Item 11.1A - Rpt from Transportation Task Force Traffic Congestion on Poway Grade
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TO:
dGENDA REPORT -
CITY OF POW A Y
Honorable Mayor and Members~~he City Council
James L. Bowersox, City Ma~
Alan D. Archibald, Director of Public Services
Members of the Transportation Task Force
FROM:
INITIATED BY:
DATE:
December 12, 1989
SU8JECT:
Report From the Transportation Task Force on Alternatives
to Alleviate Traffic Congestion on Poway Grade
ABSTRACT
The Transportation Task Force is recommending that the City Council establish
as a high priority project, the following improvements to Poway Grade: resur-
face poway Grade to provide an additional five-year life span; renovate and
install guardrails; install turnouts where possible; provide additional
emergency phones and signs; and cleanup the shoulders of the road to provide
additional width where possible.
BAC~GROUND
On October 18, 1989, the Transportation Task Force Co-Chaired by Deputy Mayor
Linda Brannon and Councilmember Jan Goldsmith, considered various alternatives
to alleviate traffic congestion on Poway Grade. The following alternatives were
reviewed for their effect on traffic flows and/or safety:
1. Resurfacing the existing road to provide an additional 5, 10, 20
year life span.
2. Renovation of the existing guardrails.
3. The installation of turnouts and/or passing lanes.
4. Enforcement of truck weight limits.
5. Removal or limitation of truck traffic from poway Grade.
6. Coordination of traffic si9nals at Highway 67 and Espola Road.
FINDINGS
Of these alternatives, the Transportation Task Force continued to a future
meeting, the legal issues of limitin9 truck traffic on poway Grade, accepted a
report from the Sheriff's Department of the enforcement of truck weight limits
in poway from January 1989 to September 1989, and postponed consideration of the
coordination of traffic signals at Highway 67 and Espola Road, until the issue
of limiting truck traffic is addressed.
ACTION:
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DEe 121989 ITEM 11,1 ~
Alleviating Traffic Congestion on Poway Grade
Page 2
December 12, 1989
After reviewing the information prepared by staff and the City's traffic engi-
neering consultant, the Transportation Task Force is recommending that the
following alternatives be implemented on Poway Grade:
Resurface Poway Grade to Provide An Additional Life Span of Five Years
Staff has estimated that resurfacing Poway Grade to provide an additional life
span of five years will cost approximately $402,000. The project would enhance
the existing paved areas, but would not expand the existing road widths nor
increase roadway capacity. The principal benefit of the resurfacing would be
improved rideability and better traction which enhances the safety of the
roadway.
Renovation of the Existing Guardrails
Most of the 4700 feet of existing guardrail on poway Grade is in need of repair
or replacement. While evaluating the existing guardrail, staff discovered that
an additional 2500 feet should be added. The total cost to renovate and install
the necessary guardrail is approximately $300,000. Even though this project does
not enhance roadway capacity, it will improve the safety of Poway Grade. The
guardrail could also be salvaged and reused with the ultimate improvements to
poway Grade.
Installation of Turnouts
The installation of turnouts may reduce congestion on Poway Grade by allowing
slow vehicles to pull to the right and stop, while faster moving vehicles pass.
On a two-lane highway where passing is unsafe, Section 21656 of the California
Vehicle Code requires slow moving vehicles followed by five or more vehicles to
turn off at designated turnouts (see attached sketch) or wherever sufficient
area for a safe turnout exists.
At least two turnouts are proposed in each direction on poway Grade. They
will be located in areas where there is adequate stopping sight distance for
approaching drivers to see depart1ng vehicles. Staff estimates the cost for
these turnouts to be between $80,000 and $160,000.
Provide Additional Emergency Phones and Signs
Staff will determine the appropriate location of one or more emergency telepho-
nes on poway Grade. The cost for the installation of each phone is approxima-
tely $15,000. This includes the costs to install signs informing motorists of
emergency phone locations, installation of electrical power, and lighting.
Cleanup Shoulders Along Poway Grade
The shoulders along Poway Grade will be cleaned and graded where possible, to
provide additional width where vehicles can pullover during an emergency or
accident. The cost for clearing and grading the shoulder areas of the roadway
is estimated to be $60,000.
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DEe 121989 ITEM l1.IA
Alleviating Congestion On Poway Grade
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December 12, 1989
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost for these projects is approximately $952,000.
REC0M4ENDATlON
It is recommended that the City Council establish as a high priority project
the improvements to poway Grade.
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6/A/ALTERN.1-3
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DEe 121999 ITEM 11./ Ft
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MARKINGS
Traffic Manual
Figure 8-14
SIGNING AND MARKING TURNOUTS
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