PRESENTER: Presenter
Garry Ford, P.E., Transportation and Capital Improvements Director
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of the second and final reading of an ordinance to amend Section 126-159 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of New Braunfels to install a “No U-turn” sign at the intersection of W County Line Road and Chartwell Entry.
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DEPARTMENT: Public Works
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 2
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
City Council approved the first reading on May 9, 2022.
In late 2020, the Engineering Division received a request for an all-way stop at the intersection of W County Line Road and Chartwell Entry at the entry of the Castle Ridge subdivision. A traffic study was conducted, and an all-way stop was not warranted at this intersection. The request was heard by both the Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board and City Council, where both agreed with staff’s recommendation. After meeting with residents to discuss intersection concerns on August 27, 2021, City staff proposed the following improvements to the intersection instead of an all-way stop:
1. The City will install an LED lighted “Intersection Ahead” sign to replace the existing signage. The City would include a 35 MPH plaque below this sign instead of the existing plaque with Chartwell Entry.
2. The City will address the sidewalk in locations where it has shifted on the east side of County Line Road from Chartwell Entry to Dove Crossing Drive/Fisher Ranch Road.
4. A left turn lane for Chartwell Entry is planned for the upcoming resurfacing work on County Line Road. This work is anticipated in Summer 2022.
5. The City will restripe the crosswalks with the resurfacing work on County Line Road.
6. The proposed signal at County Line Road and Dove Crossing/Fischer Ranch Road is scheduled to be active the Summer 2022. The proposed signal at County Line Road and McQueeney Road does not have a timeline, but the Developer has secured a Consultant to begin the design.
Residents also requested a “No U-turn” sign on westbound W County Line Road at Chartwell Entry. Engineering Staff conducted an analysis of this request. It was determined that an insufficient amount of this type of movement was observed, along with no accidents in the last three years, and therefore does not warrant this type of traffic control. There is also concern that this could push this type of movement to the intersection of Dove Crossing/Fisher Ranch Road where there are pedestrian cross walks.
The staff-proposed intersection improvements and the “No U-turn” sign request were brought before City Council on October 25, 2021. Council’s direction to staff was to conduct observations of U-turn movements on westbound W County Line Road at Dove Crossing. These observations were to take place during the same time period as the Chartwell Entry observations.
U-turn observations were conducted on November 18, 2021 from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM, during which one U-turn was observed in that hour. Crash history over the last three years showed one accident unrelated to U-turns. It was determined that further observations were not necessary at this time with the low volume of U-turn movements and no history of accidents related to U-turns.
ISSUE:
Resident request for U-turn restriction on W County Line Road at Chartwell Entry due to concerns with traffic safety.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Traffic control signs cost approximately $150 each. Sufficient funding is available in the FY21-22 approved streets and drainage budget.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board
The Transportation and Traffic Advisory Board voted 6-1 to recommend the installation of a “No U-turn” sign at the intersection of W County Line Road and Chartwell Entry.
Staff
Staff does not recommend installation of a “No U-turn” sign at the intersection of W County Line Road and Chartwell Entry based on observations and no history of accidents related to this type of traffic control.