COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

 

DATE:

May 20, 2004

BOARD MEETING DATE:

June 8, 2004

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Establishing a One-Way Road on a Portion of Madera Lane near its Easterly Intersection with Highway 84 - San Gregorio Area

 

Recommendation

Adopt an ordinance establishing a one-way road on a portion of Madera Lane near its easterly intersection with Highway 84.

 

Key Facts

1.

Motorists regularly travel Highway 84 in the San Gregorio area at a relatively high rate of speed.

 

2.

The high rate of speed of motorists on Highway 84 coupled with the limited sight distance for motorists wanting to exit the easterly connection of Madera Lane with Highway 84, increases the potential for accidents at this intersection.

 

3.

We surveyed the four property owners who take access off of Madera Lane and they are generally opposed to completely closing the easterly intersection of Madera Lane.

 

4.

Establishing a one-way road on a short section of Madera Lane will allow property owners to enter Madera Lane using this intersection, but reduce the potential for accidents by requiring motorists to use the westerly intersection to enter Highway 84.

 

5.

The proposed one-way restrictions on a portion of Madera Lane does not preclude the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) from implementing other traffic restrictions on Highway 84 if they determine that other restrictions are appropriate.

 

Discussion

Madera Lane is a short loop County road that provides access for four parcels to Highway 84, a State Highway. We had previously requested that Caltrans improve the sight distance along Highway 84 east of its easterly intersection with Madera Lane to reduce the potential for accidents at this location. Caltrans stated that funding for the required work was currently not available and offered to investigate other alternatives with us.

 

We surveyed the property owners regarding closure of this access and the property owners were opposed to the complete closure as they use this entrance to access their property when towing farming equipment or other types of trailers. However, we continue to be concerned with the limited sight distance at this intersection and are recommending that the road be established as a one-way road for a short section near Highway 84, in order to legally restrict motorists from exiting onto Highway 84 at this location. The westerly intersection will still be available for two-way traffic.

 

The attached diagram indicates the proposed signing, and we will contact Caltrans to request that they install additional advisory signs if your Board adopts the proposed ordinance.

 

Vision Alignment

We believe our recommendations are consistent with Goal Number 7, “maintain and enhance public safety of all residents and visitors” of the shared vision Commitment to “ensure basic health and safety for all,” as the restricted one-way movement will improve safety for motorists on both Madera Lane and Highway 84.

 

Fiscal Impact

The estimated cost of installing these signs is estimated to be $2,500 and is proposed to be financed with Road Funds. There is no impact to the General Fund.

 

A form of ordinance has been approved by County Counsel.