HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/16/2017 19B 40th Avenue and Chestnut Avenue Safety Modifications ReportBUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDASTATEMENT
Item No. 19.13.
For Meeting of: May 16, 2017
ITEM TITLE: Report regarding the proposed safety modifications to be made at
the intersection of 40th Avenue and Chestnut Avenue
SUBMITTED BY: Brett Sheffield, Chief Engineer, 576-6797
Scott Schafer, Director of Public Works
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
On the evening of April 12, 2017, an Open House was held at the Wesley Church to discuss a
proposed safety modification at the intersection of 40th Avenue and Chestnut Avenue that would
limit access at Chestnut to right in, right out, only. The reason for the proposed safety
modifications is to improve safety at this location. During the past five years, there have been 32
documented accidents at this unsignalized intersection.
Approximately 30 people attended the Open House, and all were in favor of the proposed
project. Minor adjustments were suggested, such as, installing crosswalks at both the north and
south crossing locations, installing additional signage and providing an educational element about
Rectangular Rapid -Flashing Beacons (RRFB) on the City's Y -PAC TV Channel.
The estimated cost for this project is $50,000. Attachment A is the updated drawing with the
recommended adjustments and Attachment B is the write-up of the Open House. This safety
project will be brought back for City Council approval once a contractor has been successfully
selected.
ITEM BUDGETED:
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Yes
Public Safety
APPROVED FORcllv�
SUBMITTAL: ~City Manager
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
BOARD/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Upload Date Type
Attachment A - Updated Plan Sheet 518/2017 Exhibit
Attachment B - Open Nouse vvTite up 5/812017 Exhibit
N
G
Q
N -c
p 6 ,4"
co
N
PED XING
_ PUSHBUTTON
I I I I ISI
I I
ffa—LiY CENTERLINE CURBING W /TUBULAR
MARKINGS EVERY 25' (TYP.)
7' OPENING FOR
BICYCLES & N noW. Chestnut Ave
PEDESTRIANS
/ I bo �
46 ,
® PED XING
PUSHBUTTON
N
1
Eo
N
It
4
Memorandum
April 17, 2017
To: Brett Sheffield, PE, Chief Engineer
From: Robert Desgrosellier, Senior Engineer
Subject: Open House for Proposed Safety Modifications at the Intersection of 40th Avenue &
Chestnut Avenue held on April 12, 2017
City Staff in attendance included: Councilwoman Holly Cousens; Cliff Moore; Scott Schafer, Joe
Rosenlund; Bob Desgrosellier; and, Brett Sheffield.
Mailings were sent to 108 residences in the vicinity of this intersection inviting them to the Open
House. The Yakima Herald also announced the Open House in the paper. There were 25-30
citizens in attendance. Handouts of the proposal were available.
After introductions, Holly Cousens made opening remarks. I read the highlights of the August
25, 2016 Public Safety Committee memo which provides many facts about the intersection, cost
for the minor work proposed versus the larger widening, expansion and reconstruction of the
intersection for several millions of dollars.
I then opened discussion of the proposal of the 40th Avenue mid -intersection curbing, painted
crosswalk of Chestnut at 40th Avenue and a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) as
shown on the display boards.
Thoughts and ideas that the citizens had ranged from:
It sounds like a good idea.
I still like rebuilding the intersection the expensive, "right -way".
To add visibility crossing with Rapid Red Flashing Beacons (RRFB), have bright flags that
are picked up from one side, carried across & deposited on the other side of the road by
pedestrians. (These may have to be replaced on occasion)
Place RRFB's and add educational element on YPAC or local Television public service
announcements
Place two (2) sets of RRFBs and crosswalks. One each on north and south sides of
Chestnut at 40th. (Citizen: Bellingham did this. It's more visible and drivers seem to
be more compliant.)
Enforce speeders on Chestnut and 40th
Coordinate signals with Summitview and Chestnut. (Staff.• ...too difficult with signals so
far apart)
Need Speed Humps on 40th Avenue (Staff.• ...not recommended with higher speeds
streets)
Need Speed Humps on Chestnut (Staff.• ...discussed how to petition for them)
Need advance warning signs on 40th for new crossings. (Staff.• ... they will be included
with the RRFBs)
Need advance signs TRUCKS NO RIGHT TURN (onto Chestnut)
Traffic circles needed at non -arterial intersections on Chestnut.
Please notify us after the City decides for another Open House with final proposal.
**(Staff): at RRFBs we'll place "STOP WHEN OCCUPIED" signs so the action is enforceable
by YPD.
We closed out the Open House up with one-on-one discussion between staff and interested
citizens.