PRESENTER: Presenter
Garry Ford, Jr., Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer
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SUBJECT: Title
Presentation on pedestrian safety and traffic calming improvements on East San Antonio Street.
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DEPARTMENT: Public Works
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 5
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Staff has received requests to enhance pedestrian safety in downtown New Braunfels, specifically at the crosswalk on E San Antonio St at the intersection with Market Ave. There is an existing marked crosswalk at this intersection, which is located approximately halfway between Main Plaza and the bridge over the Comal River. The posted speed limit on E San Antonio St is 30 mph.
After the completion of the reconstruction of the bridge over the Comal River, E San Antonio St between the bridge and Main Plaza was restriped from four to three lanes to provide a center turn lane as well as reduce the number of lanes for pedestrians to cross at the crosswalk at the intersection with Market Ave.
Based on site visits, staff has determined that additional measures are needed to further enhance safety for pedestrians in the downtown area and provide traffic calming for vehicles entering and exiting Main Plaza. The Economic and Community Development Department is working with the Public Works Department on a long-term solution to address pedestrian safety and an enhanced approach into downtown from Union Ave. The proposed improvement is considered a short-term improvement.
ISSUE:
Downtown New Braunfels is a significant pedestrian generator and providing safe pedestrian facilities is a priority listed in Envision New Braunfels. The proposed pavement markings will both shorten the crossing distance for pedestrians at the intersection of E San Antonio St and Market Ave and help to slow vehicular traffic between the bridge and Main Plaza by narrowing the travel lanes.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The proposed pavement markings at the intersections of Comal Ave, Market Ave, and Gilbert St with E San Antonio St cost approximately $10,000.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the installation of pavement markings at the intersections of Comal Ave, Market Ave, and Gilbert St with E San Antonio St to enhance pedestrian safety and provide traffic calming for vehicles on E San Antonio St.