HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-021 Speed Limit Revisions; YMC Amendment Ch. 9.50.370 ORDINANCE NO. 2014 -021
AN ORDINANCE concerning traffic speed limits, amending speed limits in certain specified
streets within the City of Yakima to provide consistency and better traffic
flow through the City; and amending YMC Chapter 9.50.370.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
Section 1. Chapter 9.50.370 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code is amended to
read as follows:
9.50.370 Speed limits.
In accordance with YMC 9.50.360, and when properly signposted, speed limits during the time
specified over and along the streets designated are:
A. Fifteen miles per hour:
1. On all city alleys at all times not otherwise designated or officially signposted;
B. Twenty miles per hour on all unpaved streets and the following streets:
1. 6th Avenue from Spruce Street to Division Street,
2. Cornell Avenue from Division Street to Nob Hill Boulevard,
3. 12th Avenue from Arlington Street to Nob Hill Boulevard,
4. 15th Avenue from Nob Hill Boulevard to Prasch Avenue,
5. 37th Avenue from Richey Road to Summitview Avenue,
6. 37th Avenue from Summitview Avenue to Tieton Drive,
7. 38th Avenue from Tieton Drive to Nob Hill Boulevard,
8. 44th Avenue from Walnut Street to south city limits,
9. Chestnut Avenue from 6th Avenue to 48th Avenue,
10. Arlington Street from 12th Avenue to 16th Avenue,
11. Arlington Street from 40th Avenue to 45th Avenue,
12. Prasch Avenue from 12th Avenue to 16th Avenue,
13. 7th Avenue from Walnut Avenue to Tieton Drive,
14. Stanley Boulevard from 23rd Avenue to Chestnut Avenue,
15. Front Street from Yakima Avenue to one hundred fifty feet north of "A" Street,
16. "A" Street between Front Street and North 1st Street;
C. Twenty -five miles per hour:
1. On all city streets at all times not otherwise designated or officially signposted;
D. Thirty miles per hour:
1. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard from 10th Street to 6th Avenue,
2. Castlevale Road from Fruitvale Boulevard to 34th Avenue,
3. Englewood Avenue from North 23rd Avenue to west city limits,
4. Fair Avenue from 10th Avenue to Mead Avenue,
5. Front Street from Beech Street to "I" Street, except between Yakima Avenue and one
hundred fifty feet north of "A" Street,
6. "I" Street from 6th Avenue to 1st Street,
7. Lincoln Avenue from 10th Street to west city limits,
8. Nob Hill Boulevard from 6th Street to 24th Avenue,
9. Pacific Street from 18th Street to 3rd Street,
10. Powerhouse Road from Englewood Avenue to 40th Avenue,
11. River Road from 16th Avenue to Fruitvale Boulevard,
12. Scenic Drive from 66th Avenue to west city limits,
13. Summitview Avenue from 7th Avenue to 40th Avenue,
14. Tieton Drive from 5th Avenue to 50th Avenue,
15. Walnut Street from South 6th Street to South 5th Avenue,
16. Yakima Avenue from 9th Street to 6th Street and from 7th Avenue to 16th Avenue,
17. Zier Road from 72nd Avenue to west city limits,
18. 1st Street from Pine Street to "D" Street,
19. 3rd Street from Walnut Street to 1st Street,
20. 3rd Avenue from Mead Avenue to Lincoln Avenue,
21. 5th Avenue from "I" Street to Tieton Drive,
22. 6th Street from Yakima Avenue to Nob Hill Boulevard,
23. 8th Street from Walnut Street to Yakima Avenue and between Martin Luther King Jr.
Boulevard to "G" Street,
24. 16th Avenue from Lincoln Avenue to Nob Hill Boulevard,
25. 24th Avenue from Nob Hill Boulevard to Mead Avenue,
26. 56th Avenue from Arlington Avenue to Englewood Avenue,
27. 18th Street from'. Pacific Street to south city limits,
28. West Powerhouse Road from North 40th Avenue to west city limits,
29. South 48th Avenue from Summitview Avenue to Nob Hill Boulevard,
30. 74th Avenue from Englewood Avenue to Summitview Avenue,
31. 80th Avenue from Tieton Drive to Zier Road and from Coolidge Road to Occidental
Avenue,
32. 86th Avenue from Occidental Avenue to Ahtanum Road,
33. 88th Avenue from Summitview Avenue to Tieton Drive,
34. North 66 Avenue from West Summitview Avenue to West Scenic Drive;
E. Thirty -five miles per hour:
1. Fruitvale Boulevard from North 5th Avenue to North 24 Avenue.
2. Mead Avenue from east city limits to South 16th Avenue,
3. Nob Hill Boulevard from east city limits to South 6th Street and from South 24th
Avenue to South 48 Avenue and from South 64 Avenue to west city limits,
4. Summitview Avenue from North 40th Avenue to North 74 Avenue,
5. Eat Yakima Avenue from east city limits to 9th Street,
6. Tieton Drive from South 40th Avenue to South 72 Avenue,
7. West Washington Avenue from South 1st Street to South 24th Avenue and from 64th
Avenue' to 72nd Avenue,
8. South 1st Street from south city limits to East Pine Street,
9. North 1st Street from "D" Street to north city limits,
10. South 3rd Avenue from West Washington Avenue to Mead Avenue,
11. 16th Avenue from south city limits to Nob Hill Boulevard and from north city limits to
Lincoln Avenue,
12. 40th Avenue from West Washington Avenue to Fruitvale Boulevard,
13. South 48th Avenue from south city limits to Nob Hill Boulevard,
14. 64th Avenue from Nob Hill Boulevard to Tieton Drive,
15. 24th Avenue from Mead Avenue to Washington Avenue,
16. 66th Avenue from Scenic Drive to north city limits,
17. 72nd Avenue from Summitview Avenue to Coolidge Road,
18. 96th Avenue from Summitview Avenue to Tieton Drive,
19. Peck's Canyon ,Road from West Powerhouse Road to Scenic Drive,
20. Occidental Avenue from 64th Avenue to west city limits,
21. Coolidge Road from 72nd Avenue to 80th Avenue;
F. Forty miles per hour:
1. South 64th Avenue from Nob Hill Boulevard to Ahtanum Road,
2. Tieton Drive from South 72 Avenue to west city limits,
3. West Summitview Avenue from North 74 Avenue to west city limits,
4. West Washington Avenue from 24th Avenue to 64th Avenue,
5. West Nob Hill Boulevard from South 48 Avenue to South 64 Avenue,
6. West Fruitvale Boulevard from North 24 Avenue to North 40 Avenue;
G. Forty -five miles per hour:
1. Ahtanum Road from South 16 Avenue to west city limits.
(Ord. 2008-29 § 1, 2008: prd. 2007 -50 § 1, 2007: Ord. 2003 -53 § 1, 2003: Ord. 2003 -21 § 1, 2003: Ord.
2002 -06 § 1, 2002: Ord. 2001 -58 § 1, 2001: Ord. 2001 -57 § 1, 2001: Ord. 99 -38 § 1, 1999: Ord. 95 -65 §
1, 1995: Ord. 95 -43 § 1,1 Ord. 94 -27 §§ 1, 2, 1994; Ord. 3340 §§ 1 -2, 1991; Ord. 2932 § 1, 1986:
Ord. 2877 § 1, 1985: Ord.' 2735 § 2 (part), 1983).
Section 2. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect 30 days after its passage,
approval, and publication as provided by law and by the City Charter.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, signed and approved this 7th day of October, 2014.
/ A.LL _ .4.�/
A EST: Micah Cawley, Mayor
£1 .
Sony. aar eee, City Clerk
Publication Date: October 10, 2014
Effective Date: November 9, 2014
II
F x .11
4
BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 8.
For Meeting of: October 07, 2014
ITEM TITLE: Ordinance amendment to Chapter 9.50.370 of the City of
Yakima Municipal Code for revisions of posted speed limits
within the City of Yakima
SUBMITTED BY: Scott Schafer, Public Works Director
Joe Rosenlund, Streets & Traffic Operations Manager
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
RCW 46.61.400 defines the basic speed law and the maximum speed limit allowed for state
highways, country roads, and city streets within the state of Washington. The statute authorizes
agencies to raise or lower the maximum speed limits when supported by an engineering and
traffic investigation and requires an amendment to Chapter 9.50.370 of the City of Yakima
Municipal Code.
Speed limits are to encourage safe and consistent travel speeds by reducing speed differentials
between motor vehicles. Speed limits are to reflect the speed most motorists naturally drive
based on road conditions. Speed percentiles assist in determining the effective and adequate
speed limits. The most common is the 85th percentile. This percentile is used in
evaluating /recommending posted speed limits based on the assumption that 85% of the drivers
are traveling at a speed they preceive to be safe. Posted speed limits should be within 5 mph of
the 85th percentile. Staff also looks at overall accident rates and accident causes for city roads.
The following recommendations are based on the 85th percentile, speed metering, as well
as road surface characteristics, shoulder conditions, grade, alignment and sight distance, and
collision data for the past three years.
Recommended increase in posted Speed Limit:
• Nob Hill Boulevard — 48 Ave to 64 Ave (35 mph to 40 mph)
• Summitview Avenue — 72 Ave to 96 Ave (35 mph to 40 mph 74 to 96th)
• Tieton Drive — 72 Ave to 96 Ave (35 mph to 40 mph)
• Fruitvale Boulevard — 24 Ave to 40 Ave (35 mph to 40 mph)
• Ahtanum Road — 16 Ave to City Limits (40 mph to 45 mph)
Recommended decrease in posted Speed Limit:
• 66 Ave — Summitview Ave to Scenic Drive (35 mph to 30 mph)
The cover memo and speed study report are attached for City Council review and
were presented at the September 26th Public Safety Committee meeting. A copy of both a
clean and marked up Ordinance has also been attached.
Resolution: Ordinance: X
Other (Specify):
Contract: Contract Term:
Start Date: End Date:
Item Budgeted: NA Amount:
Funding Source /Fiscal N/A
Impact:
Strategic Priority: Public Safety
Insurance Required? No
Mail to:
Phone:
APPROVED FOR
SUBMITTAL: City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
The Council Public Safety Committee recommended the proposed changes be forwarded to the
full Council for approval. Staff respectfully requests City Council approve the speed limit
revision recommendations and amend Chapter 9.50.370 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Upload Date Type
0 Speed Study Cover Memo 10/2/2014 Cover Memo
0 Speed Study Report 9/29/2014 Backup Material
0 Marked Up Speed Limit Ordinance Revisions 9/30/2014 Ordinance
0 Clean Speed Limit Ordinance Revisions 9/30/2014 Ordinance
MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Yakima City Council
From: Captain Greg Copeland, Yakima Police Department
Joe Rosenlund, Streets & Traffic Operations Manager
Date: October 1, 2014
RE: Review of speed limits
Yakima Police Department (YPD) and Yakima Streets Division were asked to review the
speed limit on several street segments within the city to determine if a change in those
speed limits was justified.
YPD's Traffic Unit and the Streets Division reviewed speed data, collision rates, and
citation statistics to determine the recommended speeds for the streets listed below.
Speed limits should be posted at the 85% speed or the next lower 5 mph. increment in
which vehicles are traveling. In addition to the speed at which vehicles are traveling,
the number of street lanes and driveways entering the arterial are also used in
determining the recommended speed.
At the September 26, 2014 Council Public Safety Committee meeting, the Committee
determined the speeds were appropriate and recommended that the new speeds be
presented to the full Council for consideration. The recommended speeds are:
Streets Existing Recommended
Nob Hill Blvd. — 48 Avenue to 64 Avenue 35 mph. 40 mph.
Washington Avenue — 24 Avenue to 64 Avenue 40 mph. 40 mph.
Summitview Avenue — 74 Avenue to 96 Avenue 35 mph. 40 mph.
Tieton Drive — 72 Avenue to 88 Avenue 35 mph. 40 mph.
Tieton Drive — 88 Avenue to 96 Avenue 40 mph. 40 mph.
64 Avenue — Washington Avenue to Nob Hill Blvd. 40 mph. 40 mph.
Fruitvale Blvd. — 24 Avenue to 40 Avenue 35 mph. 40 mph.
Ahtanum Road — 16 Avenue to City limits 40 mph. 45 mph.
66 Avenue — Summitview Avenue to Scenic Drive 35 mph. 30 mph.
The increased speed limits are proper given the results of the recent speed study and
the recent improvement to Yakima's streets. The recommended changes will bring
Yakima in line with speed limits commonly used in other municipalities. The attached
analysis provides the background information used in making these determinations.
Speed Limit Analysis
Date: 9/9/2014
Road Segment: Nob Hill Boulevard — 48 Avenue to 64 Avenue
Lanes: 5 Posted Speed: 35 MPH Traffic Volume: 11130
85% Speed: 41 EB 38 WB Pace: 32 mph to 42 mph
Sidewalks /Bike Lanes: Sidewalks both sides /Shared bike lane
Adjacent Land Use: Commercial, Agriculture
Terrain: Level Driveway Density: 20 /mile
Description: Nob Hill Boulevard is a five lane principal arterial running east and west
through mostly commercial and agricultural land. Terrain is level except for one short hill
east of 64 Avenue. The road is straight. Pedestrian traffic is light with some on- street
bicycle activity. Driveway density is low with good to excellent vision at most
approaches. The roadway was recently reconstructed from three lanes and no
sidewalks to five lanes with sidewalks.
Speed data was collected using a radar gun. The posted speed is 35 mph. The 85%
speed is approximately 40 mph with 90% of vehicles within the range of 32 to 42 mph.
Collision data shows there were 58 collisions in the past three years but 33 of the
collisions were related to the intersections of 48 Ave or 64 Ave with no connection to
travel speeds on Nob Hill Blvd. The collision rate is 2.05 collisions per million vehicle
miles (MVM). The collision rate should be below 2.0 collisions /MVM. There have been
no collisions along the corridor since reconstruction of the road has been complete.
Recommendation: The speed limit should be raised to 40 mph. Speed limits should
be posted at the 85% speed or the next lower 5 mph increment. Based on the 85%
speed and pace, a raise in the speed limit is justified and there has been a significant
drop in collisions since the roadway has been reconstructed.
Speed Limit Analysis
Date: 9/9/2014
Road Segment: Washington Avenue — 24 Avenue to 64 Avenue
Lanes: 5 Posted Speed: 40 MPH Traffic Volume: 14580
85% Speed: 42 EB 43 WB Pace: 35 mph to 45 mph
Sidewalks /Bike Lanes: Sidewalks both sides /Shared bike lane
Adjacent Land Use: Commercial, Agriculture
Terrain: Level Driveway Density: 20 /mile
Description: Washington Avenue is predominately a five lane principal arterial running
east and west through mostly commercial and agricultural land. Terrain is level. The
road does have some curvature with a large s -bend near 48 Avenue. Pedestrian traffic
is light and on- street bicycle activity is above average. Driveway density is low with
good to excellent vision at most approaches.
Speed data was collected using a radar gun. The posted speed is 40 mph. The 85%
speed is approximately 43 mph with 100% of vehicles within the range of 36 to 46 mph.
Collision data shows there were 47collisions in the past three years. This is an collision
rate of 1.96 collisions per million vehicle miles (MVM). Collision rates should be below
2.0 collisions /MVM. Six collisions involved excessive speed and 13 collisions were
failure to yield which may have either a speeding or sight distance component.
Recommendation: The speed limit should remain 40 mph. Speed limits should be
posted at the 85% speed or the next lower 5 mph increment. The pace shows that
almost all vehicles travel within 5 mph of the posted speed. Just less than half of the
collisions may have excessive speed as a factor but the collision rate is below the
threshold of 2.0 collisions /MVM. No unusual traffic or road characteristics exist that
would warrant a decrease from the recommended speed.
Speed Limit Analysis
Date: 9/9/2014
Road Segment: Summitview Avenue — 72 Avenue to 96 Avenue
Lanes: 4 Posted Speed: 35 MPH Traffic Volume: 11980
85% Speed: 39 EB 39 WB Pace: 33 mph to 43 mph
Sidewalks /Bike Lanes: Sidewalks both sides /No bike lanes
Adjacent Land Use: Residential
Terrain: Rolling Driveway Density: 25 /mile
Description: Summitview Avenue is a four -lane principal arterial with turn lanes every '/
mile, running east and west through mostly residential land. Summitview is constructed
on a hillside with varying road grade along its length. The road is straight except for a
curve approaching 72 Avenue eastbound. Pedestrian traffic is light with above
average on- street bicycle activity. Driveway density is moderate with good vision at
most approaches.
Speed data was collected using a radar gun. The posted speed is 35 mph. The 85%
speed is approximately 39 mph with 94% of vehicles within the range of 33 to 43 mph.
Collision data shows there were only 25 collisions in the past three years. This is a
collision rate of 1.27 collisions per million vehicle miles (MVM). Collision rates should be
below 2.0 collisions /MVM. There were three collisions where excessive speed was the
main contributor with another ten that where excessive speed may have been involved.
Another six were failure to yield which may have either a speeding or sight distance
component
Recommendation: The speed limit should be raised to 40 mph. Speed limits should
be posted at the 85% speed or the next lower 5 mph increment. The 85% speed is
fraction of a mile per hour below 40 mph and the higher speed limit is within the existing
pace speeds. The collision rate is below the threshold value of 2.0 collisions per MVM.
The higher speed limit should start at 74 Avenue. The eastbound downhill approach on
a curve into a signalized intersection requires a slower approach speed for trucks and
during inclement weather.
Speed Limit Analysis
Date: 9/11/2014
Road Segment: Tieton Drive — 72 Avenue to 96 Avenue
Lanes: 4 Posted Speed: 35/40 MPH Traffic Volume: 5348
85% Speed: 40 EB 38 WB Pace: 33 mph to 43 mph
Sidewalks /Bike Lanes: Sidewalks both sides /Marked bike lanes
Adjacent Land Use: Residential
Terrain: Rolling Driveway Density: 30 /mile
Description: Tieton Drive is a four -lane minor arterial with turn lanes every'/ mile,
running east and west through mostly residential land. Tieton is constructed on a hillside
with varying road grade along its length. The road is straight. Pedestrian traffic is
moderate with above average on- street bicycle activity. Driveway density is moderate
with some sight obstruction at streets or driveways near the crest of hills.
Speed data was collected using a radar gun. The speed limit on Tieton changes at 88
Avenue, 35 mph to east and 40 mph to the west. The 85% speed is approximately 39
mph with 94% of vehicles within the range of 33 to 43 mph.
Collision data shows there were 33 collisions on Tieton between 72 Ave and 96 Ave.
in the past three years. Nineteen of these occurred at the intersection fo 72 Ave or 96
Ave and were not related to traffic along Tieton Drive. Only two of the collisions
occurred west of 88 Avenue. This is a collision rate of 1.59 collisions per million vehicle
miles (MVM). Collision rates should be below 2.0 collisions /MVM. Most of these
accidents can be attributed to reduced sight distance from driveways and the lack of a
turn lane along most of the road segment.
Recommendation: The speed limit should be raised to 40 mph from 72 to 88 and
should remain as posted at 40 mph west of 80 Speed limits should be posted at
the 85% speed or the next lower 5 mph increment. The 85% speed is fraction of a mile
per hour below 40 mph and the higher speed limit is within the existing pace speeds.
The accident rate is in the good range. Sight distance at the intersections and driveways
near the two hillcrests on Tieton Drive will just meet the minimum AASHTO
requirements. These locations will need to be monitored for an increase in collisions.
Speed Limit Analysis
Date: 9/9/2014
Road Segment: 64 Avenue — Nob Hill Boulevard to Washington Avenue
Lanes: 2 Posted Speed: 40 MPH Traffic Volume: 6013
85% Speed: 44 NB 44 SB Pace: 37 mph to 47 mph
Sidewalks /Bike Lanes: Paved shoulders
Adjacent Land Use: Agriculture
Terrain: Level Driveway Density: 14 /mile
Description: 64 Avenue is a two -lane minor arterial running north /south through mostly
agricultural land. There are turn lanes at Washington Avenue and Nob Hill Boulevard.
The terrain is level and the road is straight. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic is light.
Driveway density is low with good sight distance at most approaches.
Speed data was collected using a radar gun. The posted speed is 40 mph. The 85%
speed is approximately 39 mph with 90% of vehicles within the range of 37 to 47 mph.
Collision data shows there were 39 collisions in the past three years but only 10 of the
collisions are related to the 64 Avenue corridor. This is a collision rate of 1.52 collisions
per million vehicle miles (MVM). Collision rates should be below 2.0 collisions /MVM. All
the accidents were at either the Washington Ave or Nob Hill Blvd intersections. None
were sight distance related. Speed may have a been a component in nine of the
collisions.
Recommendation: The speed limit should remain 40 mph. Speed limits should be
posted at the 85% speed or the next lower 5 mph increment. The radar data shows that
a majority of the traffic travels within about 3 mph of the existing speed limit. This
number of collisions occurring is an acceptable range.
Speed Limit Analysis
Date: 9/9/2014
Road Segment: Fruitvale Boulevard — 24 Avenue to 40 Avenue
Lanes: 4 Posted Speed: 35 MPH Traffic Volume: 10525
85% Speed: 40 WB 39 EB Pace: 32 mph to 42 mph
Sidewalks /Bike Lanes: Paved shoulders
Adjacent Land Use: Commercial
Terrain: Level Driveway Density: 60 /mile
Description: Fruitvale Boulevard is a four -lane principal arterial running east /west
through mostly commercial /industrial developments. There are turn lanes at 34
Ave /Castlevale Ave, 35 Avenue and 40 Avenue. There is also a wide painted median
but it is not wide enough to be a turn lane in most locations. The terrain is level and the
road is straight. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic is moderate. Driveway density is high with
most located on the south side of the road; many locations have parking adjacent to the
roadway with no defined driveway.
Speed data was collected using a radar gun. The posted speed is 35 mph. The 85%
speed is approximately 40 mph with 94% of vehicles within the range of 32 to 42 mph.
Collision data shows there were 43 collisions in the past three years but 18 of the
collisions were related to 40 Avenue at Fruitvale. This is a collision rate of 1.57
collisions per million vehicle miles (MVM) along Fruitvale Boulevard. Collision rates
should be below 2.0 collisions /MVM. There were no collisions specifically related to
excess speed but five collisions may have had a speeding component.
Recommendation: The speed limit should be raised to 40 mph. Speed limits should
be posted at the 85% speed or the next lower 5 mph increment. Based on the 85%
speed and pace, raising the speed limit is justified and the collision data does not show
safety issues on this portion of Fruitvale Boulevard. The total lack of access control
along Fruitvale Boulevard is a concern but good sight distance and ample traffic gaps
mitigate this problem.
Speed Limit Analysis
Date: 9/9/2014
Road Segment: Ahtanum Road — 16 Avenue to City Limit
Lanes: 4 Posted Speed: 40 MPH Traffic Volume: 10300
85% Speed: 46 WB 46 EB Pace: 39 mph to 49 mph
Sidewalks /Bike Lanes: Paved shoulders
Adjacent Land Use: Commercial /Agricultural
Terrain: Level Driveway Density: 22 /mile
Description: Ahtanum Road is a four -lane minor arterial running east /west through
mostly commercial /industrial developments. The terrain is level and the road is straight.
Pedestrian and bicycle traffic is light. Driveway density is low with good sight distance.
Most driveways are located near the 16 Avenue intersection and along the industrial
development on the north side of the road.
Speed data was collected using a radar gun. The posted speed is 40 mph. The 85%
speed is approximately 46 mph with 88% of vehicles within the range of 39 to 49 mph.
Collision data shows there were five collisions in the past three years of which four were
at the 16 Ave intersection and not related to traffic along the corridor. This is a collision
rate of 0.12 collisions per million vehicle miles (MVM). Collision rates should be below
2.0 collisions /MVM.
Recommendation: The speed limit should be increased to 45 mph. Speed limits
should be posted at the 85% speed or the next lower 5 mph increment. The 85% speed
is in the mid range of the pace speeds. The collision rate is very low. No unusual traffic
or road characteristics exist that would warrant a decrease from the recommended
speed.
Speed Limit Analysis
Date: 9/9/2014
Road Segment: 66 Avenue — Summitview Avenue to Scenic Drive
Lanes: 2 Posted Speed: 35 MPH Traffic Volume: 4688
85% Speed: 41 NB 44 SB Pace: 33 mph to 43 mph
Sidewalks /Bike Lanes: Intermittent road shoulder
Adjacent Land Use: Residential
Terrain: Hill Driveway Density: 45 /mile
Description: 66 Avenue is a two -lane collector road running north /south through
residential developments. 66 Avenue is on an average grade of 6.5 %. The road is
straight. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic is light. Driveway density is high with limited sight
lines at many locations due to the grade.
Speed data was collected using a traffic data collector. The posted speed is 35 mph.
The 85% speed is approximately 43 mph with 75% of vehicles within the range of 33 to
43 mph.
Collision data shows there were 24 collisions in the past three years with eight occurring
at intersection in the corridor but related to traffic on 66 Ave. This is a collision rate of
4.15 collisions per million vehicle miles (MVM). Collision rates should be below 2.0
collisions /MVM. This is an very high collision rate. It is due in most part to the severe
grade of the road and limited sight lines from crossroads and driveways.
Recommendation: The speed limit should reduced to 30 mph. Speed limits should
be posted at the 85% speed or the next lower 5 mph increment. Based on the 85%
speed and the pace an argument can be made for raising the sped limit to 40 mph.
However, the high accident rate due to the steepness of grade, lack of shoulders, the
number of driveways and limited sight lines warrant reducing the speed limit 10 mph
below the 85% speed. Drivers need to exercise more caution on this roadway and
reducing the speed limit along with increased enforcement may be the only way to do
that short of reconstructing the road to modern standards.
ORDINANCE NO. 2014 -
AN ORDINANCE concerning traffic speed limits, amending speed limits in certain specified
streets within the City of Yakima to provide consistency and better traffic
flow through the City; and amending YMC Chapter 9.50.370.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF YAKIMA:
Section 1. Chapter 9.50.370 of the City of Yakima Municipal Code is amended to
read as follows:
9.50.370 Speed limits.
In accordance with YMC 9.50.360, and when properly signposted, speed limits during the time
specified over and along the streets designated are:
A. Fifteen miles per hour:
1. On all city alleys at all times not otherwise designated or officially signposted;
B. Twenty miles per hour on all unpaved streets and the following streets:
1. 6th Avenue from Spruce Street to Division Street,
2. Cornell Avenue from Division Street to Nob Hill Boulevard,
3. 12th Avenue from Arlington Street to Nob Hill Boulevard,
4. 15th Avenue from Nob Hill Boulevard to Prasch Avenue,
5. 37th Avenue from Richey Road to Summitview Avenue,
6. 37th Avenue from Summitview Avenue to Tieton Drive,
7. 38th Avenue from Tieton Drive to Nob Hill Boulevard,
8. 44th Avenue from Walnut Street to south city limits,
9. Chestnut Avenue from 6th Avenue to 48th Avenue,
10. Arlington Street from 12th Avenue to 16th Avenue,
11. Arlington Street from 40th Avenue to 45th Avenue,
(1s) ord/
12. Prasch Avenue from 12th Avenue to 16th Avenue,
13. 7th Avenue from Walnut Avenue to Tieton Drive,
14. Stanley Boulevard from 23rd Avenue to Chestnut Avenue,
15. Front Street from Yakima Avenue to one hundred fifty feet north of "A" Street,
16. "A" Street between Front Street and North 1st Street;
C. Twenty -five miles per hour:
1. On all city streets at all times not otherwise designated or officially signposted;
D. Thirty miles per hour:
1. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard from 10th Street to 6th Avenue,
2. Castlevale Road from Fruitvale Boulevard to 34th Avenue,
3. Englewood Avenue from North 23rd Avenue to west city limits,
4. Fair Avenue from 10th Avenue to Mead Avenue,
5. Front Street from Beech Street to "I" Street, except between Yakima Avenue and one
hundred fifty feet north of "A" Street,
6. "I" Street from 6th Avenue to 1st Street,
7. Lincoln Avenue from 10th Street to west city limits,
8. Nob Hill Boulevard from 6th Street to 24th Avenue,
9. Pacific Street from 18th Street to 3rd Street,
10. Powerhouse Road from Englewood Avenue to 40th Avenue,
11. River Road from 16th Avenue to Fruitvale Boulevard,
12. Scenic Drive from 66th Avenue to west city limits,
(1s) ord/
13. Summitview Avenue from 7th Avenue to 40th Avenue,
14. Tieton Drive from 5th Avenue to 50th Avenue,
15. Walnut Street from South 6th Street to South 5th Avenue,
16. Yakima Avenue from 9th Street to 6th Street and from 7th Avenue to 16th Avenue,
17. Zier Road from 72nd Avenue to west city limits,
18. 1st Street from Pine Street to "D" Street,
19. 3rd Street from Walnut Street to 1st Street,
20. 3rd Avenue from Mead Avenue to Lincoln Avenue,
21. 5th Avenue from "I" Street to Tieton Drive,
22. 6th Street from Yakima Avenue to Nob Hill Boulevard,
23. 8th Street from Walnut Street to Yakima Avenue and between Martin Luther King Jr.
Boulevard to "G" Street,
24. 16th Avenue from Lincoln Avenue to Nob Hill Boulevard,
25. 24th Avenue from Nob Hill Boulevard to Mead Avenue,
26. 56th Avenue from Arlington Avenue to Englewood Avenue,
27. 18th Street from Pacific Street to south city limits,
28. West Powerhouse Road from North 40th Avenue to west city limits,
29. South 48th Avenue from Summitview Avenue to Nob Hill Boulevard,
30. 74th Avenue from Englewood Avenue to Summitview Avenue,
31. 80th Avenue from Tieton Drive to Zier Road and from Coolidge Road to Occidental
Avenue,
32. 86th Avenue from Occidental Avenue to Ahtanum Road,
(1s) ord/
33. 88th Avenue from Summitview Avenue to Tieton Drive,
34. North 66 Avenue from West Summitview Avenue to West Scenic Drive;
E. Thirty -five miles per hour:
1. Fruitvale Boulevard from North 5th Avenue to 4Q Avcnue North 24 Avenue.
2. Mead Avenue from east city limits to South 16th Avenue,
3. Nob Hill Boulevard from east city limits to South 6th Street and from South 24th
Avenue to South 48 Avenue and from South 64 Avenue to west city limits,
4. Summitview Avenue from North 40th Avenue to west city limits North 74 Avenue,
5. East Yakima Avenue from east city limits to 9th Street,
6. Tieton Drive from South 40th Avenue to 88 Avcnue South 72 Avenue,
7. West Washington Avenue from South 1st Street to South 24th Avenue and from 64th
Avenue to 72nd Avenue,
8. South 1st Street from south city limits to East Pine Street,
9. North 1st Street from "D" Street to north city limits,
10. South 3rd Avenue from West Washington Avenue to Mead Avenue,
11. 16th Avenue from south city limits to Nob Hill Boulevard and from north city limits to
Lincoln Avenue,
12. 40th Avenue from West Washington Avenue to Fruitvale Boulevard,
13. South 48th Avenue from south city limits to Nob Hill Boulevard,
14. 64th Avenue from Nob Hill Boulevard to Tieton Drive,
15. 24th Avenue from Mead Avenue to Washington Avenue,
16. 66th Avenue from Summitvicw Scenic Drive to north city limits,
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17. 72nd Avenue from Summitview Avenue to Coolidge Road,
18. 96th Avenue from Summitview Avenue to Tieton Drive,
19. Peck's Canyon Road from West Powerhouse Road to Scenic Drive,
20. Occidental Avenue from 64th Avenue to west city limits,
21. Coolidge Road from 72nd Avenue to 80th Avenue;
F. Forty miles per hour:
1. South 64th Avenue from Nob Hill Boulevard to Washington Avenuc Ahtanum Road,
2. Ahtanum Road from South 16th Avenue to east city limits,
3- 2. Tieton Drive from 88 th °venue South 72 Avenue to west city limits,
3. West Summitview Avenue from North 74 Avenue to west city limits,
4. West Washington Avenue from 24th Avenue to 64th Avenue.
5. West Nob Hill Boulevard from South 48 Avenue to South 64 Avenue,
6. West Fruitvale Boulevard from North 24 Avenue to North 40 Avenue;
G. Forty -five miles per hour:
1. Ahtanum Road from South 16 Avenue to west city limits.
(Ord. 2008 -29 § 1, 2008: Ord. 2007 -50 § 1, 2007: Ord. 2003 -53 § 1, 2003: Ord. 2003 -21 § 1, 2003: Ord.
2002 -06 § 1, 2002: Ord. 2001 -58 § 1, 2001: Ord. 2001 -57 § 1, 2001: Ord. 99 -38 § 1, 1999: Ord. 95 -65 §
1, 1995: Ord. 95 -43 § 1, 1995; Ord. 94 -27 §§ 1, 2, 1994; Ord. 3340 §§ 1 -2, 1991; Ord. 2932 § 1, 1986:
Ord. 2877 § 1, 1985: Ord. 2735 § 2 (part), 1983).
Section 2. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect 30 days after its passage,
approval, and publication as provided by law and by the City Charter.
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PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, signed and approved this 7th day of October, 2014.
ATTEST: Micah Cawley, Mayor
Sonya Claar Tee, City Clerk
Publication Date:
Effective Date:
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