CITY OF GILROY 2012 SPEED SURVEY

Transcription

1 CITY OF GILROY 2012 SPEED SURVEY GILROY, CALIFORNIA Final Report Prepared For City of Gilroy Public Works Department Gilroy, California May 17, 2013 Adopted by City Council on July 13, Report3-FINAL.doc

2 City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey This document has been prepared for the titled project or named part thereof and should not be relied upon or used for any other project without an independent check being carried out as to its suitability and prior written authority of Hatch Mott MacDonald being obtained. Hatch Mott MacDonald accepts no responsibility or liability for the consequences of this document being used for a purpose other than the purposes for which it was commissioned. Any person using or relying on the document for such other purposes agrees, and will by such use or reliance be taken to confirm his agreement, to indemnify Hatch Mott MacDonald for all loss or damage resulting therefrom. Hatch Mott MacDonald accepts no responsibility or liability for this document to any party other than the person by whom it was commissioned. To the extent that this report is based on information supplied by other parties, Hatch Mott MacDonald accepts no liability for any loss or damage suffered by the client, whether contractual or tortious, stemming from any conclusions based on data supplied by parties other than Hatch Mott MacDonald and use by Hatch Mott MacDonald in preparing this report Report3-FINAL.doc Page i

3 City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION SPEED LIMIT AND SPEED ZONE CALCULATIONS Blanket Traffic Regulations Speed Limit Signs and Markings TRAFFIC COLLISION HISTORY Traffic Collision Data SPEED SURVEY RESULTS Field Speed Surveys Speed Survey Results RECOMMENDED SPEED LIMIT CHANGES Establishing Speed Limits Existing Speed Limits to Remain Recommended Speed Limit Modifications Recommended Additional Speed Limit Signs Recommended Speed Zone Transition Signs CONCLUSION REFERENCES List of References List of Contacts Report3-FINAL.doc Page ii

4 City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey LIST OF TABLES 1. COLLISION DATA 2. SPEED SURVEY DATA LIST OF EXHIBITS 1. CALIFORNIA ROAD SYSTEM MAP FOR GILROY AREA 2. EXISTING POSTED SPEED LIMITS 3. CRITICAL SPEEDS AT LEAST 5 MPH GREATER THAN POSTED SPEED LIMIT 4. RECOMMENDED SPEED LIMITS LIST OF APPENDICES A. SPEED SURVEY DATA 8712 Report3-FINAL.doc Page iii

5 1 INTRODUCTION City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey This study summarizes the 2012 engineering and traffic survey performed in the City of Gilroy. The study includes a summary of radar speed surveys at 117 locations within the city, as well as collision histories at key locations. This report includes the following: Speed limit and speed zone traffic regulations; Traffic collision history; Speed survey results; and Recommended speed limit changes. This report is an update of the City of Gilroy 2007 Citywide Speed Survey Report3-FINAL.doc Page 1

6 City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey 2 SPEED LIMIT AND SPEED ZONE CALCULATIONS Traffic regulations regarding speed limits and zones are described in the California Department of Transportation s (Caltrans) California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) and the California Vehicle Code (CVC). This section summarizes blanket traffic regulations and speed limit sign and marking procedures. 2.1 Blanket Traffic Regulations Speed limits in California are governed by the California Vehicle Code (CVC). The statutes contained in the CVC establish or provide means for establishing speed limits by blanket regulations or by prima facie speed limits which are established by local authorities on the basis of an engineering and traffic survey. The Gilroy Speed Survey is intended to comply with the statutes contained in the Vehicle Code. Basic Speed Law Section 220 of the CVC describes the Basic Speed Law. It states that No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property. Reasonable is defined in Merriam-Webster s Collegiate Dictionary as moderate, fair and not extreme or excessive," while prudent is defined as marked by wisdom or judiciousness and shrewd in the management of practical affairs. The courts have determined that the 85 th percentile speed represents a reasonable or prudent speed. Maximum Speed Limit Section of the CVC provides that no person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than 65 miles per hour (MPH). An exception to this, as stated in Section 226, is that Caltrans may increase the speed limit to 70 miles per hour (MPH). This increase can only be made after consultation with the California Highway Patrol and on the basis of an engineering and traffic survey. Even if the maximum speed is raised, certain vehicles are still not to be driven over 55 MPH per Section 226. These are listed below: Motor trucks or truck tractors having three or more axles or any truck towing another vehicle. Passenger vehicles or buses towing other vehicles. School buses transporting school pupils. Farm labor vehicles transporting passengers. Vehicles transporting explosives. Trailer buses, as defined in Section 636 of the CVC. Speed Law Violations and Prima Facie Speed Limits Section 221 of the CVC states that the speed of any vehicle upon a highway not in excess of the limits specified in Section 222 or established as authorized in [the CVC] is lawful unless clearly proved to be in violation of the basic speed law. This same 8712 Report3-FINAL.doc Page 2

7 City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey section also states that the speed of any vehicle upon a highway in excess of the prima facie speed limits in Section 222 or established as authorized in [the CVC] is prima facie unlawful unless the defendant establishes by competent evidence that the speed in excess of said limits did not constitute a violation of the basic speed law [CVC Section 220] at the time, place and under the conditions then existing. Evidence may include what the CVC terms an Engineering and Traffic Survey, more commonly called a speed study. Section 222 of the CVC establishes prima facie speed limits for local roads and streets. The literal definition of the phrase prima facie is first appearance. It is also defined as first view and before investigation. Prima facie evidence is evidence sufficient to establish fact, or to raise presumption of fact, unless rebutted. Prima facie speed limits are those that are defined in Section 222. These speed limits shall be applicable unless changed as authorized in the CVC and, if so changed, only when signs have been erected giving notice thereof. A speed limit of 15 MPH applies at railroad crossings, at uncontrolled highway intersections with obstructed view, and on alleys. A speed limit of MPH applies on any highway other than a state highway, in any business or residence district unless a different speed is established by local authority under procedures described in the CVC. The MPH speed limit also applies in school zones and when passing senior centers. Section 2 of the CVC describes a business district as an area which at least 50 percent of the properties are used for business for a minimum distance of 600 feet on one side or 0 feet on both sides of the highway. Section 515 describes a residence district as an area outside of the business district along a highway which has a minimum of 13 separate dwelling units on one side, or 16 on both sides for a minimum distance of a quarter-mile. CVC Sections 227 and 228 authorize local authorities to establish prima facie speed limits on streets and roads under their jurisdiction, on the basis of an engineering and traffic survey. CVC Sections and authorize local agencies to reduce prima facie speed limits to 20 or 15 MPH on narrow streets (roadway width less than feet), school zones, or senior centers on the basis of engineering and traffic surveys. Speed Traps Section 802(a) of the CVC provides that prima facie speed limits established under Sections 222(b), 224, 227, 228, and may not be enforced by radar unless the speed limit has been justified by an engineering and traffic survey (a.k.a. speed survey) within the last five years. Roadways with speed limits not justified by a speed survey are classified by the CVC as speed traps, which are outright prohibited in CVC Section 801. Section 2B.13 of the 2012 CA MUTCD further emphases that that a speed limit sign shall display the limit established by law, ordinance, regulation, or as adopted by the authorizing agency based upon a speed survey Report3-FINAL.doc Page 3

8 City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey Local Streets CVC Section 802(a) defines local streets and roads as ones that are functionally classified as local on the California Road System Maps approved by the Federal Highway Administration and maintained by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Exhibit 1 depicts the current California Road System Maps covering the City of Gilroy. If a local street or roadway is not indicated on the California Road System Maps, CVC Section 802(b) also allows local streets and roads to be defined as those roadways that meet the following four conditions: Primarily provides access to abutting residential property; Roadway width of not more than feet; Not more than one-half mile of uninterrupted length. Interruptions shall include official traffic control devices; and Not more than one traffic lane in each direction. As noted in CVC Section 802(a), roadways meeting either of the above CVC definitions for local streets and roadways are categorically exempt from any of the speed trap provisions within Section 802. This means that the City of Gilroy may enforce speed limits on local streets and roads meeting either definition without first performing an engineering and traffic survey (i.e. speed survey). However, enforcement on local streets would still be based upon the Basic Speed Law (i.e. 85 th percentile). Note: A jurisdiction s functional classification of a local street or roadway has no bearing on whether the roadway actually meets either of the CVC definitions. For example, if there is a discrepancy in function classification between the city s General Plan and the California Road System Maps, the California Road System Maps is the controlling definition. It is therefore important that cities submit their roadway classifications to Caltrans after adoption of city General Plan revisions. 2.2 Speed Limit Signs and Markings Section 219 of the CVC states that all prima facie speed limits established by Caltrans or a local authority shall be posted with the appropriate speed restriction signs for the speed limit to be effective. Speed limit signs shall be placed at the beginning of all restricted speed zones. Speed limit pavement markings with appropriate figures may be used to supplement speed limit signs. Such markings are not common in in Gilroy. Where speed limits vary by more than 10 MPH along contiguous segments of a roadway, or where engineering judgment indicates the need for advance notice, a Reduced Speed Limit Ahead (W3-5 or W3-5a) sign should be used. An example of such a situation is northbound Monterey Road in advance of Tenth Street, where the current speed limit changes from 50 MPH south of Tenth Street to MPH north of Tenth Street. Such a sign is currently in place just south of Tenth Street Report3-FINAL.doc Page 4

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10 3 TRAFFIC COLLISION HISTORY City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey Recent collision histories were considered to determine appropriate speed limits. 3.1 Traffic Collision Data Collision reports were reviewed for the 5-year period between January 2008 and December 2012 by the City of Gilroy Police Department. This information is summarized in Table 1. The summary table includes the total collisions within each street study segment, plus collisions where speed was a primary collision factor. Both total and non-intersection collisions are summarized in this table. No additional analysis was performed on the information. Table 1: Collision Data No. Street From To Total Collisions Mid-Block Collisions Pedestrian/ Bicycle Collisions Speed Related Collisions 1 Arroyo Circle Leavesley Road Camino Arroyo Arroyo Circle Camino Arroyo Camino Arroyo Bolsa Road HWY 101 City Limits Calle del Rey Longmeadow Drive Mantelli Drive Cameron Boulevard HWY 152 (East) Venture Way N/A 6 Camino Arroyo Arroyo Circle End Camino Arroyo Arroyo Circle HWY 152 (East) Camino Arroyo HWY 152 (East) Holloway Road Camino Arroyo Holloway Road Venture Way N/A 10 Carmel Street First Street Third Street Carmel Street Third Street Sixth Street Chestnut Street Murray Avenue End Chestnut Street End Old Gilroy Street Chestnut Street Old Gilroy Street Tenth Street Chestnut Street Tenth Street Luchessa Avenue Church Street End Mantelli Drive Church Street Mantelli Drive Welburn Avenue Church Street Welburn Avenue First Street Church Street First Street Third Street 20 Church Street Third Street Sixth Street Church Street Sixth Street Tenth Street Church Street Tenth Street Luchessa Avenue Club Drive Santa Teresa Boulevard Grenache Way Day Road Santa Teresa Boulevard Cougar Court N/A Eighth Street Miller Avenue Princevalle Street Eighth Street Princevalle Street Monterey Street Farman Frontage Road 7 Monterey Road City Limits Farrell Avenue Wren Avenue Monterey Road Forest Street Yamane Drive Leavesley Road Forest Street I.O.O.F. Avenue Old Gilroy Street Fourth Street Miller Avenue Carmel Street Fourth Street Carmel Street Church Street Report3-FINAL.doc Page 6

11 Table 1: Collision Data (Continued) City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey No. Street From To Total Collisions Mid-Block Collisions Pedestrian/ Bicycle Collisions Speed Related Collisions 33 Fourth Street Church Street Monterey Street Hirasaki Avenue End Mantelli Drive Holloway Road End Silacci Way I.O.O.F. Avenue Monterey Street Murray Avenue Kern Avenue City Limits Mantelli Drive Kern Avenue Mantelli Drive Welburn Avenue Kern Avenue Welburn Avenue First Street Kishimura Street Forest Street Murray Avenue Las Animas Avenue Church Street Monterey Road Las Animas Avenue Monterey Road Murray Avenue Leavesley Road San Ysidro Avenue City Limits Longmeadow Drive Rancho Hills Drive Santa Teresa Boulevard Longmeadow Drive Santa Teresa Boulevard Hirasaki Avenue Luchessa Avenue Cimino Street Thomas Road N/A 47 Luchessa Avenue Thomas Road Monterey Road Luchessa Avenue Monterey Road Rossi Lane Mantelli Drive End Country Drive Mantelli Drive Country Drive Rancho Hills Drive Mantelli Drive Rancho Hills Drive Santa Teresa Boulevard Mantelli Drive Santa Teresa Boulevard Kern Avenue Mantelli Drive Kern Avenue Wren Avenue Mantelli Drive Wren Avenue Church Street Miller Avenue First Street Third Street 56 Miller Avenue Third Street Sixth Street Miller Avenue Sixth Street Eighth Street 58 Miller Avenue Eighth Street Uvas Park Drive Miller Avenue Uvas Park Drive Santa Teresa Boulevard Miller Avenue Santa Teresa Boulevard San Justo Road 61 Miller Avenue San Justo Road Thomas Road Monterey Road (101/B) City Limits Cohansey Avenue 63 Monterey Road (101/B) Cohansey Avenue Las Animas Avenue Monterey Road (101/B) Las Animas Avenue Leavesley Road Monterey Street (101/B) First Street Third Street Monterey Street (101/B) Third Street Sixth Street Monterey Street (101/B) Sixth Street Tenth Street Monterey Road (101/B) Tenth Street Luchessa Avenue Monterey Road (101/B) Luchessa Avenue Farman Frontage Road Murray Avenue Las Animas Avenue Leavesley Road Murray Avenue Leavesley Road I.O.O.F. Avenue Murray Avenue I.O.O.F. Avenue Chestnut Street No Name Uno Avenue City Limits Las Animas Avenue Old Gilroy Street Monterey Street Eighth Street Princevalle Street Sixth Street Tenth Street Princevalle Street Tenth Street Luchessa Avenue Rancho Hills Drive End Longmeadow Drive Rancho Hills Drive Longmeadow Drive Mantelli Drive Rossi Lane Luchessa Avenue Southside Drive San Ysidro Avenue Las Animas Avenue Leavesley Road Report3-FINAL.doc Page 7

12 Table 1: Collision Data (Continued) City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey No. Street From To Total Collisions Mid-Block Collisions Pedestrian/ Bicycle Collisions Speed Related Collisions 81 Santa Teresa Boulevard Day Road Mantelli Drive Santa Teresa Boulevard Mantelli Drive First Street Seventh Street Princevalle Street Monterey Street Silacci Way HWY 152 (East) End Sixth Street Wren Avenue Miller Avenue Sixth Street Miller Avenue Church Street Sixth Street Church Street Monterey Street Sixth Street Monterey Street Rogers Lane Sixth Street Rogers Lane Arroyo Circle Southside Drive Obata Way Rossi Lane Southside Drive Rossi Lane End Sunrise Drive Sunrise Drive Rancho Hills Drive Tapestry Drive / Cooper Place Tapestry Drive / Cooper Place Santa Teresa Boulevard Tenth Street Uvas Park Drive Princevalle Street Tenth Street Princevalle Street Church Street Tenth Street Church Street SB HWY Third Street Santa Teresa Boulevard Westwood Drive Third Street Westwood Drive Wren Avenue Third Street Wren Avenue Miller Avenue Third Street Miller Avenue Church Street Third Street Church Street Monterey Street Thomas Road Luchessa Avenue Santa Teresa Boulevard Uvas Park Drive Wren Avenue Tenth Street Wayland Lane Welburn Avenue First Street Welburn Avenue Mantelli Drive Santa Teresa Boulevard Welburn Avenue Santa Teresa Boulevard Kern Avenue Welburn Avenue Kern Avenue Wren Avenue Welburn Avenue Wren Avenue Church Street 109 Welburn Avenue Church Street Monterey Street Westwood Drive Welburn Avenue First Street Westwood Drive First Street Third Street Wren Avenue End Tatum Avenue 113 Wren Avenue Tatum Avenue Mantelli Drive Wren Avenue Mantelli Drive Welburn Avenue Wren Avenue Welburn Avenue First Street Wren Avenue First Street Third Street Wren Avenue Third Street Uvas Park Drive Data within table based on traffic collision data from police reports for the period between January 1, 2008 and December 31, Source: City of Gilroy Police Department Report3-FINAL.doc Page 8

13 4 SPEED SURVEY RESULTS City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey This section of the report summarizes the results of the radar speed surveys. The median speed (50 th percentile) and critical speed (85 th percentile speeds) are reported. 4.1 Field Speed Surveys The measurement of prevailing speeds was done by using a radar speed gun. The following general procedures were followed for the measurements: Locations were selected where prevailing speeds were representative of the entire speed zone. Areas near traffic control devices and horizontal and vertical curves were avoided. Speed measurements were taken during off-peak hours on weekdays. If there was difficulty in obtaining the desired quantity, speed measurements were taken during other periods with free-flowing traffic. Weather was fair and the surveyor and radar equipment were as inconspicuous as possible. Angle to roadway centerline was no greater than 15 degrees in both directions. The desired minimum survey sample was 100 vehicles. Short speed zones of less than one-half mile were avoided where possible. Speed zone changes were coordinated with changes in roadway conditions or roadside development. Because Gilroy is an urban area, speed zone changes in 5 MPH increments were allowed. 4.2 Speed Survey Results Table 2 summarizes the existing speed limits, median (50 th percentile) speeds and critical (85 th percentile) speeds for all studied street segments. The median speed is the middle value of speeds ranked in order of magnitude. The critical, or 85 th percentile speed is the speed at or below which 85 percent of people surveyed drive, and is the primary basis for the establishment of a speed limit on a roadway. The field speed survey sheets are provided in Appendix A. Exhibit 2 indicates the existing posted speed limits and Exhibit 3 the roadways with critical speeds which exceed the posted speed limit by at least 5 miles per hour Report3-FINAL.doc Page 9

14 Table 2: Speed Survey Data City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey No. Street From To Direction Posted Speed Limit (mph) Median Speed (mph) Critical Speed (mph) 10 mph Pace Speed % Within Pace Proposed Speed Limit (mph) Arroyo Circle Leavesley Road Camino Arroyo SB Arroyo Circle Camino Arroyo Camino Arroyo SB Bolsa Road HWY 101 City Limits SB Calle del Rey Longmeadow Drive Mantelli Drive SB Cameron Boulevard HWY 152 (East) Venture Way N/A 1 SB Camino Arroyo Arroyo Circle End SB Camino Arroyo Arroyo Circle HWY 152 (East) SB Camino Arroyo HWY 152 (East) Holloway Road SB Camino Arroyo Holloway Road Venture Way N/A 1,3 SB Carmel Street First Street Third Street SB Carmel Street Third Street Sixth Street SB Chestnut Street Murray Avenue End WB Chestnut Street End Old Gilroy Street SB Chestnut Street Old Gilroy Street Tenth Street SB Chestnut Street Tenth Street Luchessa Avenue SB Church Street End Mantelli Drive SB Church Street Mantelli Drive Welburn Avenue SB Church Street Welburn Avenue First Street SB Church Street First Street Third Street SB Church Street Third Street Sixth Street SB Church Street Sixth Street Tenth Street SB Church Street Tenth Street Luchessa Avenue SB Club Drive Santa Teresa Boulevard Grenache Way WB Day Road Santa Teresa Boulevard Cougar Court WB Eighth Street Miller Avenue Princevalle Street WB Eighth Street Princevalle Street Monterey Street WB Farman Frontage Road 7 Monterey Road City Limits SB Farrell Avenue Wren Avenue Monterey Road WB Forest Street Yamane Drive Leavesley Road SB Forest Street I.O.O.F. Avenue Old Gilroy Street SB Fourth Street Miller Avenue Carmel Street WB Fourth Street Carmel Street Church Street WB Report3-FINAL.doc Page 10

15 Table 2: Speed Survey Data (Continued) City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey No. Street From To Direction Posted Speed Limit (mph) Median Speed (mph) Critical Speed (mph) 10 mph Pace Speed % Within Pace Proposed Speed Limit (mph) 33 Fourth Street Church Street Monterey Street WB Hirasaki Avenue End Mantelli Drive SB Holloway Road End Silacci Way WB I.O.O.F. Avenue Monterey Street Murray Avenue WB Kern Avenue City Limits Mantelli Drive SB Kern Avenue Mantelli Drive Welburn Avenue SB Kern Avenue Welburn Avenue First Street SB Kishimura Street Forest Street Murray Avenue WB Las Animas Avenue Church Street Monterey Road WB Las Animas Avenue Monterey Road Murray Avenue WB Leavesley Road San Ysidro Avenue City Limits WB Longmeadow Drive Rancho Hills Drive Santa Teresa Boulevard WB Longmeadow Drive Santa Teresa Boulevard Hirasaki Avenue WB Luchessa Avenue Cimino Street Thomas Road N/A 1 WB Luchessa Avenue Thomas Road Monterey Road WB Luchessa Avenue Monterey Road Rossi Lane WB Mantelli Drive End Country Drive WB Mantelli Drive Country Drive Rancho Hills Drive WB Mantelli Drive Rancho Hills Drive Santa Teresa Boulevard WB Mantelli Drive Santa Teresa Boulevard Kern Avenue WB Mantelli Drive Kern Avenue Wren Avenue WB Mantelli Drive Wren Avenue Church Street WB Miller Avenue First Street Third Street SB Miller Avenue Third Street Sixth Street SB Miller Avenue Sixth Street Eighth Street SB Miller Avenue Eighth Street Uvas Park Drive WB Miller Avenue Uvas Park Drive Santa Teresa Boulevard SB Miller Avenue Santa Teresa Boulevard San Justo Road / SB/WB Miller Avenue San Justo Road Thomas Road SB Monterey Road (101/B) City Limits Cohansey Avenue SB Monterey Road (101/B) Cohansey Avenue Las Animas Avenue /45 2 SB Monterey Road (101/B) Las Animas Avenue Leavesley Road SB Report3-FINAL.doc Page 11

16 Table 2: Speed Survey Data (Continued) City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey No. Street From To Direction Posted Speed Limit (mph) Median Speed (mph) Critical Speed (mph) 10 mph Pace Speed 65 Monterey Street (101/B) First Street Third Street SB Monterey Street (101/B) Third Street Sixth Street SB Monterey Street (101/B) Sixth Street Tenth Street SB Monterey Road (101/B) Tenth Street Luchessa Avenue SB Monterey Road (101/B) Luchessa Avenue Farman Frontage Road SB Murray Avenue Las Animas Avenue Leavesley Road SB Murray Avenue Leavesley Road I.O.O.F. Avenue SB Murray Avenue I.O.O.F. Avenue Chestnut Street SB No Name Uno Avenue City Limits Las Animas Avenue SB Old Gilroy Street Monterey Street Eighth Street WB Princevalle Street Sixth Street Tenth Street SB Princevalle Street Tenth Street Luchessa Avenue SB Rancho Hills Drive End Longmeadow Drive SB Rancho Hills Drive Longmeadow Drive Mantelli Drive SB Rossi Lane Luchessa Avenue Southside Drive SB San Ysidro Avenue Las Animas Avenue Leavesley Road SB Santa Teresa Boulevard Day Road Mantelli Drive SB Santa Teresa Boulevard Mantelli Drive First Street SB Seventh Street Princevalle Street Monterey Street WB Silacci Way HWY 152 (East) End SB Sixth Street Wren Avenue Miller Avenue WB Sixth Street Miller Avenue Church Street WB Sixth Street Church Street Monterey Street WB Sixth Street Monterey Street Rogers Lane WB Sixth Street Rogers Lane Camino Arroyo WB Southside Drive Obata Way Rossi Lane WB Southside Drive Rossi Lane End WB Sunrise Drive Rancho Hills Drive Tapestry Drive / Cooper Place WB Sunrise Drive Tapestry Drive / Santa Teresa Boulevard Cooper Place WB Tenth Street Uvas Park Drive Princevalle Street WB Tenth Street Princevalle Street Church Street WB Tenth Street Church Street SB HWY WB % Within Pace Proposed Speed Limit (mph) Report3-FINAL.doc Page 12

17 Table 2: Speed Survey Data (Continued) City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey No. Street From To Direction Posted Speed Limit (mph) Median Speed (mph) Critical Speed (mph) 10 mph Pace Speed % Within Pace Proposed Speed Limit (mph) 97 Third Street Santa Teresa Boulevard Westwood Drive WB Third Street Westwood Drive Wren Avenue WB Third Street Wren Avenue Miller Avenue WB Third Street Miller Avenue Church Street WB Third Street Church Street Monterey Street WB Thomas Road Luchessa Avenue Santa Teresa Boulevard SB Uvas Park Drive Wren Avenue Tenth Street WB Wayland Lane Welburn Avenue First Street SB Welburn Avenue Mantelli Drive Santa Teresa Boulevard / SB/WB Welburn Avenue Santa Teresa Boulevard Kern Avenue WB Welburn Avenue Kern Avenue Wren Avenue WB Welburn Avenue Wren Avenue Church Street WB Welburn Avenue Church Street Monterey Street WB Westwood Drive Welburn Avenue First Street SB Westwood Drive First Street Third Street SB Wren Avenue End Tatum Avenue SB Wren Avenue Tatum Avenue Mantelli Drive SB Wren Avenue Mantelli Drive Welburn Avenue SB Wren Avenue Welburn Avenue First Street SB Wren Avenue First Street Third Street SB Wren Avenue Third Street Uvas Park Drive SB Notes: 1. N/A = No speed limit sign posted on street segment. 2. Monterey Road (segment 63) has two different posted speeds. See Section 5.2 for more information. 3. Traffic along Camino Arroyo (segment 9) resulted in less than the standard 100 observations due to lack of existing traffic Report3-FINAL.doc Page 13

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20 5 RECOMMENDED SPEED LIMIT CHANGES City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey This section summarizes the recommended speed limits on city street segments, including locations where speed limits are recommended to be raised, lowered, newly established, or retained at existing levels. 5.1 Establishing Speed Limits The CVC and the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) describe the procedure for establishing speed limits. Section 210 of the CVC states that The Department of Transportation shall revise the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices [CA MUTCD], as it read on January 1, 2012, to require the [California] Department of Transportation or a local authority to round speed limits to the nearest five miles per hour of the 85th percentile of the free-flowing traffic. Accordingly, Section 2B.13 of the 2012 CA MUTCD states that When a speed limit is to be posted, it shall be established at the nearest 5 mph increment of the 85 th -percentile speed of free-flowing traffic, based upon the results of a vehicle speed survey. Note that this procedure can, in certain instances, result in speed limits of 1 or 2 MPH higher than the surveyed critical speed. The 85 th percentile speed is the speed at or below which 85 percent of the vehicles are driven. The 85 th percentile speed is often referred to as the critical speed. Speed limits higher than the critical speed are not generally considered reasonable and safe while limits below the critical speed do not facilitate the orderly movement of traffic. Speed limits established on this basis conform to the consensus of those who drive highways as to what speed is reasonable and safe, and are not dependent on the judgement of one or a few individuals. There are three categories of speed adjustments allowed by the CA MUTCD 1) business district; 2) residential density; and 3) pedestrian and bicyclist safety. Each category has its own factors that must be considered prior to application; each is described in Subsections through 5.1.3, below. There is also a one-time exception that allows for the 85 th percentile speed (i.e. critical speed) to be rounded down instead of up this exception is described in Subsection Business District As previously noted in Section 2.1 of this document, speed limits within business districts are defined in the CVC as MPH. Section 2 of the CVC describes a business district as an area which at least 50 percent of the properties are used for business for a minimum distance of 600 feet on one side or 0 feet on both sides of the highway Residential Density Reduction As described within the CA MUTCD, a speed reduction of 5 MPH can be applied to the nearest 5 MPH increment to the critical speed if either of the following building densities currently exists along a roadway: 1. The density of separate dwelling houses or business structures contiguous along one side of a roadway is at least 13 houses or structures per 0. miles; or 8712 Report3-FINAL.doc Page 16

21 City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey 2. The density of separate dwelling houses or business structures contiguous along both sides of a roadway is at least 16 houses or structures per 0. miles Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Reduction The CA MUTCD states that pedestrian and bicyclist safety can also be used as justification for keeping a speed limit low. The CA MUTCD does not provide specific criteria for use in this justification; however, in the spirit of the other guidance and statutes in the CA MUTCD and CVC, it is recommended that reductions be minimized where possible and that they be limited to roadways with moderate to heavy pedestrian and bicycle activity, such as near schools, parks, and other public gathering areas, as well as along obvious and established routes to schools. The factors which can enter into this decision process include the following: Most recent two-year accident record (minimum) Roadway design speed Safe stopping sight distance Superelevation Shoulder conditions Profile conditions Intersection spacing and offsets Driveway characteristics Pedestrian traffic in roadway without sidewalks The above factors conform to the conditions of CVC Section 627, Engineering and Traffic Survey, which states that the following factors shall be included for consideration: Prevailing speeds as determined by traffic engineering measurements Accident records Highway, traffic, and roadside conditions not readily apparent to the driver Pedestrian and bicyclist safety The CA MUTCD also notes the following additional factors that may be considered when establishing or re-evaluating a speed limit: Roadway alignment Pace speed (i.e. the 10 MPH interval in which the highest percentage of vehicle speeds are situated) Roadside development and environment Parking practices and pedestrian activity 8712 Report3-FINAL.doc Page 17

22 City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey Exception for Adjustment of Critical Speed The CVC contains an exception to the CA MUTCD procedure to establish a speed limit from the critical speed (i.e. 85 th percentile speed). Section 210(b) 1 of the CVC allows for the speed limit of a roadway to be rounded down to the nearest 5 MPH increment below the critical speed, as long as the speed limit would have otherwise been rounded up to the 5 MPH increment above the critical speed. If this adjustment is applied to the critical speed, no additional adjustments can be made. This means that if this exception is applied, none of the other adjustments described under Subsections through could be applied, regardless of whether or not the criteria for those other adjustments are met. For example, if the critical speed was found to be 33 MPH, instead of rounding up to MPH (the nearest 5 MPH increment), the speed limit could be rounded down to MPH using the exception, but no further reductions could be taken. Alternatively, if the critical speed was found to be 32 MPH, the nearest 5 MPH increment would be MPH a speed lower than the critical speed and thus the exception would not apply but the other adjustments described in Subsections through could be applied if their criteria are met. 5.2 Existing Speed Limits to Remain The existing speed limits on the following 97 street segments are recommended to be retained. For many of these segments, the observed critical speeds exceed the existing speed limits by 5 MPH or more. However, a review of other factors besides the critical speed indicates that the existing speed limits are appropriate. These factors are included as an explanation for not raising the speed limit. The existing speed limits are indicated in parentheses next to each segment. The locations of these street segments are also depicted graphically in Exhibit Arroyo Circle Leavesley Road to Camino Arroyo ( MPH) The critical speed is between 34 to 37 MPH, which is 4 to 7 MPH above the existing speed limit; this would normally warrant a speed limit of MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as this location is eligible for the CVC 210(b) rounding down exception. 2. Arroyo Circle Camino Arroyo to Camino Arroyo ( MPH) 4. Calle Del Rey Longmeadow Drive to Mantelli Drive ( MPH) The critical speed is 36 MPH, which is 11 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as the roadway is a residential collector street with residences on both sides and fronts along both an elementary school and park that generate both pedestrian and bicycle traffic. 1 Note: This section is erroneously cited as Section 210(f) in the 2012 CA MUTCD, page Report3-FINAL.doc Page 18

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24 7. Camino Arroyo Arroyo Circle to Hwy 152 (East) ( MPH) 8. Camino Arroyo Hwy 152 (East) to Holloway Road ( MPH) 12. Chestnut Street Murray Avenue to End ( MPH) City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey 13. Chestnut Street End to Old Gilroy Street ( MPH) The critical speed is MPH, 5 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of MPH. Instead, it is recommended that the speed limit remain at MPH, as this is a residential collector street with residences along both sides. 14. Chestnut Street Old Gilroy Street to Tenth Street ( MPH) 15. Chestnut Street Tenth Street to Luchessa Avenue ( MPH) 16. Church Street End to Mantelli Drive ( MPH) 17. Church Street Mantelli Drive to Welburn Avenue ( MPH) The critical speed is between and 39 MPH, 5 to 9 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as the roadway is a residential collector street with residences on both sides. 18. Church Street Welburn Avenue to First Street ( MPH) The critical speed is 39 MPH, which is 9 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as the roadway is a residential collector street with residences and businesses on both sides, fronts along a school that generates both pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and has a relatively high incidence of collisions. 19. Church Street First Street to Third Street ( MPH) The critical speed is 34 MPH, 4 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as the roadway is a residential collector street with residences and a few businesses on both sides Report3-FINAL.doc Page 20

25 City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey 20. Church Street Third Street to Sixth Street ( MPH) The critical speed is between 33 and MPH, which is between 3 and 5 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as the roadway is a residential collector street with residences on both sides. 21. Church Street Sixth Street to Tenth Street ( MPH) The critical speed is between and 37 MPH, which is between 5 and 7 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as the roadway is a residential collector street with residences on both sides. 22. Church Street Tenth Street to Luchessa Avenue ( MPH) The critical speed is between 36 and 37 MPH, which is between 6 and 7 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as the roadway is a residential collector street with residences on both sides. 23. Club Drive Santa Teresa Boulevard to Grenache Way ( MPH) The critical speed is between 33 to 34 MPH, which is 3 to 4 MPH above the existing speed limit; this would normally warrant a speed limit of MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as this location is eligible for the CVC 210(b) rounding down exception. 24. Day Road Santa Teresa Boulevard to Cougar Court ( MPH) The critical speed is 44 MPH, which is 4 MPH above the existing speed limit; this would normally warrant a speed limit of 45 MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as this location is eligible for the CVC 210(b) rounding down exception.. Eighth Street Miller Avenue to Princevalle Street ( MPH) The critical speed is between 32 and MPH, which is between 7 and 10 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as the roadway is a residential collector street with residences on both sides. 26. Eighth Street Princevalle Street to Monterey Street ( MPH) The critical speed is between 29 and 31 MPH, which is between 4 and 6 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as the roadway is a residential collector street with residences on both sides. 29. Forest Street Yamane Drive to Leavesley Road ( MPH) 8712 Report3-FINAL.doc Page 21

26 City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey. Forest Street I.O.O.F. Avenue to Old Gilroy Street ( MPH) The critical speed is between 36 and 37 MPH, which is between 6 and 7 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as the roadway is a residential collector street with residences on both sides. 31. Fourth Street Miller Street to Carmel Street ( MPH) 32. Fourth Street Carmel Street to Church Street ( MPH) 33. Fourth Street Church Street to Monterey Street ( MPH) 34. Hirasaki Avenue End to Mantelli Drive ( MPH) The critical speed is 37 MPH, which is 7 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as the roadway is a residential collector street with residences on both sides and the roadway fronts a park generating pedestrian traffic.. Holloway Road End to Silacci Way ( MPH) 36. I.O.O.F. Avenue Monterey Street to Murray Avenue ( MPH) 37. Kern Avenue City Limits to Mantelli Drive ( MPH) 39. Kern Avenue Welburn Avenue to First Street ( MPH). Kishimura Street Forrest Street to Murray Avenue ( MPH) 43. Leavesley Road San Ysidro Avenue to City Limits ( MPH) 44. Longmeadow Drive Rancho Hills Drive to Santa Teresa Boulevard ( MPH) 8712 Report3-FINAL.doc Page 22

27 City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey 47. Luchessa Avenue Thomas Road to Monterey Road ( MPH) The critical speed is 44 to 45 MPH, which is 4 to 5 MPH above the existing speed limit; this would normally warrant a speed limit of 45 MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as this location is eligible for the CVC 210(b) rounding down exception. 48. Luchessa Avenue Monterey Road to Rossi Lane ( MPH) 49. Mantelli Drive End to Country Drive ( MPH) The critical speed is between and 41 MPH, which is 5 to 6 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as this roadway lacks sidewalks, thus forcing pedestrians to walk along the roadway shoulder. 50. Manteli Drive County Drive to Rancho Hills Drive ( MPH) The critical speed is between and 42 MPH, which is 5 to 7 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as this roadway lacks sidewalks, thus forcing pedestrians to walk along the roadway shoulder. 51. Mantelli Drive Rancho Hills Drive to Santa Teresa Boulevard ( MPH) The critical speed is between 39 and MPH, which is 4 to 5 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as the roadway is a residential collector street with residences on both sides. 52. Mantelli Drive Santa Teresa Boulevard to Kern Avenue ( MPH) 53. Mantelli Drive Kern Avenue to Wren Avenue ( MPH) The critical speed is between 38 and 41 MPH, which is 3 to 6 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as the roadway is a residential collector street with residences on both sides. 54. Mantelli Drive Wren Avenue to Church Street ( MPH) The critical speed is between and 41 MPH, which is 5 to 6 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as the roadway is a residential collector street with residences on both sides. 55. Miller Avenue First Street to Third Street ( MPH) 8712 Report3-FINAL.doc Page 23

28 56. Miller Avenue Third Street to Sixth Street ( MPH) 57. Miller Avenue Sixth Street to Eighth Street ( MPH) City of Gilroy 2012 Speed Survey 59. Miller Avenue Uvas Park Drive to Santa Teresa Boulevard ( MPH) The critical speed is between 44 and 47 MPH, which is 9 to 12 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of 45 MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, due to narrow shoulders and the fact that the roadway bisects a park generating pedestrian and bicycle traffic. 61. Miller Avenue San Justo Road to Thomas Road ( MPH) The critical speed is between 38 and 39 MPH, which is 13 to 14 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at MPH, as the roadway is narrow with no shoulders, no sidewalk in the southbound direction, and a drop in elevation along the southbound street frontage. 62. Monterey Road City Limits to Cohansey Avenue (50 MPH) The critical speed is between 56 and 57 MPH, which is 6 to 7 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of 55 MPH. However, the speed limit is recommended to remain at 50 MPH for consistency with the speed limit established by Santa Clara County in the unincorporated area immediately north of the City of Gilroy. 63. Monterey Road Cohansey Avenue to Las Animas Avenue (50/45 MPH) (Note: The speed limit on this segment is 50 MPH between Cohansey and Farrell Avenues and 45 MPH between Farrell and Las Animas Avenues. However, in light of recent residential developments being constructed and proposed between Farrell and Cohansey Avenues, this segment has been reconfigured to include both pieces.) The critical speed is between 51 and 52 MPH, which is between 1 and 7 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of 50 MPH. However, it is recommended that the speed limit be lowered to 45 MPH over the entire segment, as the roadway is a transition between the less urbanized unincorporated areas to the north and the more urbanized areas and increased driveway/cross-street frequency within the City. 64. Monterey Road Las Animas Avenue to Leavesley Road (45 MPH) The critical speed is between 51 and 53 MPH, which is between 6 and 8 MPH above the existing speed limit. This would normally require a speed limit of 50 MPH. However, it is recommended that the speed limit remain at 45 MPH, due to the number and frequency of driveways along this roadway, as well as the relatively high incidence of collisions Report3-FINAL.doc Page 24