Subject:
Title
8:00 p.m. - 8:20 p.m. Request approval of Transportation Safety Commission (TSC) motion for Ayr Hill Avenue, NW, traffic calming.
Body
Date(s) of Prior Council Consideration of this Issue:
N/A
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
The Department of Public Works (DPW) is requesting approval to proceed with the following traffic calming measures based on DPWs evaluation and TSCs passing of the motions: design of curb bump-outs and curb, gutter, and sidewalk modifications along the Ayr Hill Avenue leg of the Ayr Hill Avenue and Lawyers Road intersection. The TSC motion also includes installation of crosswalk and “STOP” pavement markings at the Ayr Hill Avenue and Center Street, NW ,intersection.
All TSC motions and recommendations are presented by DPW for consideration by Town Council at a regularly scheduled Town Council meetings.
From the Nov. 28, 2023, TSC meeting regarding traffic conditions along Ayr Hill Avenue, NW:
DPW Transportation Engineer Andrew Jinks shared the following report in response to the request for traffic calming. DPW studied Ayr Hill Avenue, NW, between Lawyers Road and Center Street both before and during police enforcement. Before police enforcement, DPW studied Ayr Hill Avenue from Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, to Thursday Oct. 5, 2023. The 85th percentile speed for that date range was 27 miles per hour (MPH). During police enforcement DPW studied Ayr Hill Avenue from Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, to Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. The 85th percentile speed for that date range was 28 MPH. The threshold for physical/vertical traffic calming (or speed tables) is 31 MPH or higher. Given this, DPW does not recommend speed tables/humps. However, given the volumes along Lawyers Road and Ayr Hill Avenue, the large curb radii, and the length of the existing crosswalk across Ayr Hill Avenue, DPW recommends bumping out the curb ramps located at the Ayr Hill Avenue leg of the Ayr Hill Avenue and Lawyers Road intersection. This improvement may also include adding some curb and gutter along Ayr Hill Avenue near the intersection, replacing/adding sidewalk, adding driveway aprons, and on-street parking lines where applicable. The exact scope of the design is still to be determined but at a minimum, the existing pedestrian ramps will be replaced with bumped-out ramps. This will create a narrowing of Ayr Hill Avenue within the area of the intersection. It will also create a safer environment for pedestrians.
While DPW does not have a schedule for the proposed improvements, it anticipates the design process to begin within the next year. DPW has requested a scope and fee for the design and a planning estimate for the construction. Additionally, the design phase for the large-scale existing CIP project for sidewalk and drainage improvements from Lawyers Road to Dominion Drive (including improvements to Center Street and Ayr Hill Avenue) is planned for 2025/2026 due to the anticipated costs and design complexities.
In response to the DPW report and citizens commentary, Vienna Police Sergeant Patrick Kiley stated that the Town will increase police presence on Ayr Hill Avenue, with the help of Officer Chip McElhattan, to focus on traffic calming concerns and specifically the large truck issue.
After hearing from DPW, Sergeant Kiley and the citizens, the TSC discussed possible traffic calming measures for Ayr Hill Avenue, NW. TSC Chairman Beth Eachus asked the TSC for a motion to consider.
Commissioner Donna Smith made a motion to restripe the crosswalks at Ayr Hill Avenue, NW, and Center Street, N, and to add the word “STOP” to the roadway approaching the stop sign. Commissioner Peter Hartogs seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously, 7-0.
Vice Chairman Sorrell made a motion to accept the DPW recommendation to bump out the curb ramps located at the Ayr Hill Avenue leg of the Ayr Hill Avenue and Lawyers Road intersection. This improvement may also include adding some curb and gutter along Ayr Hill Avenue near the intersection, replacing/adding sidewalk, adding driveway aprons, and on-street parking lines where applicable. Commissioner Charlie Strunk seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, 7-0.
Next Steps: If approved by Council, DPW will finalize the scope/fee with one of DPW’s on-call design consultant for the design of the curb bump-outs and request the on-call pavement marking contractor to install the proposed pavement markings at the Ayr Hill Avenue and Center Street, NW, intersection based on funding and crew/contractor availability.
Expected Completion Time Frame: Design completion for the proposed bump-out is anticipated for this year and construction is projected to begin in late 2024 or early 2025. Completion of the pavement markings at Ayr Hill Ave/Center Street, NW, will occur once the weather is consistently warming in the spring (April/May).
Strategic Plan Initiative: Vienna is a mobile and safe community.
Departmental Recommendation: Recommend approval.
Finance Recommendation: N/A
Purchasing Recommendation: N/A
Town Attorney Recommendation: The Town Council may approve the proposed traffic calming measures in its discretion.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council approve the Transportation Safety Commission recommendation for Ayr Hill Avenue, NW, as presented.
Cost and Financing: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Decision Needed by This date: March 4, 2024
Prior Funding Approval: N/A
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
“I move to approve the Transportation Safety Commission recommendation for Ayr Hill Avenue, NW, traffic calming.”
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.