester Boulevard versus Highway 85/Highway 17. The Town has submitted an Encroachment
Permit to Caltrans to allow the portable CMS sign installations and Traffic Patterns collected the
requested travel time information as part of its August 8th field observations. The travel time findings
are provided in Figures 2 and 3 — Highway 85/17 Versus Winchester Blvd -Santa Cruz Av Cut -Through
Route, AM versus PM respectively.
Figure 2 shows that staying on the Southbound Highway 85 to Highway 17 route is as much as faster
than the Winchester Blvd -Santa Cruz Av Cut -Through Route. During the start of the freeway rush at
10:00AM travel times on the freeway route take approximately seven minutes compared to the cut -
through route which takes about eleven minutes from the Winchester Blvd exit ramp to the Santa Cruz
Av on-ramp merge. As the day progresses travel times on the freeway remain quicker compared to the
Winchester Blvd -Santa Cruz Av cut -through route by more than one minute.
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
To:
Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo:
Town of Los Gatos — Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date:
August 31, 2015
Page:
5 of 37
Figure 2
Travel Time Comparison @ 10:06 AM
Southbound Highway 85/17 versus Winchester Blvd -Santa Cruz Av Cut -Through Route
Highway Route vs Cur-thru Route
SB Highway 85 to 58 Highway 17
Travel Time Run - 8/8/15, 10:06 AM
oil
0.14
01; 10.17 M33 3030 1103
0735
M17
09B
a:.a ma
0630 Obs)
ass6 a6:v
5 3
0:03 03:43
03]3
092 W55 Oyu 01:33
0000
000
' 4 � 8 i $_ 8 ''{ i X n g ^ H
2 1
- 3 3 4 3 6 ) B 9 SO 11 ]1 33 14 15 l6 D L
�OMeu route •ar'13tl+�.ev Fw:< �PoN-IO�fwevbNel
Figure 3
Travel Time Comparison @ 2:00 PM
Southbound Highway 85/17 versus Winchester Blvd -Santa Cruz Av Cut -Through Route
Highway Route vs Cut-thru Route
SB Highway 85 to SB Highway 17
Travel Time Run - 8/8/15, 1:45 PM
025
3125 x140
11M 221
033
010
1841
017
16:200
'ya 4-rS
014
la 51
r
O
0:31
008
ff?'
05:16
0425
005
0345
0215
01D20000
00'90
000
itc
E
2
m
0
a
S
g
m
m
1
2
3
4 5 6
)
8 9
10
U
12
13
le
15 16
17 A
�dt�nr WM.
-0 t"6 .Ya w
_v
Iv mw
avrblae)
Traffic Patterns a PO BOX 25 a Danville, CA 94526 a info@trafficpatterns.net a (408) 916-8141
To:
Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo:
Town of Los Gatos — Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date:
August 31, 2015
Page:
6 of 37
Figure 2 and 3 highlight the importance of better informing motorists regarding accurate travel time
information.
Recommendation No. 1(Near-Term) — Southbound Hwy 85 Cantilever CM5 Use
Traffic Patterns recommends that the Town continue to work with Caltrans and VTA staff to advocate
for the use of the existing southbound Highway 85 Cantilever CMS at Pollard Road. Regardless of Travel
Time Data Sources, Traffic Patterns suggests the following CMS Language by Time -of Day on Summer
and Holiday Weekends:
SANTA CRUZ
USE HWY 17 SOUTH
Recommendation No. 2 (Near -Term) —Travel Time Data Equipment Collection on Hwy 85/Hwy 17
($250,000)
Traffic Patterns recommends that the Town continue to work with Caltrans and VTA staff to install
Travel Time Data Collection equipment along Highway 85 and Highway 17. On Highway 17 Travel Time
Data Collection Equipment should extend into Santa Cruz County to Highway 1 so that accurate Travel
Time Information in Santa Clara County can be made available to motorists.
Figure 4
Existing Cantilever CMS on Southbound Highway 85 & Pollard Rd Bridge
With Illustrative Message
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatlerns.nel • (408) 916-8141
To:
Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo:
Town of Los Gatos —Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date:
August 31, 2015
Page:
7 of 37
Cut -Through Route: NB Highway 85 to Bascom Avenue -Los Gatos Boulevard -Main Street
Traffic Patterns also conducted freeway route versus cut -through route for the northbound Highway 85
approach to southbound Highway 17 versus Bascom Avenue -Los Gatos Boulevard -Main Street route.
The travel time findings are provided in Figure 5 and 6.
Figure 5
Travel Time Comparison @ 10:30 AM
Northbound Hwy 85 to Southbound Hwy 17 versus Bascom Avenue -Los Gatos Blvd -Main St
Highway Route vs Cut-thru Route
NO Highway 85 to SB Highway 17
Travel Time Run 8/8/15, 10:30 AM
o ->t
x"B
ox
025
o -m
UMS
I9L0 1433
�+s rse us
o-v,.r.—w—+—+
Ul2
ca
01714M
01,
e
0.14
]320 oto i2:i0
om �m
0m esm
®w V Mffi
1009
0w
5xo
0O
01U
0
002
OtU 0
-
000
6
yx,
iit111
15 A
V a 0
�ne�Ne�u
• K•�wea�e
iav6 i.p.rvau.�
Figure 6
Travel Time Comparison @ 2:22 PM
Northbound Hwy 85 to Southbound Hwy 17 versus Bascom Avenue -Los Gatos Blvd -Main St
Highway Route vs Cut-thru Route
MB Highway 85 to SB Highway 17
Travel Time Run - 8/8/15, 2:22 PM
oz
025
UMS
I9L0 1433
��
am
Ul2
01714M
0.14
]320 oto i2:i0
®w V Mffi
1009
am
0m
5xo
0O
01U
0
002
OtU 0
000
yx,
m
C
p
s
E
3
1
2 3
5
6
7 9 9
30
31 12 ll
U 15
U
17 U
19
�uttnry
imae-sM6v.er
Awn �RMINdwer lbuel
Traffic Patterns a PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 a info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
To: Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo: Town of Los Gatos — Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date: August 31, 2015
Page: 8 of 37
Figure 5 and 6 show that the Bascom -Avenue -Los Gatos Blvd -Main St route reduces travel time for
motorists by as much as six minutes in the morning. As the day progresses travel time reach an
equilibrium with no travel time savings for motorists on a cut -through route through town.
There are no existing cantilever CMS signs located along northbound Highway 8S north of Union
Avenue, the prior freeway exit before Bascom Avenue. A cantilever CMS located after Union Avenue
and before Bascom Avenue would allow Caltrans to provide the same travel time information or
advisory messages suggested for the southbound Highway 85 route.
Recommendation No. 3 (Long -Term) — Freeway Cantilever CMS for NB Hwy 85 ($500,000)
Traffic Patterns recommends that the Town work with Caltrans and VTA staff to install freeway
Cantilever CMS sign on northbound Highway 85 between the Union Avenue and Bascom Avenue
interchanges to help provide motorists with freeway Travel Time information or advisory messages to
stay on Highway 17 to Santa Cruz County. There is an existing bicycle -pedestrian overpass located
between this section, exploring the installation of the CMS on this structure may provide a cost savings.
A new transportation sales tax initiative is being considered for the 2016 election. The Town should
discuss freeway improvements considered in and around Los Gatos with VTA and Silicon Valley
Leadership Group (SVLG) staff as part of that initiative to determine if a CMS at Highway 85 between
Bascom Avenue and Union Avenue can be considered.
Traffic Patterns did not conduct any travel time data collection on Southbound Highway 17 between 1-
280 and the Santa Clara County -Santa Cruz County limit. Traffic Patterns did take visual notes regarding
queues along Southbound Highway 17 and noted queues extending to Camden Avenue by 10:00AM and
to Hamilton Avenue by the early afternoon. Traffic Patterns has no recommendations for CMS
improvements or use along southbound Highway 17 in this section as it is outside of the scope of this
study.
Portable CMS Signs on Freeway for Advisory Messages
While Town staff continue to work with Caltrans and VTA staff for CMS use and improvements along the
freeway network, the use of portable CMS signs does remain a viable alternative to provide motorists
with immediate information regarding suggested travel routes towards Santa Cruz County. Traffic
Patterns has provided Town staff with recommended Portable CMS Sign Locations in order for the town
to obtain a Caltrans Encroachment Permits to install signs within the State right-of-way. Portable CMS
signs can be temporarily installed along the freeway and messages programmed to be displayed by
Time -of -Day and messages varied quickly as incidents on the freeway occur. Caltrans will limit messages
to advisory messages only. The Traffic Patterns suggested freeway locations and messages are provided
in Exhibit 1-3.
Recommendation No. 4 (Immediate) — Portable CMS on Freeway Routes
Traffic Patterns recommends that the Town work with Caltrans to obtain an encroachment permit to
install Portable CMS signs on NB Highway 85 before the Bascom Avenue exit, SB Highway 85 before the
Winchester Blvd exit, and SB Highway 17 before the Lark Avenue exit. Exit sign locations and suggested
messaged for use with the encroachment permit application are provided in Exhibit 1.
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns. net • (408) 916-8141
To:
Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo:
Town of Los Gatos — Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date:
August 31, 2015
Page:
9 of 37
Suggested Los Gatos Traffic Flow Map
Using traffic data from field observations and input from Town staff, Traffic Patterns prepared the
Suggested Los Gatos Traffic Flow Mop in Figure 7 and 8 to help guide policy and community discussions
regarding traffic operations strategies to help deter cut -through freeway traffic through the Town.
Figure 7
Suggested Traffic Flow Map — Lark Avenue
In North Los Gatos, Traffic Patterns suggests better prioritizing the use of Lark Avenue towards Highway
17 to help deter cut -through traffic from both Winchester Boulevard and Los Gatos Boulevard. Although
this is a rather straight forward suggestion, the existing field conditions do not currently highlight Lark
Avenue as a route towards Highway 17. Traffic Patterns did not identify any freeway guide signage
along either Winchester Boulevard or Lark Avenue to guide motorists towards Highway 17 via Lark
Avenue.
Traffic Patterns - PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
To: Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo: Town of Los Gatos — Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date: August 31, 2015
Page: 10 of 37
Vehicle turn restrictions would further prioritize the suggested traffic route in Figure 7. Identifying
strategies to force motorists onto the preferred route is an immediate improvement that the Town
should pursue. After vehicles are on Lark Avenue Caltrans has standard freeway guide signs to highlight
the on-ramp facilities but the signs are obstructed by vegetation; the vegetation should be trimmed to
improve sign visibility.
New freeway guide sign that highlight the Lark Avenue route to Highway 17 on-ramp facilities can be
further emphasized through the use of preformed thermoplastic roadway markers in the Highway 17
shield. The markers can be installed adjacent to new static signage on both Winchester Blvd and Los
Gatos Blvd respectively. Traffic Patterns has provided suggested Signage & Striping Plans in Exhibit 4-5.
Recommendation No. 5 (Immediate) — Install Static Freeway Guide Signs along Winchester Blvd and
Los Gatos Blvd to Mark Lark Avenue as a Route to Highway 17
$200,000
Traffic Patterns recommends the installation of static freeway guide signs along southbound Winchester
Blvd near Wimbledon Drive and on southbound Winchester Blvd near Bennett Way.
Recommendation No. 6 (Immediate) — Install Preformed Thermoplastic Highway 17 Shield Markers
adjacent to new Static Freeway Guide Signs
$50,000
Traffic Patterns recommends the installation of Highway 17 Shield Markers adjacent to new Static
Freeway Guide Signs to further emphasize suggested turning movements towards Lark Avenue.
Turning movement count data at the Winchester Blvd & Lark Avenue and Lark Avenue & Hwy 17 Ramps
intersections is provided in the Exhibits section of this report. During the peak hour on weekends
(11AM-Noon), the southbound through (towards Downtown) and left turn (towards Highway 17)
Winchester Boulevard movements are almost equal at over 700 vehicles each. At the Lark Avenue &
Highway 17 Ramps intersection the left turn (onto Highway 17 On -Ramp) movements in the same peak
hour is very low at less than 20 vehicles noting that motorists are not accessing southbound Highway 17
from Winchester Boulevard. This demonstrates the need for better freeway guide signage on
Winchester Boulevard north of Lark Avenue.
During periods when cut -through traffic is being
experienced or on a recurring seasonal schedule,
the use of dynamic message signs on Winchester
Blvd and Los Gatos Blvd would further
emphasize preferred travel routes. The dynamic
signs can also be used by the town to provide
messages for town events during non -commute
travel periods.
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
To: Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo: Town of Los Gatos -Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date: August 31, 2015
Page: 11 of 37
Recommendation No. 7 (Immediate) — Initiate study for Lark Avenue Improvements between
Winchester Blvd to Hwy 17 Southbound Ramps, $200,000
Traffic Patterns recommends that the Town initiate a focused traffic study to identify corridor
improvements along Lark Avenue between Winchester Boulevard and the Highway 17 Southbound
Ramps to force movements towards Highway 17 during cut -through traffic periods.
For motorists that exit southbound Highway 85 to Winchester Blvd or for vehicles that are already
traveling on Winchester Blvd from San Jose, forcing a southbound left turn towards Lark Avenue should
be considered. Alternatives can include:
• Winchester Blvd & Lark Avenue Roundabout ($2,000,000)
The Winchester Blvd & Lark Avenue intersection is currently traffic signal controlled. North of
Lark Avenue southbound Winchester Blvd has two through travel lanes and two southbound left
turns prioritizing automobile traffic. South of Lark Avenue the two southbound Winchester Blvd
lanes immediately merge to one lane. Westbound Lark Avenue has two left turn lanes.
Removal of the traffic signal and replacement with a Roundabout may better facilitate vehicle
movements at the intersection and provide the town with an easy method to restrict access to
Winchester Blvd south of Lark Avenue. The four existing southbound Winchester Blvd lanes can
be reduce to two lanes, one for the southbound through movement and the second for the
southbound left turn movement deprioritizing Winchester Blvd as an automobile route.
The southbound through lane can move through the roundabout unimpeded during non -
commute and weekend conditions to ensure the intersection continues to support local resident
and merchant travel. The southbound through lane can be easily closed for weekend and
holiday freeway rush traffic conditions. Similarly, the two westbound left turn lanes on Lark
Avenue can be reduced to one lane and the westbound right turn continue to move through the
roundabout unimpeded. The "Yield" control approach of the roundabout would allow for
merging through the facility and remove delays currently experienced from traffic through
traffic signals controls.
Under the current traffic signal configuration of the Winchester Blvd & Lark Avenue intersection,
lane closure to divert traffic from southbound Winchester Blvd towards Lark Avenue is
cumbersome and difficult for town staff to implement. The roundabout would funnel a single
southbound Winchester Blvd travel lane into a Yield control roundabout that eliminates any
delay from a traffic signal facility. During non -commute or weekend traffic, the roundabout
may offer additional roadway efficiencies and better accommodate bicycle and pedestrian
movements through the intersections. Roundabouts also offer an opportunity to build a unique
gateway treatment near the town's norther periphery. Further in this report traffic control
recommendations for the upcoming Labor Day weekend are provided that demonstrate the
difficulty in implementing traffic control at the existing Winchester Blvd & Lark Avenue
intersection.
• Lark Avenue& University Avenue Traffic Signal Operations($30,000)
Once traffic is diverted onto eastbound Lark Avenue away from southbound Winchester Blvd,
provisions to further deter motorists from making a right turn movement towards southbound
University Avenue should be implemented either concurrently with or ahead of improvements
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns-net • (408) 916-8141
To: Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo: Town of Los Gatos — Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date: August 31, 2015
Page: 12 of 37
at Winchester Blvd & Lark Avenue. The Lark Avenue & University Avenue intersection is
currently traffic signal controlled. The existing traffic signal controller at the intersection can be
used as a tool to implement "No Right Turn" restrictions through the use of Blank -out Message
Signs that can be easily installed on the traffic signal facility. The use of the Blank -out Message
signs can be used immediately ahead of improvements at Winchester Blvd & Lark Avenue if the
town chooses. Enforcement would be required to cite motorists making the illegal movement
but the citation would be enforceable by the California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 22101.
• Lark Avenue —Oka Rood to Highway 17 Southbound Romps ($250,000)
To complete the Winchester Blvd to Lark Avenue suggested travel route towards Highway 17,
the Lark Avenue & Highway 17 Southbound Ramp intersection would need to be studied to
determine if the existing eastbound left turn storage lane can provide sufficient storage capacity
for the diverted traffic from Winchester Blvd. There is an existing landscaped median island
between the Highway 17 Southbound Ramps and Oka Road. The median island can be modified
to extend the eastbound left turn storage lane to Oka Road but this will require removal of an
existing tree.
• Winchester Boulevard & Shelburne Way— No Left Turn Southbound ($500)
South of Lark Avenue, southbound traffic queues on Winchester Boulevard were observed to
consistently reach the Eaton Lane -Wild Way intersection. Shelburne Way serves as the only
route to University Avenue before Blossom Hill Road. Many vehicles were observed turning
southbound left onto Shelburne Way form Winchester Boulevard. Although no speed data was
collected vehicle speeds on this short block of Shelburne Way were noted as high.
A Time -of -Day No Left Turn restriction for weekends only from SAM to 4PM would restrict the
left turn movement without impacting resident access during other periods. Enforcement
would be required to properly build behavior. Static sign restrictions should be sufficient.
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 9452G • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
To: Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo: Town of Los Gatos — Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date: August 31, 2015
Page: 13 of 37
Recommendations 5 through 7 above focus on diverting traffic from Winchester Boulevard to eastbound
Lark Avenue. Additional improvements along Los Gatos Boulevard to prioritize the use of Highway 9 and
improve roadway operations are discussed further within this report.
Figure 8
Suggested Traffic Flow Map — Highway 9
Figure 8 suggest two priority routes at the Highway 9 & Santa Cruz Avenue intersection:
• Eastbound Highway 9 — "No Right Turn" onto Massol Avenue or Tait Avenue
• Southbound Santa Cruz Avenue — LEFT TURN ONLY to Eastbound Highway 9
The suggestions try to balance demand on Santa Cruz Avenue south of Highway 9. The majority of
traffic observed on Santa Cruz Avenue south of Highway 9 was observed coming from the Winchester
Boulevard area. If the southbound Winchester Boulevard -Santa Cruz Avenue traffic can be diverted
onto eastbound Highway 9 towards Highway 17 via "LEFT TURN ONLY' restriction, this would
significantly reduce the traffic load on Santa Cruz Avenue through the Downtown area. Traffic
attempting to access Downtown would be allowed to turn right onto University Avenue. Traffic trying to
access Highway 17 would be encouraged to continue across University Avenue with the on-ramp
directly ahead. Additional improvements at University Avenue & Main Street are discussed further
within this report that would discourage University Avenue as a cut -through route to Main Street to
access to the Highway 17 on-ramp.
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns. net • (408) 916-8141
To: Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo: Town of Los Gatos — Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date: August 31, 2015
Page: 14 of 37
Along Highway 9, Town staff installed temporary "No Right Turn — Except Local Traffic" turn restrictions
from eastbound Highway 9 at Massol Avenue and Tait Avenue. The use of the "Except Local Traffic"
advisory element make right turns at the intersection unenforceable. In order for the turn restriction to
be enforceable the "Except Local Traffic' advisory message would need to be removed and enforcement
of all illegal turn movements enforced in order to build behavior change. This restrictions would also
impact Almond Grove resident so soliciting additional community input is recommended. The
restrictions can be made "time -of -day" on weekends only or with dynamic signage.
Traffic Patterns observed the westbound left turn from Highway 9 to southbound Santa
Cruz Avenue (to Downtown) being impacted by queues such that motorists could not
complete their movement even on a green left turn arrow signal indication. Motrists
were observed repeatedly observed existing the left turn storage lane to continue west
on Highway 9 followed by a left turn onto Massol Avenue. Even with temporary "No
Left Turn — Except Local Traffic" sign restrictions installed by the town, many vehicles SAT -SUN
were observed turning into the Almond Grove Neighborhood continuing towards Tait
Avenue -Main Street to access the Highway 17. in,,,- A_
The suggested LEFT TURN ONLY restriction for southbound Santa Cruz Avenue at Alternate "No Right
Highway 9 would ensure motorists trying to make the westbound left turn from Turn' Signage on
Highway 9 to Santa Cruz Avenue can complete their movement. Coupled with the Highway 9 at Tait Avenue
No Right Turn restrictions from Highway 9 onto Massol Avenue and Tait Avenue, and Massol Avenue
any traffic that does continue westbound on Highway 9 towards the Massol Avenue
intersection would result in significantly less traffic in the Almond Grove Neighborhood.
Traffic Patterns observed many vehicles that turned from eastbound Highway 9 onto Santa Cruz Avenue
into downtown accessing downtown parking leading to a conclusion that many travelers from
eastbound Highway 9 (from Saratoga -Monte Sereno) are visiting Downtown Los Gatos so maintaining
their access to downtown would support local merchant activity.
Recommendation No. B (Long -Term) — Install Blank -Out "No Right Turn" signs at Eastbound Highway
9 at Massol Avenue and Tait Avenue ($125,000)
Traffic Patterns recommends the installation of dynamic blank -out "No Right Turn' signs along Highway
9 at Massol Avenue and Tait Avenue. The signs can be set by time -of -day or remotely turned on during
incidents. These signs would be installed along the Caltrans right-of-way requiring an encroachment
permit and possibly additional focused traffic study work to confirm the eastbound right turn at
Highway 9 & Santa Cruz Avenue would not be adversely impacted. Static restrictions signs can be an
immediately improvement if local and policy input supports their installation.
The LEFT TURN ONLY restriction from southbound Santa Cruz Avenue to eastbound Highway 9 can be
implemented through the use of dynamic blank -out signs as well. The blank -out signs will require power
and would function best when controlled by the traffic signal controller at the intersection. Both the
Highway 9 & Santa Cruz Avenue and Highway 9 & University Avenue intersections are currently Caltrans -
Traffic Patterns - PO BOX 25 - Danville, CA 94526 - into@trafficpatterns. net - (408) 916-8141
To: Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo: Town of Los Gatos — Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date: August 31, 2015
Page: 15 of 37
operated and maintained. The Town should consider requesting relinquishment of the two traffic
signals to local control to provide the town with greater flexibility in operating traffic along Highway 9.
Recommendation No. 9 (Long -Term) — Study the Relinquishment of the Highway 9 traffic signals to
Town control to allow for LEFT TURN ONLY restrictions from
Southbound Santa Cruz Avenue onto Highway 9, $400,000
Traffic Patterns recommends the LEFT TURN ONLY movement from southbound Santa Cruz Avenue to
eastbound Highway 9 to limit traffic loads onto Santa Cruz Avenue through Downtown. The existing
traffic signal would easily allow for implementation of blank -out signs for the restriction but since
Caltrans operates and maintains the traffic signals at the intersection, additional traffic studies will be
required along with possible relinquishment of the facility to the town.
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
To: Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo: Town of Los Gatos — Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date: August 31, 2015
Page: 16 of 37
Bascom Avenue -Los Gatos Boulevard -Main Street Corridor
The Bascom Avenue -Los Gatos Boulevard -Main Street Corridor provides access from San Jose to Los
Gatos supporting commercial land uses along the way. Los Gatos Boulevard has 3 travel lanes in each
direction north of Blossom Hill Road making it an attractive alternative to Highway 17. The travel times
discussed in Figures 5 and 6 show the travel time savings from using this route over Highway 17.
Between Roberts Road and Nino Avenue the corridor transitions from 2 lanes in each travel direction
then to one lane resulting in increased congestion due to the lane merge coupled with heavier traffic
volumes. Within this same area the land uses transition from commercial to residential with higher
bicycle and pedestrian activity from local residents.
Traffic Patterns observed poor traffic signal progression between Blossom Hill Road and Highway 9. Any
pedestrian activity or local traffic side -street traffic would transition the traffic signals at Shannon Road,
Nino Avenue, and Caldwell Avenue -Kennedy Drive. As a result, sporadic queues were observed arriving
in inconsistent platoon lengths at Highway 9, the Los Gatos Boulevard & Highway 9 traffic signal
operates extremely inefficiently as a result adding further delay to the intersection and corridor. Travel
Time data between Blossom Hill Road and Highway 9 along the corridor during weekday commute and
non -commute periods show slower travel times through this section as well.
Recommendation No. 10 (Immediate) Manage Traffic Signal Timing Plans along Los Gatos Boulevard
between Blossom Hill Road and Highway 9
Traffic Patterns checked different traffic signal cabinets throughout town to note Max. Green Times in
Free Mode operation and noted a consistent 36 -second to 40 -second Max. Green Time use, this would
be too low for the volume of traffic traveling along corridors such as Los Gatos Boulevard and
Winchester Boulevard -Santa Cruz Avenue.
Traffic Patterns recommends the development and implementation of new coordinated traffic signal
timing plans along Los Gatos Boulevard between Blossom Hill Road and Highway 9. The new timing
plans should "Hold Green' along Los Gatos Boulevard to help better move platoons of vehicles through
the corridor. The timing plans should identify the typical delay increase to residents and side street local
traffic and that information made available to the community to help educate residents ahead of time.
A minimum 60 -second Split Time for Los Gatos Boulevard traffic may be appropriate.
At the Los Gatos Boulevard & Highway 9 intersection, there is one Highway 17 marker sign installed just
north of Highway 9 for southbound traffic. Increasing the size of this sign and supplementing the sign
with preformed thermoplastic Highway 17 markers would better inform motorists to turn right towards
Highway 17. A Concept Signage & Striping Plan for Los Gatos Blvd & Highway 9 is provided in Exhibit 6.
Recommendation No. 11 (Immediate) Improve Signage and Roadway Markings at Southbound Los
Gatos Boulevard & Lark Avenue to Highlight the Highway 17
Ramps on Lark Avenue, $7,500
Traffic Patterns recommends Signage & Striping Improvements highlight the Highway 17 freeway ramps
on Lark Avenue.
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
To: Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo: Town of Los Gatos — Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date: August 31, 2015
Page: 17 of 37
On Main Street queues were observed consistently between Santa Cruz Avenue and Los Gatos High
School. All -Way STOPs exist at Loma Alta Avenue, Pleasant St -Jackson St, and College Avenue. Traffic
Signal controls exist at University Avenue and Santa Cruz Avenue. Through the All -Way STOP
intersections traffic moves slowly and consistently. At the traffic signal controls grid -lock takes place
due to what appears to be poor signal coordination and traffic signal sequencing.
At Main St & University Avenue the traffic signal operates as a 3 -Way Split signal sequence. Northbound
and Southbound Santa Cruz Avenue traffic operate independently of one another, each with an
associated pedestrian phase. The Main St signal interval moves concurrently along with pedestrians on
the north and south legs of the intersection. The concurrent pedestrian movements with the Main St
vehicle movement result in westbound left turn Main St traffic not being able to efficiently move
through the intersection, and the path is often blocked by pedestrians. When the eastbound right turn
movement from W Main St (cut -through traffic from Almond Grove Neighborhood) is heavy this further
impacts the ability of westbound left turn traffic from E Main St to turn onto Santa Cruz Avenue.
On Saturday, August 8", Los Gatos PD manually controlled the Main Street & Santa Cruz Avenue
intersection operating the traffic signal as a 4 -way split letting the westbound left turn move
independently of the conflicting eastbound right turn and any pedestrian movements on the south leg
of the intersection. Although this was efficient, southbound University Avenue quickly filled the void in
the westbound Main St left turn storage lane to Santa Cruz Avenue which continued to delay the ability
of westbound Main St traffic east of University Avenue to progress through the corridor.
Recommendation No. 12 (Immediate) Modify traffic signal operations along Main Street between
Santa Cruz Avenue and University Avenue to eliminate
Conflicting Movements that Impact Roadway Efficiency
Traffic Patterns recommends the town modify the traffic signal sequence at both the Main St & Santa
Cruz Avenue and Main St & University Avenue to remove conflicting movements and improve roadway
efficiency.
Alternative traffic signal operations that can be considered along Main Street include:
4 -Way Split Traffic Signal at Main Street & Santa Cruz Avenue ($2,500)
Town staff implemented a traffic signal operation change during the weekends of August 151"
and August 22nd to operate the intersection as a4 -way split. Traffic Patterns didn't conduct any
field observations those weekends but town staff noted significant improvements in the
operation of the intersection. Traffic Patterns recommends additional 12 -Hour traffic data
collection to determine if the 4 -way split should be made permanent or as a time -of -day,
weekend only operation.
A 4 -way split also splits the Main St pedestrian movements. When eastbound Main Street (to
University Avenue) is operating, the crosswalk on the south leg moves concurrently. When the
westbound Main movement (to Tait Avenue) is operating, the crosswalk on the north leg moves
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns. net • (408) 9168141
To: Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo: Town of Los Gatos — Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date: August 31, 2015
Page: 18 of 37
concurrently. Removal of the south leg crosswalk with the westbound Main St movement
allows the westbound left turn movement to operate without conflict.
• All Pedestrian Signal Intervals ($100,000)
All -Pedestrian signal intervals at both the Main Street & Santa Cruz Avenue and Main Street &
University Avenue intersections would allow for better signal progression along the westbound
Main Street corridor. The all -pedestrian signal interval can be operated permanently or by time -
of -day. When implemented, at Main St & Santa Cruz Avenue the traffic signal will operate as a
5 -way split with the pedestrians moving at all crosswalks simultaneously.
The 4 -way split benefits the westbound left turn Main Street movement while the 5 -way split
with the all pedestrian signal interval benefits the eastbound right turn movement. The traffic
signal modifications for all -pedestrian signal intervals should include the use of dynamic blank -
out "No Right Turn" signs to reduce right turn conflicts with the all -pedestrian interval.
• Main Street & University Avenue, Southbound "No Right Turn" on Red Restriction
At the Main St & University Avenue intersection the concurrent All Pedestrian Signal interval
would allow for better signal coordination at both intersections. Similar to Main St & Santa Cruz
Avenue, dynamic blank -out No Right Turn signs should supplement the All Pedestrian Signal
interval.
At Main Street & University Avenue, Traffic Patterns recommends that the dynamic blank -out
"No Right Turn" signs also operate to restrict the southbound right turn movement during Red
signal intervals. Such a restriction would prioritize the westbound Main Street traffic over
southbound University Avenue traffic from taking advantage of queue space created at the
westbound left turn at the Main St & University Avenue intersection. This additional No Right
Turn restriction for southbound University Avenue may result in additional queues along
University Avenue towards Bean Avenue so additional traffic modeling should be conducted to
better inform this decision. The additional delay to southbound University Avenue traffic
though may further create behavior change from using University Avenue as a cut -through
route to Highway 17.
Intersection Bulb -Outs along Main Street at Santa Cruz Avenue and University Avenue
($250,000 - $1,000,000)
When implementing all -pedestrian signal intervals, ensuring that adequate sidewalk space is
provided to queue pedestrians should be considered. In front of "Abeo" shoes and Main Street
Burgers on the northwest and southwest corners of the Main Street & Santa Cruz Avenue
intersection, the sidewalks are narrower than the other two corners of the intersection.
Creating larger pedestrian space should be further studied. Options can include bulb -outs or
conversion of the intersection to a Raised Table Intersection where the sidewalk and roadway
space are level but streetscape furniture such as bollards define the two spaces. Drainage
improvements should be considered under either alternative as catch basins would need to be
relocated.
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (4081 916-8141
To: Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo: Town of Los Gatos — Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date: August 31, 2015
Page: 19 of 37
LABOR DAY Weekend Traffic Management
The Town expressed interest in identifying strategies to help deter freeway cut -through traffic before or
for the Labor Day Holiday weekend on September 5-7, 2015. Traffic Patterns prepared a traffic control
plan, provided in Exhibit 7, which would demonstrates the preferred Lark Avenue travel traffic pattern
discussed earlier in this report. Implementation of the plan would require the use of contract traffic
control staff to implement plan. If the town receives an encroachment permit from Caltrans to install
the Portable CMS signs at freeway off -ramps, the CMS sign message at Highway 85 & Winchester Blvd
can be modified to highlight, "NO DOWNTOWN LG ACCESS" to deter any cut -through traffic.
Citywide Traffic Operations Considerations
The following additional improvements are suggested to help improve traffic operations but do not
necessarily address the issue of freeway cut -through traffic through the city by deterring the use of local
streets. Traffic Patterns is providing these suggestions to the Town due to operations impacts that
result from the cut -through traffic.
• Blossom Hill Rd Signal Progression
The Blossom Hill Road & N Santa Cruz Avenue and Blossom Hill Road & University Avenue
intersections should be analyzed for additional traffic signal optimization opportunities. A mini -
roundabout facility at Blossom Hill Rd & N Santa Cruz Avenue may operate the intersection
more efficiently as well. At Blossom Hill Rd & University Avenue the westbound left turn was
noted as excessively long during freeway cut -through conditions. Traffic Patterns suggested
keeping the westbound left turn split short to deter use of Blossom Hill Rd as a cut -through
route to University Avenue. This would result in delays but help to provide continued behavior
change to keep non -local traffic off of Blossom Hill Rd. It should be noted that the southbound
University Avenue left turn movement was high during all periods of the day, likely Vasona Park
traffic.
Winchester Blvd and Los Gatos Blvd— Option for Traffic Delay through Pedestrian Recall
Winchester Boulevard between the Highway 85 Southbound Ramp and Lark Avenue has two
additional traffic signals at the Bay Club Courtside Driveway and Wimbledon Drive. To further
deter use of Winchester Boulevard as a Cut -Through Route to Highway 85, the Town can create
intentional delay along Winchester Boulevard through the use of Time -of -Day Pedestrian Recall
at the two traffic signals. Similar strategies can be implemented along Los Gatos Boulevard at
select intersections to "meter' traffic through the corridor.
This would be an unusual traffic signal operation, by purposefully causing traffic delay, but it can
be easily implemented through programming of the traffic signal controllers. This suggestion
was not included as a Recommendation earlier in the report so that the town can discuss the
option of this strategy to weigh the trade-offs in travel time delay.
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info @trafficpatterns. net • (408) 916-8141
To: Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo: Town of Los Gatos — Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date: August 31, 2015
Page: 20 of 37
Santa Cruz Avenue Pedestrian Crossings through Downtown ($30,000 per intersection)
The excessive traffic queues result in gridlock through Downtown. Although this in theory can
make it easier for pedestrians to move across the intersections, as vehicles are all stopped, it
was noted that all of the existing crossing are poorly marked and not highly visible. The
crosswalks are all currently marked with standard 12 -inch white crosswalks. The use of
preformed thermoplastic material at the crosswalks can better mark the crosswalks during non -
queuing conditions. The preformed thermoplastic material is available in brick -like stamp
patterns and colors that local merchants and residents may find as an aesthetic improvement to
match the quaint downtown character of the area.
• Pedestrian Activated Flashing Beacons at Select Intersections ($20,000 per intersection)
The uncontrolled pedestrian crosswalks at Main Street & Villa Avenue and Main Street & Church
Street can be difficult for pedestrians to cross as the weekend cut -through traffic builds -up
through the day. The use of pedestrian -activated flashing beacons, in addition to better high -
visibility crosswalk markings would improve pedestrian accessibility across Main Street for
pedestrians.
Traffic Patterns suggests a 3 -element beacon system with a 12 -inch Amber LED, LED -embedded
Pedestrian Warning Sign, and a Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon. The high intensity of such a
beacon configuration would immediately grab motorist attention helping to build Yield
compliance. These beacons systems are available as solar -powered solutions helping to reduce
implementation costs.
Santa Cruz Avenue & Montebello -Broadway Intersection ($1,000)
Traffic Patterns observed motorists failing to Yield to pedestrians crossing the intersection. This
intersection represents the first uncontrolled and unobstructed path towards the Highway 17
Southbound on-ramp after traveling through long queues from either Winchester Blvd -Santa
Cruz Avenue or Los Gatos Blvd -Main Street so motorists quickly increase vehicle speeds
approaching the Montebello -Broadway and Toll House Hotel area. In the northbound direction
traffic from the Northbound Highway 17 Off -ramp is just entering the City at higher vehicle
speeds. Although no vehicle speed traffic data was collected as part of this study, vehicle
speeds south of Montebello -Broadway are noted as high.
Conversion of the Santa Cruz Avenue & Montebello -Broadway intersection to an All -Way STOP
should be studied to determine if an All -Way STOP can be implemented without queue impacts
to the traffic signalized Main Street & Santa Cruz Avenue intersection. The analysis should
consider existing traffic signal sequences (3 -way split) and the proposed traffic signal sequence
considerations discussed earlier this report such as use of the All -Pedestrian Signal Interval.
Marking the crosswalk with decorative preformed thermoplastic would further enhance the
crosswalk facility.
• Citywide Traffic Signal System and Communications Network Upgrade ($2,500,000)
Poor traffic signal coordination was noted along the Winchester Boulevard, Santa Cruz Avenue,
Los Gatos Boulevard, and Main Street corridors. Traffic Patterns recommends that the town
consider a Citywide Traffic Signal System and Communications Network project. The traffic
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns. net • (408) 916-8141
To: Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo: Town of Los Gatos — Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date: August 31, 2015
Page: 21 of 37
signal system replacement would include replacement of the existing traffic signal controllers,
inventory and replacement of aged traffic signal cabinet, and upgrades to traffic signal timing.
Newer traffic signal controllers will give the Town the ability to implement additional traffic
signal timing strategies including'Bicycle" specific timing features. Traffic signal timing
modifications can also include adjustments to Minimum Green Times and Flashing Don't Walk
times to comply with Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standard for bicycle
and pedestrian mobility.
The communications network upgrade would include extension of fiber optic cables to traffic
signals that currently communicate through phone drops reducing long-term operations costs
while offering the city the additional benefit of traffic monitoring equipment to assist in
responding to highway cut -through traffic incidents. Traffic monitoring equipment can be
shared with local police enforcement to help in dispatching of Public Works or Police staff during
weekend traffic incidents when Traffic Engineering staff is not available.
Complete Street Considerations
Recommendation No. 13 (Long -Term) Initiate Complete Streets Study to identify Community -
Preferred Corridors for Improvement
Traffic Patterns recommends the town initiate a Complete Streets study to identify community -
preferred corridors for projects. The study should include development of Concept Plan Line
alternatives to help develop project cost estimates.
The following additional Complete Street considerations are being provided to the Town for
consideration of additional long-term improvements that would reduce automobile priority on
residential arterial streets.
• Los Gatos Boulevard Complete Street
Consider reducing Los Gatos Boulevard between Lark Avenue and Blossom Hill Road to 2 -
through lanes. Roadway space gained from the reduction can be used to create larger sidewalks
with larger shade trees or grade -separated multi -use trail facilities to prioritize bicycle and
pedestrian travel along the corridor.
• Winchester Boulevard Complete Street
Winchester Boulevard between Lark Avenue and Blossom Hill Road is already one -through lane
southbound and two lanes northbound. Consider reducing to one -through lane in each
direction. The additional roadway space can be used to provide landscaped median islands
reducing the arterial roadway feel of the street. Consistent bicycle lanes can also be provided
through a reconfiguration of the roadway.
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
To: Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo: Town of Los Gatos — Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date: August 31, 2015
Page: 22 of 37
• Blossom Hill Road Complete Street
Blossom Hill Road was not thoroughly discussed in this report in the context of cut -through
highway traffic. The street provides 2 -through lanes in each direction between Cherry Blossom
Lane and Roberts Road. At the Highway 17 overpass one lane in each direction is provided. East
of the overpass the eastbound direction reverts back to 2 -through lanes while only one -through
westbound lane is provided. Consider reducing Blossom Hill Road to one -through lane
consistently between Hillbrook Drive and Winchester Boulevard. Between Los Gatos Boulevard
and Blossom Hill Elementary School a grade separated multi -use trail would prioritize and
support Safe Routes to School operations. East of Los Gatos Boulevard the same grade -
separated multi -use trail would provide enhanced walking and biking facilities to the Downtown.
• Major Intersection Reconfigurations
At major intersections removal of automobile -priority elements can be considered to better
balance active travel modes. For example, at Los Gatos Boulevard & Blossom Hill Road free right
turn lanes are provided at each corner of the intersection that limited pedestrian mobility.
Removal of the porkchop islands, if feasible without major Level of Service (LOS) impacts, would
create larger dwelling space for pedestrians at the intersection and create additional landscape
space softening the arterial roadway feel of the street. Earlier in the report, bulb -outs and
raised intersection tables were discussed for the Main Street & Santa Cruz Avenue intersection,
these are other examples of Complete Street considerations that may be appropriate at other
high -pedestrian volume intersections. If a Highway 9 relinquishment study were to yield
feasible results, the Highway 9 & Santa Cruz Avenue should also be considered for Complete
Street improvements.
Highway 17 Ramp Operations
Traffic Patterns recommends that the Town initiate a Highway 17 Access study to determine if
seasonal, time -of -day, or permanent closure of the Southbound Highway 17 On -Ramp at Santa
Cruz Avenue can be implemented. Seasonal or time -of -day restriction could limit southbound
Highway 17 access to weekdays only and significantly reduce the amount of highway cut -
through traffic experienced in the town. Limiting the requested closure to the on-ramp only
may be better received by Caltrans than both the on-ramp and off -ramp closure. The access
study should identify the appropriate location for turn -around points for automobile traffic and
include a wayfinding signage element to help guide traffic away from the on-ramp during
closure periods.
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
To:
Lisa Peterson
Tech Memo:
Town of Los Gatos —Freeway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date:
August31,2015
Page:
23 of 37
Traffic Data collected by Traffic Patterns as part of this that is provided in the Exhibits section of this
report. Also included within the Exhibit section is a Constructability Matrix that demonstrates the
difficulty of the various improvements discussed within this report versus cost to help guide policy
discussions.
Traffic Patterns is available to discuss any of the recommendations within this report with Town staff or
policy makers. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (408) 916-8141.
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
EXHIBIT 1
Highway 85 & Winchester Blvd Off -Ramp
Portable CMS Location
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
EXHIBIT 2
Highway 85 & Bascom Avenue
Portable CMS Location
' ' H}53DY553�131W NMJ 3KY11g0 �Tre000
€�,l��l
N011YYbCI llif�tl
lN)'.NO�OtlO43 BNYMIT/J erv>.
SOlYO SOI lO MMOl s 000
A
�egge�
t�
e�
g s
sQ
V Z i6
10-12 3
PIS
Y� 5
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
EXHIBIT
Highway 2&Lark Avenue
Portable CMS Location
Traffic Patterns . PO BOX 25 .Danville, CA 94526.. a_cpat,.(408) 9 a,
~
_ .-..
§._
000
/
,
§�
�
�
�
Z
t
f k
}�
.
|§/
k
_
/fy
� \
NW
f
{811
Traffic Patterns . PO BOX 25 .Danville, CA 94526.. a_cpat,.(408) 9 a,
EXHIBIT 4
Winchester Blvd & Lark Avenue
Concept Signage & Striping Improvements
quew.,,atlury Witl WS4*Beu615
s g ' ill
e MU -V W" V VN91goyauLM "�''"'•"
p 1 1 000
"two cello uMol
EEb
E m�
asw1j
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns. net • (408) 916-8141
EXHIBIT 5
Los Gatos Blvd & Lark Avenue
Concept Signage & Striping Improvements
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
EXHIBIT 6
Los Gatos Blvd & Highway 9
Concept Signage & Striping Improvements
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns. net • (408) 916-8141
3
EXHIBIT 7
Labor Day Weekend Traffic Management Plan
Winchester Blvd and Lark Avenue Corridors
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
i
f!
77 -t �
f
i � ►
fill! i
i� , til }
cif'
it
!`pi
f
(�
!
!
13
f
i
,'Fuz
c ttltf
I
lip
,III
g
i
000
1000
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
d
F
EXHIBIT 7
Labor Day Weekend Traffic Management Plan
Winchester Blvd and Lark Avenue Corridors
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
0:17
0:14
0:11
0:08
0:05
0:02
EXHIBIT 8
Highway 9 Travel Time Data
Highway 9 Travel Time
Quito Road to Highway 17 On -Ramp
Cut-thru Route
Highway 9 to Santa Cruz Av to SB Hwy 17
Travel Time Run - 8/8/15, 11:20 AM
15:42 16:02 16:18
0 000
0:00
a'
...
m d
N
0
O
N
uR
L t
C l7
O
O
.moi
�
r
N
T
A
9
m
m
O
S
m
,y`
N
1 2 3 4
5
6 7
8 9 10
11 12
13 14
15 16
17
18
--*—Cut-thru Route
Note long travel time through Downtown Los Gatos Core area between Santa Cruz
Av and Main Street
at approximately 12 -minutes.
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
EXHIBIT 9
Intersection Turning Movement Count
Winchester Blvd & Lark Avenue
Intersection Turning Movement Counts (Automobiles Only)
Winchester Boulevard & Lark Avenue
Saturday, August 1, 2015
3 -Hour Totals: 2135 2180 663 880 780 128D
Peak Hour Totals:
rfti941117-11V e?[.T7a
736 1 709 1 247 1 3D6 1 279 447
*10:45 first intersection blockage results
from Winchester left turn movement
blocking Lark Ave left turn movement;
not a major issue, minimal delays
Traffic Count Findings:
• Through and Left Turn traffic from Southbound Winchester Blvd nearly equal
• 709 vehicles continuing through the intersection from Winchester Blvd towards Downtown
• Additional 279 vehicles turning from Lark Avenue onto Winchester Blvd during peak hour
• Total 988 vehicles approaching Downtown from Winchester Blvd & Lark Avenue intersection
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
Winchester SB
Winchester NB
Lark WB
Start Time
Left Turn
Thru
Right Turn
Thru
Left Turn
Right Turn
10:00 AM
146
145
42
64
63
88
10:15 AM
162
179
38
77
53
111
10:30 AM
187
176
41
73
52
91
10:45 AM
174
193
49
80
62
99
11:00 PM
205
220
65
77
54
118
11:15 PM
160
172
51
69
69
101
11:30 PM
169
177
60
83
81
118
11:45 PM
202
140
71
77
75
110
12:00 PM
170
189
61
68
46
125
12:15 PM
158
175
58
78
78
105
12:30 PM
176
208
59
59
79
112
12:45 PM
226
206
68
75
68
102
3 -Hour Totals: 2135 2180 663 880 780 128D
Peak Hour Totals:
rfti941117-11V e?[.T7a
736 1 709 1 247 1 3D6 1 279 447
*10:45 first intersection blockage results
from Winchester left turn movement
blocking Lark Ave left turn movement;
not a major issue, minimal delays
Traffic Count Findings:
• Through and Left Turn traffic from Southbound Winchester Blvd nearly equal
• 709 vehicles continuing through the intersection from Winchester Blvd towards Downtown
• Additional 279 vehicles turning from Lark Avenue onto Winchester Blvd during peak hour
• Total 988 vehicles approaching Downtown from Winchester Blvd & Lark Avenue intersection
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
EXHIBIT 10
Intersection Turning Movement Count
Lark Avenue & Hwy 17 Ramps -Garden Hill
Traffic Count Findings:
• 445 vehicles turning right from
Highway 17 SB Off -ramp
towards Winchester Blvd in the
peak hour
• Only 8 vehicles turning from EB
Lark Avenue onto SB Hwy 17
On-ramp in the peak hour
• Coming from the Los Gatos
Boulevard area, 832 vehicles
continuing on Lark Avenue
towards Winchester Blvd
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
p
N
o
0
0
.+
a
a
a
.+
.+
o
Y
o`
i
T
L
o
J
�
m
N
n
N
m
e
a
n
m
H?
m
•�
Y
K
n
m
m
m
n
e
m
m
N
n
m
N
m
f
N
n
N
^
N
F
8
�
n
J
J
n
Y
K
O
O
e1
O
e
m
e1
O
m
N
O
e1
N
N
''�
•�
N
N
N
O
Y
N
N
N
m
H
^
O
a
�
5
u
3
5
e
0
r
m
a
N
m
n
N
¢
-
t•
V
%
Y
Y
n
m
m
m
�O
N
N
h
n
f
^
T
N
M O
N
O
n
a
.oi
o
•
¢
o
¢
�
¢
a
¢
N
¢
o
¢
N
¢
o
¢
N
n
o
a
�
n
o
n
N
�'
N
pl
Traffic Count Findings:
• 445 vehicles turning right from
Highway 17 SB Off -ramp
towards Winchester Blvd in the
peak hour
• Only 8 vehicles turning from EB
Lark Avenue onto SB Hwy 17
On-ramp in the peak hour
• Coming from the Los Gatos
Boulevard area, 832 vehicles
continuing on Lark Avenue
towards Winchester Blvd
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
EXHIBIT 11
Intersection Turning Movement Count
Highway 9 & Los Gatos Boulevard
Intersection Turning Movement Counts (Automobiles Only)
Highway 9 & Los Gatos Boulevard
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Start Time
LG Blvd NB
LG Blvd SB
HW 9 EB
Left Turn
Thru
Right Turn
Thru
Left Turn
Right Tum
11:00 AM
78
70
179
101
79
22
11:15 AM
78
60
158
77
58
15
11:30 AM
65
65
172
103
78
24
11:45 AM
78
52
138
110
55
16
12:00 PM
83
66
168
110
73
20
12:15 PM
89
58
166
94
61
27
12:30 PM
98
69
166
104
70
25
12:45 PM
59
71
148
114
95
34
2 -Hour Totals: 628 1 511 1 1295 1 813 1 569 1 183
Peak Hour Totals:
Noon -1P
3291 264 648 422 299 106
Traffic Count Findings:
• Roughly 2/3rds of southbound Los Gatos Boulevard traffic turns right onto Highway 9, while the
other 3rd continues towards Downtown
Traffic Patterns • PO BOX 25 • Danville, CA 94526 • info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
EXHIBIT 12
Intersection Turning Movement Count
Highway 9 & University Avenue
Intersection TwnlnB Movement Counts 1Autemoblles Only)
HK6way 9 t Unl.'.' Nmue
Saturday, August 1, 2015
2 H ,T ol.ls I :15 6U. 10' 96 1799 174 1 97 186 396 1 614 564 ID4
PeRF Hour
Neon-SPIA
lot 336 53 53 889 98 I 45 1 91 202 1 286 307 58
Traffic Count Findings:
• Majority of eastbound Highway 9 traffic continues towards Highway 17
• Limited eastbound right turn volume from High 9 towards Downtown indicates that University
Avenue is likely not being used a highway cut -through route
Traffic Patterns e PO BOX 25 e Danville, CA 94526 e info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
Hui 9w6
HW 9E6
UnvRRR N9
Unversdy 50
ShnTuse
Loft Turn
Thor
A MTurn
Lehlum
TRry
Right Turn
Leh Tum
I THry
Right Turn
Leh Turn
TRm
R tTum
11:00 AM
23
93
30
t0
210
16
16
24
60
94
52
la
1115 AM
27
89
19
Il
223
14
11
33
53
109
69
E
11:30 AM
31
81
9
14
226
22
12
22
40
71
65
20
1145 AM
31
83
16
6
239
24
9
18
41
54
91
9
" 00 PM
16
92
30
12
103
30
16
24
54
73
79
13
12:15 PM
28
91
18
17
227
27
E
3s
56
64
74
22
12.30 PM
26
92
8
12
243
25
13
17
50
61
85
13
1245 P61
31
73
17
12
216
16
12
15
42
66
1 69
30
2 H ,T ol.ls I :15 6U. 10' 96 1799 174 1 97 186 396 1 614 564 ID4
PeRF Hour
Neon-SPIA
lot 336 53 53 889 98 I 45 1 91 202 1 286 307 58
Traffic Count Findings:
• Majority of eastbound Highway 9 traffic continues towards Highway 17
• Limited eastbound right turn volume from High 9 towards Downtown indicates that University
Avenue is likely not being used a highway cut -through route
Traffic Patterns e PO BOX 25 e Danville, CA 94526 e info@trafficpatterns.net • (408) 916-8141
EXHIBIT 13
Constructability Matrix
- Lark Av Corndor - Complete
Improvements Streets
- Main St Corndor - Highway Ramp
Improvements Closures
- Traffic Signal Mods
- Signage & Highway CMS
Sbi ing - City Traffic Signal
- Portable Highway /Communications
CMS Upgrade
- Traffic Signal
Timing
Easy Difficult
This matrix demonstrates the difficulty versus cost of implementing the various types of improvements
recommended within this report.
Traffic Patterns - PO BOX 25 - Danville, CA 94526 - info@trafficpatterns.net - (408) 916-8141
TRAFFIC
PATTERNS
September 29, 2015
Lisa Petersen
Town of Los Gatos
41 Miles Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Subject: Supplemental Traffic Report
Los Gatos Highway Cut -Through Traffic Study
This supplemental traffic report summarizes traffic monitoring conducted during the Labor Day
Weekend of September 7, 2015 in the Town of Los Gatos. Prior to the Labor Day Weekend, Traffic
Patterns and Town staff conducted traffic monitoring during the months of July and August following
community concerns regarding cut -through highway traffic impacting local streets during weekend
highway traffic incidents. Traffic Patterns submitted a Final Report based on the initial traffic
observations on August 31, 2015.
The Town implemented several traffic management strategies recommended by Traffic Patterns prior ,to
and during the Labor Day Weekend, including:
• Caltrans Highway Changeable Message Signs (CMS)
Caltrans used its overhead CMS signs to provide advisory messages to motorists reading, "Santa
Cruz Traffic Use Hwy 17". Labor Day Weekend marked the first time Caltrans used its existing
overhead CMS signs for Los Gatos traffic management.
• Town Portable CMS on Highways
Caltrans issued an Encroachment Permit to the Town to let the Town install and maintain
Portable CMS on both Highway 17 and Highway 85. The signs displayed messages similar to the
Caltrans overhead CM5 signs. Signs were located at Highway 85 & Bascom, Highway 85 &
Winchester, Highway 17 & Camden, and Highway 17 & Lark.
• Town Portable CMS on Local Streets
The Town installed portable CMS signs at key intersections within the town to advise, 'Beach
Traffic (to use) Use Highway 17". These signs were installed in August and maintained through
the Labor Day Weekend. Sign locations include Winchester Blvd & Lark Ave, Santa Cruz Av &
Highway 9, Los Gatos Blvd & Lark Ave, and Los Gatos Blvd & Fillmer Ave.
• Highway 9 Turn Restrictions at Almond Grove
Starting in August the Town implemented weekend No Right Turn restrictions at Highway 9 &
Massol Ave, and Highway 9 & Tait Ave. The restrictions were initially posted on barricades but
traffic cones were also added for the Labor Day Weekend.
To: Lisa Petersen
Subject: Supplemental Report—Highway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date: September 29, 2015
Page: 2 of 3
Main Street & Santa Cruz Avenue — Four Way Split Traffic Signal Phasing
The traffic signal sequence and timing at Main St & Santa Cruz Av was modified to allow the
intersection to operate as a 4 -way split. The intersection normally operates as a 3 -way split with
the Main St approaches moving concurrently. The Labor Day Weekend operations included
splitting the Main St approaches as well. This allows the westbound left turn from Main St to
southbound Santa Cruz Av (towards Highway 17 on-ramp) to move unimpeded from eastbound
Main St traffic or pedestrian movements. Prior to Labor Day Weekend Town PD operated the
intersection as a 4 -way split manually.
Traffic Signal - Pedestrian Recall Delays
Traffic signals along the Winchester Blvd and Los Gatos Blvd corridors were placed on Pedestrian
Recall Mode to purposely cause delay along the two corridors in efforts to increase delay to
make the corridors unattractive cut -through routes to Highway 17. The Pedestrian Recalls were
implemented prior to but also maintained through Labor Day Weekend. Town staff did not
telephone complaints from residents and travelers due to the additional delay as major streets
were delayed with no vehicle or pedestrian presence from side streets.
Traffic Patterns conducted traffic observations several times leading to the Labor Day Weekend as part
of the development of the initial project report submitted on August 31". During the Labor Day
Weekend Traffic Patterns conducted observations on Saturday, September 7th and Monday, September
9th
Initial observations on Saturday September 7th noted positive results compared to previous weekends.
Traffic Patterns credits the reduced traffic on Winchester Blvd to the use of the Caltrans overhead CMS
and installation of portable CMS on the highways advising motorists to use Highway 17 towards Santa
Cruz. The reduced traffic demand on Winchester Blvd was notable both days monitored by Traffic
Patterns.
The traffic management strategies noted above were all -effective in regulating traffic on local streets.
Traffic Patterns and Town staff both agree though that highway traffic demand was lower on both days
leading to less cut -through traffic.
On Sunday, September 8th Traffic Patterns was not in Town but Town staff noted heavy traffic demands
that day consistent to other summer weekends. Town staff noted excessive queues along both
Winchester Blvd, Los Gatos Blvd, and N Main St. It appears that regardless of the strategies in place
when highway traffic demand exceeds capacity that motorists seek whatever alternative route to help
reduce their travel time.
Based on the final Labor Day Weekend observations and Town input, Traffic Patterns recommends the
following actions to help manage future highway incident traffic. Prior recommendations from the
August 31't report are also still valid.
To: Lisa Petersen
Subject: Supplemental Report— Highway Cut Through Traffic Study
Date: September 29, 2015
Page: 3 of 3
1. Work with Caltrans to make Permanent the use of Highway CMS:
The use of the Caltrans overhead CMS signs appeared to be effective in encouraging motorists
to remain on the highways towards Santa Cruz, especially when combined with town CMS signs.
Caltrans should be encouraged to consider installation of an additional overhead CMS on
northbound Highway 85 before Bascom Avenue to deter use of Los Gatos Boulevard as a cut -
through route.
2. Continue to implement "Immediate" improvements previously recommended including:
• Freeway guide signs and highway pavement markers along the Winchester Blvd and Los
Gatos Blvd corridors to guide motorists towards highway on -ramps at Lark Avenue.
• Development of coordinated traffic signal timing plans along Los Gatos Boulevard.
Although the Town implemented Pedestrian Recall mode along the Los Gatos Boulevard as a
strategy to deter traffic, coordinated traffic signal timing plans along Los Gatos Boulevard
will benefit resident during non -highway incidents.
• Initiate study for Lark Avenue Improvements between Winchester Boulevard to Hwy 17
Southbound Ramps.
Alternatives such as a roundabout to replace the traffic signal at Winchester Boulevard &
Lark Avenue should be studied to help identify "easy to implement" traffic management
strategies to restrict access to Winchester Boulevard south of Lark Avenue. Additional
improvements to study capacity improvements to the southbound Highway 17 ramps and
turn restrictions at Lark Avenue & University Avenue will also be required.
3. Continue to Prioritize "Near -Term" improvements previously recommended including:
Install Travel Time equipment along the Winchester Blvd and Los Gatos Blvd corridors to
establish more baseline traffic data and identify future trends.
Conduct further studies of the N Main St corridor between Santa Cruz Ave and University
Ave to determine if minor traffic signal timing strategies such as the use of All Pedestrian
Signal intervals can further benefit traffic operations and pedestrian safety. The analysis can
also determine if the 4 -way split implemented during the Labor Day Weekend should made
permanent or continue as a weekend only strategy.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jaime Rodriguez at (408) 916-8141.
Cut Through Traffic Mitigation Measures
Costs rated from least expensive to most expensive $ to $$$
ATTACHMENT
Regio
1
Changeable message signs.
Minimal evidence
Pro: Demonstrates
Selective use in the
of effectiveness.
action.
future, especially on
Con: Potential
southbound N. Santa
negative impact on
Cruz before Highway
business.
9. Discontinue use
of freeway signs.
Cost- $
2
Close entry to Tait and Massol
Significant
Pro: Very evident
Implement seasonal
at Highway 9.
reduction in
impact on cut
closure.
residential cut
through traffic.
Cost - $
through traffic.
Con: Can affect
residents as well.
3
Increased PD enforcement,
Minimal ongoing
Pro: Increased PD
Discontinue.
including citing for intersection
impact.
presence can help
Cost - $$
and other traffic violations.
with gridlock.
Con: Significant
overtime
expenditures
without much
impact. Heavy
handed appearance.
4
Control intersections with
Significant short
Pro: Real time
Discontinue.
officers manually.
term impact by
adjustments to
Implementing
addressing real
traffic.
permanent
time traffic flow.
Con: Significant
infrastructure
overtime expense
improvements will
to implement.
help address this.
Could cause ripple
Cost - $$
effect at other
intersections.
5
Main Street at Santa Cruz
Allows for left
Pro: Increased
Make this change
Avenue signal operation
turns from Main to
number of vehicles
pennanent.
changes.
Santa Cruz without
make it through
Cost - $
cross traffic
each signal cycle.
conflict.
Con: This adds
some wait time to
each movement.
6
Townwide traffic signal
Creates artificial
Pro: Potentially
Discontinue.
modifications to slow cut
delays to slow first
encourages
Cost - $
through traffic.
part of cut through
vehicles to stay on
route.
freeway.
Con: Affects local
traffic equally.
7
Upgrade traffic signal system
Creates demand
Pro: Moves traffic
Pursue through Town
Townwide.
based intersection
more efficiently.
and outside funding.
control.
Con: Ultimate
Cost - $$$
bottleneck at S.
Santa Cruz creates
capacity issue.
ATTACHMENT
Cut Through Traffic Mitigation Measures
Costs rated from least expensive to most expensive $ to $$$)
8
Conduct a Highway 85,
None on its own.
Pro: Identifies
Pursue through
Highway 17, Los Gatos
issues with the
Envision SV 2040
corridor study.
roadway network.
funding.
Con: No
Cost - $$
immediate action.
9
Implement signage upgrades.
Better
Pro: Proactive
Pursue through
identification of
infrastructure
budget process.
freeway entrances
modification.
Cost - $
may lead drivers to
Con: Signage may
enter freeway
not supersede
sooner.
information from
Waze.
10
Freeway ramp metering lights.
Regulates flow of
Pro: Provides for
Work with Caltrans
traffic onto
an adjustable
to implement.
freeway, providing
means of managing
Cost — No cost to
for smoother traffic
traffic onto
Town as this would
flow.
freeways.
be a Caltrans project.
Con: Potential
impact to local
streets from
queues.
11
Freeway ramp closure or
Removes a portion
Pro: Potentially
Implement a pilot in
closure of S. Santa Cruz Ave.
of the reason for
significant impact
partnership with
traffic to cut
and easy to undo
Caltrans.
through while
on the day of if not
Cost - $
leaving downtown
working.
accessible.
Con: Buy in from
Caltrans and Waze
essential. Could
create local traffic
gridlock.
12
Implement one way traffic on
Shifts ability of
Pro: Could
Do not pursue.
N. Santa Cruz going north.
vehicles to travel
discourage traffic.
Cost - $$$
south, removing
Con: Potential to
the main cut
shift cut through
through route.
traffic to adjacent
streets.
13
Close Winchester at Lark
Forces traffic
Pro: Lessen cut
Conduct pilot during
Avenue to Southbound Traffic.
towards Highway
through originating
summer to assess
17 onramp on
on Winchester.
impacts.
Lark.
Con: Could
Cost - $
overwhelm Lark
onramp. Requires
management of
University Avenue
access.
Cut Through Traffic Mitigation Measures
Costs rated from least expensive to most expensive ($ to $$$)
14
Detailed study of Lark Avenue
Do not pursue.
None directly but
Pro: Could
from Winchester to Los Gatos
may identify ways
provide insight into
Changes from North
Boulevard.
to get traffic to
an increasingly
40 Development may
enter the freeway at
congested corridor.
affect this area
this location.
Con: Intuitively
further.
difficult to
Cost - $$
encourage cut
through traffic to
enter the freeway at
this location.
15
Work with Caltrans to
Allows for greater
Pro: Could
Do not pursue.
relinquish Highway 9 to Town.
flexibility in
improve
Cost - $$$
roadway
coordination and
operations.
align operation
with Town
priorities.
Con: Could be
expensive to
acquire the
highway, especially
including ongoing
maintenance costs.