COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

June 3, 2002

BOARD MEETING DATE:

June 18, 2002

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Installation of Stop Signs at the Intersection of Main and 9th Streets - Montara

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing the installation of stop signs on Main Street at 9th Street; and on 9th Street east of Main Street, at its intersection with Main Street.

Previous Board Action

Authorized an agreement with the State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the construction of safety improvements on Highway 1 from its intersection with 7th Street to its intersection with 10th Street in Montara.

Key Facts

Caltrans will be installing stop signs at the intersection of Main and 9th Streets to stop traffic on Main Street and on the east leg of 9th Street at this intersection as part of its construction work.

This intersection is within the County maintained road system and it is necessary to memorialize the installation of these stop signs by resolution of your Board.

Discussion

The 10th Street intersection with Highway 1 is being closed off by Caltrans as the intersection is on the inside of a curve and provides limited sight distance for motorists wanting to turn left onto Highway 1 from 10th Street. The next access into Montara from the south is 9th Street and Caltrans is improving 9th Street from Highway 1 to Main Street as part of their work. This section of 9th Street is on an uphill grade from Highway 1, and 9th Street east of Main Street is a dead end street that is not maintained by the County. The State will be installing stop signs at the Main and 9th Street intersection to allow for the through movement of vehicles on westbound 9th Street, as there is only room for 2 to 3 vehicles on this portion of 9th Street before vehicles would be backed out onto Highway 1.

We agree with the Caltrans that the stop signs are appropriate. However, some concerns have been expressed that not stopping 9th Street to the west will encourage speeding in the area. We can evaluate the traffic at this intersection once the Caltrans project is complete and residents become accustomed to the realigned road. We will return to your Board with alternatives if speeding becomes an issue or if other traffic conditions warrant the relocation of these stop signs.

Vision Alignment

We believe our recommendation is consistent with your Board's Shared Vision Commitment to "ensure the basic health and safety for all" as the stop signs provide for the orderly flow of traffic through this intersection.

Fiscal Impact

The cost of installing the stop signs will be an expense of the Caltrans' project and will be paid for by Caltrans. The staff time involved in future evaluations is a part of our normal traffic investigation work and will be paid for by the Road Fund. There is no impact to the General Fund.

A form of resolution has been approved by County Counsel.