Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Garry Ford, City Engineer
Contact Info
(830) 221-4020 - gford@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Approval of the second and final reading of an ordinance amending Section 126-346 of the Code of Ordinances to add a no parking zone on East Faust Street near the intersection with Comal Avenue and amending Ordinance 75-10 of the City of New Braunfels Code of Ordinances to install traffic control devices in the neighborhood of East Faust Street.
Body
BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
Council District: 5
City Council unanimously approved the first reading of the ordinance amending Section 126-346 of the Code of Ordinances to add a no parking zone on East Faust Street near the intersection with Comal Avenue and amending Ordinance 75-10 of the City of New Braunfels Code of Ordinances to install traffic control devices in the neighborhood of East Faust Street.
The Engineering Division received a request for an all-way stop at the intersection of Faust Street and Comal Avenue. The intersection has four approaches and Comal Avenue is currently controlled by stop signs on both approaches.
A sight distance investigation and engineering review was conducted in accordance with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD) and A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets. Additionally, traffic counts were conducted and the intersection crash history was reviewed. Based on the result of these investigations, an all-way stop is not warranted at this intersection.
However, based on a recommendation from the Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board, a parking study was conducted at this intersection. The results of this parking study show that vehicles parked along East Faust Street west of the intersection with Comal Avenue restrict sight distance at the intersection. Because of this, a no parking zone is proposed along both sides of East Faust Street from the intersection with Comal Avenue to 63 feet in a westerly direction.
Additionally, city engineering staff expanded the request to include an evaluation of all uncontrolled intersections in the area for possible traffic control to ensure uniform use in neighborhood areas. Based on the stop sign criteria, it is recommended to install a stop sign at the following intersections:
• On St. Mary Street, southwest-bound at Kuehler Avenue.
• On Kessler Street, northeast-bound at Sanger Avenue.
• On Kuehler Avenue, northwest-bound at East Nacogdoches Street.
• On Sanger Avenue, northwest-bound at East Nacogdoches Street.
• On Beaty Street, northeast-bound at Karbach Avenue.
• On Beaty Street, southwest-bound at Sanger Avenue.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
2006 Comprehensive Plan: Transportation Goal 21: Provide a system of convenient and safe transportation facilities through comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing transportation system planning and development.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Traffic control signs cost approximately $135 each. Sufficient funding is available in the FY16-17 approved streets and drainage budget.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
The Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board approved the recommendation to install stop signs in the East Faust Street area including an all-way stop at Comal Avenue and East Faust Street on December 8, 2016. The board recommended a parking study be completed to determine if any other traffic control measures are required in preparation for City Council. The motion passed with three members in favor and one opposed.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval to create a no parking zone on both sides of East Faust Street from the intersection with Comal Avenue to 63 feet in a westerly direction and the installation of the stop signs at the intersections listed above. Staff does not recommend an all-way stop at Comal Avenue and East Faust Street.