Subject:
Title
Request approval of Transportation Safety Commission-recommended pedestrian improvements along Beulah Rd NE
Body
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
During a TSC meeting on February 23, 2016, a second public discussion was held on the subject of Beulah Road NE.
At that meeting, DPW presented a traffic-calming evaluation for the section of Beulah Road from Ayr Hill Avenue to Sideling Court. The evaluation was conducted by the firm of Gorove/Slade under the direction of DPW.
Following extensive public discussion, the following motion was made:
“The Transportation Safety Commission accepts the report of the Department of Public Works (DPW) and its recommendations, with the caveat that if there is a continuous need to replace bollards on a too frequent basis, the use of bollards will be discontinued.”
The primary motion was made by Commissioner Beth Eachus, seconded by Commissioner Becky Allison, and approved on a vote of 6 yea, 0 nay, 1 abstention (Commissioner Ignatowski). Commissioner Andrew Meren was not in attendance at this meeting.
DPW had traffic data collected on Beulah Road NE from Ayr Hill Avenue NE to Sideling Court NE. Beulah Road is a minor arterial and an emergency route for fire and rescue. The data shows the following:
Road Classification: Minor Arterial
Traffic Volume: +/- 12,000 ADT
Average Speed: 28 - 30 MPH
85th Percentile: 31 - 34 MPH
Stop warrants: None of the cross streets met the 3:1 warrant for stop signs.
Fairfax County Public Schools and Public Works are not recommending pedestrian improvements at Sideling Court NE. FCPS wants students to cross at the crossing guard that is provided and not cross at Sideling Court.
Departmental Recommendation: Crosswalk striping and pedestrian bollards will be installed on Beulah Road NE at the Ayr Hill Avenue, Creek Crossing Road, and MacArthur Avenue intersections. Due to lack of sight distances, no pedestrian improvements should be installed at Cynthia Lane, Edwin Lane, Broadleaf Drive, or Druid Hill Road NE.
Finance Recommendation: Recommend approval contingent upon FY 17 Budget adoption.
Purchasing Recommendation: N/A
Town Attorney Recommendation: Town Council may approve, in whole or in part, the proposed crosswalk improvements in its discretion.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council approve the installation of the TSC recommended pedestrian improvements along Beulah Road, as presented.
Cost and Financing: $4,500
Account Number: Funding identified within the FY2017 budget
Decision Needed by This Date: N/A
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to approve installation of the TSC-recommended pedestrian improvements along Beulah Road NE for the amount of $4,500 with funding identified within the FY 2017 budget."
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.