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Chief Administrative Office, Parks Division and Community Development Department, Transportation Division recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 182-2015 supporting the California Department of Transportation in creating a "No Parking" zone along Highway 49 in both directions for approximately 3000' North of the Bureau of Land Management Magnolia Parking Area to 3000' South of the BLM Greenwood Creek Parking Area due to safety concerns.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Traffic on Highway 49 in this section travels at a rate of speed up to 55 miles per hour. Access to the South Fork of the American River in this section is in high demand which fills the parking lots and users begin parking on the shoulders of the road which results in a safety hazard if the motorists on Highway 49 or the persons using the shoulders do not act with due care.
The BLM requested CALTRANS ban pedestrian parking off of Highway 49 in both directions for approximately 3000' from the Magnolia Parking area past the Greenwood Creek Parking Area due to safety concerns. Boaters carrying their gear and boats across the highway or adjacent to the highway where oncoming vehicles are traveling at speeds of 60-70 miles per hour can be dangerous if the motorists or the boaters do not use due care. BLM believes that without such a ban eventually someone may negligently cause a serious accident or injury.
The BLM has enough parking space to handle the congestion at the Greenwood Creek Parking Area by using Magnolia Parking Area for overflow parking once Greenwood Creek Parking Area fills up. BLM will improve a trail that leads to the parking areas as well as sign the area to explain how the overflow parking is to work.
CALTRANS requested that BLM obtain a resolution from El Dorado County supporting their request for the creation of the "No Parking" zone in this section of Highway 49.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Historically this section has parking issues. With the construction of the parking areas developed by BLM, the area continues to be a popular area as use increases. Staff supports this resolution.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board can determine that supporting a ban in this section of Highway 49 is not in the County's best interest. This action would allow users to continue to park on the shoulder of Highway 49 in this area.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
This request came to the Parks Division of the Chief Administrative Office. The Parks Division sent the request to the Community Development Agency, Transportation Division for recommendation and direction. The recommendation was to bring the item to the board for approval and the Transportation Division supports the action.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
The CAO's office recommends the Board approve this item and adopt the resolution of support.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Upon approval Clerk of the Board will forward the fully executed resolution to the Parks Division.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
CONTACT
Vickie Sanders 621-7538