Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Garry Ford, City Engineer
Contact Info
(830) 221-4020 - gford@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Approval of the first reading of an ordinance establishing a school speed zone on a portion of Klein Meadows for New Braunfels Middle School.
Body
BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
Council District: 2
A citizen submitted a request to the City of New Braunfels Engineering Division for a 20 miles per hour (mph) school speed zone on a portion of Klein Meadows near New Braunfels Middle School. Klein Meadows provides inbound and outbound access during school drop-off and pick-up operations. The intersection of Klein Meadows and Legend Pass provides pedestrian access during drop-off and pick-up operations and is the bus driveway. Additionally, there are vehicles that park along Klein Meadows near Legend Pass for drop-off and pick-up operations. There is no existing school speed zone for New Braunfels Middle School.
A school zone is a section of roadway adjacent to a school or a school crosswalk where signs designating a school are present. A school speed zone is a special reduced speed zone for schools allowed by ordinance and defined by school speed signs. Ideally, school speed zones should be kept short to enhance driver compliance. School speed zones are intended for pedestrian safety and not to facilitate vehicle movements. The Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD) provides guidance that the point of a school speed zone should be at least 200 feet in advance of a school crossing if the school speed limit is less than 30 mph.
An engineering evaluation was conducted during school operations during both morning and afternoon times. School pedestrian and bicycle activity was observed on Klein Meadows. Klein Meadows is adjacent to the school grounds and the existing speed limit is posted at 30 mph. There is currently no crosswalk striped on Klein Meadows, so staff is recommending that a crosswalk be striped at this time. The request is supported by the Police Department who will enforce the school speed zone as well as New Braunfels ISD.
If the school speed zone is approved, times of 7:45 - 8:30 a.m. and 3:15 - 4:00 p.m. will be posted. These times have been approved by the principal at New Braunfels Middle School.
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 $150 each. Sufficient funding is available in the FY17-18 approved streets and drainage budget.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
The Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board unanimously approved the recommendation to City Council to create a school speed zone on Klein Meadows on November 16, 2017.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the ordinance establishing a school speed zone on Klein Meadows from 225 feet northwest of the intersection with Legend Pass to 240 feet southeast of the intersection with Legend Pass. Additionally, staff recommends striping a crosswalk on Klein Meadows.