City of Somerville header
File #: 193921    Version: 1
Type: Communication Status: Placed on File
File created: 10/24/2012 In control: City Council
On agenda: 10/25/2012 Final action: 10/25/2012
Enactment date: N/A Enactment #: 193921
Title: Director of Traffic and Parking responding to #193832 re: Morrison Avenue crosswalks and bike sharrows.

  Agenda Text

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Director of Traffic and Parking responding to #193832 re: Morrison Avenue crosswalks and bike sharrows.

 

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Official Text

To the Honorable Board:

 

B.O.A. Order #193832…That the Director of Traffic and Parking determine whether a crosswalk is appropriate at the intersection of Morrison Ave and Grove St and whether Morrison Ave is appropriate for bike sharrows.

                     Traffic and Parking reviewed the intersection of Morrison Ave and Grove St relative to the installation of a new crosswalk.  When Traffic and Parking surveys a location for a new crosswalk several conditions are reviewed.  These conditions include adequate sight distance and stopping sight distance for a crosswalk in both directions approaching a crosswalk.  A need for a crosswalk at a particular location i.e. sufficient number of pedestrians crossing the street at a location, location of nearby crosswalks and the presence of American With Disabilities Act (ADSA) ramps.

Outside of Central Business district (CBD) crosswalks are generally not installed at mid block locations.  A crosswalk across Morrison Ave at Grove St is considered a mid block location.   Studies have shown that when crosswalks are installed in mid block locations pedestrian accidents increase.  This phenomenon is caused by motorists not having proper perception reaction time to stop for a pedestrian at a location where generally a crosswalk is not expected. 

In addition there must be a need for a crosswalk.  Pedestrian crossings in an area must be apparent.  The number of pedestrians initiating this maneuver must meet industry standards.  Transportation Industry Standards require either 20 pedestrian per hour or 60 pedestrians per four hour period for a new crosswalk.  This figure must be documented by a valid survey.

There are no ADA ramps for a crosswalk across Morrison Ave at Grove St

Based on the above Traffic and Parking does not support a new crosswalk at this location at this time.

Concerning the installation of Bicycle Sharrows on Morrison Ave., Traffic and Parking will add this location to the list of future installations.  However, Morrison Ave is in close proximity to the Community Path and many cyclists use the Community Path and not Morrison Ave.

Traffic and Parking will also add fluorescent materials to sign posts in the direct vicinity (traffic calming measure) as well as a slow children sign.

 

Please contact me if I can be of further assistance.