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:

Repositioning of Stop Signs at the Intersection of Rutherford Avenue (County Road No. 516) at Osborn Avenue (County Road No. 507) – Sequoia Tract Area near Redwood City

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing:

a)

the removal of the existing stop signs on Osborn Avenue at its intersection with Rutherford Avenue; and

b)

the installation of stop signs on Rutherford Avenue at its intersection with Osborn 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 repositioning of the stop signs will provide for the orderly flow of traffic through this intersection.

Background

Previous Board Action

Adopted Resolution No. 35276 (September 1975) authorizing the installation of stop signs on Osborn Avenue at its intersection with Rutherford Avenue.

History

Stop signs were installed in 1975 to assign the right-of-way at the above-described intersection to traffic on Rutherford Avenue, the major street. We recently received a petition signed by a seventy-six percent (76%) of property owners/residents on the adjoining blocks of this intersection requesting the installation of two additional stop signs to require that all traffic stop prior to entering the intersection.

Discussion

The petition as described above was submitted as residents in the area are concerned with the speed of traffic on Rutherford Avenue. However, stop signs are used to assign the right-of-way at an intersection and are not an appropriate method to control the speed of traffic on a street.

We evaluated the intersection for stop signs and determined that the sight distance on Rutherford Avenue is limited by two (2) large oak trees located within the travel way of Rutherford Avenue, but that there is sufficient stopping sight distance on Osborn Avenue. We believe that repositioning the stop signs as described in the Recommendation portion of this report is appropriate as it will address the limited sight distance for motorists traveling on Rutherford Avenue, and, at the same time, address the concerns as expressed by the residents.

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

Fiscal Impact

The repositioning of the stop signs is estimated to cost $800 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.