DATE: October 11, 2016
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steven E. White, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: Stop signs at the intersection of Bethel and Conejo Avenues
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
TITLE
Adopt a resolution authorizing stop signs at the intersection of Bethel and Conejo Avenues, stopping eastbound and westbound traffic on Conejo Avenue, making it an all-way stop.
REPORT
The stop signs at this location will improve traffic safety and service by requiring all vehicles to stop at the intersection.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If the recommended action is not approved, the intersection will remain a two-way stop, with traffic on Bethel stopping for traffic on Conejo Avenue.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. The estimated cost is $100 for materials and $300 for labor and equipment for a total estimated cost of $400. Appropriations for this work are included in the Public Works and Planning - Roads Org 4510 FY 2016-17 Adopted Budget. County personnel will perform the work.
DISCUSSION:
Staff conducted an all-way stop analysis in 1996, based on a request from the City of Kingsburg (City). The study concluded that the intersection of Bethel & Conejo Avenues did not meet the warrants for the installation of all-way stop. No actions were taken and the intersection remained two-way stop. In 2002 and 2003, the City again requested all-way stop, and the warrants were not met either. In the most previous study, Bethel and Conejo Avenues meets the warrants for all-way stop.
Bethel and Conejo Avenues are two lane roads that intersect on the western edge of Kingsburg. The surrounding land is flat and level and is mainly agricultural in nature. The southeast corner of the intersection is within the city limit, which consists of curb, gutter, and sidewalk. Kingsburg Fire Department station is located at the southeast corner. Conejo Avenue transitions from a two-lane undivided road west of Bethel to a two-lane divided road with raised median east of Bethel Avenue.
The pavement width on Bethel and Conejo Avenues is approximately 24 feet in county jurisdiction and wider within the city limits. The speed limit on both roads is 55 MPH, except for eastbound Conejo Avenue, east of Bethel which is 35 MPH. The daily traffic volume is approximately 3,200 vehicles per day (VPD) on Bethel Avenue and 3,250 VPD on Conejo Avenue.
Intersection traffic controls consist of “Stop Ahead” symbols and pavement legends, stop signs, stop bars, and “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop” signs. Traffic on Bethel Avenue is controlled by a stop sign in both directions on Conejo Avenue at Bethel Avenue. In general, broadside crashes are correctable by a stop sign. There have been 5 collisions in a consecutive 12-month period that could have been correctable by a four-way stop. The current traffic volumes, for both Bethel Avenue as well as Conejo Avenue, meet the minimum threshold for the installation of an all-way stop. This location also meets the requirement of a 4-way stop with collisions and traffic volumes, as outlined in the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA-MUTCD). Less restrictive measures, such as the installation of “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop” signs on either side of Bethel on Conejo have been tried to alleviate the issue with no acceptable effect.
Traffic studies performed by Department staff indicate the stop signs for eastbound and westbound traffic on Conejo Avenue are appropriate and will improve traffic safety at this intersection.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Vicinity Map
On file with Clerk - Resolution
CAO ANALYST:
John Hays