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COUNTY OF SAN MATEO
Inter-Departmental Correspondence
Department of Public Works
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DATE:
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March 22, 2011
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BOARD MEETING DATE:
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April 12, 2011
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SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:
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None
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VOTE REQUIRED:
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Majority
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TO:
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Honorable Board of Supervisors
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FROM:
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James C. Porter, Director of Public Works
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SUBJECT:
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Installation of “Begin Right Turn Lane - Yield to Bikes” and “Right Lane Must Turn Right” Signs at the Intersection of Santa Cruz Avenue and Sand Hill Road, West Menlo Park Area
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RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a Resolution authorizing the installation of “Begin Right Turn Lane - Yield to Bikes” and “Right Lane Must Turn Right” signs at the intersection of Santa Cruz Avenue and Sand Hill Road, West Menlo Park area.
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BACKGROUND:
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California Vehicle Code Section 21351 et al. allows local authorities, in their respective jurisdictions, to install traffic signs as may be necessary to control traffic within an intersection.
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The California Manual on Uniform Traffic Devices Section 9B.05 and Figure 9C-3 allows agencies to install “Begin Right Turn Lane - Yield to Bikes” and “Right Lane Must Turn Right,” signs where motor vehicles entering an exclusive right-turn lane must weave across bicycle traffic in bicycle lanes, in order to inform both the motorist and the bicyclist of this weaving maneuver.
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DISCUSSION:
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Intersections with heavy traffic volumes can put bicyclists in a vulnerable position. The intersection of Santa Cruz Avenue and Sand Hill Road has high traffic volumes and is on popular bike routes. The Department of Public Works has received requests from bicyclists to improve the conditions at this intersection.
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Staff has investigated the request and recommends that “Begin Right Turn Lane - Yield to Bikes” and “Right Lane Must Turn Right” signs be installed on southeast bound Santa Cruz Avenue at Sand Hill Road and on northeast bound Sand Hill Road at Santa Cruz Avenue, as Road Services Division staff believe the provision of these signs will improve conditions for bicyclists. At this intersection, the County maintains the bicycle lanes in southeast bound and northeast bound directions only. A map of the proposed changes is shown in Attachment “A.” Figure 9C-3 of the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices is included as Attachment “B”.
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Property owners on adjacent blocks extending a minimum of 300 feet from the proposed traffic control locations were notified when the Board will consider this item. In addition, the City of Menlo Park was likewise notified. Staff received support from one resident and an objection from one resident regarding the proposed traffic control devices.
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The location of signs on County maintained streets are shown on maps in the Department of Public Works, and will be made available in list form on the Department’s web site. The master lists will be updated to reflect the recommended change if your Board approves the proposed Resolution.
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County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Resolution as to form.
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Approval of this Resolution contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Livable Community by providing traffic controls that help regulate the traffic flow through neighborhoods in a way that best fits the needs of the community.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
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The cost for staff time involved in evaluating and processing requests for traffic regulations is part of the administrative cost associated with evaluating traffic-related requests on the County maintained road system, and is financed with Road Funds. The cost of installing the necessary signs is approximately $1,000 and will be financed with Road Funds. There will be no impact to the General Fund.
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Attachment “A”:
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Map of Proposed Traffic Control Device Locations and Public Input Summary
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Attachment “B”:
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Figure 9C-3 of the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
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