AGENDA #5c
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Report on Willow Drive Pedestrian Study
DATE: May 22, 2000
This report discusses a pedestrian study performed this spring on Willow Drive near University Mall. Please refer to the attached map.
During the January 19, 2000 public hearing on the proposed University Mall expansion plans, the Council received an oral petition from residents of Willow Terrace Condominiums to address concerns regarding the pedestrian crossing near the Condominiums’ office. Residents believe that improvements should be made at the existing crossing to address pedestrian safety concerns.
In response to that petition, we evaluated the pedestrian crossing and reported to the Council in February that the crossing signs and markings could be improved to increase drivers’ awareness of the crossing. We also scheduled a study of pedestrian activity (which is the subject of this report) to determine if the crossing needed to be signalized.
DISCUSSION
We spot-checked pedestrian activities along Willow Drive at different times of day on several occasions this spring. Also, on Thursday, May 4 we performed a continuous twelve-hour pedestrian count between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the mid-block Willow Drive pedestrian crossing (near the Willow Terrace Condominiums) and on Willow Drive in the vicinity of the Conner Drive intersection and bus stop.
The results of the May 4, 2000 twelve-hour count are as follows:
|
|
Willow Drive Mid-block Pedestrian Crossing |
Willow Drive in Vicinity of Connor Drive Intersection |
|
Total Pedestrian Crossings During 12-Hour Period (7 a.m.-7 p.m. |
74 |
56 |
|
Maximum Number of Pedestrian Crossings in One-Hour Period |
15 (2-3 p.m.) |
12 (1-2 p.m.) |
|
Minimum Number of Pedestrian Crossings in One-Hour Period |
2 (1-2 p.m.) |
2 (11-12 p.m.) |
Based on our observations and pedestrian counts, pedestrian activity crossing Willow Drive is low in overall volume and is distributed such that no high volume peaks were observed at any particular time.
We also noted that there are adequate lines of sight for both drivers and pedestrians, and that the vehicular traffic flow on Willow Drive is such that there are sufficient gaps which permit pedestrians to cross Willow Drive without long waiting periods or other apparent problems.
CONCLUSION
We do not think that traffic signals at the pedestrian crossing on Willow Drive are necessary at this time, based on our observations of pedestrian and vehicular traffic activity and characteristics.
The extra crosswalk workings have been completed, and new crosswalk signs using a high-visibility reflective material have been ordered and will be installed within the next thirty days. We believe that these improvements will improve drivers’ awareness of this pedestrian crossing.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Map