TITLE: Title
Consideration of Stage 2 Traffic Calming on Blueridge Road
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is for the Board of Aldermen to consider the proposed design for Stage 2 traffic calming measures on Blueridge Road.
body
DEPARTMENT: Planning
CONTACT INFORMATION: Bergen Watterson, 919-918-7329, bwatterson@townofcarrboro.org <mailto:bwatterson@townofcarrboro.org>; Tina Moon, 919-918-7325, cmoon@townofcarrboro.org <mailto:cmoon@townofcarrboro.org>; Trish McGuire, 919-918-7327, pmcguire@townofcarrboro.org <mailto:pmcguire@townofcarrboro.org>
INFORMATION: At the September 27th, 2016 meeting, the Board of Aldermen received a presentation from staff and comments from neighbors regarding traffic calming on Blueridge Road. Traffic volume, speed, and other data were collected in February 2016 and indicated that Stage 2 traffic calming measures were warranted. The Board of Aldermen directed staff to create a plan for Stage 2 traffic calming measures.
Since the September 2016 Board of Aldermen meeting, Town staff set up a table at the neighborhood potluck to discuss potential traffic calming measures and gather input. Staff created an online survey to gather input from residents who were unable to attend or did not provide comment at the potluck. A summary of responses to the paper comment cards and the online survey can be found in Attachment B.
Staff from the Planning and Public Works departments visited the site on several occasions and worked with Sungate Design to create a traffic calming plan for Blueridge Road. The plan includes two speed tables, curb extensions, road narrowing, and pavement markings. The speed tables were recommended because they are effective at lowering speeds, they have less impact on emergency access, and they can be found on other roads in the neighborhood. The curb extensions at Aberdeen Court are meant to lower the speeds of vehicles turning from Blueridge Road, where residents noted a particular speeding hazard. The road narrowing across from the Morningside intersection was proposed to slow cars at that point in the road and provide a protected area for pedestrians to walk. An illustrative map of proposed traffic calming devices can be found in Attachment C. Additional details on the proposed devices will be discussed at the meeting.
Staff recommends a pilot installation of the curb extensions and road narrowing with bollards and paint to test the effectiveness. Traffic volume and speed data will be collected again in 3-6 months after installation of traffic calming devices.
The Transportation Advisory Board received this information and heard from residents at the March 16th, 2017 meeting. Their recommendation can be found in Attachment D.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: Staff is working with Sungate Design and Public Works to finalize cost estimates relating to the different traffic calming measures. This information will be available at the meeting.
RECOMMENDATION:r Staff recommends that the Board of Aldermen consider the resolution in Attachment A approving the proposed traffic calming plan for Blueridge Road.