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To: From: Date: Re: Background This study of the Second Street Cor Avenue. The primary focus of this s the corridor and to make recomme streets” or “livable streets” philosop The study includes an analysis of th existing conditions and proposed r vehicle queues, travel delay, walkin the corridor. The analysis will recommended improvements. Existing Conditions Roadway Characteristics Second Street provides access to th Summit United Methodist Churc surrounding neighborhoods. The ro volumes ranging from 9,000 to 11,0 Avenue. Based on historical count d level over the past few years. Second Street between Jefferson width of 40 feet from edge-of-pav Street increases to 42 feet between roadway with curb and gutter, storm The speed limit along Second Stree school zone with a 20 mph speed li weekday times during the school ca Crosswalks for at least one crossing designated bicycle route on the City’ corridor has no continuous street li technical appendix illustrates the exi City of Lee’s Summit Department: Public Works Depart Memorandum Michael Park, PE, PTOE, City Traffic Enginee Shannon Jeffries, PE, PTOE, Senior Staff Eng May 22, 2013 Second Street Corridor Study orridor analyzes Second Street from Jefferson Street study is to determine if any safety or efficiency con endations accordingly. In addition, the study will con phy that accommodates various modes of transport he transportation needs of the corridor as well as a recommendations. Data such as crash history, leve ng routes and traffic volumes were utilized to identif compare and contrast these parameters to m he Gamber Community Center, Lee’s Summit Elemen ch, downtown Lee’s Summit businesses, City oadway is classified as a minor arterial with average 000 vehicles along the corridor from Jefferson Stree data, the ADT along this segment of Second Street h Street and Eastridge Street is striped as a four-la vement to edge-of-pavement (EOP). However, the n Eastridge and Independence Avenue. Second Stre m inlets and sidewalk infrastructure throughout mu et is 30 mph west of Grand Street and 35 mph east imit exists between Douglas Street and Johnson Str alendar year, as indicated by flashing beacons. g are provided at all of the signalized intersections. ’s Greenway Master Plan and proposed Bicycle Transp ighting, but lighting is provided at some intersection isting conditions on the Second Street corridor. tment er gineer t to Independence ncerns exist within nsider a “complete tation. comparison of the el of service (LOS), fy requirements of measure effect of ntary School, Lee’s Hall and several e daily traffic (ADT) et to Independence has remained fairly ane section with a e width of Second eet is an undivided uch of the corridor. of Grand Street. A reet during specific Second Street is a portation Plan. The ns. Exhibit A in the

2nd St Corridor Study

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Page 1: 2nd St Corridor Study

To: From: Date: Re:

Background

This study of the Second Street Corridor analyzes Second Street from

Avenue. The primary focus of this study is to determine if any safety or efficiency concerns exist within

the corridor and to make recommendations accordingly. In addition, the study will consider a “complete

streets” or “livable streets” philosophy that accommodates various modes of transportation.

The study includes an analysis of the transportation needs of the corridor as well as a comparison of the

existing conditions and proposed recommendations. Data such as crash history, level of se

vehicle queues, travel delay, walking routes

the corridor. The analysis will compare and contrast these parameters to measure effect of

recommended improvements.

Existing Conditions

Roadway Characteristics

Second Street provides access to the Gamber Community Center, L

Summit United Methodist Church, downtown L

surrounding neighborhoods. The roadway is classified as a minor arterial with average daily traffic (ADT)

volumes ranging from 9,000 to 11,000 vehicles along the corridor from

Avenue. Based on historical count data, the ADT along this segment of Second

level over the past few years.

Second Street between Jefferson Street and Eastridge Street is striped as a four

width of 40 feet from edge-of-pavement to edge

Street increases to 42 feet between Eastridge and Independence Avenue. Second Street is an undivided

roadway with curb and gutter, storm inlets and sidewalk infrastructure throughout much of the corridor.

The speed limit along Second Street is 30 mph west

school zone with a 20 mph speed limit exists between Douglas Stree

weekday times during the school calendar year, as indicated by flashing beacons.

Crosswalks for at least one crossing

designated bicycle route on the City’s Greenway Master Plan and proposed Bicycle Transportation Plan. The

corridor has no continuous street lighting, but lighting is

technical appendix illustrates the existing conditions on the Second Street corridor.

City of Lee’s Summit

Department: Public Works Department

Memorandum

Michael Park, PE, PTOE, City Traffic Engineer

Shannon Jeffries, PE, PTOE, Senior Staff Engineer

May 22, 2013

Second Street Corridor Study

This study of the Second Street Corridor analyzes Second Street from Jefferson Street to

Avenue. The primary focus of this study is to determine if any safety or efficiency concerns exist within

the corridor and to make recommendations accordingly. In addition, the study will consider a “complete

osophy that accommodates various modes of transportation.

The study includes an analysis of the transportation needs of the corridor as well as a comparison of the

existing conditions and proposed recommendations. Data such as crash history, level of se

s, travel delay, walking routes and traffic volumes were utilized to identify requirements of

the corridor. The analysis will compare and contrast these parameters to measure effect of

Second Street provides access to the Gamber Community Center, Lee’s Summit Elementary School, L

United Methodist Church, downtown Lee’s Summit businesses, City Hall and

roadway is classified as a minor arterial with average daily traffic (ADT)

volumes ranging from 9,000 to 11,000 vehicles along the corridor from Jefferson Street to

Avenue. Based on historical count data, the ADT along this segment of Second Street has remained fairly

Second Street between Jefferson Street and Eastridge Street is striped as a four-lane section with a

pavement to edge-of-pavement (EOP). However, the width of Second

Street increases to 42 feet between Eastridge and Independence Avenue. Second Street is an undivided

roadway with curb and gutter, storm inlets and sidewalk infrastructure throughout much of the corridor.

The speed limit along Second Street is 30 mph west of Grand Street and 35 mph east of Grand Street. A

school zone with a 20 mph speed limit exists between Douglas Street and Johnson Street during

times during the school calendar year, as indicated by flashing beacons.

least one crossing are provided at all of the signalized intersections. Second Street is a

designated bicycle route on the City’s Greenway Master Plan and proposed Bicycle Transportation Plan. The

corridor has no continuous street lighting, but lighting is provided at some intersections. Exhibit A in the

technical appendix illustrates the existing conditions on the Second Street corridor.

Public Works Department

Michael Park, PE, PTOE, City Traffic Engineer

Shannon Jeffries, PE, PTOE, Senior Staff Engineer

Jefferson Street to Independence

Avenue. The primary focus of this study is to determine if any safety or efficiency concerns exist within

the corridor and to make recommendations accordingly. In addition, the study will consider a “complete

osophy that accommodates various modes of transportation.

The study includes an analysis of the transportation needs of the corridor as well as a comparison of the

existing conditions and proposed recommendations. Data such as crash history, level of service (LOS),

and traffic volumes were utilized to identify requirements of

the corridor. The analysis will compare and contrast these parameters to measure effect of

Elementary School, Lee’s

businesses, City Hall and several

roadway is classified as a minor arterial with average daily traffic (ADT)

Jefferson Street to Independence

Street has remained fairly

lane section with a

pavement (EOP). However, the width of Second

Street increases to 42 feet between Eastridge and Independence Avenue. Second Street is an undivided

roadway with curb and gutter, storm inlets and sidewalk infrastructure throughout much of the corridor.

of Grand Street and 35 mph east of Grand Street. A

t and Johnson Street during specific

are provided at all of the signalized intersections. Second Street is a

designated bicycle route on the City’s Greenway Master Plan and proposed Bicycle Transportation Plan. The

provided at some intersections. Exhibit A in the

Page 2: 2nd St Corridor Study

Intersection Analysis

There are four intersections that were studied that are currently signalized. The signalized intersections are

comprised of the following:

• Second Street and Market Street

• Second Street and East Main Street

• Second Street and Douglas Street

• Second Street and Independence Avenue

All four of the traffic signals were analyzed to determine the existing level of service (LOS), vehicle queuing,

and intersection delay utilizing a static model, Synchro 7.0, and a dynamic model, SimTraffic 7.0, which are

widely accepted traffic operational analysis software in the traffic engineering industry. Level of service is

defined by the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM), published by the US Transportation Research Board, to

measure transportation operation as a function of the average vehicle control delay. The LOS system uses

the letters A through F, with A being the best condition and F being the worst condition. The City of Lee’s

Summit has adopted by Council resolution a level of service goal of C for traffic signal and stop controlled

intersections, but also recognizes in certain circumstances a LOS D, E or F may be acceptable. Exhibit’s B and

C in the technical appendix display the existing AM and PM peak hour LOS and vehicle queuing results for

each movement. For this study, as determined by daily traffic counts, the AM peak hour is defined as 7:15 –

8:15 AM and the PM peak hour is defined as 4:45 – 5:45 PM.

The traffic signals at Market Street and Independence Avenue are built with overhead mast arms and signal

heads over each lane. However, the traffic signals located at East Main Street and Douglas Street are

comprised of pedestal heads on the four corners of each intersection. Pedestrian push button activation

and pedestrian signal indications are provided at the intersections of Second Street with Market Street and

Independence Avenue. Improvements to the Second Street and Douglas Street signal have been planned

and funded to occur within the next twelve months. These improvements will provide mast arms, overhead

signal heads, pedestrian push button activation and pedestrian signal indications.

In addition to the signalized intersections there are four two-way stop controlled intersections that were

analyzed. The studied unsignalized intersections are comprised of the following:

• Second Street and Jefferson Street

• Second Street and Green Street

• Second Street and Eastridge Street

• Second Street and Grand Street

Tables 1 and 1A summarize the results of the existing intersection LOS and average vehicle delay during the

AM and PM peak hours for signalized and unsignalized intersections. Supporting data can be found in the

technical appendix.

Page 3: 2nd St Corridor Study

Table 1 - Existing Corridor Intersection Analysis

Signalized Intersections LOS Delay (sec)

AM PM AM PM

Second Street and Market Street A B 7.1 10.4

Second Street and East Main Street A A 4.8 8.7

Second Street and Douglas Street B B 10.3 12.4

Second Street and Independence Avenue B B 13.3 17.4

Table 1A – Existing Corridor Intersection Analysis

Unsignalized Intersections LOS Delay (sec)

AM PM AM PM

Second Street and Jefferson Street A A 5.3 6.2

Second Street and Green Street A A 1.9 2.4

Second Street and Eastridge Street A A 0.3 0.3

Second Street and Grand Street A A 1.5 2.1

Crash Data

Crash reports for the past five years within the study area were reviewed to help identify any crash

patterns. The data showed that the predominant crash type throughout the corridor was angle crashes.

It is believed that this high frequency of angle crashes is caused by the limited sight visibility of the

vehicles in the inside lane of oncoming traffic while making left turns at an intersection. The existing

four-lane section on Second Street forces left-turn traffic to cross two lanes of oncoming traffic with

potentially limited sight distance and therefore increases the likelihood of a crash. The second

predominate crash type is rear-end. Rear-end crashes were often found to result from the frequent

stops incurred by the inside lanes due to yielding left-turn traffic. Right-turn traffic in the outside lanes

also contributed to rear-end collisions. There did not appear to be any definitive data that linked crashes

to a particular time of day or night. Table 2 summarizes the crash history of the corridor for the last five

years. Individual crash diagrams for the corridor have been generated and can be found in the technical

appendix.

Page 4: 2nd St Corridor Study

Location Crash Severity Crash Type Frequency Total

Right-Angle 4

Rear-end 9

Sideswipe 1

Fixed Object 1

Fixed Object 1

Right-Angle 1

Sideswipe 1

Fixed Object 2

Right-Angle 12

Rear-end 3

Sideswipe 2

Fixed Object 1

Right-Angle 2

Rear-end 2

Midblock b/w Market &

MainPDO Sideswipe 1 1

Right-Angle 8

Rear-end 7

Sideswipe 1

Right-Angle 1

Rear-end 3

Right-Angle 22

Rear-end 16

Sideswipe 4

Fixed Object 3

Right-Angle 5

Rear-end 1

Sideswipe 1

Midblock b/w Douglas &

GreenPDO Rear-end 1 1

Right-Angle 9

Head On 1

Backed Into 1

Sideswipe 1

Right-Angle 1

Rear-end 1

Sideswipe 1

Fixed Object 1

Table 2 - 2nd Street Corridor Crash Summary

PDO

2nd & Jefferson

Injury

Injury

2nd & Main

17

Injury

20

Midblock b/w Jefferson &

MarketPDO 3

2nd & Market

PDO

Injury

22

2nd & Johnson PDO 4

PDO

2nd & Green PDO 12

2nd & Douglas

PDO

52

Page 5: 2nd St Corridor Study

Midblock b/w Johnson &

EastridgePDO

Sideswipe1 1

Midblock b/w Eastridge

and GrandPDO

Right-Angle1 1

Right-Angle 5

Rear-end 2

Sideswipe 2

Right-Angle 2

Rear-end 1

Sideswipe 1

Fixed Object 3

Right-Angle 2

Rear-end 3

Fixed Object 1

Sideswipe 1

Rear-end 1

Right-Angle 5

Rear-end 2

Backed Into 1

Fixed Object 1

Sideswipe 1

Injury Right-Angle 1

Midblock b/w

Independence & 291PDO Rear-end 1 1

170Grand Total

2nd & IndependencePDO

11

Midblock b/w Grand &

Corder

Midblock b/w Corder &

IndependencePDO 3

2nd & Grand

PDO

PDO 9

12

Injury

Table 2, continued - 2nd Street Corridor Crash Summary

The following five intersections were identified as having the highest crash frequency:

• Second Street and Douglas Street

• Second Street and Market Street

• Second Street and Main Street

• Second Street and Jefferson Street

• Second Street and Grand Avenue

Sight Distance

Staff collected sight distance data at intersections along the corridor. Sight distance is a road design

principle which helps ensure that a vehicle traveling at the speed limit will be able to stop before reaching

an object in its path. Adequate sight distance is a way of allowing drivers enough unobstructed vision in

order to avoid a collision. Required sight distance at an intersection is based on vehicle speed and is

documented in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) A Policy

on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets.

Intersection sight distance was determined to be inadequate at the following intersections. Measured sight

distance, recommended sight distance and stopping sight distance are detailed for each location in Table 3.

Page 6: 2nd St Corridor Study

Location ApproachDirection

Looking

Measured

Sight

Distance

(feet)

Speed

Limit

(mph)

Recommended

Sight Distance

(feet)

Stopping

Sight

Distance

(feet)

SW Second Street at SW

Market StreetSouthbound East 180 30 290 200

SW Second Street at the

alley between SW Market

Street and SW Main

Street

Southbound East < 100 30 355 200

SW Second Street at the

alley between SW Market

Street and SW Main

Street

Southbound West < 100 30 355 200

SE Second Street at SE

Main StreetNorthbound West 270 30 290 200

SE Second Street at SE

Main StreetSouthbound East 60 30 290 200

SE Second Street at SE

Eastridge StreetNorthbound East 385 35 415 250

SE Second Street at SE

Eastridge StreetNorthbound West 210 30 355 200

SE Second Street at SE

Grand AvenueNorthbound West 305 30 355 200

Table 3 - Intersection Sight Distance

The following recommendations address sight distance concerns for each intersection listed in Table 3.

• Right-turns on red are currently prohibited at the signalized intersection of Second Street and

Market Street for the southbound direction. The vertical curvature of the street restricts sight

distance to be less than the stopping sight distance for 30 mph. Right-turns on red should continue

to be prohibited.

• Retaining walls at the alley between Market Street and Main Street severely restrict sight distance

to be less than the stopping sight distance for a speed of 30 mph. Southbound traffic on the alley

should be prohibited to enter at Second Street to eliminate conflicts with southbound traffic at the

intersection. Alternate routes are available for southbound traffic.

• Measured sight distance at Second Street and Main Street for the northbound direction looking to

the west is slightly less than the recommended sight distance. This is a signalized intersection, thus

right-of-way for movements at the intersection are designated by the signal. No crashes have been

recorded within the past five years which indicated inadequate sight distance for the northbound

approach as a cause. Additionally, a signal ahead warning sign for eastbound traffic implies that side

street traffic may be present.

Page 7: 2nd St Corridor Study

• Right-turns on red are currently prohibited at the intersection of Second Street and Main Street for

the southbound direction. A large retaining wall severely restricts sight distance to be less than the

stopping sight distance for 30 mph. Right-turns on red should continue to be prohibited.

• The measured sight distance at the intersection of Second Street and Eastridge Drive for the

northbound direction is less than the recommended sight distance. Due to a building in the

southwest corner of the intersection sight distance is severely restricted for northbound traffic

looking west. Northbound traffic between Grand Avenue and Second Street should be prohibited to

eliminate conflicts with northbound traffic at the intersection. Grand Avenue is approximately 130

feet east of Eastridge Drive and could serve as an alternate route for northbound traffic.

• Measured sight distance at the intersection of Second Street and Grand Avenue is less than the

recommended sight distance for northbound traffic looking west. A cross road warning sign is

provided approaching this intersection.

Potential Conditions

Given the existing conditions, staff considered several improvements within the corridor. The following

recommendations address the safety concerns of the corridor and the goal of creating a “complete

street” or “livable street” for various modes of transportation.

Road Diet

Presently, the Second Street corridor carries approximately 9,000 to 11,000 vehicles per day on a four-

lane thoroughfare. Based on historical count data, the ADT along this segment of Second Street has

remained fairly level over the past few years. Traffic projections on Second Street are 12,000 to 14,000

vehicles per day for a 20-year horizon, based on future growth that accounts for development,

redevelopment and growth in the area. It is recommended that the corridor undergo a “road diet” to

increase safety where capacity is underutilized. A road diet is a common national practice in which the

number of lanes along a corridor is reduced or the widths of travel lanes are narrowed. For this study

the four-lane Second Street corridor was considered for reduction to a three-lane roadway (one lane

each way and center turn lane) through the use of pavement striping. Road diets have proven to be

effective on roadways with an ADT less than 20,000, depending on the environment, traffic patterns and

access management. A corridor like Second Street should accommodate a daily traffic volume in excess

of current and projected future demand with a three-lane section. The City most recently applied “road

diet” principles to Jefferson Street between US-50 Highway and Second Street in 2011. Blackwell Road

was changed from a 4-lane to a 3-lane section through a “road diet” in 2007. While Second Street is

unique, there are several examples of similar volume roads in Lee’s Summit with three lanes:

• 3rd

Street, between Blue Parkway and Jefferson Street (ADT = 10,500)

• Independence Avenue, between Tudor Road to Colbern Road (ADT = 7,000)

• Scruggs Road, between Todd George Parkway and Blackwell Parkway (ADT = 5,400)

• Longview Road, between Sampson Road to Ward Road (ADT = 4,300)

One feature of a road diet is the potential to decrease angle collisions that occur at intersections. As a

three-lane facility, the left-turn lanes on Second Street would be aligned at each intersection, increasing

visibility of oncoming traffic and separating slower left-turning movements from the higher

volume/higher speed through traffic. Also, the left-turning traffic is only forced to cross one lane of

traffic instead of two, as required by a four-lane facility, thereby reducing vehicle conflict points within

the intersection.

Page 8: 2nd St Corridor Study

Another feature of a three-lane facility is increased pedestrian safety. Pedestrians can focus on crossing

one lane at a time instead of two lanes, if necessary. Children, older adults and the disabled can utilize

the two-way left turn lane as a pedestrian refuge area to stage road crossing during periods where gaps

in traffic may be less than comfortable. While the center turn lane is an active lane, it will likely have

lower traffic volumes and speeds than that of the through lanes which better allows pedestrians to

focus on crossing one lane at a time. In addition to pedestrian safety, a “road diet” will result in wider

curb lanes which are more accommodating for bicycle traffic.

The road diet will require a westbound lane drop and eastbound lane addition just west of

Independence Avenue. It will be necessary to remove the existing four-lane striping throughout the

corridor. The most cost effective and clean way to re-stripe Second Street is to coincide with a street

overlay project. This will provide a smooth surface and clear delineation of the new three-lane section.

This would also eliminate the need to grind off existing markings, a process that may result in misleading

lane designations. Several signing modifications would also be required, including installation of

regulatory two-way left turn lane signs.

Table 4 summarizes the results of the corridors unsignalized intersection LOS and delay as a result of the

“road diet”. The results of the signalized intersections are discussed in the Traffic Signals section of this

report.

Table 4 - Proposed Intersection Analysis

Unsignalized Intersections LOS Delay (sec)

AM PM AM PM

Second Street and Jefferson Street A A 5.3 6.1

Second Street and Green Street A A 1.9 2.7

Second Street and Eastridge Street A A 0.4 0.3

Second Street and Grand Street A A 1.5 2.2

Signalized Intersection Control Warrant

The signalized intersection control warrant was reviewed for the intersection of Second Street and

Green Street. Count data was collected for all approaches at the intersection of Second Street and

Green Street between April 11th

and April 16th

, 2012. For the purpose of reviewing intersection control,

data collected during a typically weekday, Wednesday, April 11th

and Thursday, April 12th

, was used for

analysis. Data was averaged for the two typical weekdays and used to evaluate the intersection control

warrants.

Review of the warrant analysis worksheets was conducted. Analysis sheets are included in the Appendix.

The intersection of Second Street and Green Street does not currently meet warrants for a 4-way stop or

a signal based on a 4-lane and a 3-lane section. It is recommended that the intersection continue to be

controlled as a two-way ‘STOP’ controlled intersection with the ‘STOP’ controlled movement being the

northbound and southbound approaches.

Sidewalks and Curb Ramps

Sidewalks are established intermittently throughout the corridor on one or both sides of Second Street.

A walking route for the Lee’s Summit Elementary schoolchildren has been identified along the Second

Street sidewalk near the school. Currently, no sidewalk exists on the south side of Second Street

Page 9: 2nd St Corridor Study

between Green Street and Independence Avenue. Staff recomme

sidewalk be installed to provide continuous sidewalk connections throughout the corridor. A capital

improvement project to construct this section of sidewalk, including sidewalk ramp improvements, has

been programmed in the Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal year 2010.

No Sidewalk on the south side of Second Street from Green Street to Independence Avenue

Another location for sidewalk improvements resides on the northeast corner of East Main Street and

Second Street. The current configuration contains a retaining wall requiring sidewalk users to traverse a

staircase in order to get to street level. Due to the walls close proximity to the roadway, a sight distance

issue is created for southbound Main Street traffic. Als

inaccessible for disabled pedestrians. It is recommended that the retaining wall be relocated to a

position in which the sidewalk can run adjacent to the street, or offset from the street at street level a

ADA curb ramps be installed. These improvements carry significant costs and have not yet been

programmed. Exhibit D in the technical appendix shows the conceptual improvements at East Main

Street.

Retaining wall at Second Street and East Main Street

between Green Street and Independence Avenue. Staff recommends that these missing segments of

sidewalk be installed to provide continuous sidewalk connections throughout the corridor. A capital

improvement project to construct this section of sidewalk, including sidewalk ramp improvements, has

he Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal year 2010.

No Sidewalk on the south side of Second Street from Green Street to Independence Avenue

Another location for sidewalk improvements resides on the northeast corner of East Main Street and

The current configuration contains a retaining wall requiring sidewalk users to traverse a

staircase in order to get to street level. Due to the walls close proximity to the roadway, a sight distance

issue is created for southbound Main Street traffic. Also, the staircase is a potential slip hazard and is

inaccessible for disabled pedestrians. It is recommended that the retaining wall be relocated to a

position in which the sidewalk can run adjacent to the street, or offset from the street at street level a

ADA curb ramps be installed. These improvements carry significant costs and have not yet been

programmed. Exhibit D in the technical appendix shows the conceptual improvements at East Main

Retaining wall at Second Street and East Main Street

nds that these missing segments of

sidewalk be installed to provide continuous sidewalk connections throughout the corridor. A capital

improvement project to construct this section of sidewalk, including sidewalk ramp improvements, has

No Sidewalk on the south side of Second Street from Green Street to Independence Avenue

Another location for sidewalk improvements resides on the northeast corner of East Main Street and

The current configuration contains a retaining wall requiring sidewalk users to traverse a

staircase in order to get to street level. Due to the walls close proximity to the roadway, a sight distance

o, the staircase is a potential slip hazard and is

inaccessible for disabled pedestrians. It is recommended that the retaining wall be relocated to a

position in which the sidewalk can run adjacent to the street, or offset from the street at street level and

ADA curb ramps be installed. These improvements carry significant costs and have not yet been

programmed. Exhibit D in the technical appendix shows the conceptual improvements at East Main

Page 10: 2nd St Corridor Study

Intersection Analysis

Modifying the existing lane configuration along the corridor will require improvements to the existing

traffic signals. The existing traffic signals at Douglas Street and East Main Street reside on pedestal poles.

In order to properly protect the Second Street left-turning traffic, it is recommended that protected plus

permissive left turn phasing be installed on the traffic signals. This would require the installation of new

bases, mast arms, and signal heads at the intersections. The addition of mast arms across the

intersection allows for the signal heads to be aligned with the travel lanes and provides better visibility

of the signal indication. Each intersection shall be equipped with pedestrian push button detectors and

pedestrian signal heads. Table 5 displays the peak hour LOS and delay for each signalized intersection

with the proposed 3-lane section and traffic signal improvements.

Table 5 - Proposed Intersection Analysis

Signalized Intersections LOS Delay (sec)

AM PM AM PM

Second Street and Market Street B B 11.4 14.8

Second Street and East Main Street A A 9.0 8.3

Second Street and Douglas Street A B 9.5 13.1

Second Street and Independence Avenue B B 13.3 17.4

Exhibit’s E and F in the technical appendix show the AM and PM proposed conditions for both the

signalized and unsignalized intersections.

Finally, an alternative consideration for long term improvements at the intersection of Second Street

and East Main Street is to eliminate the traffic signal and convert it into a two-way stop controlled

intersection. Traffic signal warrants were analyzed at the intersection for existing conditions and the

possible three-lane configuration in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

(MUTCD). The warrant criteria indicate that a traffic signal is not necessary, if not for limiting sight

conditions. It is believed that the traffic signal was installed as a result of the limited sight distance

created by the bridge piers and the retaining wall. Curb extensions (reconstruction) and retaining wall

relocation would allow for better sight lines around the bridge piers to the west and around the

retaining wall to the east. Table 6 shows the LOS and delay for Second Street and East Main Street as an

unsignalized, two-way stop intersection.

Table 6 - Second Street and East Main Street – Two-way Stop Analysis

Unsignalized Intersection LOS Delay (sec)

AM PM AM PM

Existing Four-Lane Configuration A A 1.3 1.2

Proposed “Road Diet” Three-Lane

Configuration B B 3.0 3.7

The analysis of an unsignalized intersection at Second Street and East Main Street shows that it could be

feasible to change the intersection into a two-way ‘STOP’ controlled intersection pending the sight

distance issues are alleviated. Although the level of service would be acceptable during peak hour

typical conditions, additional delay would be expected during events and for short periods when traffic

Page 11: 2nd St Corridor Study

is detoured from Third Street by rail activity. Exhibit G in the technical appendix displays the long term

recommendations for the intersection of Second Street and East Main Street.

To supplement the Synchro 7.0 static model, a dynamic model was built using SimTraffic 7.0 to simulate

the traffic conditions for the existing and proposed environment. The SimTraffic data and simulation

confirmed that the Synchro model provided a fairly accurate portrayal of the Second Street corridor

based on actual field measurements (delay and vehicle queues). The AM and PM peak hour existing and

proposed vehicle queuing output is summarized in Exhibits H, I, J, and K. The vehicle queues are shown

by movement and represent a close approximation of the static model within one or two car lengths.

Geometric Improvements

There are three intersections that should be considered for geometric improvements. The first

intersection is at Second Street and Jefferson Street. The current configuration of this intersection

allows for a free flow northbound right-turn movement which is controlled by a stop sign as a result of

inconsistent driver behavior. This is a non-typical, urban intersection configuration and creates

confusion amongst drivers. Staff recommends that the channelizing island be removed and the curbs be

extended to provide a typical T-intersection configuration. The sidewalk will need to be corrected to

accommodate the new intersection layout. Exhibit L in the technical appendix shows a conceptual

design of the recommended improvements at Second Street and Jefferson Street. These improvements

have been planned and funded in the Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal year 2012.

Next, the intersection of Second Street and Eastridge Street currently has sight distances that are

significantly less than what is recommended for the northbound approach. Staff recommends the

addition of curb so that access to Eastridge Street is closed between Second Street and Grand Avenue.

Grand Avenue, which is located 130 feet east of Eastridge Street, provides an appropriate alternate

route. Exhibit M in the technical appendix displays the proposed Eastridge Street closure.

Northbound Eastridge Street between Second Street and Grand Avenue.

Finally, as a long-term geometric improvement for the corridor, a roundabout for the intersection of

Second Street and Independence Avenue was considered. A one-lane roundabout would provide the

intersection with appropriate control and traffic calming. The roundabout would accommodate

pedestrians and reduce crash frequency and severity. Exhibit N in the technical appendix shows a

Page 12: 2nd St Corridor Study

conceptual layout of the roundabout within the intersection. This improvement is optional and

therefore has not been pursued.

Street Lighting

The existing street lighting along Second Street provides low and inconsistent lighting levels for corridor

users. One strategy to increase safety along the roadway during nighttime conditions is to install

continuous street lighting. Street lighting along the Second Street corridor was approved by voters in the

November 2007 bond election. It is recommended that a continuous street lighting system be installed

to supplement the previous recommendations.

Conclusion

Summary of Recommendations and Benefits

Based on staff’s analysis of the Second Street corridor, there are several recommendations that will help

increase the overall safety and efficiency of the thoroughfare.

• “Road Diet” – Reducing the corridor from four-lanes to three-lanes provides a potential

decrease in crashes and increase in safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

• Sidewalks and Curb Ramps – Providing these amenities will allow for pedestrians and disabled

individuals to traverse the entire corridor continuously and safely.

• Traffic Signal Improvements – Updating the traffic signal infrastructure with mast arms,

protected left turn phasing and pedestrian actuation will provide better signal visibility and

safety for approaching traffic, and better pedestrian accommodations.

• Monitor and improve traffic signal timings/coordination throughout the corridor.

• Second Street and Jefferson Street Improvements – Eliminating the channelizing island and

extending the curb lines to create a typical urban T-intersection will help to reduce driver

confusion and crashes.

• Second Street and Eastridge Street Improvements – Closing the northbound approach to

Eastridge Street will eliminate the sight distance issue and the potential for crashes.

• Second Street and Main Street Improvements – By extending the northbound approach curb

and offsetting the retaining wall for the southbound approach, drivers will have enough sight

distance for the intersection to become a two-way stop. In addition, the newly aligned sidewalk

will provide ADA compliant accessibility to disabled individuals.

• Street Lighting – A continuous street lighting system will provide better visibility for drivers,

pedestrians and cyclists during nighttime conditions.

Exhibit O in the technical appendix displays the recommended improvements throughout the corridor.

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Technical Appendix

• Exhibits

• Intersection Crash Diagrams

• Intersection Analysis Worksheets

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Exhibits

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Intersection Crash Diagrams

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Intersection Analysis Worksheets