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Town of Chapel Hill Executive Summary |
Meeting Date: 12-08-2008 AGENDA #6 |
Title of Agenda Item: Report on Pedestrian Safety
Background: The attached reports include background information and updates regarding the following items:
- [Manager's Cover Memorandum]
- Update on Safety Training Programs in the Transit Department
- Update on Pedestrian Safety Improvement Projects and Response to the Transportation Board’s Petition for Pedestrian Safety Measures
The first report provides an update on safety related activities at Chapel Hill Transit. Operations staff and management have been trained and certified by the Smith System Defensive Driving Program as part of our ongoing supervisory training. The Smith System is an internationally recognized firm providing defensive driving courses and training systems.
The second report provides background information on pedestrian safety improvements in the Town. A variety of measures were implemented at and near the intersection of Manning Drive and Columbia Street. Pedestrian upgrades are expected to be completed in January of 2009 at the intersection of Fordham Boulevard and Manning Drive. Changes in the traffic signal phasing are proposed at the Fordham Boulevard and Estes Drive intersection. Many other pedestrian measures are included in other projects throughout the Town.
Fiscal Note: Funds from the operating budget are used in Transit Department for the ongoing safety training programs.
Some of the pedestrian measures listed in the second memo are funded by the State. The Town is required to provide the funding for bicycle activated loops as part of the Traffic Signal System Upgrade project. The estimated cost of the bicycle activated loops is approximately $175,000. We are evaluating funding options including Surface Transportation Program funds for this item and we expect to provide a report on this to the Town Council early next year on this matter. However, we note that these measures require regular maintenance by the Town staff; and, we expect that the operating funds may be required to be increased for traffic division.
Staff Recommendation(s): No action is required by the Town Council. Pedestrian safety improvements are a high priority of the Town Council, and Town staff will work with the University and with the NCDOT to implement these pedestrian safety improvements as quickly as possible.
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