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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-19 PACKET 03.A.A SEH MEMORANDUM TO: Ms. Jennifer Levitt, PE FROM Chad E. Setterholm, PE DATE: March 14, 2013 RE: Corridor Trail Crossing at Hinton Avenue South SEH No. SEH No. COTTG 113281 14.00 14.00 Per you request, I've reviewed the Corridor Trail crossing at Hinton Avenue South with a traffic engineer to evaluate potential improvements which could enhance pedestrian safety at this location. SEH Senior Traffic Engineer Heather Kienitz, PE provided assistance with this review. Hinton Avenue is a four lane roadway located on the City's State Aid roadway system. It is classified as aminor arterial currently handling 6,300 AADT (annual average daily traffic) based on 2011 traffic counts published by the Minnesota Department of Transportation(MnDOT). The posted speed limit in the vicinity where the Corridor Trail crosses Hinton Avenue South is 35 mph. Sight distance appears to be adequate based on field observation, but has not been confirmed. Minnesota Department of Public Safety crash data was also reviewed for pedestrian and/or bicycle conflicts between motor vehicles in the vicinity of the trail crossing with Hinton Avenue South. The database indicated no such crashes occurred during the past 5 years. There is not data readily available for the pedestiran/bicyclist demand at the crossing the availability of acceptable gaps in traffic, nor the travel speed of motorists. The Corridor Trail is a recreational trail with a paved bituminous surface that crosses Hinton Avenue South approximately 240 feet south of 72 °d Street South. Trail users consist of pedestrians and bicyclists utilizing the trail primarily for recreation and secondarily for transportation. In recent years there have been studies published addressing the issue of enhancements at uncontrolled pedestrian crossings to assist in the creation of local policies, however, stational standards still provide little guidance. One of the most commonly referred to of these studies is the FHWA study by Charles Zeeger, et al, titled, " "Safety Effects ofMarked vs. Unmarked Crosswalks at Uncontrolled Locations: Executive Summary and Recommended Guidelines" February 2002. This study provides recommendations for installing marked crosswalks and other pedestrian enhancements at uncontrolled locations. The attached table (Table 1) from the study document shows how the factors of AADT, speed hmit and cross section relate to the effectiveness of marked crosswalks and enhancements. Several communities around the country have applied this work to their own street networks and policies. Additi onal guidance is provided in the MnDOT Bikeways Facility Design Manual, March 2007. The chapter regarding shared use paths (Chapter 5) provides guidance on the treatments at the intersection of trails and roadways (attached Section 4.2 & associated Table 5 -9) based on factors such as speed limit, and AADT. Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc., 3535 Vadnais Center Drive, St Paul, M N 55110.5188 SEH is an equal opportunity employer I woov.sehinccom 1 8514802000 1 800 325 2055 1 8888088188 fax Corridor Trail Crossing at Hinton Avenue South March 14, 2013 Page 2 The two references noted above, the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MMUTCD) and related materials recommend the following enhancements based on the speed limit, number of lanes and AADT information known for the Hinton Avenue South trail crossing: 1) High visibility crosswalk (continental /zebra style) 2) Advance stop bars to reduce "multiple threat' pedestrian - vehicle crash potential 3) Advance Pedestrian Crossing Warning Signs (W1 1-2) 4) Pedestrian refuge median (not immediately feasible w/ the current lane configuration on Hinton Avenue South) 5) Crosswalk Signing and Treatment Considerations a. In- pavement lighting for crosswalk b. LED Illuminated Warning Pedestrian Crossing Assembly with down arrow (W1 1-2, W16 -7P) with push button c. Warning Pedestrian Crossing Assembly with down arrow (W11-2, W16-7P) including push button and flashing warning beacon d. In- Street and Overhead Pedestrian Crossing Signs (Rl -6a, R1-6b, R1-9a, and Rl- 9b) e. Warning Pedestrian Crossing Assembly with down arrow (W11-2, W16-7P) including the pedestrian push button activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon. The rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) has interim approval from MnDOT and FHWA. The flashing device would be located between the W1 1-2 sign and the down arrow sign. Once activated, the device rapidly flashes two amber beacon lights. The RRFB has a record of high driver compliance. The RRFP can be push button activated and utilize video detection (See attachment). f Traffic Signal or Hybrid Pedestrian Beacon — The installation of a traffic signal or hybrid pedestrian beacon is dictated by the meeting of warrant criteria set forth in the MMUTCD. In addition to the installations options above, adequate lighting of the crossing area and ADA compliant curb ramps should be confirmed. Adequate sight distance should also be confirmed. If Staff and ultimately Council choose to implement enhancements outlined in this memo, it is recommended the following be implemented at a minimum based on the supporting documentation and known data: 1) High visibility crosswalk (continental /zebra style) 2) Advanced stop bars to reduce "multiple threat' pedestrian - vehicle crash potential Warning Pedestrian Crossing Assembly with down arrow (W1 1-2, W16-7P) including the Pedestrian push button activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon. Installation of this device will require notification of MnDOT. ces attachment c: Heather Kienitz, PE — SEH file slaeAcAmttgV11&195\5- final - dsgnA50 final - dsgnA10 civilAc=domrail cossinglheaffi _m memo _c=dortrail crossing at hinton fink done Table 1. Recommendations for installing marked crosswalks and other needed pedestrian improvements at uncontrolled locations.* Roadway Type (Number of Travel Lanes and Median Type) Vehicle ADT < 9,000 Vehicle ADT >9000 to 12,000 Vehicle ADT >12,000 - 15,000 Vehicle ADT > 15,000 Speed Limit* <_ 30 mi /h 35 mi /h 40 mi /h < 30 mi /h 35 mi /h 40 mi /h <30 mi /h 35 mi /h 40 mi /h < 30 mi /h 35 mi /h 40 mi /h 2 Lanes C C P C C P C C N C P N 3 Lanes C C P C P P P P N P N N Multi -Lane (4 or More Lanes) With Raised Median * ** C C P C P N P P N N N N Multi -Lane (4 or More Lanes) Without Raised Median C P N P P N N N N N N N * These guidelines include intersection and midblock locations with no traffic signals or stop signs on the approach to the crossing. They do not apply to school crossings. A two -way center turn lane is not considered a median. Crosswalks should not be installed at locations that could present an increased safety risk to pedestrians, such as where there is poor sight distance, complex or confusing designs, a substantial volume of heavy trucks, or other dangers, without first providing adequate design features and/or traffic control devices. Adding crosswalks alone will not make crossings safer, nor will they necessarily result in more vehicles stopping for pedestrians. Whether or not marked crosswalks are installed, it is important to consider other pedestrian _ facility enhancements (e.g., raised median, traffic signal, roadway narrowing, enhanced overhead lighting, traffic - calming measures, curb extensions), as `o needed, to improve the safety of the crossing. These are general recommendations; good engineering judgment should be used in individual cases for deciding where to install crosswalks. ** Where the speed limit exceeds 40 mi/h (64.4 km/h) marked crosswalks alone should not be used at unsignalized locations. C = Candidate sites for marked crosswalks. Marked crosswalks must be installed carefully and selectively. Before installing new marked crosswalks, an engineering study is needed to determine whether the location is suitable for a marked crosswalk. For an engineering study, a site review may be sufficient at some locations, while a more in -depth study of pedestrian volume, vehicle speed, sight distance, vehicle mix, etc. may be needed at other sites. It is recommended that a minimum of 20 pedestrian crossings per peak hour (or 15 or more elderly and/or child pedestrians) exist at a location before placing a high priority on the installation of a marked crosswalk alone. P = Possible increase in pedestrian crash risk may occur if crosswalks are added without other pedestrian facility enhancements. These locations should be closely monitored and enhanced with other pedestrian crossing improvements, if necessary, . before adding a marked crosswalk. N = Marked crosswalks alone are insufficient, since pedestrian crash risk may be increased due to providing marked crosswalks alone. Consider using other treatments, such as traffic - calming treatments, traffic signals with pedestrian signals where warranted, or other substantial crossing improvement to improve crossing safety for pedestrians. * ** The raised median or crossing island must beat least 4 ft (1.2 m) wide and 6 ft (1.8 m) long to adequately serve as a refuge area for pedestrians in accordance with MUTCD and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) guidelines. 150 Chapter 5: Shared -Use Paths 5 -4.2 Path /Roadway Intersection Treatment Selection This section provides guidance for selecting an appropriate treatment for a crossing of a shared - use path or other bikeway and a roadway. Additional information is provided in Chapter 4. Intersections between paths and roadways are among the most critical issues in bikeway design. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than half of all bicycle crashes nationwide occur at these intersections. Due to the potential conflicts, careful design is critically important to the safety of bikeway users and motorists alike. At intersections, bicyclists on paths face many of the same conflicts they do on a roadway, complicated by integration with pedestrians. Problems associated with at -grade crossings often relate to motorists' expectations that crosswalk users will be traveling at pedestrian speeds rather than typical bicycle speeds. For paths parallel to roadways, intersections present many risks. When approaching a free -right turn, motorists typically do not anticipate any conflict on the right and are looking to the left for traffic entering the intersection, so they may not see bicyclists approaching the intersection on a parallel shared -use path. Turning motorists may not consider that bicyclists will be traveling off the road, yet in the right -of -way. When meeting a motorist, a bicyclist is often compelled to stop and yield to a left or right- turning vehicle. To account for these issues, the key is finding an appropriate balance by locating the crossing close enough to the intersection to allow adequate visibility, far enough away to allow sufficient motorist reaction time, yet not so far away that approaching vehicles are caught unaware of the crossing path. One -way paths at signalized intersections may increase visibility and safety, especially in regard to right- turning motorists and through - traveling bicyclists. Table 5 -9 recommends choosing a treatment for path /roadway intersections based on roadway speed and ADT, according to two different classes of crossing safety; "good" or "satisfactory." Choose the "good" crossing treatment if the path is used for trips to school, if a large number of users are children, seniors, or disabled people, or if the crossing point is heavily used at times of peak bicycle and pedestrian use. Also, choose the "good" crossing treatment if the roadway cross section is large or the bikeway is part of a main bike route, or if future land development is likely to result in a significant increase of bicycle traffic or motor vehicle traffic. The following table lists guidelines for intersection treatment recommendations; however, each intersection is unique and will require sound engineering judgment on a case by case basis. Mn /DOT Bikeway Facility Design Manual March 2007 Chapter 5: Shared -Use Paths 151 Table 5 -9: Recommended Bikeway Intersection Treatments (Shared - Use Paths or Bike Lanes at Roadways) Motor Vehicle Speed ADT Bikeway Intersection Treatment >80 km /h ( >50 mph) Any Grade Separated (Good) Traffic Signal and 60 km /h (40 mph) Speed Zone (Satisfactory) 70 km /h (45 mph) Any Grade Separated (Good) Traffic Signals (Satisfactory) 60 km /h >7,000 Grade Separated (Good) Traffic Signals (Satisfactory) (40 mph) Hinton Avenue <7,000 Traffic Signals (Good) Crosswalk + Median Refuge Island (Satisfactory) >9,000 Grade Separated (Good) South = 35 mph Traffic Signals (Satisfactory) 50 km /h (30 mph) 5,000 to 9,000 Traffic Signals (Good) Crosswalk + Median Refuge Island (Satisfactory) <5,000 Crosswalk + Median Refuge Island (Good) Crosswalk (Satisfactory) Consider the following when using Table 5 -9 to select an intersection treatment: • See Section 4 -2.1 for discussion of motor vehicle speed. • The type of crossing used for bicycle /pedestrian traffic at an intersection between a main road and secondary road is usually the same as for the main road. • If the number of lanes to be crossed is greater than 3 in each direction, or the total intersection width is greater than 23 m (75 ft), the intersection should have a pedestrian refuge or median island. Where bicyclists or pedestrians often wait at islands, a push button or bicycle- sensitive traffic detection device is desirable. • At large intersections of very busy roads, rely on grade separation of pedestrian and bicycle traffic from both main and secondary roads, rather than signal controls • If the speed limit along a section of road without traffic signals is greater than 60 km /h (40 mph) and it is not practical to provide a grade- separated crossing, reducing the speed limit to 60 km /h (40 mph) before the crossing, along with attention to signage and lighting, may be satisfactory. • When choosing a location for a grade- separated crossing, pay special attention to ensure that ramp grades are minimized and that the location fits in well with the rest of the path network. Chapter 6 of this manual provides design guidelines for grade- separated crossings. March 2007 Mn/DOT Bikeway Facility Design Manual Description The Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) System combines industry- leading durability and brightness with the Spot Devices System Infrastructure Management Ap- plications (SIMA) suite, a set of secure Web - based tools for remote, enterprise -wide supervi- sion of all Spot Devices systems. Operation Installed on roadside poles, the RRFB remains dark until a pedestrian activates the system by pressing a pushbutton. Once the system is acti- vated, rapidly flashing amber beacon lights provide a bright warning to motorists. The system also provides an additional flashing amber light which indicates to the pedestrian the system is active. Spo Spar s, NV Lane Sparks, NV 89431 888.520.0008 Toll Free DEVICES 888.520.0007 Fax www.spotdevicos.com Highlights Optional audible announcements assist sight- impaired pedestrians High- efficiency, bright, rectangular LED indicators Local cross - street communication eliminates the need for trenching in the street Pole -mount controller simplifies installation SIMA - enabled (see back) AC or solar power 2 year warranty System Components SC315 or SC320 controllers SB430 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon Crosswalk signage Pushbuttons or microwave detectors Optional additional lighted peripherals Applications Crosswalks Arrive Safely n usm Descrr#lprovion The pedestrian activated SB435 High Performance (HP) Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) and SB430 RRFB provide a bright, unmistakable alert to motorists that pedestrians are present. LED lights are long- lasting, durable, and bright. The SB435HP and SB430 RRFB's are controlled by the Spot Devices 300 Series Network Controllers. Highlights I Directional Flash Bar AutodimT"' adjusts light to ambient conditions FHWA compliant Manufactured in the USA in an ISO 9001 facility 2 year warranty The SB435HP RRFB is fully compliant with FHWA standards but provides increased light emitting area and LED module size. Specificath(0115 �_ 1AITV f`Ad' MODEL SB435HP RRFB SB430 RRFB POWER AC or Solar 120 VA 12V 120 VAC, 12VDC Daylight distance visibility > 1,000 feet > 5 00 fee N ight distance visibility > 1 mile > 1000 feet Flash pattern RRFB pattern RRFB pattern Optics Poly carbonate lens P lens Lig emittin area Exceeds FHWA standards M eets FHWA Standards LED modules 2 - 4 2 Pedestrian Indicator Optional Optional PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Body mate 1/8" Aluminum 1/8 "Aluminum_ Body color Black _ Black Light color Amber Amber Bar Dimensions 29" x 1.5" x 4" 29" x 1.5' x 4" LED module Dimensions Exceeds FHWA standards Meets FHWA standards Weight 5.0 Ibs 5.0 Ibs spot D E V I C E S 1455 Kleppe Lane Sparks, NV 89431 888.520.0008 Toll Free 888.520.0007 Fax www.spotdevices.com Arrive Safely norm Sign Number R1 -1 R1 -2 Sign Picture 0 YIELD R1 -2aP TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC R1 -3P R1 -5b R1 -5c R1 -6a Zill O H . E � RE � f FOR HE�RE� f FpR PEDESTRIANS STATE LAW rare wnxix cxosswuN STATE LAW STOP FOR WITHIN cnosswniN Sign Colors White on Red White on Red Black on White White on Red Black and Red on White Black and Red on White Black on White and Fluorescent Yellow -Green Black on White and Fluorescent Yellow -Green Sign Size (Inches) 18 x 18 30 x 30 36 x 36 48 x 48 18 30 36 48 60 24 x 18 36 x 30 48 x 36 Use B -Path B /Rt, CR -SL, M CR -ML, E O B -Path B /RT, M CR -SL, CR -ML, E F CR -SL, CR -ML, M E F Manual Section(s) 913.3 2B.8,5B.2,6E.6, 813.4,813:5,913.3, 2B.8,5B.2,6E.3, 813.4 213.8,813.1, 213.810C. 2B.10,6E.6 2B.10,6E.6 2B.10,6E.6 18 x 6 CR -SL, CR -ML 213.5 30 x 12 O 213.5 36 x 36 CR -ML, O 213.11 36 x 36 CR -ML 213.11 36 x 48 O 213.11 12x36 (post mounted) 12x44 (w /mounting flange) 12x36 (post mounted) 12x44 (w /mounting flange) CR -SL, CR -ML CR -SL, CR -ML 213.12, 76.11,76.12 213.12, 713.11.713.12 213.12, 713.11,713.12 213.12, 713.11, 713.12 Guide to Sign Sizes: B- Path -- Shared Use Bike Path, B /Rt - -Bike Route on Roadway, M -- Minimum, CR- SL-- Conventional Road Single Lane, CR- ML-- Conventional Road Multi -Lane, E -- Expressway, F -- Freeway, O -- Oversize C -1 June, 2012 wnxix cxosswurc R1 -9a STATE LAW STOP FOR PEDESTRIANS A Black on 90 x 24 CR -SL, CR -ML 28.12 White and Fluorescent Yellow -Green R1 -91O STATE LAW STOP FOR PEDESTRIANS IN CROSSWALK Black on 90 x 30 CR -SL, CR -ML 2BA 2 White and Fluorescent Yellow -Green R1 -10P EXCEPT Black on 24 x 18 R- L, CR -ML 26.5 RIGHT White TURN R2 -1 Black on 18 x 24 M 2B.13,6H.4 SPEED White 24 x 30 CR -SL 2B.13,5B.3, LIMIT 6F.12,6H.4,7B.15 5 0 30 x 36 CR -ML 2B.13.6H.4 36 x 48 E 26.13,56.3, 6F.12,6H.4,7B.15 48 x 60 F 2B.13,6H.4 R2 -2P Black on 24 x 24 CR- SL,CR -ML 28.14 TRUCKS White 36x36 E,O 2B.14 4 O 48 x 48 F 2B.14 Sign Sign Sign Sign Size Use Manual Number Picture Colors (Inches) Section(s) R1 -6c STATE Black on 12 x 36 CR -SL, CR -ML 7B.12 LAW White and (post mounted) Fluorescent 12 x 44 CR -SL, CR -ML 7B.12 Yellow -Green (w /mounting Fox flange) R2 -3P Black on 24 x 24 CR- SL,CR -ML 28.15 IN White 36 x 36 E, O 28.15 48 x 48 F 28.15 Guide to Sign Sizes: B- Path -- Shared Use Bike Path, B /Rt - -Bike Route on Roadway, M -- Minimum, CR- SL-- Conventional Road Single Lane, CR- ML-- Conventional Road Multi -Lane, E -- Expressway, F -- Freeway, O -- Oversize June, 2012 C -2 Sign Number Sign Picture Sign Colors Sign Size (Inches) Use Manual Section(s) W10 -14aP Black on 30 x 24 CR -SL, CR -ML 88.23 USE NEXT Yellow CROSSING W10 -15P Black on 30 x 24 CR -SL, CR -ML 88.23 ROUGH Yellow CROSSING W10 -X2 Black on 36 x 36 CR -SL, CR -ML, 8B.6.1 ooE Yellow 48 x 48 E, O 8B.6.1 CROSSING W10 -X3 Black on 36 x 36 CR -SL, CR -ML, 8B.6.1 LooK Yellow 48 x 48 E, O 8B.6.1 ♦FOR♦ TRAINS W11 -1 Black on 18x18 B -Path 9B.18 Yellow or 24 x 24 B /Rt, M 2C.49,9B.18 Fluorescent 30 x 30 CR -SL, CR -ML, 2C.49,5C.9 Yellow -Green 36 x 36 E, O 2C.49,5C.9 48 x 48 O 2C.49 W11 -2 Black on 18x18 B -Path 98.19 Yellow or 24 x 24 B /Rt, M 2C.50,9B.19 Fluorescent 30 x 30 CR -SL, CR -ML, 2C.50,5C.9 Yellow -Green 36 x 36 E, O 2C.50,5C.9 48 x 48 O 2C.50 W11 -3 Black on 24 x 24 M 2C.50 Yellow 30 x 30 CR -SL, CR -ML 2C.50,5C.9 <S> 36 x 36 E, O 2C.50,5C.9 48 x 48 O 2C.50 W11 -4 Black on 24 x 24 M 2C.50 Yellow 30 x 30 CR -SL, CR -ML 2C.50,5C.9 <i> 36 x 36 E, O 2C.50,5C.9 48 x 48 O 2C.50 W11 -5 Black on 24 x 24 M 2C.49 Yellow 30 x 30 CR -SL, CR -ML 2C.49,5C.9 36 x 36 E, O 2C.49,5C.9 48 x 48 O 2C.49 W11 -5a Black on 24 x 24 M 2C.49 Yellow 30 x 30 CR -SL, CR -ML 2C.49,5C.9 <*> 36 x 36 E, O 2C.49,5C.9 48 x 48 O 2C.49 W11 -6 Black on 24 x 24 M 2C.49 Yellow 30 x 30 CR -SL, CR -ML 2C.49,5C.9 36 x 36 E, O 2C.49,5C.9 48 x 48 O 2C.49 Guide to Sign Sizes: B- Path -- Shared Use Bike Path, B /Rt - -Bike Route on Roadway, M-- Minimum, p CR- SL-- Conventional Road Single Lane, CR- ML-- Conventional Road Multi -Lane, E -- Expressway, F -- Freeway, O -- Oversize C -49 July, 2012 Sign Number Sign Picture Sign Colors Sign Size (Inches) Use Manual Section(s) W16 -5P Black on 24 x 12 CR -SL, CR -ML (R or L) Yellow or Fluorescent 30 x 18 O 2C.56,7B.8, Yellow Green 7B 78.11 7B,8,7B,9,7B,11 W16 -6P Black on 24 x 12 CR -SL, CR -ML (R or L) Yellow or Fluorescent 30 x 18 O 2C.56,7B.. Yellow Green 76.9,76.1 1 1 78.8,78.9,78.11 W16 -7P Black on 24 x 12 CR -SL, CR -ML (R or L) Yellow or Fluorescent 30x18 O 2C.50,5C.9, Yellow Green 7B,12,9B.18 2C.50,5C.9, 7B.12 W16 -8P FIRST ST Black On varies x 8 CR -SL, CR -ML 2C.58 Yellow W16 -8aP ' ELM STREET Black on varies x 15 CR -SL, CR -ML 2C.58 LUMSUEN ROy Yellow W16 -9P Black on 24 x 12 B /Rt, CR -SL, CR -ML 2C.50,5C.9, AHEAD Yellow or 76.11,96.18 Fluorescent 30 x 18 E 2C.50,5C.9, Yellow-Green 7B.11, 9B.18 W16 -10P Black on 24 x 12 CR -SL, CR -ML 2C.61 6 Yellow 36 x 18 E 2C.61 48 x 24 O 2C.61 W16 -10aP Black on 24 x 18 CR -SL, CR -ML 2C.61 RROTO ENFORCED yellow 36 x 30 E 2C.61 48 x 36 O 2C.61 W16 -11P Black on 24x12 CR- SL, CR -ML 2G.9 HOV Yellow 30 x 18 E, F, O 2G.9 W16 -12P Black on 24 x 18 CR -SL, CR -ML 2C.46 TRAFFIC Yellow CIRCLE W16 -13P Black on 24 x 18 CR -SL, CR -ML 2C.36,2C.49,50 WHEN Yellow FLASHING W16 -15P Black on 24x12 CR- SL, CR -ML 2C.62 NEw Yellow W16-16P Black on 252 x 36 E, F 2F.10 LAST EXIT BEFORE TOLL Yellow W16 -17P RBUNBABBUi Black on 24 x 12 CR -SL, CR -ML 2C.46 Yellow W16 -18P Black on 24 x 12 CR -SL, CR -ML 2A.15 NOTICE Yellow Guide to Sign Sizes: B- Path -- Shared Use Bike Path, B /Rt - -Bike Route on Roadway, M -- Minimum, CR- SL-- Conventional Road Single Lane, CR- ML-- Conventional Road Multi -Lane, E -- Expressway, F -- Freeway, O -- Oversize June, 2012 C -54