COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

February 18, 2005

BOARD MEETING DATE:

March 8, 2005

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Installation of a Stop Sign on Altschul Avenue (County Road No. 528) at Ashton Avenue (County Road No. 537) – West Menlo Park Area

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing the installation of a stop sign on Altschul Avenue, at its intersection with Ashton Avenue.

Vision Alignment

Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all.

Goal(s): Maintain and enhance public safety of all residents and visitors.

We believe the installation of a stop sign will improve the orderly flow of traffic through this intersection.

Background

Previous Board Action

Adopted Resolution No. 25428 (August 1968) authorizing the installation of a stop sign on Ashton Avenue at its intersection with Altschul Avenue.

History

Ashton Avenue forms a “T” intersection with Altschul Avenue, a one-way street. A stop sign was installed in 1968 to assign the right-of-way at the above-described intersection to traffic on Altschul Avenue as it is the through street. We received a petition signed by a sixty-nine percent (69%) of property owner/residents on the adjoining blocks requesting the installation of a stop sign to require all traffic to stop prior to entering this intersection.

Discussion

Ashton Avenue intersects Altschul Avenue at the crest of a hill. Residents in the area requested that we evaluate the above-referenced intersection, as they are concerned with the speed of traffic on Altschul Avenue. Stop signs are not an appropriate method to control the speed of traffic on a street. However, our evaluation confirmed that an additional stop sign is warranted as the sight distance for motorists approaching the intersection on Altschul Avenue is limited by the crest of the hill, as well as for motorists approaching the intersection on Ashton Avenue.

A resolution has been approved as to form by County Counsel.

Fiscal Impact

Installing the stop sign is estimated to cost $400 and is proposed to be funded with Road Funds that have been appropriated this fiscal year to finance small road related improvements or traffic related installations.

There is no impact on the General Fund.