RPVCCA_SR_2010_05_18_04_Turn_Restrictions_On_PV_Drive_West_And_HawthorneMEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COU~~~
RAY HOLLAND,DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WOR~'f
MAY 18,2010
TURN RESTRICTIONS AND TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS ON
PALOS VERDES DRIVE WEST AND HAWTHORNE
BOULEVARD
REVIEWED:CAROLYN LEHR,CITY MANAGER 0.9---
Staff Coordinator:Nicole Jules,Senior Engineer '1'CO
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No.2010-xxx establishing turning regulations on Palos Verdes Drive
West at Hawthorne Boulevard.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Over the past several months,staff has received emails and phone calls from residents
concerned about traffic along Hawthorne Blvd and the inability to make left-turns from
Via Rivera onto Hawthorne Blvd due to the stream of traffic from both directions on
Hawthorne Blvd.Concerns were heightened around the anticipated opening of Trader
Joe's at the Golden Cove Shopping Center.Concerns raised by the residents included:
•High volume of vehicles on Hawthorne Blvd
•Inability to exit Via Rivera at Hawthorne Blvd
•Constant stream of traffic from PVDW
•Conflicting turn movements associated with Golden Cove Shopping Center and
the Peninsula Montessori school drop-off and pick up activities.
As a result,residents from the Via Rivera neighborhood requested installation of a
traffic signal at the intersection of Via Rivera and Hawthorne Blvd to address the
concerns identified above and to provide relief along Hawthorne Blvd for safe turning
opportunities.Copies of resident email requests are included as an attachment to this
staff report.
In 2005,the Public Works Department prepared a Traffic Signal Priority List which
prioritizes unsignalized intersections for potential traffic signals based on a technical
ranking system as funding becomes available.This priority list has not officially been
adopted by City Council and now after 5 years is in need of updating.Based on the
2005 Traffic Signal Priority List,Via Rivera ranked as the number one priority location
for signalization.
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Palos Verdes Drive West Turn Regulations
May 18,2010
Page 2
The cost to design and construct a traffic signal ranges between $200,000 and
$300,000 per location depending on site conditions and design parameters.Funding
for traffic signals is not included in the current budget or CIP schedule.When a request
for a traffic signal is received,staff identifies implementing other low-cost traffic safety
solutions in lieu of a traffic signal that will address the traffic concern and minimize
impacts,as appropriate.If other solutions are not feasible or will not address the safety
concern,staff will follow-up with the appropriate recommendation.
The Via Rivera at Hawthorne Blvd request was presented and discussed at the March
22,2010 Traffic Safety Commission (TSC)meeting.In lieu of installing a traffic signal
at this time,the TSC supported staff's recommendation to impose low-cost affordable
traffic measures that would provide relief to left-turning vehicles from Via Rivera by
creating gaps in traffic flow along Hawthorne Blvd.The TSC voted on the following
improvements:
•Impose a right-turn on red restriction for northbound Palos Verdes Drive West
right -turn onto Hawthorne Blvd,Monday through Friday from 7 to 9 am and
2 to 4 pm.
•Install no-u-turn signs at the left-turn pockets for northbound Hawthorne Blvd
at Via Rivera.
•Restrict turns out of Golden Cove shopping center at both driveways on
Hawthorne Blvd to right-turn only.
These combined improvements will provide some relief to motorists travelling from Via
Rivera onto Hawthorne Blvd during the peak hours until a traffic study and/or warrant
analysis is conducted to improve the operations at the intersection.
Resolution No.2010-xxx is included as an attachment to this staff report that
establishes the turning regulations proposed on Palos Verdes Drive West at Hawthorne
Blvd.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost to implement staff's recommended actions is approximately $600.Funding
for the proposed improvements is included in the Traffic Management Program of the
FY 09-10 budget.
Attachments:
A -Resident Correspondence
B-Resolution No.201 O-xxx
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Nicole Jules
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Becky Martin [beckym@rpv.com]
Monday,February 15,2010 9:54 AM
'Nicole Jules'
'Pam Mitchell'
FW:Traffic signal at Hawthorne &Via Rivera
-----Original Message-----
From:Anthony Nagy [mailto:anagy4@cox.net]
Sent:Saturday,February 13,2010 12:25 PM
To:publicworks@rpv.com
Subject:Traffic signal at Hawthorne &Via Rivera
The last time I contacted Public Works,I was told that a proposal would be placed before
the city council in January to install a "No right turn on red"sign on PVDW at Hawthorne
to control the traffic coming up the hill on Hawthorne.This would enable drivers turning
left onto Hawthorne from Via Rivera.The plan eventually would include a signal at this
corner to enhance safety.(I have had 2 close calls at this intersection in the last few
months).
Please provide an update to the plans for this intersection.
Thanks,
A.R.Nagy
30432 Via Victoria
1 4-3
Page 1 of3
Nicole Jules
From:Brian Campbell [b.camp@cox.net]
Sent:Thursday,February 04,20104:11 PM
To:'Nicole Jules'
Subject:RE:Several traffic hazard at Hawthorne and Via Rivera
Thanks Nicole!
Brian
Brian Campbell
Councilman
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
310-544-7400 office
310-702-8009 cell
888-855-9619 fax
www.linkedin.comlin/brianthomascamRbell
www.palosverdes.com/rpv
NOTICE:The information contained in this electronic e-mail and any accompanying attachment(s)is intended only for the use of the intended recipient
and may be confidential and/or privileged.If any reader of this communication is not the intended recipient,unauthorized use,disclosure or copying is
strictly prohibited,and may be unlawful.If you have received this communication in error,please immediately notify the sender by return e-mail,and
delete the original message and all copies from your system.Thank you.
From:Nicole Jules [mailto:nicolej@rpv.com]
sent:Thursday,February 04,2010 4:05 PM
To:'Brian Campbell';'ann armstrong'
Cc:'Carolyn Lehr';traffic@rpv.com;'Ray Holland'
Subject:RE:Several traffic hazard at Hawthorne and Via Rivera
Ms.Armstrong,
Thank you for submitting your concerns to the City.As you may know,the intersection of Via Rivera at Hawthorne
Blvd has been discussed by both the Traffic Safety Commission as well as City Council and the City is fully aware
of the traffic safety conditions associated with the Hawthorne Blvd as well as other locations throughout the City.
Just recently,the Traffic Safety Commission in conjunction with Staff,identified areas of improvement associated
with the addition of Trader Joe's and the traffic circulation associated with Golden Cove and the Montessori
school in general.We recognize there is room for improvement related to specific turn-movements in and around
the center and school and its relation to Hawthorne Blvd and Via Rivera.
There are many factors in play including,modifications to the Center,traffic circulation related to the school,
access to and from Hawthorne Blvd from intersecting streets (such as Via Rivera),coordination of traffic signal
timing along Hawthorne Blvd and construction activities related to Hawthorne Blvd median improvements.There's
a lot happening in that area right now.
Realizing this,there may be some relief to Via Rivera if the traffic signal timing sequence is modified at the
intersection of Hawthorne Blvd and Palos Verdes Drive West,thus creating traffic gaps long enough to allow more
time to exit Via Rivera as well as restrictions imposed on certain turn movements near the intersections along
5/11/2010 4-4
Page 2 of3
Hawthorne Blvd.Additionally,the Traffic Safety Commission has an assigned school safety liaison that works
with the Montessori school to educate parents on school safety.
These are low-level improvements that can be implemented relatively soon and at a relatively lower cost than
installation of a traffic signal.At the conclusion of the construction activities,we would like to implement these
recommendations.
Further,the City maintains a Traffic Signal Priority list that assigns priority to unsignalized and signalized
intersections in the City.A priority ranking is assigned to each located based on State-mandated evaluation
warrants that must be met at a minimum,combined with speed,accident and access characteristics.The priority
list is updated periodically and if Council approves installation of a traffic signal anywhere in the City,the Traffic
Safety Commission and Staff's recommendation would be to support the location that has the highest priority
ranking per the implementation list.
I hope this information has been helpful and thank you again for contacting the City.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Nicole Jules,P.E.
Senior Engineer
Department of Public Works
30940 Hawthorne Blvd
Rancho Palos Verdes,CA 90275
310.544.5275
310.544.5292 fax
From:Brian campbell [mailto:b.camp@cox.net]
sent:Wednesday,February 03,20106:03 PM
To:'ann armstrong'
Cc:'Nicole Jules';'Carolyn Lehr';traffic@rpv.com
Subject:RE:Several traffic hazard at Hawthorne and Via Rivera
Ann,
You make a very good point.I also risk my life at that intersection several times a week.My youngest son goes to
Pt Vicente and I drop him off several days a week and then turn left across Hawthorne to go to my job.I am not
certain if they have identified this intersection or not but I will follow up with the City and the Traffic Safety
Commission and get their input.
Also,here is the link to the RPV Traffic Safety Commission web site with all of the information as to what this key
Commission does in RPV.
http://www.palosverdes.com/rpv/traffic committee/index.cfm
Believe it or not,your sort of email is important for us to get.All of the staff works like heck on behalf of the
residents but we still need the input of residents like you to point out very valid issues like this one that we might
otherwise overlook.
Thanks,
Brian
Brian Campbell
Councilman
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
310-544-7400 office
310-702-8009 cell
888-855-9619 fax
www.linkedin.com/in/brianthomascampbell
5111/2010 4-5
Page 3 of3
www.palosverdes.com/rpv
NOTICE:The information contained in this electronic e-mail and any accompanying attachment(s)is intended only for the use of the intended recipient
and may be confidential and/or privileged.If any reader of this communication is not the intended recipient,unauthorized use,disclosure or copying is
strictly prohibited,and may be unlawful.If you have received this communication in error,please immediately notify the sender by return e-mail,and
delete the original message and all copies from your system.Thank you.
From:ann armstrong [mailto:annarmstrong99@hotmail.com]
sent:Wednesday,February 03,2010 5:42 PM
To:brian.campbell@rpv.com
Subject:Severl traffic hazard at Hawthorne and Via Rivera
Dear Mr.Campbell,
I am waiting with bated breath to hear that the RPV City Council has determined that there is a
severe traffic hazard at Hawthorne Blvd and Via Rivera.I am hoping that the Traffic Dept.will
come to its own conclusion without having to have someone or some family die and a
petition brought before you by the drivers who use that intersection.
I don't think I need to go into detail here about the numbers of cars at high volume hours that
have to dodge traffic on Hawthorne as they try to exit Via Rivera.I believe your traffic department
can find this out for themselves.
I don't even think I need to advise you of how much that traffic will increase with the opening of
Trader Joes in Golden Cove.
Your traffic department should be doing that investigation without my having to tell them.
With all the work going on at the end of Hawthorne I hope there is a plan to put in a traffic light
before someone or some family dies.
Sincerely
Desmond and Ann Armstrong
30132 Via Borica
310 541-3558
Hotmail:Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection.Sign up now.
5/11/2010 4-6
Nicole Jules
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Nicole
Jim Bell [JimB@rpv.com]
Monday,June 22,2009 8:56 AM
'Nicole Jules'
FW:Hawthorne and Via Rivera Intersection
What are your thoughts about this complaint?You may want to let this person know about
the Traffic Commission.
Jim
-----Original Message-----
From:De Layne Harthorn [mailto:delayneh@cox.net]
Sent:Friday,June 19,2009 6:35 PM
To:publicworks@rpv.com
Subject:Hawthorne and Via Rivera Intersection
I am concerned,as are many of my neighbors,about the chaotic and dangerous traffic
conditions at the intersection of Via Rivera and Hawthorne Blvd,weekdays during the
school year.Between the hours of approximately 8:15 am and 8:45 am,and in the afternoon
when school lets out,it is very difficult to exit Via Rivera onto Hawthorne.In
particular,drivers making a left onto Hawthorne are faced with a daunting task.
On more than one occasion,I have witnessed near misses with left turners from Via Rivera
darting in front of oncoming traffic to be chastised by a chorus of honking horns from
speeding downhill vehicles.I have seen them turn in front of left turners from Hawthorne
to Via Rivera when they do not have the right of way.I have also seen cars lurch into
the middle of the road before the left turner in front of them has left the middle of
Hawthorne nearly rear ending the car in front still occupying the space.
A traffic study when school is in session is sorely needed.With the opening of Trader
Joe's later this year,and the recent Terranea opening,the situation is likely to worsen.
While I would not personally welcome a traffic signal at the intersection,especially
since it is needed only for a short period each day,it is possible that such a solution
is the only way to ensure safety of the many drivers simultaneous converging on the
intersection.
Thanks for your attention to this important matter.
1 4-7
Page 1 of2
Nicole Jules
From:Ray [raymondholland@sbcglobal.net]
Sent:Friday,February 05,2010 8:37 AM
To:'Nicole Jules'
Cc:Ray Holland
Subject:FW:Severe Traffic hazard at Hawthorne and Via Rivera
FYI
From:Steve Wolowicz [mailto:stevew@rpv.com]
sent:Thursday,February 04,2010 5:22 PM
To:'ann armstrong'
Cc:'Ray Holland';'Carolyn Lehr'
Subject:RE:Severe Traffic hazard at Hawthorne and Via Rivera
Mr.and Mrs.Armstrong,
Thank you for your email message.While I frequently travel on Hawthorne at Via
Rivera I have not been aware of the extent of the problems that you have cited.
The last time that this intersection was discussed by the council I believe was
relating to a traffic signal which was not pursued at that time.To help me better
understand the current situation I've forwarded your message to our Director of
Public Works and asked for his department's assessment.By way of copy I am
also sending this email to him and the City manager.
Perhaps it would be faster for you to contact that department directly in order to
explain the problems and your suggestions.You can call 310-544-5205 and ask
to speak with someone regarding City Traffic control and safety.
Regards,
Steve Wolowicz
Steve Wolowicz
Mayor
Rancho Palos Verdes
Phone 310-378-9911
email--stevew@rpv.com
From:ann armstrong [mailto:annarmstrong99@hotmail.com]
sent:Wednesday,February 03,2010 5:38 PM
To:stevew@rpv.com
Subject:Severe Traffic hazard at Hawthorne and Via Rivera
Dear Mr.Wolowicz,
I am waiting with bated breath to hear that the RPV City Council has determined that there is a
severe traffic hazard at Hawthorne Blvd and Via Rivera.I am hoping that the Traffic Dept.will
come to its own conclusion without having to have someone or some family die and a
petition brought before you by the drivers who use that intersection.
5/11/2010 4-8
Page 2 of2
I don't think I need to go into detail here about the numbers of cars at high volume hours that
have to dodge traffic on Hawthorne as they try to exit Via Rivera.I believe your traffic department
can find this out for themselves.
I don't even think I need to advise you of how much that traffic will increase with the opening of
Trader Joes in Golden Cove.
Your traffic department should be doing that investigation without my having to tell them.
With all the work going on at the end of Hawthorne I hope there is a plan to put in a traffic light
before someone or some family dies.
Sincerely
Desmond and Ann Armstrong
30132 Via Borica
310 541-3558
Hotmail:Trusted email with Microsoft's powerful SPAM protection.Sign up now.
5/11/2010 4-9
RESOLUTION NO.2010-_
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ESTABLISHING CERTAIN
TURNING RESTRICTIONS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES DOES
HEREBY FIND,ORDER AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS,Section 21351 of the California Vehicle Code authorizes the City to
place and maintain,or cause to be placed and maintained,such appropriate signs,
signals or other traffic control devices as may be necessary properly to indicate and
carry out the provisions of the Vehicle Code or local traffic ordinances or to warn or
guide traffic;and
NOW,THEREFORE,IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 10.04.010 OF THE
RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE,THE CITY COUNCIL DOES HEREBY
RESOLVE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS;
Section 1.A no right-turn on red restriction is hereby established on
northbound Palos Verdes Drive West at Hawthorne Boulevard,Monday through Friday
from 7:00am to 9:00am and 2:00pm to 4:00pm;a no U-turn restriction is hereby
established on Hawthorne Boulevard at the left-turn median pocket at Via Rivera;and
right-turn only restrictions are hereby established at the two Golden Cove shopping
center driveways onto Hawthorne Boulevard.
Section 2.The City Clerk is hereby ordered to file certified copies of this
Resolution with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's office.
Section 3.The turning restrictions established in Section 1 of this Resolution
shall become effective upon posting of the appropriate signs and markings.
Section 4.The City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes does hereby
authorize and direct the City Manager to cause signage to be erected indicating where
the turning restrictions are established.
PASSED,APPROVED and ADOPTED this __day of 2010.
STEFAN WOLOWICZ,Mayor
1228671-1
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ATTEST:
CARLA MORREALE,City Clerk
State of California )
County of Los Angeles )ss
City of Rancho Palos Verdes )
I,Carla Morreale,City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,hereby
certify that the above Resolution No.2010-_,was duly and regularly passed and
adopted by the said City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on ,2010.
City Clerk
1228671-1
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