HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 13b - Establishing Speed Limits on City Streets
DATE: June 18, 2019
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director
Philip A. Wray, Deputy Director of Development Services/City Engineer
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. 7260 ESTABLISHING SPEED LIMITS ON CITY
STREETS OTHER THAN THOSE SET FORTH BY STATE LAW
Recommendation: Adopt
SUMMARY
The California Vehicle Code requires cities to conduct Engineering and Traffic Surveys
every five (5) years to set legally enforceable speed limits on City streets. The last study
for the City of Arcadia was conducted in 2014 . A recent Engineering and Traffic Survey
was conducted for 53 arterial and collector roadway segments. As a result of the survey,
changes are recommended for five (5) of the 53 roadway segment speed limits. It is
recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 7260 establishing speed limits
on City streets other than those set forth by State Law, in accordance with the Engineering
and Traffic Survey, including the proposed modifications.
BACKGROUND
The basic speed law in California states that no person shall drive at a speed greater than
is reasonable or prudent. Most drivers naturally comply with this law and disregard
regulations which they consider unreasonable. Speed limits set at or near the 85th
Percentile speed – meaning that 85 out of every 100 drivers travel at that speed or below
– provide for reasonable speed limits that law enforcement officers can use as a means
of controlling drivers who will not conform.
An Engineering and Traffic (“E&T”) Survey, using the 85th percentile rule, is required by
law for enforcement purposes to establish speed limits on City streets not covered under
the California Vehicle Code (the “CVC”) Determination of Prima Facie speed limits. With
Resolution No. 7260 Establishing Speed Limits
June 18, 2019
Page 2 of 5
an approved E&T Survey in place, the Police Department can legally use radar to enforce
speeds on the streets covered under the Survey.
The E&T Survey referred to above is defined in Section 627 of the CVC as a survey of
highway and traffic conditions in accordance with methods determined by the Department
of Transportation (“Caltrans”) for use by State and local authorities. The survey must
include:
1. Collection of prevailing speed data as determined by traffic engineering
measurements;
2. Review of accident records; and
3. Review of highway, traffic, and roadside conditions not readily apparent to the
driver.
The Caltrans method for determining speed limits is further detailed in the California
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (the “MUTCD”) as the generally accepted
source for determining speed limits. The MUTCD states, in effect, that speed limits should
be normally established at the 5-miles-per-hour increment nearest the 85th percentile
speed. Speed limits higher than the 85th Percentile are not generally considered
reasonable and safe, and limits below the 85th Percentile do not facilitate the orderly
movement of traffic. For this reason, the 85th Percentile speed is commonly referred to as
the “critical speed.”
E&T Surveys that do not follow these specific guidelines are likely to be deemed invalid
by the traffic courts. This is also true where local jurisdictions deviate from the
recommendations of properly prepared Surveys. Speeding citations issued on roadways
under the above circumstances, and challenged in court, are commonly overturned. In
addition, surveys that are not reasonably current tend to be invalidated. Five years is the
industry standard for such frequency.
DISCUSSION
On December 18, 2018, the City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement
with Willdan Associates to conduct an E&T Survey to update the speed limits. Willdan
conducted the study of 53 street segments during the months of February and March of
2019. For each location, they obtained speed data, reviewed accident history, and field
checked the roadway conditions. The survey results and recommendations were
reviewed by the Development Services Department, Engineering Division, and the Police
Department, and were presented to the City’s Traffic Advisory Committee for their
consideration. A summary of the study is provided below.
Resolution No. 7260 Establishing Speed Limits
June 18, 2019
Page 3 of 5
Prevailing Speeds:
Speed data for all segments were obtained during off-peak hours and contained 100-150
vehicles per location. The critical speeds (85th percentile) were determined based on the
statistical analysis of the data.
Accident History:
An analysis was made of the three-year accident records for each roadway segment
under consideration. Collision information was obtained from the California Statewide
Integrated Traffic Records System (“SWITRS”) for the period of January 1, 2015, to
December 31, 2017. Collisions were reviewed, and corridor-related collisions (those not
related to signalized intersections) were summarized for each segment. A collision rate
was calculated for each segment based on the number of collisions per million vehicle
miles travelled. The collision rates for each segment were then compared to the Los
Angeles countywide average rate listed in the Los Angeles County Midblock Accident
Rates – Master Plan Highways and Mountain Roads Study. Where the collision rates
exceeded the County standard, the speed limit is proposed to be reduced.
Miscellaneous Roadway Conditions:
The conditions of each street segment were considered in establishing a justification of
the proposed speed limits. These conditions include factors such as design speed, safe
stopping sight distance, shoulder or parking lane conditions, profile conditions, street
intersection spacing and offsets, commercial driveway characteristics, pedestrian and
bicycle traffic, residential density, and school zones or close proximity to schools.
Results:
The results of the analysis are shown in the attached table “Summary of
Recommendations” (Attachment “A”). Of the 53 street segments studied, 48 are
recommended to retain the same speed limit, and five are recommended to be raised by
5 MPH. The five to be raised are as follows:
Street Limits
Existing
Speed Limits
(mph)
Proposed
Speed Limits
(mph)
Campus Drive Holly Ave. to Santa Anita Ave. 35 40
Baldwin Avenue Orange Grove to Foothill Blvd. 45 40
Golden West Avenue Huntington Dr. to S. City Limits 25 30
Live Oak Avenue Santa Anita Ave. to E. City Limits 35 40
Lower Azusa Road E. City Limit to W . City Limits 40 45
An explanation of each is provided below.
Campus Drive – Because Campus Drive is a wide, 4-lane roadway, it is conducive to
higher speeds. In the 2014 E&T Survey, the critical speed was 40 MPH, but the City’s
Resolution No. 7260 Establishing Speed Limits
June 18, 2019
Page 4 of 5
consultant was able to justify keeping it at 35 MPH. For the latest E&T Survey, the critical
speed was 43 MPH, and could not be justified to be lowered below 40 MPH. This
segment was studied twice and the results were the same. It should be noted that
Campus Drive along the High School frontage is posted as “25 MPH, When Children are
Present”. That regulation will remain in effect and supersedes the posted speed any time
one or more child is present.
Baldwin Avenue – This speed limit for this segment has fluctuated over the years. It was
40 MPH before 2009, and the 2009 E&T Survey determined the critical speed to be 37
MPH, so it was lowered to 35 MPH. For the latest survey, the critical speed was 41 MPH,
so the speed limit is recommended to be raised back to 40 MPH.
Golden West Avenue – The conditions along this segment are similar to some of our other
collector streets through high density residential neighborhoods, and the other collector
streets have even higher speed limits. The proposed speed limit is consistent with
Temple City’s posted speed limit of 30 MPH.
Live Oak Avenue – This segment experienced a noticeable critical speed increase from
2014 to 2018, going from 36 MPH to 45 MPH. Willdan was able to justify an increase of
only 5 MPH based on the commercial nature of the corridor. The proposed speed limit is
consistent with the posted speed limit of 40 MPH in the unincorporated County area to
the east.
Lower Azusa Road – This is another segment that has fluctuated over the years. It was
45 MPH before 2009, and in the 2009 E&T Survey, the critical speed was 39 MPH, so it
was lowered to 40 MPH. For the latest survey, the critical speed increased to 45 MPH,
so the speed limit is recommended to be raised back to 45 MPH. The roadway conditions
have changed dramatically over the last five years with the development of the Arcadia
Logistics Center, which could have an impact on the speeds. The proposed speed limit
increase is consistent with the posted speed limit in Irwindale to the east.
Approval of the attached Resolution 7260 (Attachment “B”) will adopt the current speed
limits and the five changes identified above as legally enforceable per the CVC.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact of this action other than to replace speed limit signs at these
locations. There are a minimum of two signs per location requiring replacement, however,
some signs may be reused at other locations. The resulting c ost is minimal.
Resolution No. 7260 Establishing Speed Limits
June 18, 2019
Page 5 of 5
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 7260 establishing speed
limits on City streets other than those set forth by State law.
Attachment “A” – Summary of Recommendation
Attachment “B” – Resolution No. 7260
TABLE 2
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Street From To ADT
Dist.
(mi.)
Accident
Rate***
Exp.
85%
Speed
10 mi.
Pace
% in
PaceAct.
Posted
Speed
Limit
Rec.
Speed
Limit CommentsNo.
Baldwin Ave Orange Grove Ave Foothill Blvd 11,770 432.39 34-430.000.45 65 California MUTCD Option 240401%
Baldwin Ave Foothill Blvd Huntington Dr 30,339 411.44 31-400.271.35 70 Closest to 85th Speed40352%
Baldwin Ave Huntington Dr Camino Real
Ave 31,587 361.44 27-360.270.64 76 *30303%
Baldwin Ave Camino Real Ave Live Oak Ave 31,284 401.44 31-400.121.25 76 Closest to 85th Speed40404%
Camino Real
Ave
West City Limit First Ave 3,493 382.39 29-380.281.9 80 California MUTCD Option 235355%
Camino Real
Ave
First Ave East City Limit 3,791 352.39 26-350.172.84 76 Closest to 85th Speed35356%
Campus Dr Holly Ave Santa Anita Ave 12,063 431.83 33-420.990.84 76 California MUTCD Option 240357****%
Clark St Peck Rd Durfee St 2,976 392.39 28-370.880.7 60 California MUTCD Option 235358%
Colorado St Michillinda Ave Colorado Blvd 20,021 471.44 35-440.061.53 70 Closest to 85th Speed45459%
Colorado Pl Colorado Blvd Huntington Dr 13,559 381.44 29-380.230.58 77 Closest to 85th Speed404010****%
2019 Engineering and Traffic Survey
City of Arcadia
* See "Segments with Special Conditions" Section for Comments
** 25 mph when children are present
9
*** Accident rate units: Collisions per One Million Vehicle Miles
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TABLE 2
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Street From To ADT
Dist.
(mi.)
Accident
Rate***
Exp.
85%
Speed
10 mi.
Pace
% in
PaceAct.
Posted
Speed
Limit
Rec.
Speed
Limit CommentsNo.
Colorado Blvd Colorado St Santa Anita Ave 7,200 362.39 28-370.210.6 89 Closest to 85th Speed353511****%
Colorado Blvd Santa Anita Ave Fifth Ave 9,646 402.39 29-380.160.6 73 *353512%
Duarte Rd West City Limit Santa Anita Ave 21,378 421.44 33-420.502.15 84 *353513%
Duarte Rd Santa Anita Ave East City Limit 19,903 411.44 31-400.220.63 73 *353514%
El Monte Ave Duarte Rd South City Limit 7,119 402.39 32-410.001.53 82 *353515 ****%
First Ave Diamond St Las Flores Ave 4,828 362.39 27-360.001.35 74 Closest to 85th Speed353516%
First Ave Foothill Blvd Huntington Dr 5,369 382.39 29-380.000.75 77 California MUTCD Option 2353517%
Foothill Blvd Michillinda Ave Santa Anita Ave 23,403 441.44 35-440.022.08 72 Closest to 85th Speed454518%
Foothill Blvd Santa Anita Ave East City Limit 30,032 371.83 28-370.350.6 74 Closest to 85th Speed353519%
Golden West
Ave
Huntington Dr South City Limit 5,169 342.39 24-330.000.61 75 California MUTCD Option 2302520%
2019 Engineering and Traffic Survey
City of Arcadia
* See "Segments with Special Conditions" Section for Comments
** 25 mph when children are present
10
*** Accident rate units: Collisions per One Million Vehicle Miles
TABLE 2
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Street From To ADT
Dist.
(mi.)
Accident
Rate***
Exp.
85%
Speed
10 mi.
Pace
% in
PaceAct.
Posted
Speed
Limit
Rec.
Speed
Limit CommentsNo.
Goldring Rd Peck Rd East Terminus 948 342.39 26-350.000.48 63 California MUTCD Option 2303021%
Highland Oaks
Dr
Foothill Blvd Orange Grove
Ave 3,436 372.39 27-360.000.4 75 *303022%
Holly Ave Huntington Dr Live Oak Ave 6,192 352.39 25-340.081.8 75 *303023 ****%
Huntington Dr Michillinda Ave Baldwin Ave 39,599 471.17 35-440.052.13 64 Closest to 85th Speed454524%
Huntington Dr
(Eb)
Baldwin Ave Colorado Pl 14,671 451.17 35-440.461.5 61 Closest to 85th Speed454525%
Huntington Dr
(Wb)
Baldwin Ave Colorado Pl 16,770 501.17 37-460.181.5 57 *454526%
Huntington Dr Colorado Pl Fifth Ave 30,341 351.44 24-330.140.63 76 *303027%
Las Tunas Dr Baldwin Ave Live Oak Ave 24,194 431.44 34-430.151.23 72 California MUTCD Option 2404028%
Live Oak Ave West City Limit Santa Anita Ave 10,054 411.83 32-410.180.5 75 *353529 ****%
Live Oak Ave Santa Anita Ave East City Limit 32,040 451.44 34-430.070.8 68 *403530%
2019 Engineering and Traffic Survey
City of Arcadia
* See "Segments with Special Conditions" Section for Comments
** 25 mph when children are present
11
*** Accident rate units: Collisions per One Million Vehicle Miles
TABLE 2
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Street From To ADT
Dist.
(mi.)
Accident
Rate***
Exp.
85%
Speed
10 mi.
Pace
% in
PaceAct.
Posted
Speed
Limit
Rec.
Speed
Limit CommentsNo.
Longden Ave West City Limit Santa Anita Ave 5,633 382.39 28-370.231.4 79 California MUTCD Option 2353531%
Longden Ave Santa Anita Ave East City Limit 7,830 382.39 29-380.390.9 81 California MUTCD Option 2353532%
Lower Azusa
Rd
West City Limit East City Limit 29,843 451.44 34-430.320.38 69 Closest to 85th Speed454033%
Mayflower Ave South City Limit North City Limit 7,283 402.39 31-400.000.75 72 *353534%
Orange Grove
Ave
West City Limit Baldwin Ave 7,081 382.39 27-360.000.9 68 California MUTCD Option 2353535%
Orange Grove
Ave
Baldwin Ave Santa Anita Ave 5,885 382.39 29-380.001.2 79 California MUTCD Option 2353536%
Peck Road South City Limit North City Limit 28,542 471.44 37-460.000.8 63 *404037%
Santa Anita Ave North City Limit Foothill Blvd 11,678 382.39 29-380.001.1 80 California MUTCD Option 2353538****%
Santa Anita Ave Foothill Blvd Huntington Dr 30,098 381.44 29-380.080.8 76 California MUTCD Option 2353539%
Santa Anita Ave Huntington Dr Duarte Rd 33,109 411.44 31-400.000.8 76 Closest to 85th Speed404040%
2019 Engineering and Traffic Survey
City of Arcadia
* See "Segments with Special Conditions" Section for Comments
** 25 mph when children are present
12
*** Accident rate units: Collisions per One Million Vehicle Miles
TABLE 2
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Street From To ADT
Dist.
(mi.)
Accident
Rate***
Exp.
85%
Speed
10 mi.
Pace
% in
PaceAct.
Posted
Speed
Limit
Rec.
Speed
Limit CommentsNo.
Santa Anita Ave Duarte Rd Las Flores Ave 34,838 441.44 35-440.031 74 California MUTCD Option 2404041****%
Santa Anita Ave Las Flores Ave South City Limit 32,070 441.44 35-440.130.65 77 California MUTCD Option 2404042****%
Santa Clara St Huntington Dr Santa Anita Ave 12,428 391.83 31-400.240.3 80 California MUTCD Option 2353543%
Santa Clara St Santa Anita Ave Fifth Ave 5,997 362.39 27-360.000.9 78 Closest to 85th Speed353544%
Second Ave Foothill Blvd Huntington Dr 7,326 392.39 30-390.360.7 76 California MUTCD Option 2353545%
Second Ave Huntington Dr Duarte Rd 9,581 372.39 26-350.000.7 76 Closest to 85th Speed353546%
Second Ave Duarte Rd Camino Real
Ave 7,202 372.39 28-370.210.61 79 Closest to 85th Speed353547%
Second Ave Camino Real Ave South City Limit 6,408 372.39 27-360.160.9 71 Closest to 85th Speed353548%
Sierra Madre
Blvd
West City Limit Santa Anita Ave 4,047 352.39 26-350.000.38 79 *303049%
Sixth Ave North City Limit Live Oak Ave 3,348 372.39 29-380.001.45 81 Closest to 85th Speed353550%
2019 Engineering and Traffic Survey
City of Arcadia
* See "Segments with Special Conditions" Section for Comments
** 25 mph when children are present
13
*** Accident rate units: Collisions per One Million Vehicle Miles
TABLE 2
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Street From To ADT
Dist.
(mi.)
Accident
Rate***
Exp.
85%
Speed
10 mi.
Pace
% in
PaceAct.
Posted
Speed
Limit
Rec.
Speed
Limit CommentsNo.
Sunset Blvd West City Limit Huntington Dr 19,256 371.83 28-370.000.3 78 Closest to 85th Speed353551%
Sunset Blvd Huntington Dr South City Limit 22,503 421.83 33-420.200.4 71 *353552%
Tenth Ave South City Limit North City Limit 3,105 372.39 28-370.370.79 83 Closest to 85th Speed353553%
2019 Engineering and Traffic Survey
City of Arcadia
* See "Segments with Special Conditions" Section for Comments
** 25 mph when children are present
14
*** Accident rate units: Collisions per One Million Vehicle Miles