DATE: May 1, 2018
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steven E. White, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: Stop Signs at DeWitt Avenue and National Avenue
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
TITLE
Adopt a resolution authorizing stop signs at the intersection of Dewitt and National Avenues, stopping eastbound and westbound traffic on National Avenue, making it a 2-way stop.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will allow the installation of stop signs at this location, improving traffic safety by requiring vehicles on National Avenue to stop in the eastbound and westbound directions. This item pertains to a location in District 5.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION:
If the recommended action is not approved by your Board, the traffic controls at this location will remain unchanged. National Avenue will continue to be a through road.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. The estimated cost for the 2-way stop is $250 for materials and $100 for equipment and labor that will be performed by Department of Public Works personnel. Sufficient appropriations are included in the Department’s Roads Org 4510 FY 2017-18 Adopted Budget Fund 0010, Subclass 11000, Account 7260 (Special Departmental Expense).
DISCUSSION:
DeWitt and National Avenues are two-lane county roads that intersect north of Ashlan Avenue between Minnewawa and Clovis Avenues, in Tarpey Village. The maximum speed limit on this residential road is 25 miles per hour (MPH). Traffic on National Avenue is controlled by a stop sign at Minnewawa and Clovis Avenues. However, at DeWitt Avenue, there are no stops on any corner, which is typical of other intersection locations in the Tarpey Village area. Traffic volumes on both roads range from 200 to 600 vehicles per day (VPD).
Right-of-way assignment for uncontrolled intersections is defined in the California Vehicle Code (CVC). A basic rule of the road, at an intersection where no traffic-control devices are present, requires the vehicle on the left to yield to the vehicle on the right if they arrive at approximately the same time. Section 21800(a) of the CVC states that “the driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from another highway”. For intersections not controlled by yield signs, stop signs, or traffic signals, the driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection should be able to see potentially conflicting vehicles in sufficient time to stop before reaching the intersection. Stopping sight distance is provided continuously along each highway or street, including intersection approaches, is fundamental to intersection operation. Sight distance is provided at intersections to allow drivers to perceive the presence of potentially conflicting vehicles. This should occur in sufficient time for a motorist to stop or adjust their speed, as appropriate, to avoid colliding in the intersection.
Studies performed by Department staff indicate that stop sign installation for eastbound and westbound National Avenue at DeWitt Avenue is appropriate and will improve traffic safety at this intersection.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Vicinity Map
On file with Clerk - Resolution
CAO ANALYST:
Sonia M. De La Rosa