TITLE: Title
Consideration of Stage 1 Traffic Calming Measures on Blueridge Road
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is for the Board of Aldermen to consider implementing Stage 1 traffic calming measures on Blueridge Road.
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DEPARTMENT: Planning
CONTACT INFORMATION: Bergen Watterson - 918-7329; Tina Moon - 918-7325
INFORMATION: In August 2014, Town staff received a traffic calming request from Helené de Fays for Blueridge Road, from Hillsborough Road to Spring Valley Road. In the request, Ms. de Fays expressed concern with speeding. Blueridge Road does not have sidewalks or bike lanes and the number of children walking and biking on the road has significantly increased since the neighborhood became part of the part of walk zone for McDougle Elementary/Middle School a few years ago.
Evaluation of Blueridge Road using the criteria outlined in the Residential Traffic Management Plan (RTMP) indicates that it is eligible for Stage 2 measures. Since only minimal speed enforcement and education efforts have been undertaken on Blueridge Road, and since residents have not supported speed bumps in the past, however, staff recommends implementing Stage 1 traffic calming measures at this time. These efforts will include primarily education and outreach, and increased traffic enforcement.
Town staff is working with residents to schedule a neighborhood meeting to discuss travel behaviors and possible traffic calming measures. Staff will also work with the Police Department to conduct additional speed enforcement operations on Blueridge Road as they are able, and to add the road to the speed radar trailer rotation. Traffic volume and speed will be re-evaluated after implementation of Stage 1 measures to determine whether Stage 2 should be considered. Per the RTMP, a meeting notice must be provided to surrounding residents at least ten days in advance of any Board of Aldermen or TAB meeting at which recommendations for Stage 2 measures will be considered
The full report, including the data used for analysis, for Blueridge Road is provided in Attachment B.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: Staff time is associated with the evaluation of traffic calming requests and the implementation of Stage 1 measures. No monies have been identified for physical traffic calming improvements in the current fiscal year. Funds can be considered in the upcoming budget cycle if Stage 2 measures are later identified.
RECOMMENDATION:r Staff recommends that the Board of Aldermen review the report and consider implementing Stage 1 traffic calming measures as recommended by the Transportation Advisory Board. A resolution that provides an opportunity for the Board of Aldermen to add specific follow-up action is provided as Attachment A.