Title
Community Development Agency, Transportation Division, recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 150-2016 sanctioning a new speed restriction on Greenstone Road.
FUNDING: Road Fund. (No Federal Funds)
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Community Development Agency, Transportation Division (Transportation), recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 150-2016 sanctioning a new speed restriction for the following:
ADD:
“(gg) Greenstone Road (No. 7) forty-five (45) miles per hour from 750 feet south of Davidson Road northerly to the US Hwy 50 EB On/Off Ramps.”
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
In September 2015, Transportation received a request from twenty-six (26) residents in the vicinity of Greenstone Road, south of U.S. Highway 50 (Hwy 50), for the posting of a speed limit, anywhere from 30-40 miles per hour (MPH) on this portion of Greenstone Road. Currently, no posted speed zone exists on this portion of Greenstone Road.
A traffic study was conducted by Transportation in December 2015. The study concluded that the establishment of a posted speed limit on Greenstone Road was not justified due to:
1) The varied roadway geometrics of the northern and southern portions of Greenstone Road and;
2) The consistent speeds, traffic, and relatively low number of accidents on this portion of Greenstone Road in the past ten (10) years; and
3) Potential significant changes to the overall character of the roadway due to the upcoming Slate Creek Bridge Replacement Capital Improvement Program Project (Project) and potential future adjacent developments.
The study also stated that it would be advisable to reconsider this speed zone request when the Project is completed and/or when the Mill Creek Development or any other significant changes to Greenstone Road occur that might affect the overall safety and operations of the motoring public on this roadway.
This recommendation was presented at the May 4, 2016, El Dorado County Traffic Advisory Committee Meeting. Several community members voiced their concerns regarding the recommendation and ultimately the Traffic Advisory Committee voted unanimously to create a 45-MPH speed zone in the northern portion of Greenstone Road just south of Davidson Drive (Mile Post 0.70) to Hwy 50 eastbound on/off ramps, a distance of approximately 0.73 miles.
ALTERNATIVES
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel and Traffic Advisory Committee
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Chief Administrative Office concurs with staff's recommendations.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Installation of speed limit signs on Greenstone Road is estimated at $1,500. Funding to complete the work is included in the Fiscal Year 2016/2017 Transportation Division Road Fund Budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) The Clerk will obtain the Chair's signature on one (1) original of the Resolution.
2) The Clerk will forward one (1) copy of the Resolution to Cierra Garcia at Transportation.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Infrastructure, Public Safety
CONTACT
Don Spear, Deputy Director - Maintenance and Operations
Transportation Division
Community Development Agency