Subject:
Title
Request approval of Transportation Safety Commission-recommended pedestrian improvements along Tapawingo Road SW
Body
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
On September 27, 2016, the Transportation Safety Commission (TSC) held a public hearing on a citizens’ petition for “Physical Traffic Calming Measures in SW Vienna.” The petition stated: “It is the opinion of the residents that there are speeding issues along the following roadways: 1) Meadow Ln-Tapawingo Rd SW; 2) Meadow Ln-Kingsley Rd SW; 3) Meadow Ln between Tapawingo Rd and Kingsley Rd SW.” At the end of the hearing, the TSC asked the Department of Public Works (DPW) and Vienna Police Department to work together to decide the best way to schedule a traffic study.
At its February 28, 2017 meeting, the TSC received results of the Meadow Lane traffic study. The Department of Public Works (DPW) was asked to evaluate the traffic study performed by the Vienna Police Department for potential traffic-calming along Tapawingo Road SW. Note, this location is an emergency route.
At its March 28, 2017 meeting, the TSC held a public hearing on the matter of potential traffic-calming along Tapawingo Road SW. Based on the traffic study, the road DOES meet the Traffic Calming Guide qualifications for traffic-calming, and a motion was adopted by the TSC.
At its March 28, 2017 meeting, the TSC also asked DPW to study the traffic light at Tapawingo and Nutley to see if physical changes could be made to reduce speeding down the hill in an attempt to make a green light.
DPW reported to the TSC at its April 25, 2017 public hearing that louvers could be installed on the traffic lights, which would reduce signal visibility at the top of the hill as traffic comes down Tapawingo and help reduce speeding. Six louvers would be required (two signals with three lights each); each louver costs approximately $200, for a total cost of approximately $1,200. The March 28, 2017 motion was amended to recommend installation of louvers.
The combined March 28, 2017 and April 25, 2017 motions are as follows:
“The Transportation Safety Commission (TSC) recommends lane narrowing and striping on Tapawingo Road, from Ware Street to Nutley Street SW, creating two 10’ wide travel lanes and two 8’ wide parking lanes, as well as improved longitudinal striping for all crosswalks at this intersection with a pedestrian bollard at the east crosswalk over Tapawingo Road. These may be interim steps, and will be revisited by the TSC within six months after installation. In addition, louvers should be added to the easternmost traffic signal heads on Tapawingo Road at Nutley Street SW as recommended by DPW.”
The March 28, 2017 motion was made by Commissioner Beth Eachus, seconded by Vice Chair Becky Allison, and carried on a vote of 7 to 1. Commissioner Leonard Ignatowski voted no, and Commissioner Jonathan Rak was not in attendance.
The April 25, 2017 motion was made by Vice Chair Becky Allison, seconded by Commissioner Beth Eachus, and approved on a vote of 8-0. Commissioner Tamara Redmon was not in attendance.
• The estimated cost for all improvements is $8,500. Use of surplus FY17 snow operational supplies fund, utilizing RJ Merkel under IFB 17-06, is recommended for a fiscal year total of $52,544.
Departmental Recommendation: Recommend approval.
Finance Recommendation: Recommend approval.
Purchasing Recommendation: Recommend approval.
Town Attorney Recommendation: Town Council may approve the proposed pavement marking and authorize expenditure of funds in its discretion.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council approve the installation of the pavement-marking portion of TSC-recommended pedestrian improvements along Tapawingo Road SW as presented.
Cost and Financing: $8,500
Account Number: 100-104-1041-14133-46015
Decision Needed by This Date: N/A
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
“I move to approve installation of the pavement-marking portion of TSC-recommended pedestrian improvements along Tapawingo Road SW in the amount of $8,500, utilizing RJ Merkel under IFB 17-06, for a total fiscal year expenditure of $52,544.”
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.