AGENDA #4k

 

MEMORANDUM

TO:                  Mayor and Town Council

FROM:            W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

SUBJECT:      Response to a Petition Requesting Traffic Studies and Traffic Calming Devices on Hillsborough Street

 

DATE:             April 26, 2004

 

 

The following report responds to a petition from residents of Hillsborough Street and North Street requesting that the Town conduct traffic studies and implement traffic calming measures on Hillsborough Street.

 

The attached resolution would authorize the Manager to install a pole mounted speed detector on Hillsborough Street and to report back by the end of the year with a follow-up report regarding traffic speed and volume conditions on Hillsborough Street.

 

We recommend adoption of the attached resolution.

 

BACKGROUND

 

At its January 26, 2003 meeting, the Town Council received and referred petitions from residents requesting that the Town conduct traffic studies and implement traffic calming measures to reduce speeding and cut-through traffic problems on Hillsborough Street.  The petitioners expressed the following concerns:

 

• Increased speeding on Hillsborough Street;
• Increased traffic volume on Hillsborough Street;
• Jeopardized pedestrian safety; and
• Police enforcement of speeding on Hillsborough Street has not produced long-term improvement.

 

The petitioners cite speeding as the primary concern on Hillsborough Street, compounded by the hill and curves which exist.  Attachment 2 is a map of Hillsborough Street.

 

ROADWAY CHARACTERISTICS

 

Hillsborough Street is classified as a collector street.  It is 27 feet wide, with curb and gutter, on hilly terrain with numerous curves.  Hillsborough Street is designated as a “through” street, with all intersecting streets designated as “stop” streets.  Hillsborough Street is striped with a double yellow centerline along its entire length to guide drivers on this hilly, curvy street.  There is a sidewalk along at least one side for the entire length of Hillsborough Street.  The posted speed limit is 25 mph.

 

Physical traffic control devices such as speed humps are not suitable on Hillsborough Street due to its steep grade and curves, and numerous intersecting streets and driveways.

 

TRAFFIC CONDITIONS

 

The Town’s Mobility Report Consultant conducted a traffic count on Hillsborough Street between Rosemary Street and North Street in September 2003 and found an average daily traffic volume of 8384 vehicles.  Previous studies determined that the average speed was 30 to 32 mph and that 15% of the surveyed vehicles were traveling at or above 38 mph.

 

DISCUSSION

 

In 1998, following the Council’s approval, the Town implemented the following traffic management measures in response to speeding problems on Hillsborough Street:

 

• Special arrays of reflective/raised pavement markings;
• Speed awareness signs; and
• Increased speed enforcement.

 

Town staff has continued to receive complaints from citizens about speeding on Hillsborough Street. Hillsborough Street connects Airport Road and Franklin Street and is a commuting route for those traveling to and from the University campus.  Both multi-family and single-family dwellings are located along or near Hillsborough Street, as well as commercial uses at its western end. 

 

We have previously noted problems associated with the installation of speed humps or similar physical traffic control devices on Hillsborough Street, as requested by the petitioners.  Because of the steep grade and curves on much of Hillsborough Street, and numerous intersecting streets and driveways, practical locations for traffic calming devices are limited.  Of particular concern is the difficulty in placement of advance warning signs and the provision of adequate sight distances necessary to properly prepare drivers as they approach a physical traffic control device such as a speed hump.

 

However, we agree with the petitioners that the speeding is a continuing problem on Hillsborough Street and that traffic management alternatives should be explored. 

 

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES

 

We think that the following traffic management measures could mitigate speeding problems on Hillsborough Street:

 

1. Install a Pole Mounted Speed Detector:  The Pole Mounted Speed Detector is a permanent radar fixture that signals drivers of their current speed.  Please see Attachment #3 for a photograph of a Pole Mounted Speed Detector.  The radar system detects the speed of approaching vehicles displays the vehicle’s speed.  This type of device is used in a variety of locations including school zones, neighborhoods, and high-accident areas where the speeding is a problem.

 

The detector can be solar/battery powered, and it can be moved to different locations.  The cost of the device is approximately $3,500 and installation could be done by Town forces.  The Traffic Calming account currently has $3,650 available that could be used for purchase and installation of a speed detector.

 

2. Review the placement and number of signs and add orange flags to speed limit signs:  Town forces are proceeding with this work, and we expect that it will be completed by the end of May.

 

3. Focused and Consistent Speed Enforcement: The Police Department actively enforces speed regulations on Hillsborough Street.  Speed limit enforcement on Hillsborough Street will continue to be a Police Department priority to the maximum extent possible with available resources.

 

CONCLUSION

 

We do not think that the placement of physical traffic control devices (such as speed humps) on Hillsborough Street is practical or prudent.  Because of the steep grade and curves on much of Hillsborough Street, and numerous intersecting streets and driveways, practical locations for traffic calming devices are limited.  Of particular concern is the difficulty in placement of advance warning signs and the provision of adequate sight distances necessary to properly prepare drivers as they approach a physical traffic control device such as a speed hump.

 

As alternatives to physical traffic control devices, we believe that passive controls such as speed detectors, improved signs and markings, and increased Police enforcement could effectively mitigate the speeding problem on Hillsborough Street.

 

We will continue to monitor traffic conditions on Hillsborough Street, and we will provide a follow-up report at the end of the year.

 

MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION

 

That the Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the Manager to install a pole mounted speed detector on Hillsborough Street and directing the Manager to report back at the end of the year with information about the effectiveness of the recommended traffic control measures.

 

ATTACHMENTS

 

1.                  Petitions (p. 5).

2.                  Area Map (p. 9).

3.                  Pole Mounted Speed Director (p. 10).

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO INSTALL POLE MOUNTED SPEED DETECTOR ON HILLSBOROUGH STREET (2004-04-26/R-7)

 

WHEREAS, the Chapel Hill Town Council has received several petitions requesting that the Town implement traffic calming measures on Hillsborough Street to reduce the speeding problem and to make the street a safer place to live, walk, and drive; and

 

WHEREAS, Town staff has reviewed the request and has identified that speeding is a problem on Hillsborough Street; and

 

WHEREAS, the physical characteristics of Hillsborough Street limit the traffic management alternatives that would be appropriate;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council herewith authorizes the Manager to purchase and install a pole mounted speed detector on Hillsborough Street.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council directs the Manager to report back at the end of the year with information about the effectiveness of the above measures in mitigating speeding problems on Hillsborough Street.

 

This the 26^th day of April, 2004.