Title
Town Code Amendment to Establish a Four-Way Stop at W Poplar Ave and Davie Rd
PURPOSE: For the Town Council to consider adopting an amendment to the Carrboro Town Code that would establish a four-way stop at the intersection of West Poplar Avenue and Davie Road.
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Department
DEPARTMENT: Planning & Public Works
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Contact
CONTACT INFORMATION: Christina Moon, Planning Administrator, 919-918-7325, cmoon@carrboronc.gov; Patricia McGuire, Planning Director, 919-918-7327, pmcguire@carrboronc.gov; Kevin Belanger, Public Works Director, 919-918-7427, kbelanger@carrboronc.gov
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Council Direction
COUNCIL DIRECTION:
___ Race/Equity ____ Climate ____ Comprehensive Plan __X__Other
Council Direction Statement
Standards relating to local street signs and other traffic control devices are articulated in the Chapter 6 of the Carrboro Town Code. Changing the standards, to add new street signs and/relocate existing signs require amending the Town Code. Racial and Equity Pocket Questions have been prepared (Attachment B).
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Information
INFORMATION: The Town has been monitoring traffic safety at West Poplar Avenue and Davie Road at the request of neighboring property owners and concerns regarding observed conflicts between vehicles traveling through the intersection. Stop signs are currently in place at both the northbound and southbound sides of Davie Road. The east- and westbound lanes of W. Poplar are currently uncontrolled.
Staff consulted with the Town Engineer, who referenced the AASHTO Green Book and the NCDOT Roadway Design Manual guidance for stopping sight distance at grade intersections. Poplar Street has a posted speed limit of 25 mph, so the design speed is 30 mph which requires a minimum of 205 feet for stopping sight distance. Based on this guidance, a draft ordinance has been prepared. If adopted, the intersection at West Poplar Avenue and Davie Road would be converted to a four-way intersection and new “stop ahead” warning signs would be installed along West Poplar approximately 300 feet east and 600 feet west of the intersection.
The Traffic and Parking Committee reviewed the proposed changes on January 11, 2024, and recommended moving forward with the installation including the “stop ahead” warning signs. The committee also recommended that the Town continue to monitor the location, particularly during the first six months after the installation.
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Fiscal and Staff Impact
FISCAL IMPACT: There are minor fiscal impacts associated with fabrication/procurement and installation of signage, as well as any staff time associated with outreach (and enforcement if deemed necessary).
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Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Town Council adopt the Town Code amendment (Attachment A) establishing a four-way stop at West Poplar Avenue and Davie Road.
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