Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Garry Ford, City Engineer
Contact Info
(830) 221-4020 - gford@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Discuss and consider approval of the first reading of an ordinance to install an all-way stop at the intersection of Oak Run Parkway and Westpointe Drive.
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BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
Council District: 3
Engineering staff received requests for an all-way stop at the intersection of Oak Run Parkway and Westpointe Drive due to concerns about sight distance and intersection safety. The intersection has four approaches: two on Oak Run Parkway, one from Westpointe Drive, and one private driveway to an undeveloped parcel. Oak Run Parkway is classified as a major collector and is the major street at this intersection. There is currently a stop sign on Westpointe Drive at this intersection.
An engineering review was conducted in accordance with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD). Based on the stop sign criteria, this intersection does not meet the warrants for an all-way stop condition at this time. Traffic on Westpointe Drive represents only 15% of traffic at the intersection and there was one reported traffic crash in a twelve-month period.
Based on comments received from residents during the April Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board meeting, sight distance for the left turn from Oak Run Parkway onto Westpointe Drive was studied. The results of this study show that the center median obstructs the 245 feet of sight distance needed to turn left from the turn lane on Oak Run Parkway onto Westpointe Drive. The available sight distance is 210 feet.
An obstruction of intersection sight distance is not justification for the installation of an otherwise unwarranted all-way stop. Staff recommends installing an intersection warning sign with a 20 mile per hour advisory speed plaque for traffic travelling southbound on Oak Run Parkway in advance of the intersection with Westpointe Drive. Additionally, staff recommends that the median be modified to improve the intersection sight distance.
Installation of an all-way stop that does not meet the warrants specified in the TMUTCD could lead to stop compliance issues and traffic safety issues. This is already an ongoing problem at a similar intersection, Oak Run Parkway and Hunters Creek Drive. Staff has conducted observations at this intersection that had over 20% of vehicles not complying with the all-way stop during peak hour traffic.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Envision New Braunfels Strategy 7: Connect All: Action 7.16: Develop a program and process for consideration of citizen requests for neighborhood traffic calming.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Traffic control signs cost approximately $150 each. Sufficient funding is available in the FY18-19 approved street and drainage budget.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
This request was considered by the Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board at their meeting on April 11, 2019. The Board recommended that an all-way stop be installed on a motion that passed with three members in favor and one abstaining.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff does not recommend the installation of an all-way stop at the intersection of Oak Run Parkway and Westpointe Drive at this time. Staff recommends the installation of an intersection warning sign with a 20 mile per hour advisory speed plaque and median modification to improve intersection sight distance.