PRESENTER: Presenter
Garry Ford, Transportation and Capital Improvements Director
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SUBJECT: Title
Discuss and consider the first reading of an ordinance to amend Section 126-137 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of New Braunfels to revise the bounds of a school zone on S Walnut Avenue.
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Capital Improvements
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 6
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Staff received a request to reevaluate the extent of the school zone on S Walnut Avenue north of County Line Road due to concerns about low compliance with the posted speed limit for the school zone. S Walnut Avenue is a Principal Arterial with 60 feet of pavement width. The posted speed limit on this segment of S Walnut Avenue is 35 mph with a posted speed limit of 20 mph within the school zone. The school zone serves three different elementary schools near the intersection of S Walnut Avenue and County Line Road. Staff initiated a traffic study and evaluated the school zone bounds against the guidance in the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD). The results of that study are documented in the attached traffic study memo.
ISSUE:
The length of the school zone on S Walnut Avenue is contributing to reduced compliance with the school zone speed limit.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Traffic control signs cost approximately $150 each. Relocating the school sign equipped with a flashing beacon costs approximately $3,000. Sufficient funding is available in the FY 2024 approved streets and drainage budget.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board
The Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board unanimously recommended approval at their August 10, 2023 meeting.
Staff
Staff recommends reducing the length of the school zone on S Walnut Avenue.