Loading...
Item No. 1 Eliminate Left TurnAGENDA ITEM September 13, 2017 TO: Members of the City Traffic Commission THRU: Jacki Scott City Traffic Engineer ReviewedNerified B City Traffic Engin To Be Presented By: Dave Allenbach FROM: Traffic Engineering Division Public Works Department 1. SUBJECT Request for removal of the southbound left -turn lane located at the Glassell Street and West Sycamore Avenue/University Drive traffic signal and installation of a passenger loading zone and 30 minutes timed parking on Glassell Street. 2. SUMMARY The request is to remove the southbound left -turn lane on Glassell Street at West Sycamore Avenue/University Drive so that a passenger loading zone can be provided on the east side of Glassell Street, north of West Sycamore Avenue/University Drive and 30 minute timed parking can be provided on the west side of Glassell Street. 3. RECOMMENDED Approve the request. 4. FISCAL IMPACT Funds are available in the following account: 262.5032.56100.16302 Traffic Control Devices 5. STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL(S) 1.5 Provide and maintain infrastructure necessary to ensure the safety of the public. 6. GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION Growth Management Goal 1.0 Reduce traffic congestion within the City. Policy 1.10: Apply traffic calming measures, where appropriate, to residential neighborhoods affected by cut - through traffic in accordance with the City's Residential Neighborhood Traffic Management Program. ITEM 1 September 13. 2017 1 7. DISCUSSION and BACKGROUND Chief Randy Burba of Chapman University's Department of Public Safety is requesting removal of the southbound left -turn lane on Glassell Street at West Sycamore Avenue/University Drive. The reason for the request is that left turns are not allowed into University Drive and providing a left -turn lane at the traffic signal is confusing to motorists. Removing the left -turn lane and restriping the roadway could provide space along the east curb line of Glassell Street to install a passenger loading zone to accommodate the increasing use of internet -based rideshare programs. According to the request from Chief Burba, there has been a dramatic increase in the utilization of these services to access campus events. Existing Conditions University Drive is a private street belonging to Chapman University. Chapman University has closed the eastbound entry at Glassell Street as this becomes private property. This area is now exclusively designated for the University's shuttle system, which does not access University Drive via southbound Glassell Street. Motorists wishing to access the campus at this location are unable to do so. Analysis Eliminating the southbound left -turn lane would prevent motorists from becoming trapped in the left -turn lane. As part of removing the southbound left -turn lane and painting a centerline on Glassell Street, a wide enough area would be made available for parking while maintaining the existing through lanes. This location can then be made available as a passenger loading zone, shown in the attached exhibit. The majority of the red curb on the west side of Glassell could also be removed and replaced with time limit parking. It is staff s opinion that the southbound left -turn lane on Glassell Street at West Sycamore Avenue/ University Drive should be removed since it is no longer useful. Installing a passenger loading zone on the east side of the street would provide direct access to the preforming arts center and main campus for those who utilize various rideshare services. Orange Municipal Code Section 10.02.200 and 10.62.010 designate a white curb for loading and unloading of passengers. The parking limit in this zone shall be five minutes effective twenty -four (24) hours per day, including Sundays and holidays. 2 Since additional room will be made on Glassell Street, an opportunity to establish timed parking on the west side of Glassell Street from West Sycamore Avenue/University Drive north to approximately 434 North Glassell Street could add to the supply of on- street parking in the Old Towne area, possibly easing the demand for parking in the surrounding neighborhood. Recommendation It is staff's recommendation, based on our field review, that the request to remove the southbound left -turn lane on Glassell Street at University Drive, establish a passenger loading zone on the east side of the street, and establish 30 minute timed parking on the west side of the street be approved. Chapman University has indicated they will reimburse the City for all costs associated with these modifications. The proponent and all residents and businesses within 300 feet of the study area were notified in writing of the Traffic Commission Meeting. 8. ATTACHMENTS • Letter of Request • Areas Map • Site Sketch Existing • Site Sketch Requested • Proposed Striping Plan DA/js:td 0:� N:\Public Works \TRAFFIC\C T C\Repons\2017 Reports \2017 -09- 13\ltem_ 1 —Glassell—University—Passenger—Loading—Zone. Doc 3