Military Road Safety Improvements - Arlingtonva
Military Road Safety Improvements 26th Road North to 31st Street North SUMMARY OF DATA REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS Prepared for:
Department of Environmental Services Traffic Engineering and Operations Bureau 2100 Clarendon Boulevard Arlington, Virginia 22201 Prepared by:
13221 Woodland Park Road, Suite 400 Herndon, Virginia 20171 July 2007
Military Road Safety Improvements - 26th Street N to 31st Street N
INTRODUCTION The Traffic Engineering & Operations Bureau (TE&O) of the Arlington County Department of Environmental Services has received significant input from citizens about traffic and safety concerns in the Military Road area. TE&O wishes to quickly implement low-cost improvements for the Military Road corridor to respond to the citizen requests. The County’s Arterial Transportation Management (ATM) Study identifies a number of potential modifications to manage vehicle speed and improve pedestrian safety on Military Road. Since that study was completed several modifications have been implemented and include street restriping to accommodate bicycle lanes. The County desires to further improve safety and will implement additional ATM measures on Military Road. This memorandum summarizes citizen comments received, data collection, and traffic signal warrants completed, and provides preliminary recommendations for safety improvements at the Military Road and 26th Road North intersection, the Military Road and 30th Street N. intersection, and the Military Road and 31st Street North intersection. These recommendations will be provided to the citizens for review and comment prior to recommendations being finalized.
Crossing Guard at the unsignalized pedestrian crossing at the Military Road Intersections with 26h Street N and 26th Road N
July 2007
2
Military Road Safety Improvements - 26th Street N to 31st Street N
CITIZEN COMMENTS The Donaldson Run and the Bellevue Forest Civic Associations have expressed concern for pedestrian and vehicular safety in general, and at several locations on Military Road. The following summary of concerns and suggestions are based on information provided by Arlington staff and from the public meeting on January 31, 2007. Safety Concerns: Limited sight distance at the Military Road and 26th Street N intersection Pedestrian safety in the crosswalk on Military Road at 26th Road N Excessive vehicle speed along Military Road, especially near 30th Street N Pedestrian crossing safety at the Military Road and 31st Street N intersection Limited sight distance at the Military Road and 31st Street N intersection due to parked cars along Military Road Lack of sidewalks and ADA ramps Suggested Improvements: Traffic signal or a four-way stop at 31st Street Pedestrian crossing improvements at 31st Street and 26th Street Sight distance improvements at 26th Street and Marcey Road High-visibility crosswalks at key locations Traffic signal at the Military Road/Nellie Custis Drive Pedestrian signals at key locations (unspecific) Sidewalks and ADA ramps where none exist Speed humps on Military Road Relocation of pedestrian crossing flashers (further in-advance of crossing) at 26th Road North Pedestrian actuated crossing flashing signage Speed actuated traffic signals These concerns and suggestions were used as the basis for reviewing data collected and the preliminary safety improvement recommendations. DATA COLLECTION Several data collection efforts have been performed along Military Road. Data includes intersection turning movement traffic and pedestrian counts, speed data, and crash data. This data was used to evaluate citizen comments and suggestions as well as to develop preliminary recommendations. Intersection Turning Movement Counts Intersection turning movement counts were performed at the Military Road and 26th Road North intersection and the Military Road and 31st Street intersection on October 21, 2004 and April 18, 2006, respectively. A summary of the traffic counts are provided in Tables 1 and 2 for the Military Road and 26th Road North intersection and the Military Road and 31st Street intersection, respectively. Copies of the counts are included in the Appendix.
July 2007
3
Military Road Safety Improvements - 26th Street N to 31st Street N
Table 1 Summary of Approach Volumes Military Road and 26th Road North (Vehicles or Pedestrian per Hour) Hour
Major Street* (Military Road)
6:30 AM to 7:30 AM 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
570 1,146 1,002 438 501 832 902 1,049
Maximum of Minor Street** (26th Road N) 16 15 15 12 7 13 16 16
Pedestrian (total crossing Military Road) 4 2 0 0 1 0 0 3
*Total of both approaches ** 26th Street was not counted
Table 2 Summary of Approach Volumes Military Road and 31st Street North (Vehicles or Pedestrian per Hour) Hour
Major Street* (Military Road)
7:00 AM to 8:00 AM 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
519 598 595 641 736 845 837
Maximum of Minor Street (31st Street N.) 55 56 73 90 97 107 100
Pedestrian (total crossing Military Road) 7 10 6 11 1 9 7
*Total of both approaches
Speed Data Speed data was collected to quantify vehicle speeds at several locations on Military Road. This data included 85th percentile and average speed. 85th percentile speed is defined as the speed at, or below which 85 percent of the surveyed motor vehicles traveled. The use of 85th percentile speed as a measure is a traffic engineering industry standard for studying speed along streets. It has been shown that when posted speed limits are within 5 mph of the 85th percentile speed the crash risk is the lowest. Speed data was collected at the following locations: Military Road between Marcey Road and 26th Street North Military Road between Marcey Road North and 30th Street North Military Road between 30th Street North and 31st Street North Military Road north of 38th Street North July 2007
4
Military Road Safety Improvements - 26th Street N to 31st Street N
A summary of the speed data collected is shown in Table 3. Table 3 Military Road Speed Data Summary 85th Percentile Speed (Average Speed) in Miles per Hour* Location
Tues
Weds.
Thurs.
Fri.
Sat.
Sun.
Military Road between 26th Street North and Marcey Road Northbound
39 (32)
34 (28)
Southbound
31 (28)
31 (28)
31 (27)
31 (26)
31 (27)
32 (27)
31 (28)
31 (28)
32 (29)
32 (29)
th
Military Road between Marcey Road and 30 Street North Northbound
-
Southbound
36 (32)
-
-
-
-
-
35 (31)
36 (32)
36 (32)
37 (33)
36 (33)
th
st
Military Road between 30 Street North and 31 Street North Northbound
47 (41)
45 (40)
46 (40)
45 (40)
46 (40)
46 (40)
Southbound
-
-
-
-
-
-
th
Military Road North of 38 Street North Northbound
41 (36)
-
42 (37)
-
42 (37)
-
Southbound
35 (31)
-
35 (31)
-
35 (32)
-
*Posted speed limit of 30mph
The speed data summary shows that 85th percentile speeds in the area near 26th Street North are generally less than 5 mph above the posted speed limit. The one exception to this was in the northbound direction on the Tuesday measured, the 85th percentile speed was 39 mph. Between Marcey Road and 30th Street, the speed data shows that the 85th percentile is 6-7 mph above the posted speed limit. Between 30th Street and 31st Street, the 85th percentile speed is more than 15 mph above the posted speed limit. It is assumed that this high speed is due to the vertical curve in the roadway which vehicles accelerate down the hill towards the Military Road and 30th Street intersection. North of 38th Street, the northbound 85th percentile speed is more than 10 mph above the posted speed limit while the southbound direction 85th percentile speed is only 5 mph above the posted speed limit. Based on the speed data shown, the citizens concern that there is excessive speeding near the Military Road and 30th Street intersection is validated.
July 2007
5
Military Road Safety Improvements - 26th Street N to 31st Street N
Crash Data Collision diagrams were provided by Arlington County records and are included in the Appendix. Tables 4 and 5 summarize the crash history at the Military Road and 26th Street North the intersection and the Military Road and 31st Street North intersection, respectively.
Table 4 Military Road and 26th Street North Crash Data Summary Year Crash Type
2004
2005
2006
Total
Right-angle
0
0
0
0
Right-turn
0
0
0
0
Left-turn
0
0
0
0
Rear-end
0
1
0
1
Side-swipe
0
0
0
0
Head-on
0
0
0
0
Total
0
1
0
0
Table 5 Military Road and 31st Street North Crash Data Summary Year Crash Type
2004
2005
2006
Total
Right-angle
1
0
0
1
Right-turn
0
0
0
0
Left-turn
0
0
0
0
Rear-end
1
0
0
1
Side-swipe
0
0
0
0
Head-on
0
0
0
0
Total
2
0
0
2
Tables 4 and 5 show that the number of crashes reported at the two intersections is minimal. One crash was reported at the Military Street and 26th Street North intersection and two crashes were reported at the Military Road and 31st Street North intersection. The reported data does not support the citizen concerns about safety along the corridor. What is not captured in the reported data are near misses and “perceived” safety, especially for July 2007
6
Military Road Safety Improvements - 26th Street N to 31st Street N
pedestrians. These concerns are difficult to quantify, however measures can be taken to address the citizen concerns. These measures can include reducing the pedestrian crossing distance and minimizing exposure to vehicular traffic as well as enhanced signage and pavement markings. SUMMARY OF PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED TRAFFIC SIGNAL WARRANT ANALYSES Prior to this study, several traffic signal warrant analyses were performed for intersections along Military Road. Traffic signal warrant analyses were performed in May 2005 at the Military Road and 26th Road North intersection and the Military Road and 30th Street intersection. These were performed as a part of the citizen initiated traffic signal project developed by Paul Ferguson, the former Arlington Board chairman. These two locations were selected by the Donaldson Run and the Bellevue Forest civic associations for traffic signalization consideration. The Military Road and 31st Street intersection was analyzed in September 2006 in response to citizen requests. The results of the analysis showed that none of the three intersections warranted traffic signals. PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS As a result of a review of the data and the evaluation of the citizen concerns and suggestions, preliminary recommendations have been developed. The preliminary recommendations are focused on low-cost, near term improvements that can be implemented within existing right-of-way. Capital intensive improvements such as regrading Military Road to improve sight distance was not included due to budgetary limitations. Preliminary recommendations are: 1. Install intersection nubs on Military Road near 26th Street N and 26th Road N. Nubs should be installed along Military Road and on both 26th Street North and 26th Road North. The nubs will reduce pedestrian crossing distance and will also reduce vehicle speed due to the “narrowing” effect. Near-term improvement – Install low cost materials such as pavement marking with reflectorized markers and/or rubber curbs. A near-term alternative to nubs for existing intersections are providing raised material (concrete or rubber) that maintains drainage and pedestrian access. An example of this is shown below. Long-term improvement – Install concrete curb nub with sidewalk and ADA ramps
July 2007
7
Military Road Safety Improvements - 26th Street N to 31st Street N
Intersection Nub Alternative 2. Install dynamic signage that shows the speed limit and the vehicle speed (see picture of an example) prior to the downhill segments of Military Road near 30th Street N. The placement of these signs will need to be closely coordinated with property owners along Military Road in this area. Based on previous experience in Arlington, there has been resistance from property owners for installing this type of signage in residential front yards.
Dynamic Speed Limit Signage 3. Install sidewalks and ADA ramps where none exist today. This recommendation may be cost prohibitive in the near-term if right-of-way needs to be acquired. 4. Convert existing crosswalk to ladder style at the Military Road and 31st Street intersection. 5. Upgrade the existing flashing pedestrian crossing signage at the 26th Road N intersection to be pedestrian actuated. Consideration should be given to signage further away from the intersection to allow vehicles more time to slow down at the crosswalk.
July 2007
8
Military Road Safety Improvements - 26th Street N to 31st Street N
Pedestrian Actuation for Flashing Pedestrian Crossing Signage 6. Install medians along Military Road at the Military Road and 30th Street N. intersection and the Military Road and 31st Street N. intersection. The medians will reduce vehicle speed due to the “narrowing” effect. Installing medians will require the reducing the width of the travel lanes, bike lanes, and/or parking lanes to provide area for the median. Near-term improvement – Install low cost materials such as pavement marking and/or rubber curbs. Long-term improvement – Install raised concrete median 7. Install in-road yield to pedestrian signage at crosswalks on the centerline for both travel directions.
In-road Yield to Pedestrian Signage
July 2007
9
Military Road Safety Improvements - 26th Street N to 31st Street N
8. Restrict on-street parking along Military Road near the 31st Street intersection to increase sight distance for vehicles turning onto Military Road. 9. Create a Neighborhood Speed Watch Program Figures 1 through 4 show the Military Road corridor and the preliminary recommendations, respectively. RESPONSE TO OTHER CITIZEN SUGGESTIONS In response to other citizen suggestions that were not included in the preliminary recommendations, the following is a summary of the remaining suggestions and a brief discussion of their applicability to Military Road. Four-Way Stops Four-way stops are not recommended along Military Road. Four-way stops operate most efficiently when the traffic volumes from all approach are relatively balanced; this is not the case along the Military Road intersections. In practice, four-way stops have the potential to increase mid-block vehice speeds when they are placed in inappropriate locations. Drivers tend to increase speed between stops to make up for lost time. The Manual on Uniform Control Devices (MUTCD), the national standard for signage and traffic control, states that stop signs “should not be used as speed control.” Speed Humps Speed humps are not recommended on Military Road. Speed humps are typically used on residential and other local streets, but are not an appropriate measure on arterial streets. The installation of speed humps can lead to unintended new issues such as increases in mid-block vehicle speeds and additional traffic noise. NEXT STEPS The preliminary recommendations will be provided to the citizens for review and comment. A second citizen meeting will be held to compile the citizen feedback and develop final recommendations for implementation.
July 2007
10
ST. 36T H
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MILITARY ROAD STUDY CORRIDOR
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RD.
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26 T
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30T H
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35T H
31 ST
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D O O W . CH IR EE C
25TH PL.
38T H
MA R
PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS
1
CONVERT EXISTING CROSSWALK TO LADDER STYLE AND INSTALL YIELD-TO-PEDESTRIANS SIGN (R1-6)
RESTRICT ON-STREET PARKING NEAR INTERSECTION
AD MILITARY RO
RESTRICT ON-STREET PARKING NEAR INTERSECTION
INSTALL MEDIAN
N
MILITARY ROAD AND 31ST STREET N SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
ST 31
T EE R ST
PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS
R1-6
2
30TH
STRE
ET N
N
INSTALL YIELD-TO-PEDESTRIANS SIGN (R1-6)
B EECHWO
M INSTALL MEDIAN
IL
IT
AR
Y
OD CIRCL E
RO
AD
INSTALL DYNAMIC SPEED LIMIT SIGN
DYNAMIC SPEED LIMIT SIGN
R1-6
MILITARY ROAD AND 30TH STREET N SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
INSTALL DYNAMIC SPEED LIMIT SIGN
PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS
3
26TH STREET N
INSTALL YIELD-TO-PEDESTRIANS SIGN (R6-1)
INSTALL NUBS
MILITARY ROAD
26T OAD HR
INSTALL STRIPED MEDIAN
N
INSTALL NUBS
PEDESTRIAN-ACTUATED SIGNAL
*UPGRADE THE EXISTING FLASHING PEDESTRIAN SIGNAGE FOR THE SCHOOL ZONE TO BE PEDESTRIAN ACTUATED
R1-6
PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS
MILITARY ROAD AND 26TH STREET N AND 26TH ROAD N SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
INSTALL MEDIAN
4
APPENDIX
Collision Diagram At: Military Rd And: 26th St N Right-angle
Right-turn
N Left-turn
page 1 of 1 Rear-end Side-swipe Head-on
Legend: or Auto Truck
Pedestrian Bus
Other Motorcycle or bicycle Injury Fatal Fixed obj Backing
Parked veh Out-of-control
MILITARY RD
04/22/2005 R. W. 1752 Fr 050422062 W W Re
26TH ST N No. of Accidents: Plotted Accidents:
1 1
Right-angle
Right-turn Left-turn Rear-end Side-swipe Head-on
08/19/2003 C. D. 0848 Tu 030819-013 S S Rear end
Collision Diagram At: 31st St N And: Military Rd N page 1 of 1
Pedestrian Bus
Other Motorcycle or bicycle Injury Fatal Fixed obj Backing
Parked veh Out-of-control
MILITARY RD 31ST ST N
Legend: or Auto Truck
12/13/2006 C. D. 1503 We 061213038 N N Rear end
02/07/2004 C. D. 1310 Sa 040207-032 W S Angle
No. of Accidents: Plotted Accidents:
3 3
Department of Environmental Services Traffic Engineering and Operations Bureau 2100 Clarendon Boulevard Arlington, Virginia 22201 Prepared by:
13221 Woodland Park Road, Suite 400 Herndon, Virginia 20171 July 2007
Military Road Safety Improvements - 26th Street N to 31st Street N
INTRODUCTION The Traffic Engineering & Operations Bureau (TE&O) of the Arlington County Department of Environmental Services has received significant input from citizens about traffic and safety concerns in the Military Road area. TE&O wishes to quickly implement low-cost improvements for the Military Road corridor to respond to the citizen requests. The County’s Arterial Transportation Management (ATM) Study identifies a number of potential modifications to manage vehicle speed and improve pedestrian safety on Military Road. Since that study was completed several modifications have been implemented and include street restriping to accommodate bicycle lanes. The County desires to further improve safety and will implement additional ATM measures on Military Road. This memorandum summarizes citizen comments received, data collection, and traffic signal warrants completed, and provides preliminary recommendations for safety improvements at the Military Road and 26th Road North intersection, the Military Road and 30th Street N. intersection, and the Military Road and 31st Street North intersection. These recommendations will be provided to the citizens for review and comment prior to recommendations being finalized.
Crossing Guard at the unsignalized pedestrian crossing at the Military Road Intersections with 26h Street N and 26th Road N
July 2007
2
Military Road Safety Improvements - 26th Street N to 31st Street N
CITIZEN COMMENTS The Donaldson Run and the Bellevue Forest Civic Associations have expressed concern for pedestrian and vehicular safety in general, and at several locations on Military Road. The following summary of concerns and suggestions are based on information provided by Arlington staff and from the public meeting on January 31, 2007. Safety Concerns: Limited sight distance at the Military Road and 26th Street N intersection Pedestrian safety in the crosswalk on Military Road at 26th Road N Excessive vehicle speed along Military Road, especially near 30th Street N Pedestrian crossing safety at the Military Road and 31st Street N intersection Limited sight distance at the Military Road and 31st Street N intersection due to parked cars along Military Road Lack of sidewalks and ADA ramps Suggested Improvements: Traffic signal or a four-way stop at 31st Street Pedestrian crossing improvements at 31st Street and 26th Street Sight distance improvements at 26th Street and Marcey Road High-visibility crosswalks at key locations Traffic signal at the Military Road/Nellie Custis Drive Pedestrian signals at key locations (unspecific) Sidewalks and ADA ramps where none exist Speed humps on Military Road Relocation of pedestrian crossing flashers (further in-advance of crossing) at 26th Road North Pedestrian actuated crossing flashing signage Speed actuated traffic signals These concerns and suggestions were used as the basis for reviewing data collected and the preliminary safety improvement recommendations. DATA COLLECTION Several data collection efforts have been performed along Military Road. Data includes intersection turning movement traffic and pedestrian counts, speed data, and crash data. This data was used to evaluate citizen comments and suggestions as well as to develop preliminary recommendations. Intersection Turning Movement Counts Intersection turning movement counts were performed at the Military Road and 26th Road North intersection and the Military Road and 31st Street intersection on October 21, 2004 and April 18, 2006, respectively. A summary of the traffic counts are provided in Tables 1 and 2 for the Military Road and 26th Road North intersection and the Military Road and 31st Street intersection, respectively. Copies of the counts are included in the Appendix.
July 2007
3
Military Road Safety Improvements - 26th Street N to 31st Street N
Table 1 Summary of Approach Volumes Military Road and 26th Road North (Vehicles or Pedestrian per Hour) Hour
Major Street* (Military Road)
6:30 AM to 7:30 AM 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
570 1,146 1,002 438 501 832 902 1,049
Maximum of Minor Street** (26th Road N) 16 15 15 12 7 13 16 16
Pedestrian (total crossing Military Road) 4 2 0 0 1 0 0 3
*Total of both approaches ** 26th Street was not counted
Table 2 Summary of Approach Volumes Military Road and 31st Street North (Vehicles or Pedestrian per Hour) Hour
Major Street* (Military Road)
7:00 AM to 8:00 AM 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
519 598 595 641 736 845 837
Maximum of Minor Street (31st Street N.) 55 56 73 90 97 107 100
Pedestrian (total crossing Military Road) 7 10 6 11 1 9 7
*Total of both approaches
Speed Data Speed data was collected to quantify vehicle speeds at several locations on Military Road. This data included 85th percentile and average speed. 85th percentile speed is defined as the speed at, or below which 85 percent of the surveyed motor vehicles traveled. The use of 85th percentile speed as a measure is a traffic engineering industry standard for studying speed along streets. It has been shown that when posted speed limits are within 5 mph of the 85th percentile speed the crash risk is the lowest. Speed data was collected at the following locations: Military Road between Marcey Road and 26th Street North Military Road between Marcey Road North and 30th Street North Military Road between 30th Street North and 31st Street North Military Road north of 38th Street North July 2007
4
Military Road Safety Improvements - 26th Street N to 31st Street N
A summary of the speed data collected is shown in Table 3. Table 3 Military Road Speed Data Summary 85th Percentile Speed (Average Speed) in Miles per Hour* Location
Tues
Weds.
Thurs.
Fri.
Sat.
Sun.
Military Road between 26th Street North and Marcey Road Northbound
39 (32)
34 (28)
Southbound
31 (28)
31 (28)
31 (27)
31 (26)
31 (27)
32 (27)
31 (28)
31 (28)
32 (29)
32 (29)
th
Military Road between Marcey Road and 30 Street North Northbound
-
Southbound
36 (32)
-
-
-
-
-
35 (31)
36 (32)
36 (32)
37 (33)
36 (33)
th
st
Military Road between 30 Street North and 31 Street North Northbound
47 (41)
45 (40)
46 (40)
45 (40)
46 (40)
46 (40)
Southbound
-
-
-
-
-
-
th
Military Road North of 38 Street North Northbound
41 (36)
-
42 (37)
-
42 (37)
-
Southbound
35 (31)
-
35 (31)
-
35 (32)
-
*Posted speed limit of 30mph
The speed data summary shows that 85th percentile speeds in the area near 26th Street North are generally less than 5 mph above the posted speed limit. The one exception to this was in the northbound direction on the Tuesday measured, the 85th percentile speed was 39 mph. Between Marcey Road and 30th Street, the speed data shows that the 85th percentile is 6-7 mph above the posted speed limit. Between 30th Street and 31st Street, the 85th percentile speed is more than 15 mph above the posted speed limit. It is assumed that this high speed is due to the vertical curve in the roadway which vehicles accelerate down the hill towards the Military Road and 30th Street intersection. North of 38th Street, the northbound 85th percentile speed is more than 10 mph above the posted speed limit while the southbound direction 85th percentile speed is only 5 mph above the posted speed limit. Based on the speed data shown, the citizens concern that there is excessive speeding near the Military Road and 30th Street intersection is validated.
July 2007
5
Military Road Safety Improvements - 26th Street N to 31st Street N
Crash Data Collision diagrams were provided by Arlington County records and are included in the Appendix. Tables 4 and 5 summarize the crash history at the Military Road and 26th Street North the intersection and the Military Road and 31st Street North intersection, respectively.
Table 4 Military Road and 26th Street North Crash Data Summary Year Crash Type
2004
2005
2006
Total
Right-angle
0
0
0
0
Right-turn
0
0
0
0
Left-turn
0
0
0
0
Rear-end
0
1
0
1
Side-swipe
0
0
0
0
Head-on
0
0
0
0
Total
0
1
0
0
Table 5 Military Road and 31st Street North Crash Data Summary Year Crash Type
2004
2005
2006
Total
Right-angle
1
0
0
1
Right-turn
0
0
0
0
Left-turn
0
0
0
0
Rear-end
1
0
0
1
Side-swipe
0
0
0
0
Head-on
0
0
0
0
Total
2
0
0
2
Tables 4 and 5 show that the number of crashes reported at the two intersections is minimal. One crash was reported at the Military Street and 26th Street North intersection and two crashes were reported at the Military Road and 31st Street North intersection. The reported data does not support the citizen concerns about safety along the corridor. What is not captured in the reported data are near misses and “perceived” safety, especially for July 2007
6
Military Road Safety Improvements - 26th Street N to 31st Street N
pedestrians. These concerns are difficult to quantify, however measures can be taken to address the citizen concerns. These measures can include reducing the pedestrian crossing distance and minimizing exposure to vehicular traffic as well as enhanced signage and pavement markings. SUMMARY OF PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED TRAFFIC SIGNAL WARRANT ANALYSES Prior to this study, several traffic signal warrant analyses were performed for intersections along Military Road. Traffic signal warrant analyses were performed in May 2005 at the Military Road and 26th Road North intersection and the Military Road and 30th Street intersection. These were performed as a part of the citizen initiated traffic signal project developed by Paul Ferguson, the former Arlington Board chairman. These two locations were selected by the Donaldson Run and the Bellevue Forest civic associations for traffic signalization consideration. The Military Road and 31st Street intersection was analyzed in September 2006 in response to citizen requests. The results of the analysis showed that none of the three intersections warranted traffic signals. PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS As a result of a review of the data and the evaluation of the citizen concerns and suggestions, preliminary recommendations have been developed. The preliminary recommendations are focused on low-cost, near term improvements that can be implemented within existing right-of-way. Capital intensive improvements such as regrading Military Road to improve sight distance was not included due to budgetary limitations. Preliminary recommendations are: 1. Install intersection nubs on Military Road near 26th Street N and 26th Road N. Nubs should be installed along Military Road and on both 26th Street North and 26th Road North. The nubs will reduce pedestrian crossing distance and will also reduce vehicle speed due to the “narrowing” effect. Near-term improvement – Install low cost materials such as pavement marking with reflectorized markers and/or rubber curbs. A near-term alternative to nubs for existing intersections are providing raised material (concrete or rubber) that maintains drainage and pedestrian access. An example of this is shown below. Long-term improvement – Install concrete curb nub with sidewalk and ADA ramps
July 2007
7
Military Road Safety Improvements - 26th Street N to 31st Street N
Intersection Nub Alternative 2. Install dynamic signage that shows the speed limit and the vehicle speed (see picture of an example) prior to the downhill segments of Military Road near 30th Street N. The placement of these signs will need to be closely coordinated with property owners along Military Road in this area. Based on previous experience in Arlington, there has been resistance from property owners for installing this type of signage in residential front yards.
Dynamic Speed Limit Signage 3. Install sidewalks and ADA ramps where none exist today. This recommendation may be cost prohibitive in the near-term if right-of-way needs to be acquired. 4. Convert existing crosswalk to ladder style at the Military Road and 31st Street intersection. 5. Upgrade the existing flashing pedestrian crossing signage at the 26th Road N intersection to be pedestrian actuated. Consideration should be given to signage further away from the intersection to allow vehicles more time to slow down at the crosswalk.
July 2007
8
Military Road Safety Improvements - 26th Street N to 31st Street N
Pedestrian Actuation for Flashing Pedestrian Crossing Signage 6. Install medians along Military Road at the Military Road and 30th Street N. intersection and the Military Road and 31st Street N. intersection. The medians will reduce vehicle speed due to the “narrowing” effect. Installing medians will require the reducing the width of the travel lanes, bike lanes, and/or parking lanes to provide area for the median. Near-term improvement – Install low cost materials such as pavement marking and/or rubber curbs. Long-term improvement – Install raised concrete median 7. Install in-road yield to pedestrian signage at crosswalks on the centerline for both travel directions.
In-road Yield to Pedestrian Signage
July 2007
9
Military Road Safety Improvements - 26th Street N to 31st Street N
8. Restrict on-street parking along Military Road near the 31st Street intersection to increase sight distance for vehicles turning onto Military Road. 9. Create a Neighborhood Speed Watch Program Figures 1 through 4 show the Military Road corridor and the preliminary recommendations, respectively. RESPONSE TO OTHER CITIZEN SUGGESTIONS In response to other citizen suggestions that were not included in the preliminary recommendations, the following is a summary of the remaining suggestions and a brief discussion of their applicability to Military Road. Four-Way Stops Four-way stops are not recommended along Military Road. Four-way stops operate most efficiently when the traffic volumes from all approach are relatively balanced; this is not the case along the Military Road intersections. In practice, four-way stops have the potential to increase mid-block vehice speeds when they are placed in inappropriate locations. Drivers tend to increase speed between stops to make up for lost time. The Manual on Uniform Control Devices (MUTCD), the national standard for signage and traffic control, states that stop signs “should not be used as speed control.” Speed Humps Speed humps are not recommended on Military Road. Speed humps are typically used on residential and other local streets, but are not an appropriate measure on arterial streets. The installation of speed humps can lead to unintended new issues such as increases in mid-block vehicle speeds and additional traffic noise. NEXT STEPS The preliminary recommendations will be provided to the citizens for review and comment. A second citizen meeting will be held to compile the citizen feedback and develop final recommendations for implementation.
July 2007
10
ST. 36T H
ST . 37 TH
B E RD.
IE . LL DR NE TIS S CU
25T HP
MILITARY ROAD STUDY CORRIDOR
L.
D. HR
RD.
AD RO Y R ITA MIL
26 T
ST.
27T H
N . GL E
. ST
B
RD .
H
ST.
36TH RD.
ST.
ST .
CE Y
T 26
30T H
ST. CY QUIN
35T H
31 ST
. RD ST P OLLA
D O O W . CH IR EE C
25TH PL.
38T H
MA R
PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS
1
CONVERT EXISTING CROSSWALK TO LADDER STYLE AND INSTALL YIELD-TO-PEDESTRIANS SIGN (R1-6)
RESTRICT ON-STREET PARKING NEAR INTERSECTION
AD MILITARY RO
RESTRICT ON-STREET PARKING NEAR INTERSECTION
INSTALL MEDIAN
N
MILITARY ROAD AND 31ST STREET N SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
ST 31
T EE R ST
PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS
R1-6
2
30TH
STRE
ET N
N
INSTALL YIELD-TO-PEDESTRIANS SIGN (R1-6)
B EECHWO
M INSTALL MEDIAN
IL
IT
AR
Y
OD CIRCL E
RO
AD
INSTALL DYNAMIC SPEED LIMIT SIGN
DYNAMIC SPEED LIMIT SIGN
R1-6
MILITARY ROAD AND 30TH STREET N SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
INSTALL DYNAMIC SPEED LIMIT SIGN
PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS
3
26TH STREET N
INSTALL YIELD-TO-PEDESTRIANS SIGN (R6-1)
INSTALL NUBS
MILITARY ROAD
26T OAD HR
INSTALL STRIPED MEDIAN
N
INSTALL NUBS
PEDESTRIAN-ACTUATED SIGNAL
*UPGRADE THE EXISTING FLASHING PEDESTRIAN SIGNAGE FOR THE SCHOOL ZONE TO BE PEDESTRIAN ACTUATED
R1-6
PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS
MILITARY ROAD AND 26TH STREET N AND 26TH ROAD N SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
INSTALL MEDIAN
4
APPENDIX
Collision Diagram At: Military Rd And: 26th St N Right-angle
Right-turn
N Left-turn
page 1 of 1 Rear-end Side-swipe Head-on
Legend: or Auto Truck
Pedestrian Bus
Other Motorcycle or bicycle Injury Fatal Fixed obj Backing
Parked veh Out-of-control
MILITARY RD
04/22/2005 R. W. 1752 Fr 050422062 W W Re
26TH ST N No. of Accidents: Plotted Accidents:
1 1
Right-angle
Right-turn Left-turn Rear-end Side-swipe Head-on
08/19/2003 C. D. 0848 Tu 030819-013 S S Rear end
Collision Diagram At: 31st St N And: Military Rd N page 1 of 1
Pedestrian Bus
Other Motorcycle or bicycle Injury Fatal Fixed obj Backing
Parked veh Out-of-control
MILITARY RD 31ST ST N
Legend: or Auto Truck
12/13/2006 C. D. 1503 We 061213038 N N Rear end
02/07/2004 C. D. 1310 Sa 040207-032 W S Angle
No. of Accidents: Plotted Accidents:
3 3
