CC SR 20220621 S - Schools Traffic Studies
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 06/21/2022
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Consent Calendar
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to approve traffic calming strategies adjacent to certain
schools.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Review the Traffic Safety Committee’s recommended traffic calming measures
described in the General Technologies and Solutions (GTS) Traffic Analysis
Memoranda for Vista Grande Elementary School, Soleado Elementary School,
Silver Spur Elementary School, and Ridgecrest Intermediate School; and
(2) If deemed acceptable, direct Staff to implement the short -term traffic calming
measures described in those Memoranda, and if necessary, return to the City
Council with further traffic calming recommendations to consider implementing.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Fiscal Year 2022-23 Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
includes an appropriation of up to $535,000 for Citywide traffic
calming measures which would be used to fund this project. Cost
estimates for implementation are being developed, and in the
interest of immediate implementation, as recommended by the
Traffic Safety Committee, the proposed traffic calming measures are
being presented for consideration while cost estimates are being
finalized.
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Ramzi Awwad, Public Works Director
REVIEWED BY: Karina Bañales, Deputy City Manager
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. GTS Memorandum: Vista Grande Elementary School Traffic Analysis (page
A-1)
B. GTS Exhibit: Vista Grande Elementary School Traffic Analysis (page B-1)
C. GTS Memorandum: Soleado Elementary School Traffic Analysis (page C-
1)
D. GTS Exhibit: Soleado Elementary School Traffic Analysis (page D-1)
CITYOF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
E. GTS Memorandum: Silver Spur Elementary School Traffic Analysis (page
E-1)
F. GTS Exhibit: Silver Spur Elementary School Traffic Analysis (page F-1)
G. GTS Memorandum: Ridgecrest Intermediate Scho ol Traffic Analysis (page
G-1)
H. GTS Exhibit: Ridgecrest Intermediate School Traffic Analysis (page H-1)
BACKGROUND:
Over the past several months, Staff received requests from school principals to
investigate the traffic conditions on streets within the vicinity of the following schools:
• Vista Grande Elementary School
• Soleado Elementary School
• Silver Spur Elementary School
• Ridgecrest Intermediate School
Staff procured a traffic engineering consultant, General Technologies and Solutions
(GTS), to recommend measures to mitigate the principals’ traffic concerns. Staff and GTS
met with school representatives to better understand traffic conditions. Additionally, GTS
performed field observations during the morning drop -off and afternoon pick-up times.
GTS developed recommended traffic calming mea sures which were discussed with
school representatives. Staff then presented the analyses and recommendations
(Attachments A-H) to the Traffic Safety Committee (TSC) on May 23 and June 13, 2022.
The TSC heard public speakers and discussed the recommended measures. As a result,
the TSC passed a motion to recommend to the City Council the approval and immediate
implementation of the recommended traffic calming measures, followed by monitoring
and future consideration of additional traffic calming measures, if necessary.
The recommended calming measures for each school are outlined below and presented
for the City Council’s consideration this evening.
DISCUSSION:
Vista Grande Elementary School
Summary of Existing Conditions
Exhibit 1 shows the existing conditions and traffic controls in the vicinity of Vista Grande
Elementary School. Exhibit 2 shows the school drop-off/pick-up route. Vehicles turn right
from Golden Meadow Drive, drop-off/pick-up students on the school grounds, then exit
by turning right or left onto Purple Ridge Drive.
Exhibit 1: Vista Grande Elementary School Site Vicinity Existing Conditions
Legend
9 ··················~
9 ··················@
9 SPt:ED
LIMIT .................. 25
9 ··················~
9 ··················i
Exhibit 2: Vista Grande Elementary School Drop-Off and Pick-Up Route
Crash History
Collision records for the most recent six-year period (2016-2021) were reviewed, noting
that schools were in virtual teaching modes between March 2020 and mid -2021.
One property damage-only (PDO) collision was reported in 2021 along Purple Ridge
Drive in the vicinity of the school. The collision was a broadside attributed to “unsafe
backing” and seems to have occurred during a non-school day. No pedestrians or
bicyclists were involved.
Summary of Key Traffic Issues:
1) Speeding was observed on Golden Meadow Drive and appeared to be caused in
part by parents who drop their children at school and then head back south to
Abbottswood Drive. Speeding was also reported on Abbottswood Drive and
Briarhurst Drive.
2) Drivers are not consistently yielding to pedestrians in the crosswalks at the
intersection of Golden Meadow Drive and Purple Ridge Drive, as well as the school
entrance and exit.
3) Left turns into the drop-off/pick-up zone are leading to queues that extend to and
block the intersection of Golden Meadow Drive and Purple Ridge Drive.
4) Parking in loading zones (in the pick-up/drop-off area in front of the school and the
white curb loading zones on Purple Ridge Drive).
Summary of Recommended Traffic Calming Measures:
1) Install a speed feedback display sign on Golden Meadow Drive north of Purple
Ridge Drive in the southbound direction to alert drivers of their speeds.
2) Install a speed feedback display sign on westbound Abbottswood Drive east of
Briarhurst Drive to alert drivers of their speeds while going downhill.
3) Install a rectangular rapid flashing beacon at the intersection of Golden Meadow
Drive and Purple Ridge Drive.
4) Place in-street pedestrian signs during pick-up and drop-off periods to remind
drivers of yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians. Based on discussions with the
school, the City can provide these signs, and the school can place them during
pick-up and drop-off times.
5) Paint a crosswalk across the entrance/exit behind the sidewalk to enhance the
driver’s visibility of the driveways.
6) Place cones to close the non-used entrance/exit lanes during the pick-up and drop-
off periods of the driveway to help increase driver awareness. Based on
discussions with the school, the City can provide these cones, and the school can
place them during pick-up and drop-off.
7) Educate parents on the impacts of parking in loading zones. This is to be
undertaken by the school given its ability to reach parents via various channels.
8) Prohibit left turns from Golden Meadow Drive into the school entry driveway
during pick-up and drop-off times.
9) Upgrade the school crossing sign at the northwest corner of Golden Meadow
Drive and Purple Ridge Drive.
10) Continue targeted law enforcement patrols during key times to increase
compliance with traffic laws.
GTS recommends monitoring the efficacy of the recommended measures above, and
then considering the following further measures, should the need arise:
11) Investigate an all-way stop control at the intersection of Golden Meadow Drive
and Purple Ridge Drive.
12) Install curb extensions/bulb-outs at the intersection of Golden Meadow Drive
and Purple Ridge Drive.
13) Consider right turns only at the school exit driveway.
Soleado Elementary School
Summary of Existing Conditions
Exhibit 3 shows the existing conditions and traffic controls in the vicinity of Soleado
Elementary School. Exhibit 4 shows the school drop-off/pick-up route. Vehicles turn right
or left from Longhill Drive, drop-off/pick-up students on the school grounds, then exit by
turning right or left onto Flaming Arrow Drive.
Exhibit 3: Soleado Elementary School Site Vicinity Existing Conditions
Legend
9 ··················
9 ··················1~~1
9 ··················i,
9 ·················· ij
··················I
0 .................. 12sl . ~
9 ·················· AA
9 ·················· »
Exhibit 4: Soleado Elementary School Drop-Off and Pick-Up Route
Crash History
Collision records were reviewed for the most recent six-year period (2016-2021), noting
that schools were in virtual teaching modes between March 2020 and mid -2021. Ten
collisions were reported, four of which were injury collisions, with one being a pedestrian.
The collisions are summarized in Table 1.
Table 1: Soleado Elementary School Crash History 2016 to 2021
Date Time Location Severity Direction of
Travel
Description Collision
3-Apr-17 3:00
PM
Flaming Arrow Dr
and Browndeer Ln
PDO1 NB Thru Unsafe turning
movement
Hit Object
16-Jan-19 6:20
PM
Delacroix Rd and
Longhill Dr
PDO NB Thru DUI/Unsafe turning
movement
Hit Object
5-Feb-19 8:30
AM
Flaming Arrow Dr
and Longhill Dr
Injury2 SB Right turn vs
Pedestrian
Failure to yield to
pedestrian
Pedestrian
30-Mar-19 2:45
PM
Warrior Dr and
Browndeer Ln
Injury SB Thru vs
Parked
Unsafe turning
movement
Sideswipe
28-Mar-20 3:04
PM
Elkridge Dr and
Longhill Dr
PDO NB Thru vs
Parked
Failure to maintain
direct course
Sideswipe
9-Nov-20 9:18
AM
Elkridge Dr and
Oaklon Dr
PDO SB Thru Failure to maintain
direct course
Hit Object
14-Jan-21 3:13
PM
Elkridge Dr and
Longhill Dr
PDO NB Thru Failure to maintain
direct course
Hit Object
8-Jun-21 12:29
AM
Longhill Dr and
Elkridge Dr
Injury WB Thru vs
Parked
Fell Asleep/Unsafe
turning movement
Head On
4-Jul-21 9:45
AM
Delacroix Rd and
Longhill Dr
Injury NB vs Dumpster Failure to maintain a
straight course
Hit Object
Drop-Off Traffic Flow Directions
! • Drop Off • 3 rd.5 th
Gra de
School 3: Ki d s 0 Co rne r L.
L.
<(
0.0
C ' I ·-E
ro Driveway Kids Corner -u.. Entrance Entrance
drop off TK-2 On ly l '""
~e l Longh i ll Drive t I I Enter here
1-Sep-21 2:30
PM
Longhill Dr and
Delacroix
PDO EB Thru vs
Entering
Driving on wrong
side of roadway
Broadside
1 PDO Property Damage Only; 2 All reported injury collisions were complaints of pain
As can be seen in Table 1, one pedestrian collision was reported at Flaming Arrow Drive
and Longhill Drive, where the vehicle failed to yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian. The
date and time indicate that this collision probably occurred on a school day during the
drop-off period.
The other injury collisions occurred at Warrior Drive and Browndeer Lane, Longhill Drive
and Elkridge Drive, and Delacroix Road and Longhill Drive. Various property damage-
only collisions were reported at Elkridge Drive. A property damage -only collision along
Longhill Drive was attributed to driving on the wrong side of the roadway.
Summary of Key Traffic Issues:
1) A pedestrian collision resulting in an injury was reported at Longhill Drive and
Flaming Arrow Drive. The traditional crosswalks at Longhill Drive and Flaming
Arrow Drive are at times blocked by drivers heading to the school during pick -up
and drop-off periods.
2) Drivers blocking the continental crosswalk across Longhill Drive at Delcroix Road
during pick-up and drop-off periods; the school reported near misses at this
location.
3) Speeding was observed on Flaming Arrow Drive, where there are downhill grades
and pedestrians crossing.
4) Drivers are making illegal turns and driving on the opposite side of the street to
overtake the queue.
Summary of Recommended Traffic Calming Measures:
1) Install a rectangular rapid flashing beacon at the intersection of Delacroix Road
and Longhill Drive to increase the motorist yielding rates to pedestrians in the
crosswalk.
2) Place in-street pedestrian signs (at Delacroix Road crossing and the Flaming
Arrow Drive and Longhill Drive intersection) during pick-up and drop-off periods to
remind drivers of yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians. Based on discussions
with the school, the City can provide these signs, and the school can place them
during pick-up and drop-off times.
3) Install high visibility crosswalks at the east and north legs of the Flaming Arrow
Drive and Longhill Drive intersection to enhance driver visibility of the crosswalk.
4) Install a 25 mph speed sign at the intersection of Longhill Drive and the school
exit driveway to remind drivers of the speed limit.
5) Install a 25 mph speed sign west of the school entrance driveway on Longhill
Drive to remind drivers of the speed limit.
6) Install a 25 mph pavement legend south of the school’s exit driveway to remind
drivers of the speed limit.
7) Replace the existing 25 mph speed sign on Longhill Drive to improve sign
visibility.
8) Paint a crosswalk across the entrance and exit of the school behind the sidewalk
to enhance driver visibility of the driveways.
9) Paint a centerline along Flaming Arrow Drive between Longhill Drive and
Browndeer Lane.
10) Educate parents on the impacts of parking in loading zones. This is to be
undertaken by the school, given its ability to reach parents via various channels.
11) Continue targeted law enforcement patrols during key times to increase
compliance with traffic laws.
GTS recommends monitoring the efficacy of the recommended measures above and then
considering the following further measures, should the need arise:
12) Investigate an all-way stop control at the intersection of Delacroix Road and
Longhill Drive.
13) Provide a crossing guard at the intersection of Delacroix Road and Longhill Drive
to guide the flow of traffic and pedestrian crossings.
14) Install curb extensions/bulb-outs at the intersections of Delacroix Road and
Longhill Drive, as well as at Flaming Arrow Drive and Longhill Drive.
15) Install a speed feedback display sign at the intersection of Longhill Drive and
the school exit driveway to alert drivers of their speeds or lower the speed limit.
Silver Spur Elementary School
Summary of Existing Conditions
Exhibit 5 shows the existing conditions and traffic controls in the vicinity of Silver Spur
Elementary School. Exhibit 6 shows the school drop-off/pick-up route. Vehicles turn right
from Ironwood Street, drop-off/pick-up students on the school grounds, then exit by
turning right onto Basswood Avenue. The kindergarten-only drop-off/pick-up area is along
Basswood Avenue, just north of the school driveway. Crossing guards are stationed at
the intersection of Basswood Drive and Montemalaga Drive as well as Basswood Driv e
and Ironwood Street.
Exhibit 5: Silver Spur Elementary School Site Vicinity Existing Conditions
Exhibit 6: Silver Spur Elementary School Drop-Off and Pick-Up Route
~ = i:;,k~"t1ow * = Drop-Off Zones
F OCUS IN THE CAR LINE:
F • pull Eorward as far as possible
O = Qnfy tum right in & out of l ot
C = kell phone use is not a llowed
U = J.1.nload on the right s i de of car
5 = §.tay in your car
Leg end
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-----~
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Black top
A rea
6 11
7 10
B "
Crash History
Collision records were reviewed for the most recent six-year period (2016-2021), noting
that schools were in virtual teaching modes between March 2020 and mid -2021.
One PDO collision was reported in 2018 along Ironwood Street in the vicinity of the school
and was attributed to “failing to maintain a direct course.” Two PDO collisions were
reported in 2019 along Ironwood Street in the vicinity of the school. Both 2019 collisions
were sideswipes attributed to “unsafe opening of door on moving traffic side” and seem
to have occurred during the drop-off and pick-up times. No pedestrians or bicyclists were
involved.
Summary of Key Traffic Issues:
1) The school principal is currently directing traffic on Basswood Avenue at the
intersection with the school driveway. This role is critical given the location of the
kindergarten drop-off and the need for students to cross the sidewalk at the
school’s exit. This role also ensures traffic leaving the school turns right onto
Basswood Avenue and manages gaps in the traffic to ensure Basswood Avenue
traffic keeps flowing.
2) Speeding was observed on Basswood Avenue and appeared to be caused in part
by parents who drop their children off and then turn around and head back south
on Basswood Avenue as it is possibly the road of least resistance.
3) Drivers are not consistently yielding to pedestrians in the crosswalks at the
intersection of Basswood Avenue and Ironwood Street.
4) Vehicles are parking in the loading zones on Basswood Avenue and Ironwood
Street, leading to double-queuing on Ironwood Street and subsequent driving on
the opposite side of the street to circumvent the queue.
Summary of Recommended Traffic Calming Measures:
1) Properly train and equip anyone directing traffic at the intersection of
Basswood Avenue and the school exit driveway. Place cones at the school exit
driveway during pick-up and drop-off times to reduce the number of lanes down to
one.
2) Install a speed feedback display sign on Basswood Avenue for southbound
traffic just south of the intersection with Diversey Drive to reduce driver speed on
Basswood Avenue.
3) Install a 25 mph speed limit sign on Basswood Avenue in the northbound
direction on the existing post.
4) Install a 25 mph speed limit sign Ironwood Street in the eastbound direction on
street light pole.
5) Educate parents on the impacts of parking in loading zones. This is to be
undertaken by the school, given its ability to reach parents via various channels.
6) Prohibit left turns from Ironwood Street into the school entry driveway during
pick-up and drop-off times.
7) Install a rectangular rapid flashing beacon at the intersection of Basswood
Avenue and Ironwood Street.
8) Install red curb at the southeast corner of Montemalaga Drive and Basswood
Avenue.
9) Continue targeted law enforcement patrols during key times to increase
compliance with traffic laws.
10) Place in-street pedestrian signs (at Basswood Avenue and Ironwood Street
crosswalks) during pick-up and drop-off periods to remind drivers to yield the right-
of-way to pedestrians. Based on discussions with the school, the City can provide
these signs and the school can place them during pick-up and drop-off times.
GTS recommends monitoring the efficacy of the recommended measures above and then
considering the following further measures, should the need arise:
11) Investigate an all-way stop control at the intersection of Basswood Avenue and
Ironwood Street.
12) Install curb extensions/bulb-outs at the intersection of Basswood Avenue and
Ironwood Street.
Ridgecrest Intermediate School
Summary of Existing Conditions
Exhibit 7 shows the existing conditions and traffic controls in the vicinity of Ridgecrest
Intermediate School. Exhibit 8 shows the school drop-off/pick-up route. Vehicles turn right
or left from Northbay Road, drop-off/pick-up students on the school grounds, then exit by
turning right on Whitley Collins Drive. Three crossing guards are stationed at the
intersections of Highridge Road with Crestridge Road, Highridge Road with Whitley
Collins Drive, and Northbay Road with Oceanridge Drive.
Exhibit 7: Ridgecrest Intermediate School Site Vicinity Existing Conditions
Legend 9 .................. I
9 ·················· ab 9 ·················· ~
9 ·················· i 9 ·················· AA
Exhibit 8: Ridgecrest Intermediate School Drop-Off and Pick-Up Route
Crash History
Collision records did not show crashes in the immediate vicinity (within 1,000 feet) for the
six-year period between 2016-2021.
Summary of Key Traffic Issues:
1) The pedestrian crosswalk along Whitley Collins Drive at Stonecrest Road is a
concern whereby the terrain contributes to higher speeds going downhill; the trees
in the median reduce visibility of drivers to see pedestrians in the crosswalk; and
traffic backing up from Highridge Road intersection reduces visibility of other
vehicles joining the defacto right turn lane.
2) Speeding traffic on Whitley Collins Drive (especially downhill) and Highridge Road.
3) Driver behavioral issues including drop-off and pick-up in non-designated (even
prohibited) areas, blocking driveways and intersections, overtaking cars in the
queue, and speeding, among others.
Summary of Recommended Traffic Calming Measures:
1) Install a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the intersection of
Stonecrest Road and Whitley Collins Drive.
Ridgecrest I ntcrmcd iatc chool
Drop O [[ and Pick Up
FOR YOllR CONVENI ENCE. THERE ARE FOllR LOADI NG :ONES AROLINllTI-I ESCHOOL
ZOM I· Nonh hay Ror.id Unnt;r l..ol
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Ob,ywero..m,G"""
Thr pis of I.he Ridg«rcst arc-tomsurc-sdety, .allcvbte ndghborhood c:ongauon .
rnlocr purnt drh,ng llmt' .md muinu::c con\'ffl!cncr
Thrrc-",II alwa)'S br rongauon 1n front or thr school on r..orthbay Road.
To ;arol.d tlus. wr sugscn }'OU takr an .i1tc:m:nr rou~ .lDd uyonc of thr otbrr :i:oncs.
You m.iy mfocr )'OUl'drh~nmt'andgct to school In lcn hmt'and with IHs ~Ir
R1dgttl'CSt Intermediate School
Tr.tffic/Parking Lot Safuy R ul es
That-is •No P..u-king· on \\lhit lcy Col lins lxtwttn Non.h~y and Highridge on the school side of thc-
strttL Lonuu hm(fs will ticket offcndea.
If traffic ts backed up waiung to tum left into the p;ulcing IOL. do not bl ock theoncomi.ng traffic. Do not
allow your c hild to gtt out of the car In the rruddk or the nrttt as this Is extrrmdy dlngerou , Plusc be
roun.rous and Wtc turns turning into the puking lot (left and nght tum Wlcs). Do not ~ lM
o pposing lanr to p:lS-§ t ht can waiting to tum into the lot. Thr ld:t sick of the school dn\'cway is for
school pcrsoMd entr-.i.nttand exit only.
Pk-ax dri,·cs.l ow ly on sn-ccuaround t hecntirt pcrimct c r of thtschool. \\'r nttdyourtoul
coopcr.ttion In ordcrtomsurrourduldrtn's s.tfcty.
Plr:isr rtVltW safety ru~ with )'OU.f chi.Id. cspttlally J" they will be w.a.lktng or rkhng a bicydr to and
£romschool. St udrnu mu,,;t walk tJ1 rir bi cyc ks whi lr crossing in rosswal b. Rc:mind )Uurthild not
to r un across an y .scrttts or p.u-k ing attas. All studc nt.S w ho tnte r t he campus from the fro nt of the
school must cross the dri\'twa y on tht' sidrwaJk, not o n t ht drinway.
Plrasr do not d oublr 1);ll"k ,as this blocks tnflk. Plc.lSC d o not c ut in front of other cars.
Obstn-caJI posted signs and pain ted c urbs.
Hrn-arr-llOfflC!i'-'ggnt ion,on
how you can IM'lp 1oalln·l.u "
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If )'OU ha,-c any suggtsuons c.-conccms with rq;WS to safrty issues. pleil.SC cont.ict !I.tr. ~bn ilia.
Pit~ complnc a ·traffic lncklt:nt report· In the office If )'OU or )"OW' child art mvol\'cd In or witness .a.
tn1.ffic 1ncklcnL
Thank you for your roopt:r-.ttio n anti plr:lSt' drivt' safr tyl
Our c hlldrtn arc watc hing and lnmJng from us, so let 's model co nsiderate bt:havlor.
2) As part of the RRFB installation, an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) curb
ramp is recommended at the northside of the Whitley Collins Drive crosswalk at
Stonecrest Road.
3) Install a 25 mph speed sign in the westbound direction of Whitley Collins Drive
on the existing street light pole between Northbay Road and the school’s exit
driveway to remind drivers of the speed limit.
4) Extend the crosshatch markings along westbound Whitley Collins to cover the
area between Northbay Road and Stonecrest Road.
5) Install a 25 mph school zone sign in the northbound direction of Highridge Road
between Whitley Collins Drive and Crestridge Road.
6) Delineate the existing school valet zone along northbound Highridge Road.
7) Continue targeted law enforcement patrols during key times to increase
compliance with traffic laws.
8) Educate parents on the impacts of loading/unloading in undesignated zones.
This is to be undertaken by the school, given its ability to reach parents via various
channels.
GTS recommends monitoring the efficacy of the above-recommended measures, and
then considering the following further measures, should the need arise:
9) Install curb extensions/bulb-outs at Whitely Collins Drive and Stonecrest Road.
10) Investigate an all-way stop control at the intersection of Whitely Collins Drive
and Stonecrest Road. Other measures that could be investigated include moving
the crosswalk to Highridge Road or utilizing new crossing guards.
11) Utilize speed feedback signs along northbound Highridge Road and westbound
Whitely Collins Drive, if needed
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Increased Sheriff Enforcement
The Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department (LASD) has been providing increased
enforcement in the vicinity of the schools in this report dating back to when the concerns
were first identified. Staff will continue to coordinate increased enforcement with the
LASD.
CONCLUSION:
GTS determined that the schools’ concerns about traffic were reason able in justifying the
consideration of traffic calming measures. Thus, based on the TSC’s recommendation,
Staff recommends implementing traffic calming measures 1-10 for Vista Grande
Elementary School, 1-11 for Soleado Elementary School, 1-10 for Silver Spur Elementary
School, and 1-8 for Ridgecrest Elementary School in this staff report. Staff recommends
monitoring the efficacy of those measures and, should the need arise, returning to the
City Council with further recommendations for consideration.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available for the
City Council’s consideration:
1. Direct Staff not to implement any measures at one or more of the schools and to
continue studying one or more of the schools.
2. Direct Staff to implement only certain measures at one or more of the schools.
3. Take other action, as deemed appropriate.
T +1 213 267 2332 | F +1 2133180744 1055 W 7th St #3300, Los Angeles, CA 90017
info@gentecsol.com | www.gentecsol.com GTS | General Technologies and Solutions
1
GTS was retained by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (City) to conduct a traffic analysis of
Vista Grande Elementary School. The purpose of the analysis is to enhance access,
circulation and safety for the various road users in the immediate vicinity of the school. This
memorandum presents the draft findings and recommendations of the traffic analysis.
Background
Vista Grande Elementary School is located at 7032 Purple Ridge Dr in the City of Rancho
Palos Verdes. The school provides Kindergarten (KG) though 5th grade education to about
403 students with the enrollment by grade in 2020 reported as such (per the National Center
for Educational Statistics):
Exhibit 1 shows the school and the surrounding streets of Purple Ridge Dr, Golden Meadow
Dr, Sprucegrove Dr, and Grovesrping Dr. Yellow continental crosswalks are painted at the
intersections of Purple Ridge Dr/ Golden Meadow Dr, Purple Ridge Dr/ Sprucegrove Dr, and
Golden Meadow Dr/ Grovespring Dr. Pavement markings (with SLOW SCHOOL XING) are
also painted on all approaches of the intersections that are not controlled by stop signs.
School warning signs and school crosswalk warning signs are posted along Purple Ridge Dr
and Golden Meadow Dr.
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GRADE 1
GRADE 2
GRADE 3
GRADE 4
GRADE 5
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 6, 2022 GTS: 210504.02
To: Ramzi Awwad, City of Rancho Palos Verdes
From: Rawad Hani, GTS
Subject: Vista Grande Elementary School Traffic Analysis
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Exhibit 1. Vista Grande Elementary School and Surrounding Streets
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Exhibit 2 shows the school’s main drop off / pick up area which is served by a one-way road
whereby vehicles should enter (during pick up and drop off times) by turning right from
Golden Meadow Dr into the school and exist by turning right or left on Purple Ridge Dr. The
drop-off / pick-up area is fronted by two lanes over 350 feet (including a dedicated ADA
accessible space) and about 46 faculty and staff parking spaces.
Exhibit 2. Vista Grande Elementary School Drop off / Pick Up Area
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While several students walk to school with their parents, more students are driven to the
school by personal vehicles which raises several traffic circulation, access, and
pedestrian/vehicular interaction challenges. The school has developed a traffic flow map that
is communicated to parents along with a set of school traffic guidelines shown in Exhibit 3.
Despite the school’s efforts, the school’s drop off and pick up times are reported to lead to
traffic concerns. These concerns include speeding when children are present, adults and
their children running out in front of moving traffic rather than using designated crosswalks,
lack of adherence to school’s guidelines, and parent reports of near misses among others.
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Morning Traffic Drop Off
An illustration of the traffic pattern and the designated waiting areas
is attached.
All designated waiting areas will be supervised with an adult.
Everyone:
- Starting at 8:15 a.m.
- All cars pull into the driveway and enter the drop off line
from Golden Meadow Drive
- Pull up to the corner near Purpleridge Drive
- Show green screen to staff
- Students exit the vehicles to go to their designated areas
and wait for teacher pick up at 8:30 a.m.
Walkers:
- Parents can walk their student to the edge of the parking lot
- Present green screen
- Students will walk to their designated grade level area
TK/Kinder:
- Students enter their side cement area through the top Kinder gate
and sit on the yellow lines, each marked with room numbers
1st Grade, ½ Combo, and McKnight (2nd):
- Students wait in the grass space between the Kindergarten building
and Purpleridge Drive.
Loewner (2nd):
- Waits in the grass space to the left of the office
3rd grade:
- Waits in the grass space in front of the distinguished School mural,
near the MPR Gate
4th and 5th Grade:
- Walk in through the MPR Gate
- Wait behind the 5th grade classrooms, on the black top sitting on
designated dots or stars, (no playing while waiting)
Traffic Pick Up
TK: Students will wait to be called from the cement space behind the
gate (where they were dropped off)
Kinder: Students will wait behind the railing in front of the buildings
for their car to come through the driveway and have their names
called.
1st Grade, ½ Combo, and McKnight (2nd): Students will wait for their
ride in the grass space between Kindergarten building and
Purpleridge Drive
Loewner (2nd): Students will wait in the grass space to left of the
office
3rd Grade: Students will return to the grass space in front of the
mural and wait for their ride
4th Grade: Students will wait in the grass on either side of the office
5th Grade: Students will wait in the grass space between
Kindergarten building and Purpleridge Drive
Exhibit 3. School’s Traffic Guidelines (Source: School Principal) A-5
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Traffic Analysis
This study started with a kick-off meeting which included the school and City representatives.
The main purpose of the meeting was to understand the school’s concerns regarding traffic
circulation and safety based on their daily experiences and observations.
Site observations were then performed by GTS during the morning drop off and afternoon
pick up times.
Based on the school’s feedback and firsthand observations, this memorandum presents the
draft assessment of the existing conditions and provides preliminary recommendations for
improvement. This memorandum will be refined and finalized following discussions with the
City and school.
1. Kick-off Meeting Brief
The school’s principal and the invited parents explained the current operations and noted the
challenges associated with the drop off and pick up operations being primarily:
- Speeding along Golden Meadow Dr, Briarhurst Dr, and Abbotswood Dr. One parent
previously reported to the City speeding along Abbotswood Dr and asked for a speed
feedback trailer that the City deployed.
- Parents stopping in the middle of the road to drop-off and pick-up. It was described
as a kiss-and-ride type operation on Golden Meadow Dr and Purple Ridge Dr.
- Parents turning left into the lot from Golden Meadow Dr
- Pedestrian and vehicular interaction at the crosswalks – primarily of Golden Meadow
Dr and Purple Ridge Dr – is a challenge with reports of near misses
A parent noted that they sometimes park further away from the school and walk-in. Another
noted that during foggy weather, Purple Ridge becomes even more difficult to navigate
especially where no dedicated crosswalks are provided.
The principal noted that anecdotally about a third of the students walk to school and the rest
are driven to school. The pickup period in general is less challenging than drop off, given
that the dismissal times are staggered, except for minimum days when all students are
dismissed at 12. The principal also noted that two staff members are typically at the entrance
assisting with drop off and staff would be open to changing their behavior as/if it helps.
Post-meeting the principal shared communications to parents (shown in Exhibit 3) as well as
advice the school has received on the traffic issues.
2. Site Observations
Site observations were performed on two typical school days to observe the drop off and
pick up operations and note the associated challenges.
During the morning drop off, the school starts admitting all grades (KG – 5) at 8.15 AM.
The following observations were made:
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- Shortly after 8 AM, the drop off / pick up area (circle) is occupied by parents waiting
to drop-off; vehicles also start queuing in the dedicated lane along Golden Meadow
Dr. Some parents also drop off along Golden Meadow Dr north of the entrance.
- By 8.15 AM the loading zone along Golden Meadow is fully occupied. Parents are
also observed to park on the west side of Golden Meadow (some use the crosswalk
at Purple Ridge Dr, others cross the road in non-designated areas)
- Several vehicles traveling southbound on Golden Meadow Dr would attempt to turn
left to the lot which blocks traffic along Golden Meadow and spills to Purple Ridge. A
staff member (helping students cross at the entrance and checking green screens)
would direct the left turning traffic in to avoid the traffic build-up on Golden Meadow
Dr.
- Vehicles typically park on the Purple Ridge loading area and walk the students to
school. Vehicles would sometimes drop off along Purple Ridge Dr (uphill) and then U-
turn just north of the exit. On both sides of Purple Ridge, parents would mostly park
and then walk their children to school.
- Parents were also observed parking further away from the school on Golden Meadow
Dr and walking to the school. A significant number of students were observed walking.
- Several students and parents cross Golden Meadow and Purple Ridge Dr
mid-block (across from the entrance and exit).
During the afternoon pick up time, the school staggers the dismissal times with KG at 2.05
PM, grades 1 and 2 at 2.35 PM and grades 3 to 5 at 3 PM (Tuesdays through Fridays with
Mondays being early release days). The following observations were made:
- Vehicles along Golden Meadow Dr appear to be traveling well above the posted 25
MPH speed limit.
- Parents start parking shortly before 2 PM along Purple Ridge Dr. Vehicles going
downhill on Purple Ridge Dr would U-turn at Golden Meadow intersection and head
uphill to park.
- Several parents who arrive before 2.30 PM would join the loading area along Golden
Meadow Dr rather than join the queue forming in the pick up / drop off area – these
parents seem to be arriving early for the 3 PM pick-up. Shortly after 2.30 PM vehicles
(assumingly grades 1 and 2 parents) will start jumping other vehicles in line
(assumingly grades 3 to 5 parents) to enter the pick up / drop off area.
- Shortly after 2.30 PM (dismissal of grades 1 and 2), parents are mostly utilizing Purple
Ridge Dr. Parents would park on both sides of the street and head to the school to
meet and walk back with their kids (crossing the road in non-designated locations).
Postal service deliveries are happening at the same time on Purple Ridge Dr.
- Along Golden Meadow Dr, some parents would park on red curbs as well on tight
spaces between driveways making it inconvenient to residents to get in and out of
their driveways.
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- The busiest period is around 3 PM when grades 3, 4, and 5 are dismissed. A PA
system was heard calling on the names of students to be picked-up. Some vehicles
would turn left to enter the drop off / pick up area. Golden Meadow Dr seems to be
acting both as a parking (whereby some students walk to their cars and these cars
leave the queue) as well as a queue line to enter the drop off / pick up (circle).
- Parents and children are observed crossing in middle of the road on Golden Meadow
(sometimes running) rather than using the crosswalk at Purple Ridge Dr. By about
3.10 PM, the traffic have considerably subsided and is contained within the school.
- Two changeable message signs on trailers were observed: one just north of the
school entrance which was not working on both days of the site visit, and the other on
Abbotswood reminding drivers of the 25 mph speed limit.
3. Crash History Review
Collision records were provided by the City for the most recent 6 years (2016 to 2021) noting
that schools were in virtual teaching modes between March 2020 and mid-2021.
One property damage only (PDO) collision was reported in 2021 along Purple Ridge Drive
in the vicinity of the school. The collision was broadside attributed to “unsafe backing” and
seem to have occurred during a non-school day. No pedestrians or bicyclists were involved.
4. Analysis
In assessing the existing conditions based on the school’s feedback as well as the site
observations, it is noted that the school and the City carried out several interventions to
manage traffic and enhance safety. For example, the City has been responsive in installing
speed feedback trailers when requested of Abottswood Dr and Golden Meadow Dr.
Moreover, school signs and pavement markings are installed per the guidelines of the
California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD). The school in turn
manages traffic staggering the times for pick up and deploys staff to assist with pedestrian
crossings at the entrance.
However, several concerns remain. The main concerns can be summarized as such:
- Speeding traffic: primarily on Golden Meadow Dr within the school zone. While
existing California law establishes a 25 miles per hour prima facie limit when
approaching or passing a school and despite speed signs posted on Golden Meadow
Dr in both directions, speeding vehicles are still observed along Golden Meadow. The
speeding is in part caused by some parents who drop their children at school and then
head back south to Abbottswood Dr. Speeding was also reported on Abbottswood Dr
and Briarhurst Dr.
- Crossing considerations: primarily at Golden Meadow Dr and Purple Ridge Dr as well
as the school entrance and exit. Currently the traffic control for the Golden Meadow
Dr at its intersection with Purple Ridge Dr is established by the continental crosswalk
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and the school crossing signage which are not respected by (and possibly not very
obvious to) drivers along Golden Meadow Ave.
- Behavioral considerations: associated with both vehicles and pedestrians. Speeding
(above the 25 MPH speed limit) during pick up and drop off periods when children are
present, turning left to get into the drop off / pick up zone, parking in queuing areas,
among others are challenges associated with motorized modes. Pedestrian
behavioral challenges include crossing mid-block and sometimes jumping in front of
moving vehicles.
- Parking in loading zones: whether the pick up/drop off area in front of the school or
the loading zones on Purple Ridge Dr (in the white curb zone), where drivers would
park and leave their vehicles. Loading zones should be treated as active loading
zones whereby drivers are in the vehicles at all times.
5. Recommendations
Based on the above observations and analysis, the following recommendation are made:
1. Addressing speeding traffic on Golden Meadow Dr within the school
zone: this would include engineering, education, and enforcement
interventions. On the engineering front, a gradual approach that
starts by installing a speed feedback sign north of Purple Ridge Dr
in the southbound direction to alert drivers of their speeds. While the
full length of Abbottswood was outside the scope of this study, it could
also benefit from a speed feedback sign in the westbound direction
(downhill) west of Briarhurst Dr around the same location the speed
feedback trailer is currently deployed. If the speeding is observed to
prevail other engineering measures such as curb extensions
(bulb-outs) at the intersections of Golden Meadow Dr with Purple
Ridge Dr and Grovespring Dr could be considered. In addition to
engineering measures, continued police enforcement could also help in this regard along
with education of parent drivers noting the increased probability of severe injuries
associated with higher speeds.
2. Installing a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) at the
intersection of Golden Meadow Dr and Purple Ridge Dr is an option that
the City can pursue initially. The City can take a gradual (incremental)
approach to address the issues associated with the Golden Meadow Dr
and Purple Ridge Dr intersection, whereby the first step would be to slow
speeds on Golden Meadow Dr when students are present (as noted in the
earlier point). Other steps could involve deploying a crossing guard,
investigating an all-way stop control (allowed by CA MUTCD where there
is a need to control vehicle/pedestrian conflicts near locations that
generate high pedestrian volumes), installing curb extensions (bulb-outs)
to reduce the distance pedestrians need to cross among other
interventions at this location.
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Pedestrian Crashes
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Impact Speed (mph}
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3. Placing in-street pedestrian signs during pick-up and drop-off periods.
Until a RRFB is installed, placing In-street Pedestrian Crossing signs can
remind drivers of the laws regarding right of way of pedestrians along Golden
Meadow Dr at Purple Ridge crosswalk. These signs have proven to be very
effective as traffic calming devices and at increasing motorist stopping
compliance at crosswalks. They can be especially effective if placed and
removed daily to indicate when children are arriving or departing from school.
4. Entrance and Exit Treatments: While not a better alternative to school staff
assisting students to cross at the entrance and exit of the drop off / pick up area, driveway
treatments such as painting a crosswalk across the entrance/exit behind the sidewalk as
well as placement of cones to close the non-used lanes during the pick up and drop off
periods of the driveway can help increase driver awareness.
5. Signing upgrades could help address some of the existing issues. In addition to the speed
signs noted above, currently there are no signs prohibiting left turns into the main drop
off / pick up area (circle) during morning drop off and afternoon pick up times. It is
recommended that a sign prohibiting left turns during drop off and pick up times be
installed. A school crossing sign SW24-2 (CA) should also be installed at southbound
Golden Meadow Dr and Purple Ridge Dr intersection to replace the existing non-standard
sign.
6. Explore with the school the considerations associated with a right-turn only at the
school exit. While this might inconvenience some drivers, it may also reduce the
pedestrian/vehicular interactions along Purple Ridge Dr and Golden Meadow Dr.
7. Leveraging the available communication platforms to educate parents on the various
elements they can help with to enhance the drop off / pick up operations. These include
in addition to the speeding messaging noted above sending regular reminders to parents
regarding their drop-off and pick-up location options to park along adjacent streets and
walking to school (which some parents currently exercise) and encourage parents to
leave a few minutes earlier to prevent rushing. This would also involve working with
parents to connect them with others who live nearby to increase the number of students
carpooling, which may reduce the number of vehicles. Similarly, Walking School Buses
and Bike Trains can be established with the same type of coordination.
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Exhibit 4.
Recommendations Summary
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PLACE IN-STREET
PEDESTRIAN XING SIGN
UPGRADE
SCHOOL XING SIGN
VISTA GRANDE
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SPRUCEGROVE DRBRIARHURST DR
GROVESPRING DRGOLDEN MEADOW DRPURP
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INSTALL SPEED
FEEDBACK SIGN
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INSTALL SPEED
FEEDBACK SIGN
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INSTALL RRFB
CONSIDER RIGHT
TURN ONLY AT EXIT
PAINT X-WALK PROHIBIT LEFT
TURN IN
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PAINT X-WALK5
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USE CONES TO CLOSE
NON-USED LANES
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CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Not To Scale
VISTA GRANDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
1. SPEED FEEDBACK SIGN
3.
4.
RRFB
RAPID
STATE
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WITHIN
CROSSWALK
RECTANGULAR
FLASHING BEACON
IN-STREET PEDESTRIAN
CROSSING SIGN
8. NO LEFT TURN
SIGN
9. SCHOOL CROSSING
SIGN
SHEET OF
PROJECT NO. 210504-05
1
GTS was retained by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (City) to conduct a traffic analysis of
Soleado Elementary School. The purpose of the analysis is to enhance access, circulation
and safety for the various road users in the immediate vicinity of the school. This
memorandum presents the draft findings and recommendations of the traffic analysis.
Background
Soleado Elementary School is located at Longhill Dr in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. The
school provides Kindergarten (KG) though 5th grade education to about 419 students with
the enrollment by grade in 2020 reported as such (per the National Center for Educational
Statistics):
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71
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0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
KG
GRADE 1
GRADE 2
GRADE 3
GRADE 4
GRADE 5
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 6, 2022 GTS: 210504.03
To: Ramzi Awwad, City of Rancho Palos Verdes
From: Rawad Hani, GTS
Subject: Soleado Elementary School Traffic Analysis
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Exhibit 1 shows the school and the surrounding streets of Longhill Drive, Flaming Arrow Drive
Delacroix Road, Elkridge Drive, Browndeer Lane and Warrior Drive.
A yellow continental crosswalk exists at Longhill Drive and Delacroix Road intersection.
Standard yellow crosswalks exist at Longhill Drive intersections with Elkridge Drive,
Delacroix Road, and Flaming Arrow Drive, as well as Browndeer Lane intersections with
Warrior Drive and Flaming Arrow Drive. Pavement markings (with SLOW SCHOOL XING)
are also painted along Longhill Drive on both approaches to the Delacroix intersection.
School warning signs and school crosswalk warning signs are posted along Longhill Drive,
Elkridge Drive, Browndeer Lane and Warrior Drive.
The school’s main drop off / pick-up area is served by a one-way road whereby vehicles
enter (during pick up and drop off times) by turning right or left from Longhill Drive into the
school and exit by turning either right or left on Flaming Arrow Drive. The drop off / pick-up
area consists of two lanes, a curbside lane for loading and unloading and the other lane
accommodates moving traffic. Staff parking includes 30 angled parking spaces located
opposite to the drop off / pick up area. It should be noted that another staff parking lot exists
to the east of the school entrance with its own access driveway.
While several students walk to school with their parents, most students are driven to the
school by personal vehicles which raises several traffic circulation, access, and
pedestrian/vehicular interaction challenges. The school has developed a traffic flow map that
is communicated to parents along with a set of school traffic guidelines shown in Exhibit 2.
The school’s efforts focus on traffic flow and safety through educating parents and
encouraging them to set a good example for students.
The school’s drop off and pick up times are reported to lead to traffic concerns. These
concerns include reports of near misses especially at Longhill Drive and Delacroix Road
intersection, speeding when children are present, adults and their children running out in
front of moving traffic rather than using designated crosswalks, and school queues that lead
to vehicles driving in the opposite direction of traffic.
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Exhibit 1. Soleado Elementary School Surrounding Streets and Drop off/ Pick up Area
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TRAFFIC SAFETY AT
SOLEADO
Student Safety is a top priority for
the Soleado Staff.
In order to keep the students safe,
it is important that all parents
understand and follow the policies
below.
Do not drop students off at
school prior to 8:15 a.m. since
there is no adult supervision
prior to that time. If your child
arrives to school prior to 8:15
he/she should be enrolled in
Kids’ Corner (Fee-Based
Before and After School Program). Kids’ Corner information can be found on the District website.
The school day begins at 8:30 a.m. If your child is not at school by this time, he/she will be marked
tardy. Instructional time is extremely important and we want your child to be at school, on time, so
that he/she does not miss valuable classroom instruction.
Remember to follow all traffic rules. When you pick up/drop off in front of the school, be sure to follow
the Stop and Drop procedure and pull all the way up so that we can fit as many cars as possible
along the curb. No DOUBLE-PARKING! Remember that children must enter and exit the passenger
side of the car when you are fully stopped at the curb and they should exit or enter right onto the
curb only, carrying their backpacks. Take care when entering or exiting the driveway, as many
children will be using the crosswalks. Please note that at the top of the parking lot exit there is a
blind spot. This will help with the flow of traffic and with traffic congestion on the streets. Remember
that the speed limit is 5 mph in the parking lot.
Please USE CROSSWALKS to cross the street safely. Cars are unable to see small children
crossing between parked cars. This can be VERY DANGEROUS!
Parking Lot: The parking lot is for staff members only. Parents are encouraged to park their cars on
Longhill or Flaming Arrow. No parking will be allowed along the yellow curb in the parking lot during
school hours (8:00 am-3:15 pm).
Never, even for a moment, park or allow a person picking up your child(ren) to park in teacher/staff
spots. Staff often returns to campus after a meeting unable to park and return to class promptly,
because a parent is parked in their spot.
There is no supervision after 3:05 in front of the school.
Please note that there is NO SIBLING WATCH available between the primary and upper grade
dismissal times. You will need to pick up your younger child or enroll in Kids Corner, while waiting
for older siblings to be dismissed.
NO PARKING or DROPPING OFF YOUR CHILD in the Kids’ Corner Lot. This lot is to be used for
Kids’ Corner employees and drop off and pick up only for Kids’ Corner patrons.
All TK/K students will be picked up at the Flaming Arrow Gate on Mondays.
Exhibit 2. School Traffic Safety Handout (Source:
https://soleado.pvpusd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=456175&type=d&pREC_ID=988161)
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Drop-Off Traffic Flow Directions
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Traffic Analysis
This study started with a kick-off meeting which included the school and City representatives.
The main purpose of the meeting was to understand the school’s concerns regarding traffic
circulation and safety based on their daily experiences and observations.
Site observations were then performed by GTS during morning drop off and afternoon pick
up times.
Based on the school’s feedback and firsthand observations, this memorandum presents the
draft assessment of the existing conditions and provides preliminary recommendations for
improvement. This memorandum will be refined and finalized following discussions with the
City and school.
1. Kick-off Meeting Brief
The school’s principal explained the current (COVID protocol) drop off and pick up
operations. Drop off mostly occurs in the designated area in front of the school with some
parents parking on the adjacent streets and walking their children to school. Pick up takes
place in the designated loading area upfront but also at the Flaming Arrow Drive access gate.
The principal noted the challenges associated with the drop off and pick up operations being
primarily:
i. The crosswalks at the Long Hill Drive intersections with Delacroix Road and Flaming
Arrow Drive are heavily used by students and vehicles. Recent incidents of students
involved in collisions were noted.
ii. School queues in the westbound direction on Longhill Drive often extend to Delacrois
Road and Beachgate Drive intersection and in the eastbound direction to Fawnskin
Drive. Vehicles tend to drive opposite side of the street to get around the queues.
iii. Pedestrian concerns along Flaming Arrow Drive, where conflicts exist between
students crossing the street and vehicles speeding downhill during pick up times.
The principal noted that there are no crossing guards to assist students crossing the road
despite several students who walk to the school from the neighborhood. The principal state
that some students might not walk due to pedestrian safety concerns.
The pick-up period in general is less challenging than drop off (given that the dismissal times
are staggered) except for minimum days when all students are dismissed at 12.
2. Site Observation
Site visits were performed to observe the drop off and pick up operations and note the
associated challenges.
During the morning drop off, the school admits all students (about 419) between 8.15 AM
and 8.30 AM. The following observations were made:
- Parents start arriving shortly before 8 AM; vehicles would occupy the curb drop off lane.
While some parents (of older students) would drop off and leave, most parents would
park and wait till the school starts accepting students.
- By about 8 AM, the school’s curb drop off area is fully occupied at which time queues
start forming on eastbound and westbound Longhill Drive leading to the school’s main
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entrance. Some parents would park along Flaming Arrow Drive or Delacroix Road and
walk their students.
- It was observed that several vehicles would overtake the queues by driving on the
opposite direction of the street (including school staff members entering the school) as
shown in Exhibit 3.
- By about 8.15 AM traffic in the westbound direction extends past the Eldridge Drive stop
sign to Delcroix Road and Beachgate Dr and in the eastbound direction past Warrior
Drive.
- As traffic starts moving after 8.15 AM, it was observed that the Delacroix crosswalk at
Longhill Drive would be blocked at various instances by moving vehicles. Vehicles
continue to overtake the queues by driving in the opposite direction of the street.
- When vehicles exit the drop off area, it was observed that the majority turn left into
Flaming Arrow Drive and then right to head eastbound on Longhill Drive.
- Shortly after 8.30 AM (bell time), school traffic would have cleared the surrounding
streets.
During the afternoon pick up time, the school generally staggers the dismissal times;
Tuesdays to Fridays, dismissal times for KG, grades 1 and 2, and grades 3 to 5 are
respectively 2.05 PM, 2.35 PM and 3 PM. On Mondays, KG are dismissed at 1.05 PM while
grades 1 to 5 at 1.30 PM. Minimum days are the only days all students are dismissed at
noon. The following observations were made:
- For KG dismissal at the pedestrian gate, vehicles were observed to use Flaming Arrow
Drive. Some parents park on Browndeer Lane or southbound Flaming Arrow Drive and
walk to get their children. Several pedestrians cross Flaming Arrow Dr across from the
school exit driveway and the gate.
Exhibit 3. Queues and cars moving in the opposite direction at Longhill Dr
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- School staff assist in student loading so that parents do not have to exit their vehicles
and to avoid blocking the school exit. Staff coordinate with each other using wireless
devices.
- Similar to morning conditions, queues build-up along eastbound and westbound Longhill
Drive except that the queues do not start forming in the drop off / pick up area but rather
outside the school entrance. Also similar to morning conditions, vehicles overtaking the
queues were observed.
- Some vehicles leaving the school and heading east on Longhill Drive were observed to
turn left from Flaming Arrow Road to Longhill Drive and then right on Delacroix Road to
by-pass the queues.
- Crosswalks at Longhill Drive intersections with Flaming Arrow Drive and Delacroix Road
are often blocked by vehicles.
- Some parents were observed to get out of their vehicles while in the pick up lane.
3. Crash History Review
Collision records were provided by the City for the most recent 5 years (2016 to 2021) noting
that schools were in virtual teaching modes between March 2020 and mid-2021. Ten
collisions were reported, four of which are injury collisions with one being a pedestrian. The
collisions are summarized in the following table:
Date Time Location Severity Direction of Travel Description Collision
3-Apr-17 3:00 PM Flaming Arrow
Dr and
Browndeer Ln
PDO1 NB Thru Unsafe turning
movement
Hit Object
16-Jan-19 6:20 PM Delacroix Rd and
Longhill Dr
PDO NB Thru DUI/Unsafe turning
movement
Hit Object
5-Feb-19 8:30 AM Flaming Arrow
Dr and Longhill
Dr
Injury2 SB Right turn vs
Pedestrian
Failure to yield to
pedestrian
Pedestrian
30-Mar-19 2:45 PM Warrior Dr and
Browndeer Ln
Injury SB Thru vs Parked Unsafe turning
movement
Sideswipe
28-Mar-20 3:04 PM Elkridge Dr and
Longhill Dr
PDO NB Thru vs Parked Failure to maintain
direct course
Sideswipe
9-Nov-20 9:18 AM Elkridge Dr and
Oaklon Dr
PDO SB Thru Failure to maintain
direct course
Hit Object
14-Jan-21 3:13 PM Elkridge Dr and
Longhill Dr
PDO NB Thru Failure to maintain
direct course
Hit Object
8-Jun-21 12:29
AM
Longhill Dr and
Elkridge Dr
Injury WB Thru vs Parked Fell Asleep/Unsafe
turning movement
Head On
4-Jul-21 9:45 AM Delacroix Rd and
Longhill Dr
Injury NB vs Dumpster Failure to maintain a
straight course
Hit Object
1-Sep-21 2:30 PM Longhill Dr and
Delacroix
PDO EB Thru vs
Entering
Driving on wrong side
of roadway
Broadside
1. PDO Property Damage Only
2. All reported injury collisions were complaints of pain
As can be seen in the above table, one pedestrian collision was reported at Flaming Arrow
Dr and Longhill Dr where the vehicle failed to yield the right of way to the pedestrian. The
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date and time indicate that this collision probably occurred on a school day during drop-off
period.
The other injury collisions occurred at Warrior Dr and Browndeer Ln, Longhill Dr and Elkridge
Dr, and Delacroix Rd and Longhill Dr. Various property damage only collisions were reported
at Elkridge Drive. A property damage only collision along Longhill Drive was attributed to
driving on wrong side of roadway.
4. Analysis
In assessing the existing conditions based on the school’s feedback as well as the site
observations, it is noted that the school and the City carried out several interventions to
manage traffic and enhance safety.
School signs and pavement markings are installed per the guidelines of the California
Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD). The school in turn provided a traffic
map and guidance for drop off and pick up operations.
However, several concerns remain. The main concerns can be summarized as such:
- Delcroix crosswalk: the continental crosswalk across Longhill Drive is at times blocked
by drivers. More critically, near misses and a recent impact between a vehicle and a
student were reported by the school. As such interventions are needed to address the
safety concerns.
- Longhill Drive and Flaming Arrow Drive crosswalk: the traditional crosswalks are at
times blocked by drivers. These visibility of the crosswalks to vehicular traffic could be
impacted by weather and lighting conditions.
- Speeding (northbound) at Flaming Arrow Drive: which when compounded by the
downhill grades and pedestrians crossing the road, exacerbates the safety
considerations especially during drop off and pick up times.
- Illegal driver behavior: where queues lead drivers to utilize the opposite direction of the
street to overtake the queue which increases the likelihood of collisions.
The above concerns have been noted to discourage students and their parents from walking
to school and relying on personal vehicles for their school travel.
5. Recommendations
Based on the above observations and analysis, the following recommendations are made:
1. Delacroix Crosswalk at Longhill Drive: A series of treatments could be considered for
the Longhill Drive crosswalk at Delacroix Road to enhance pedestrian crossing safety.
These could vary from placing in-street pedestrian crossing signs, to installing a
rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB), curb bulb-outs, among others.
The City can take a gradual (incremental) approach to address the issues associated
with pedestrian crossings at this intersection, whereby the first step would involve
installing RRFB (and associated yield lines) and placing in-street pedestrian crossing
signs. A pedestrian RRFB consisting of two rectangular-shaped yellow indications would
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flash with alternating high frequency when activated by the pedestrian to enhance
conspicuity of pedestrians at the crossing to drivers.
Placing in-street pedestrian crossing signs can remind drivers of the laws for yielding right
of way to pedestrians along Longhill Dr at Delacroix Road crosswalk. These signs have
proven to be very effective as traffic calming devices and at increasing motorist stopping
compliance at crosswalks. They can be especially effective if placed and removed daily
to indicate when children are arriving or departing from school.
If the crossing issues continue to be present, curb extensions at the location could help
reduce the pedestrian crossing distances while enhancing pedestrian visibility to drivers.
A bulb-out at the location will require ADA curb ramp treatments. Other alternatives
include providing a crossing guard at this intersection as well as converting the
intersection to an all-way stop intersection. If the aforementioned alternatives do not
provide the desired results, the removal of the crosswalk from this location and asking
pedestrians to cross at the Flaming Arrow Drive intersection with Longhill Drive (180 ft
west of Delacroix) could be investigated along with potential enhancements at the
intersection.
2. Longhill Drive and Flaming Arrow Drive crosswalks : the crosswalks at the east and
north legs of the intersection can benefit from high visibility crosswalks such as
continental crosswalk. High visibility crosswalks are visible to both the drivers and
pedestrians from farther away compared to traditional transverse line crosswalks. Both
crosswalks at this location could also benefit from placing in-street pedestrian crossing
signs during pick-up and drop-off times.
3. Flaming Arrow Drive and Longhill Drive speed treatments: In the northbound
direction Flaming Arrow Drive could benefit from a 25 MPH speed sign. This sign can be
installed between the Longhill Drive intersection and the school exit driveway. If this
treatment proves to be of low impact, the City may opt to install a speed feedback sign
or even lower speed limits. It is also suggested that a 25 MPH speed pavement marking
be installed just north of the exit driveway and that a centerline be installed along Flaming
Arrow Drive. Longhill Drive in the westbound direction just west of the school entrance
can benefit from a 25 MPH speed sign.
4. Signage Improvements: In addition to the speed signs noted above, it is recommended
to replace the yellow 25 MPH speed sign along Longhill Drive. School. The City should
also install school assemblies per CAMUTCD. These are illustrated in Exhibit 4.
5. Entrance and Exit crosswalks: in an effort to increase driver awareness, painting a
crosswalk across the entrance/exit behind the sidewalk can alert drivers to crossing
students especially at the exit driveway which is on an uphill grade.
6. Education and encouragement: the school could leverage the available
communication platforms to educate parents on the various elements they can help with
to enhance the drop off / pick up safety and operations. This includes sending regular
reminders to parents regarding their drop-off and pick-up location options such as (i)
parking along adjacent streets and walking to school (ii) working with parents to connect
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them with others who live nearby to increase the number of carpooling students (iii)
coordinating walking school buses and bike trains, among others.
7. Continue Enforcement Activities: to ensure compliance to traffic rules and avoid illegal
behavior such as overtaking and driving in the opposite direction of traffic.
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Exhibit 4. Recommendations Summary (Soleado Elementary School)
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9 ··················
Legend
SCHOOL
SPEED
LIMIT
25 ·············6666
SOLEADO
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
LONGHIL
L
D
R
DELACROIX RDFLAMING ARROW DRWARRIOR DRBROWNDEER LN LARCHBLUFF DR
INSTALL RRFB
INSTALL IN-STREET
PEDESTRIAN SIGN
(R1-6)
1
INSTALL 13' WIDE
THERMOPLASTIC
LADDER CROSSWALK
(DETAIL A)
INSTALL IN-STREET
PEDESTRIAN SIGN
(R1-6)
3 INSTALL 25 MPH
PAVEMENT LEGEND
6 PAINT A 8'
WIDE LADDER
CROSSWALK
(DETAIL B)
INSTALL 25MPH
SPEED LIMIT SIGN
(R2-1)
REPLACE EXISTING
SPEED SIGN WITH
NEW 25MPH SPEED
SIGN (R2-1)
7
2
5
INSTALL 25MPH
SPEED LIMIT SIGN
(R2-1) ON STREET
LIGHT POLE
4
8
PAINT A 8'
WIDE LADDER
CROSSWALK
DETAIL B
8
2
INSTALL
YELLOW
CENTERLINE PER
CALTRANS STD
PLAN A20A,
DETAIL 2
9
1 1
D-1
.
I :
I □ . : • □
□
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Not To Scale
□
1 -RRFB RECTANGULAR RAPID
FLASHING BEACON
STATE
LAW
TO
WITHIN
CROSSWALK
2-IN-STREET PEDESTRIAN
CROSSING SIGN (R1 -6)
3'
3-DETAIL A-LADDER CROSSWALK
SPEED
LIMIT
2.5
4 & 5-25MPH SPEED LIMIT SIGN
(R2-1)
.
r.o
2'
8-DETAIL B -LADDER CROSSWALK
SOLEADO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
SHEET OF
PROJECT NO. 210504-05
T +1 213 267 2332 | F +1 2133180744 1055 W 7th St #3300, Los Angeles, CA 90017
info@gentecsol.com | www.gentecsol.com GTS | General Technologies and Solutions
1
GTS was retained by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (City) to conduct a traffic analysis of
Silver Spur Elementary School. The purpose of the analysis is to enhance access, circulation
and safety for the various road users in the immediate vicinity of the school. This
memorandum presents the draft findings and recommendations of the traffic analysis.
Background
Silver Spur Elementary School is located at 5500 Ironwood St in the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes. The school provides Kindergarten (KG) though 5th grade education to about 526
students with the enrollment by grade in 2020 reported as such (per the National Center for
Educational Statistics):
99
83
81
88
93
82
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
KG
GRADE 1
GRADE 2
GRADE 3
GRADE 4
GRADE 5
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 6, 2022 GTS: 210504.01
To: Ramzi Awwad, City of Rancho Palos Verdes
From: Rawad Hani, GTS
Subject: Silver Spur Elementary School Traffic Analysis
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GTS
gentecsol.com
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Exhibit 1 shows the school and the surrounding streets of Ironwood St, Basswood Ave,
Diversey Dr, Birchfield Ave, and Montemalaga Dr. Yellow continental crosswalks are
painted at the intersections of Ironwood St /Basswood Ave, Ironwood St /Birchfield Ave,
Basswood Ave/Diversey Dr, Birchfield Ave/Diversey Dr, and Basswood Ave / Montemalaga
Dr. Pavement markings (with SLOW SCHOOL XING) are also painted on all approaches of
the intersections that are not controlled by stop signs. School warning signs and school
crosswalk warning signs are posted along Ironwood St, Basswood Ave, Diversey Dr, and
Birchfield Ave.
Exhibit 1. Vista Grande Elementary School and Surrounding Streets
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Legend 9 ···········
SCHOOL
SPEtO
LIMIT
25 m..
3
Exhibit 2 shows the school’s main drop off / pick up area which is served by a one-way road
whereby vehicles enter (during pick up and drop off times) by turning right from Ironwood
Street into the school and exist by turning right on Basswood Street. The drop off / pick up
area is fronted by two lanes over 180 feet (50 feet of which is painted red curb). Staff parking
includes 29 angled parking spaces located opposite to the drop off / pick up area and 8
parking spaces are to its southeast. In addition to the main drop off/pick up area in front of
the school, a KG-only drop off/pick up zone is designated along Basswood Ave north of the
school’s exit driveway.
Exhibit 2. Silver Spur School Drop off / Pick Up Area
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Legend
9 ··················
9 ·················
9 ··················
RIGHT
TURN
('
ONLY
9 ··················
9 ··················
4
While several students walk to school with their parents, most students are driven to the
school by personal vehicles which raises several traffic circulation, access, and
pedestrian/vehicular interaction challenges. The school has developed a traffic flow map
that is communicated to parents along with a set of school traffic guidelines shown in
Exhibit 3. The school’s efforts focus on traffic flow and safety through educating parents
and encouraging them to set a good example for students.
Two crossing guards are typically present during the drop off and pick up times at the
intersection of Ironwood St and Basswood Ave and the intersection of Montemalaga Dr and
Basswood Ave. In addition, school staff play a critical role in directing traffic, ensuring
pedestrian safety, and improving the loading/unloading efficiencies during the arrival and
dismissal times which is described in more detail in the following sections.
Despite the school’s efforts and the presence of school crossing guards, the school’s drop
off and pick up times are reported to lead to traffic concerns. These concerns include lack of
adherence to school’s guidelines, reports of near misses, speeding when children are
present, adults and their children running out in front of moving traffic rather than using
designated crosswalks, parking illegally in red zones, and parking / leaving vehicles
unattended in active pick up drop off zones among others.
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Exhibit 3. School’s Traffic Guidelines (Source: https://silverspur.pvpusd.net/apps/pages/trafficflow)
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+-=Carline
Traffic Flow * = Drop-Off Zones
SILVER SPUR ELEMENTARY TRAFFIC FLOW MAP
Kinder Gate
Drop-Off
Blacktop
Area
FOCUS IN THE CAR LI NE:
F = pu ll f orwa rd as far as possi bl e
O = Qnly turn right in & out of lot
C = ~e ll ph one use is not all owed
U = Un load on the ri ght side of ca r
S = ~lay in your car
SILVER SPUR ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL TRAFFIC GUIDELINES
The safety of our students, parents and staff is our top
priority.
10
Our school administrators, staff and parent volunteers , are out during
drop-off and pick-up to improve traffic flow around our school and
ensure the safety of everyone.
To achieve this goal , the following guidelines have been established:
Always observe all posted parking and traffic regulations .
Always look to crossing guards and parent volunteers for their signal as to when it is safe for you to
proceed in the traffic line.
When exiting and entering veh icle, students must do so on the passenger side only.
When exiting and entering veh icle, students must do so in designated areas only.
Do not encourage your student to cross the street unless they are doing so in a crosswalk.
Drivers may not exit their vehicle while in the drop-off/pick-up car line -even while your vehicle is
stopped.
Items such as backpacks and instruments will not be retrieved from the trunk as this creates a potential
safety hazard.
Parking in the reserved visitor spaces in front of the office for the purpose of pick-up and drop-off is
strictly prohibited.
Parking in the Silver Spur parking lot is strictly prohibited as each space is assigned to a staff member -
doing so may result in your vehicle being towed at your expense .
Parking in red zones at any time is strictly prohibited as this space is reserved for emergency vehicles -
doing so may result in your vehicle being towed at your ex pense .
Leaving your vehicle unattended in designated drop-aff and pick-up zones during hours posted is
prohibited -doing so may result in your vehicle being towed at your expense.
Be considerate of our neighbors and do not block dr iveways or garage s with your veh icle while dropping
off or picking up your student.
If you feel that your student requires assistance beyond what our volunteer greeters are able to provide,
please feel free to park your car and walk your student into the school, using the designated
crosswalks.
Please always set a good example for our students and be courteous
to others!
6
Traffic Analysis
This study started with a kick-off meeting which included the school and City
representatives. The main purpose of the meeting was to understand the school’s
concerns regarding traffic circulation and safety based on their daily experiences and
observations.
Site observations were then performed by GTS during the morning drop off and afternoon
pick up times.
Based on the school’s feedback and firsthand observations, this memorandum presents
the draft assessment of the existing conditions and provides preliminary recommendations
for improvement. This memorandum will be refined and finalized following discussions with
the City and school.
1. Kick-off Meeting Brief
The school’s principal explained the current operations with KG students utilizing the
Basswood Ave gate and grades 1 to 5 utilizing the drop off/pick up curb area. The principal
noted the challenges associated with the drop off and pick up operations being primarily:
I. the lack of personnel to direct traffic at the school’s exit; this leaves the principal with
this job to ensure the safety of students and smooth operations of traffic.
II. the challenging driver behavior (especially along Basswood Ave) which includes
speeding in the school zone, lack of respect to crossing pedestrians, U-turns mid-
block along Basswood and at its intersection with Diversey Dr within the pedestrian
cross-walk area, among others
The principal noted that anecdotally about 20% of the students walk to school and the
majority are driven to school with some students carpooling. The pick up period in general is
less challenging than drop off (given that the dismissal times are staggered) except for
minimum days when all students are dismissed at 12.
2. Site Observation
Site observations were performed on two typical school days to observe the drop off and
pick up operations and note the associated challenges.
During the morning drop off, the school starts admitting all grades (KG – 5) at 8.15 AM. The
following observations were made:
- Crossing guards are typically available at Basswood Ave intersections with Montemalaga
Dr and Ironwood St. In case of crossing guard shortages, the available crossing guard
will be at Montemalaga Dr assisting with crossing the east approach.
- Some parents park their vehicles along Montemalaga Dr. (mainly north side of the west
approach) and walk their children to school
- Vehicles start arriving gradually even before 8 AM and queuing along the school’s drop
off / pick up area and then along westbound Ironwood St in the designated loading (white
curb) area. Few minutes before 8.15 AM, the Ironwood St loading area is completely
occupied. Non-school westbound traffic on Ironwood St can easily by-pass the queue
with a few challenges close to the Birchfield Ave Intersection where cars are parked and
school-bound vehicles queue alongside (resulting in a double-parking scenario).
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- Along Basswood Ave, the school principal was directing traffic to ensure (a) that the drop
off operations at the KG gate is smooth and efficient, (b) that traffic leaving the lot only
turns right, and (c) students and their guardians can cross the sidewalk along the school
exit. Assisting the school principal at the KG gate where 2 – 3 school staff members (with
whistles) who open the doors for students and ensure traffic keeps moving. Exhibit 4
shows a couple of examples.
- It should be noted that at the KG Gate, students will step out of their cars into the planter
area between the sidewalk and the street. In other words, this area does not seem to
have been envisioned for drop off/pick up.
- During this period, Basswood Ave is busy in both directions. This creates a challenge for
parents who park on the westside of Basswood and want to cross to the school with their
children as no dedicated crosswalk is available along Basswood Ave between Diversey
Dr and Ironwood St. The southbound traffic on Basswood might be exacerbated by some
vehicles who leave the school turning right and then do a U-turn to come back towards
Montemalaga Dr. (this seems to be the more desirable direction for travel). Moreover,
many vehicles along Basswood Ave appeared to be driving well above 25MPH.
- Along Basswood several parents park north of the loading zone and walk their students
to school. Despite the presence of parking along Diversey Dr, very few vehicles were
observed parking there.
- By 8.30 (bell time) school traffic have cleared the surrounding streets.
During the afternoon pick up time, the school staggers the dismissal times with KG at 2.05
PM, grades 1 and 2 at 2.35 PM and grades 3 to 5 at 3 PM (Tuesdays through Fridays with
Mondays being early release days). The following observations were made:
- By 2 PM parents are occupying the loading zone on Basswood Ave and as KG dismissal
starts at 2.05 PM staff assist in student loading so that parents do not have to exit their
Exhibit 4. School Staff During Drop off (Left: directing traffic at school exit; right assisting with active drop off at the KG gate)
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vehicles. Some parents park on Basswood Ave and cross the street to pick up their
children while some others hang around as they have an older child yet to be dismissed.
Parents also park on east Basswood Ave north of the KG loading area and walk to get
their children but very few vehicles park on Diversey Dr. KG dismissal takes place on
Basswood Ave, and as such no vehicles were observed in the Ironwood St loading area.
- Just after KG dismissal vehicles start arriving to pick up higher-grade students. Vehicles
queue on Ironwood St, some parents park on Ironwood St (both sides including the white
curb zone signed as no parking) and leave their vehicles to wait for students in front of
the school. This results in double parking (parked car and the queuing lane) on Ironwood
St which leads non-school-bound vehicles going uphill to overpass the queue by driving
in the area (lane) dedicated for the downhill traffic.
- Vehicles are observed to U-turn mid-block on both Basswood Ave (to park on the west
side) and on Ironwood Ave (to join the queue if coming eastbound as they should not turn
left into the school). Southbound Basswood Ave seems to be the more desirable direction
for travel.
- Vehicles were not slowing down on Basswood Ave (speeds over 25MPH) even at the
Ironwood St crosswalk which is a one-way stop (for Ironwood St traffic). When a police
vehicle arrived at about 2.30 PM and parked just north of the crosswalk on Basswood
Ave, vehicles started slowing for crossing pedestrians. It should be noted that the City
had a changeable message sign trailer at Ironwood St/Basswood Ave intersection which
however was not working on the days of the site observations.
- Although the main drop off/pick up area in front of the school should be for active loading,
some cars were observed parked for several minutes.
- Some vehicles were observed to turn left to exit the main drop off/pick up area (circle),
though the exit is signed for right turns only. From follow-up conversations with the
crossing guard, they noted that a few times left turning vehicles have been cited (though
we have not observed citations during our visit).
- During the pick up period vehicles were observed to park in front of driveways on both
Basswood Ave and Ironwood St but drivers remained in the cars.
- The busiest pick up time was shortly after 3 PM where Ironwood St queues get to
Birchfield Ave with vehicles parking on the south side of Ironwood St. However, as soon
as dismissal start the queues start moving. Traffic backs up momentarily on southbound
Basswood Ave as pedestrians cross Montemalaga. By 3.10 PM almost all queues on
Ironwood and Basswood were clear.
- The crossing guard noted that they observed several instances where parents park in
front of the USPS collection box on the south east corner of Basswood Ave and
Montemalaga Dr leading to double parking along Monetemalaga Dr to access the mail
box.
3. Crash History Review
Collision records were provided by the City for the most recent 6 years (2016 to 2021) noting
that schools were in virtual teaching modes between March 2020 and mid-2021.
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One property damage only (PDO) collisions were reported in 2018 along Ironwood in the
vicinity of the school and was attributed to “failing to maintain a direct course”. Two property
damage only (PDO) collisions were reported in 2019 along Ironwood in the vicinity of the
school. Both 2019 collisions were sideswipes attributed to “unsafe opening of door on moving
traffic side” and seem to have occurred during the drop-off and pick-up times. No pedestrians
or bicyclists were involved.
4. Analysis
In assessing the existing conditions based on the school’s feedback as well as the site
observations, it is noted that the school and the City carried out several interventions to
manage traffic and enhance safety. For example, the City in the past couple of years installed
ADA curb ramps at Basswood Ave and Ironwood St. Moreover, school signs and pavement
markings are installed per the guidelines of the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control
Devices (CA MUTCD). The school in turn manages traffic by restricting left turn access
during peak traffic periods, varies the locations of drop off and pick up as well as staggers
the times, and establishes priority loading zones for carpool vehicles.
However, several concerns remain. The main concerns can be summarized as such:
- Directing Traffic on Basswood Ave During Drop Off: This role is critical given the location
of the KG drop off and the need for students to cross the sidewalk at the school’s exit.
This role also ensures traffic leaving the school turns right into Basswood and manages
gaps in the traffic to ensure Basswood Ave traffic keeps flowing. However, this role is
currently being carried out by school staff with no safety vests/gear and who have to be
in the middle of the road to do this task.
- KG Drop off / Pick up Location: This location seems to be a makeshift location. The ideal
location for drop off and pick up would be in the dedicated zone (circle) in front of the
school. In discussions with the school principal, it was noted that this location (i) reduces
the demand on the circle by having KG students dropped off and picked up at this location
and (ii) is more convenient than the circle given its proximity to the KG classes where
students are directed to their dedicated areas more efficiently.
- Speeding traffic on Basswood Ave within the school zone: it should be noted that while
no speed limit signs are posted along Basswood Ave in the immediate vicinity of the
school, existing California law establishes a 25 miles per hour prima facie limit when
approaching or passing a school. Moreover, the speed limit on Basswood Ave is posted
north of Diversey Dr at 25 MPH. As noted earlier, the school speed limit zone signs are
posted on Montemalaga Dr and school signs are posted on surrounding streets. The
speeding is in part caused by the parents who drop their children at school and then
decide to head back south on Basswood Ave as it is possibly the road of least
resistance.
- Crossing considerations at Ironwood St and Basswood Ave: in addition to the speeding
on Basswood Ave the current traffic control for Basswood Ave and Ironwood St
intersection is established by the continental crosswalk and the school crossing signage
which are not respected by (and possibly not very obvious to) drivers along Basswood
Ave.
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- Parking in loading zones: whether the pick up/drop off area in front of the school or the
loading zones on Basswood or Ironwood St (no parking white curb zone), drivers should
not park and/or leave their vehicles. Loading zones should treated as active loading
zones whereby drivers are in the vehicles at all times. Double-queuing on Ironwood St
leads to driving on the opposite side of the street going uphill.
5. Recommendations
Based on the above observations and analysis, the following seven recommendations are
made:
1. Ensuring the proper training of whoever is directing traffic on Basswood Ave (at the
school exit) during the morning drop off. These personnel should have adequate
safety vests / gear to reinforce their authority and enhance their visibility to moving
traffic. While directing traffic, this location can benefit from placing cones that reduce
the number of lanes existing the school to one lane (this reduces the number of
approaches the personnel directing traffic need to focus on).
2. Considering alternatives for the KG drop off / pick up location including the main
location in front of the school. This would help school staff who are directing traffic.
While there is a case to be made for varying the KG drop off and pick up location for
reducing delays during drop off, other alternatives should be explored that could
include staggering the times of the KG drop off rather than varying the location,
encouraging (or requiring) parents of kindergarteners to park and walk their children
to and from school (noting the availability of on-street parking on Basswood Ave and
Diversey Dr), among others. It is our understanding that due to the recent pandemic
it was not possible for parents to enter to the school and as such requiring KG parents
to park and walk their children to the class can be considered at a future date. In
discussions with the school this was deemed as not feasible.
3. Addressing speeding traffic on Basswood Ave within the school zone could be
addressed initially by installing a speed feedback sign just north of Basswood Ave
and Diversey Dr intersection in the southbound direction. Given that students and
parents are crossing Basswood Ave mid-block, considerations were given to reducing
posted speeds lower than 25M PH; however, for a reduced prima facie speed limit the
current CA MUTCD requires speed limits on adjacent streets outside of a school zone
to have a posted speed limit no greater than 30 mph. Currently Montemalaga Dr has
a posted speed limit of 35 MPH which makes reducing the prima facie speed limit a
bit challenging. North bound Basswood Ave and downhill Ironwood St could also
benefit from speed limit signs which can be installed on existing poles/posts. Targeted
police enforcement could also help in this regard.
4. Considering speeding issues along Basswood Ave and that some parents park along
Montemalaga Dr and walk to the school, installing a rectangular rapid flashing
beacon (RRFB) at Basswood and Ironwood St intersection is an option that the City
can pursue. The City can take a gradual approach to address the issues associated
with the Ironwood St and Basswood Ave crossing, whereby the first step would be to
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slow speeds on Basswood Ave when students are present (as noted in the earlier
point). If the speed feedback signs do not resolve the issue, the RRFB can be
installed. Other steps could involve investigating an all-way stop control (allowed by
CA MUTCD where there is a need to control vehicle/pedestrian conflicts near
locations that generate high pedestrian volumes), installing curb bulb-outs to reduce
the distance pedestrians need to cross among other interventions at this location.
5. Leveraging parent education and police enforcement to avoid parking in loading
zones. This could help address the sideswipe collisions that are reported in 2019.
Parents should be educated on the consequences of parking in areas designated for
active loading (including the inconveniences to other parents and the neighbors) as
well as the options to park along Diversey Dr and Montemalaga Dr and walk to school.
Enforcement could be considered especially if this issue persists.
6. Signing upgrades could help address some of the existing issues. In addition to the
speed signs noted above, currently there are no signs prohibiting left turns into the
main drop off / pick up area (circle) during morning drop off and afternoon pick up
times. We noted that school staff installed a yard sign and had a portable board noting
that no left turns are allowed. It is recommended that a sign prohibiting left turns
during drop off and pick up times be installed. A school crossing sign SW24-2
(CA) should also be installed at northbound Basswood Ave and Ironwood St
intersection.
7. It is recommended that the curb fronting the USPS collection box on the southeast
corner of Montemalga Dr and Basswood Ave be painted in red to prohibit parking at
that corner.
E-11
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Exhibit 5. Summary Recommendations
E-12
Legend 9 ····················
9 ········ .. ····· .. ·8 9 ................... .
9
SPEED
LIMIT .................. 25 -
PROPERLY TRAIN AND EQUIP
ANYONE DIRECTING TRAFFIC
IRONWOOD ST
MONTEMALAGA DRBASSWOOD AVE
DIVERSE
Y
D
R
SILVER SPUR
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1a
PLACE CONES AT
THE SCHOOL EXIT
DRIVEWAY
1b
INSTALL 25MPH
SPEED LIMIT SIGN (R2-1)
3
INSTALL 25MPH
SPEED LIMIT SIGN (R2-1)
ON STREET LIGHT POLE
4
INSTAL NO-LEFT
TURN SIGN
6
INSTALL
RED CURB
8
INSTALL A SPEED
FEEDBACK SIGN ON
EXISTING STREET
LIGHT POLE
2a
RELOCATE
EXISTING
SW24-2(CA)
SIGN
2bFROMTO
INSTALL RRFB7
PLACE IN-STREET
PEDESTRIAN SIGN (R1-6)
10
1 1
F-1
,.._
'
' r C
r C
'
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Not To Scale
2. SPEED FEEDBACK SIGN
DURING PICK UP
AND
DROf8 OFF
6. NO LEFT TURN SIGN (R3-2)(MOD)
7. RRFB RECTANGULAR RAPID
FLASHING BEACON
STATE
LAW
WITHIIN
CROSSWALK
10. IN-STREET PEDESTRIAN
CROSSING SIGN (R1 -6)
SILVER SPUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
SHEET OF
PRO.ECT NO. 210504-05
T +1 213 267 2332 | F +1 2133180744 1055 W 7th St #3300, Los Angeles, CA 90017
info@gentecsol.com | www.gentecsol.com GTS | General Technologies and Solutions
1
GTS was retained by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes (City) to conduct a traffic analysis of Ridgecrest
Intermediate School. The purpose of the analysis is to enhance access, circulation and safety for the
various road users in the immediate vicinity of the school. This memorandum presents the draft
findings and recommendations of the traffic analysis.
Background
Ridgecrest Intermediate School is located at 28915 Northbay Road in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
The school provides grades 6 - 8 education to about 929 students with the enrollment by grade in 2020
reported as such (per the National Center for Educational Statistics):
Exhibit 1 shows the school and the surrounding north-south streets of Northbay Road, Highridge Road,
and Stonecrest Road as well as the east-west streets of Whitley Collins Drive, Oceanridge Drive,
Mistridge Drive, and Crestridge Road.
Yellow continental crosswalks are painted at the intersections of Whitley Collins Drive with Northbay
Road, Stonecrest Road, and Highridge Road as well as Northbay Road with Oceanridge Drive, and
Highridge Road with Crestridge Road. Pavement markings of SLOW SCHOOL XING are also painted on
approaches of the above intersections that are not controlled by stop signs. School warning signs and
296
308
325
280 285 290 295 300 305 310 315 320 325 330
GRADE 6
GRADE 7
GRADE 8
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 19, 2021 GTS: 210504.01
To: Ramzi Awwad, City of Rancho Palos Verdes
From: Rawad Hani, GTS
Subject: DRAFT Ridgecrest Intermediate School Traffic Analysis
G-1
G ENERAL
T ECHNOLOGIES &
S OLUTIONS
2
school crosswalk warning signs are posted along Highridge Road, Whitley Collins Drive, and Northbay
Road.
Exhibit 1. Ridgecrest Intermediate School and Surrounding Streets
G-2
Legend
9 ··················ci)
9 ··················~
9 ··················~
9 .................. AA
3
Exhibit 2 shows the school’s main drop off / pick up area whereby vehicles enter (during pick up and
drop off times) by turning right or left from Northbay Road into the school and exist by turning right on
Whitley Collins Drive. The drop off / pick-up area is fronted by two lanes at about 250 feet. Staff parking
includes 53 angled parking spaces located opposite to the drop off / pick up area. A staff parking area
is also provided north of the school buildings (referred to as lower parking lot) with 28 marked parking
spaces.
Exhibit 2. Ridgecrest School Drop off / Pick Up Areas
G-3
4
In addition to the main drop off/pick up area in front of the school, two drop off/pick areas are
designated in the lower parking lot and along Highridge Road. Students dropped off or picked up at
Highridge Road typically access the school via the staircase close to the Highridge Road / Crestridge
Road intersection.
Palos Verdes Peninsula Transit Authority (PVPTA) designated buses stops exist at Highridge Road north
of Whitely Collins Drive and along Northbay Road north of Whitely Collins Drive serving the school.
While some students walk to school or use PVPTA buses, most students are driven to the school by
personal vehicles which raises several traffic circulation, access, and pedestrian/vehicular interaction
challenges. The school has developed a traffic flow map that is communicated to parents along with a
set of school traffic guidelines shown in Exhibit 3. The school’s efforts focus on traffic flow and safety
through educating parents and offering suggestions to alleviate traffic congestion.
Three crossing guards are typically present during the drop off and pick up times at the intersections
of Northbay Road with Oceanridge Drive, Whitley Collins Drive with Highridge Road, and Highridge
Road with Crestridge Road. In addition, a school staff plays a critical role in ensuring pedestrians cross
safely at the entrance to the loading area. Other staff help with improving the loading/unloading
efficiencies during the arrival and dismissal times which is described in more detail in the following
sections.
Despite the school’s efforts and the presence of school crossing guards, the school’s drop-off and pick-
up times are reported to lead to traffic concerns in the school area. These include vehicular and
pedestrian conflicts at intersections and crosswalks, the lack of adherence to school’s guidelines,
reports of near misses, speeding when children are present, blocking intersections and driveways
among others. In particular, neighboring residents have complained about parents arriving early for
afternoon pick up and waiting (sometimes up to 45 minutes) in their cars for student dismissals leading
to traffic building up and blocking Northbay Road and Whitley Collins Drive onto Highridge Road.
G-40e
5
Exhibit 3. School's Traffic Guidelines (Source: https://ris.pvpusd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=450484&type=d&pREC_ID=1512433)
G-5
Ridgecre t Intermediate chool
Drop Off and Pick p
CE, THERE ARE FO R LOADI G ZOt ES ARO 1D THE HOOL
Enter from . o rthbay Road, exit onto
\I hitl ey llin (nght tum only)
Right curb on Nonhbay Road is
d ignated as a· 10 Parking· :one
during school hours
• Only one line of cars turning into lot
Please pull forward us far as po 1blc :
eliminate gaps in the line
Loading at urbs,dc only: no stopping in I ft
pass-through I.me
tudents exit on right side (curbside) of
'""hiclconly
Parking spaces arc reserved for Ridgecrest
faculty and staff
Zone 2-, orthbay Road Lower Lot
Enter from Mist ridge Road (Mist ridge can
be accessed ,;, Scotwood) to a\Ooid
congestion in front of the school
Kttp mewing forward
tudents exit on right side of vehicle only
Zone 3-Highrlclgc Road-O n chool side or
s treet on ly
• • tuclcnts take the Highndgc stairwell lo
campus
• The curb is designated as a ·No Parking·
:one dunng posted hours. You must
stay in your car during the times indicated
• As cars leave the area. please pull forward
tay away from the street comer. and look
carefully before puUing away from the curb
• Obey the rossmg Guard
Zone 4 -rcstridgc Road -On school s ide or street o nl y
tudcnts take the Hlghndgc st.urwell 10 campus
tay aw•)' from the street comer, and look carefully before pulling away from the curb
• Obey the rossmg Gu;ird
The goals or the Ridgecrest are co en ure safccy. alleviate neighborhood cong cion .
reduce parent driving time and maximize convenience.
There will always be congestion in front o[ the school on Northbay Road .
To avoid chis , we uggestyou take an alternate route and tty one of the ocher zones.
You may reduce your driv rime and gee co hool in le time and with less ha sic .
Ridgecrest Intermediate chool
Traffic/Parking Lot afety Rul
There is~ o Parking" on Whitley ll in between Northbay and Highridge on the school ide of the
street. Lomita herifEs will ticket offenders.
If traffic i backed up waiting to turn left into the parking lot. do not block the oncoming traffic. Do not
a llow vour child to get out of the car in the middle of the street. as this is extremely dangerous. Plea e be
courteous and take turns turning into the parking lot (left and right turn lanes). Do not use the
opposing lane top tJ1c cars waiting to turn into the lot. The left side of the chool driveway is for
chool personnel entrance and exit only.
Please drive lowly on erects around the entire perimeter of the school.\ e need your total
cooperation in order to ensure our children·s safety.
Please reviC\ safety rules with your child , especially if they will be walking or riding a bicycle to and
from hool. tudents must walk their bi yde w hile cro ing in r walk . Remind your child not
to run a ros any trcct or parking arc . All tudent who e nter the campus from the front of tJ1 e
chool must cro the driveway on the idewalk, not on the driveway.
Please do not double park, a this blocks traffic. Please don t cut in front of other cars.
Observe all posted ign and painted curbs.
Here are some u estion on
how yo u can help to alleviate
traffi con tlon :
Organize a carpool to cut
down on the ,·olume of
cars.
Try dropping off >-our
child 15 minutes earlier
than usual to avoid the
crush.
Let your child socia lize
with friends for 20
minutes and then meet you
at a convenient loading
=one'.
• Plan ahead for rainy clays.
Pre-arrange a mccrin
pbee away from the front
o[thes hool.
Have your child take the
P Transit.
Only ondin< of
Nrscnt.ainglot
NORTH BAY ROAD
Lchbndor
drh'< lhrough only.
NOSTOPPI:\' ,INLEFTLANE _.,.
Pullforw;ud3
faraspossiblc -
udc:nu <JOI on right .,de, of= only.
l.oMling/unlo.idmg at curb only.
Look .-.r<fully lxfocc pulling •w•)' from cum.
IIOOL
Map of lipper Parking Lor
Exit right
tum only
If you have any suggestions or concerns with regards to safety issues, please contact Mr. Mancilla.
Please complete a ·rra£6c in ident report· in the office if you or your child are involved in or witne a
traffic incident.
Thank you for your cooperation and p lease drive afclyl
Our children arc watching and learning from us, o let' model conside rate behavior.
6
Traffic Analysis
This study started with a kick-off meeting which included the school and City representatives. The
main purpose of the meeting was to understand the school’s concerns regarding traffic circulation
and safety based on staff’s daily experiences and observations.
Site observations were then performed by GTS during the morning drop off and afternoon pick up
times.
Based on the school’s feedback and firsthand observations, this memorandum presents the draft
assessment of the existing conditions and provides preliminary recommendations for improvement.
This memorandum will be refined and finalized following discussions with the City and school.
1. Kick-off Meeting Brief
The school’s principal explained the current challenges associated with the drop off and pick up
operations which primarily have an impact outside the school boundaries on the neighboring
residents. The principal noted:
i. The major safety concern is at Whitley Collins Drive and Stonecrest Road intersection with
students using the crosswalk, speeding traffic going downhill, and vehicles doing U-turns
despite the signs prohibiting U-turns. The principal noted he is aware of two students who
were hit at that location.
ii. In the afternoons, parents start arriving up to 45 minutes in advance of the bell time (being at
2 PM on Mondays and 3 PM Tuesdays through Fridays); vehicles waiting for students to be
dismissed queue on the adjacent streets making it difficult for neighboring residents to
enter/exit from their driveways.
The school has been encouraging parents to use alternatives to the main drop-off area as illustrated
in Exhibit 3. Speed bumps were also recently installed in the main drop off /pick up area.
2. Site Observations
Site observations were performed on a typical school days to observe the drop off and pick up
operations and note the associated challenges.
During the morning drop off, the following observations were made:
Three crossing guards were present at the intersections Highridge Road with Crestridge Road and
Whitley Collins Drive as well as Northbay Road with Oceanridge Drive. A school staff member was
helping students cross at the main entrance.
A sheriff’s vehicle was present at Highridge Road / Crestridge Road intersection. The police officer
does not direct traffic but the mere presence at that location helps to slow vehicles down per the
crossing guard. Traffic speeds along Highridge Road appeared to be well above 25 mph especially
prior to the arrival of the sheriff’s vehicle.
Students are dropped off primarily in the main drop off / pick up area; however, students are also
dropped off in the lower lot, along northbound Northbay Road (between Mistridge Drive and
Oceanridge Drive), along Oceanridge, along downhill Whitley Collins east of Northbay Road (some
vehicles then U-turn after dropping off), and along Northbay between Oceanridge Drive and
Whitley Collins Drive.
A few vehicles dropped off students on downhill Whitley Collins Drive (westbound) before and after
the school exit in the red curb areas signed as “No Stopping Anytime”.
G-6
7
When school-destined vehicles are queuing to enter the school on Northbay Road (both
directions), other vehicles not destined to the school tend to drive in the opposite direction of
traffic (overtaking the other vehicles waiting in the queue).
The majority of traffic coming to the drop off area appears to come from Highridge Road to Whitley
Collins Drive, turns left to Northbay Road and then turns left into the drop off / pick up area.
Two PVPTA buses were observed dropping off about 15 students (total) on Northbay Road (just
south of Oceanridge Road).
As traffic backs up on Northbay Road to Whitley Collins Drive, vehicles sometimes block the
crosswalk at the intersection. The drop off operations lead to queues starting to form on
eastbound Whitley Collins Drive.
In the westbound direction on Whitley Collins Drive, queues also form starting at the Whitley
Collins Drive intersection with Highbridge Road. Vehicles and pedestrians arriving at this location
from various directions lead to these queues. Traffic on westbound Whitley Collins Drive
(downhill) appears to be traveling at speeds over 25 mph. This is particularly a concern due to
students crossing at Stonecrest Road. Printed boards reading (Keep Our Kids Alive Drive 25) were
placed in the median as shown in Exhibit 4.
During the afternoon pick up time, all students are dismissed at the same time. The following
observations were made:
On both days when observations were made (with dismissals at 2PM and 3PM), it seemed that
the majority of the students opted to use the Highridge Road stair access during dismissal. The
pick-up takes place on both sides of Highridge Road (including the park’s lot) as well as along both
sides of Crestridge Road (including the church’s lot). The crosswalk at Highridge Road and
Crestridge Road is heavily utilized during dismissal times.
Exhibit 4. Cardboard sign in the median of Whitley Collins Dr facing eastbound
G-7
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During the early dismissal day, limited queues (at most 5 – 6 vehicles) were observed on Northbay
Road turning right or left into the school. A few (about 4 - 5) vehicles were observed using the
lower parking lot. In general, fewer vehicles were observed using the main entrance relative to
those using Highridge Road.
U-turns were observed on High Ridge mid-block between Crestridge Road and Whitley Collins
Drive.
Traffic on Highridge Road appeared to be traveling at speeds over 35 mph (despite the posted 25
MPH school speed zone).
PVTA buses were observed at Northbay Road picking up about 13 -15 students
Westbound Whitley Collins Drive traffic backs-up at Highridge Road intersection and then vehicles
turning right start forming a new lane (defacto right turn lane given the total lane width of 20 feet).
This exacerbates the visibility of pedestrians crossing at Stonecrest Road.
3. Crash History Review
Collision records did not show crashes in the immediate vicinity (within a 1000 feet) for the 6-year
period between 2016 - 2021.
4. Analysis
In assessing the existing conditions based on the school’s feedback as well as the site observations, it
is noted that the school and the City carried out several interventions to manage traffic and enhance
safety. For example, the City installed school signs and pavement markings per the guidelines of the
California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD). The City also partnered with the
school (through Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District) to provide crossing guards at the three
locations noted earlier. The school in turn also supports by ensuring safe pedestrian crossings at the
entrance and provides various drop off and pick up locations to spread the demand along with
educating and encouraging parents to relieve traffic demands.
However, several concerns remain driven to a large extent by the fact that over 900 students (mostly
arriving in private vehicles) arrive within 30 - 45 minutes in the morning peak and leave in an even
smaller window in the afternoon. The main concerns can be summarized as such:
Pedestrian crossings along Whitley Collins Drive at Stonecrest Road: whereby the terrain
contributes to higher speeds going downhill; the trees in the median reduce visibility of drivers to
see pedestrians in the crosswalk; and traffic backing up from Highridge Road intersection reduces
visibility of other vehicles joining the defacto right turn lane.
Speeding traffic on Whitley Collins Drive (especially downhill) and Highridge Road.
Driver behavioral issues including dropping and pick up in non-designated (even prohibited) areas,
blocking driveways and intersections, overtaking cars in the queue, and speeding among others.
5. Recommendations
Based on the above observations and analysis, the following recommendation are made:
Stonecrest Road crosswalk at Whitley Collins Drive: A series of mitigations could be considered
to the Stonecrest Road crosswalk at Whitley Collins to enhance pedestrian crossing safety. A
gradual approach is recommended where the initial step will include installing yield lines and
G-8
9
associated signage (R1-5) and a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) across Whitley Collins.
These treatments would enhance the visibility of the crosswalk and increase drivers awareness of
students crossing at this location. A curb ramp is also recommended at the northside of the
Whitley Collins Drive crosswalk. If the above mitigations are implemented and the concerns
persist, then curb bulb-outs can be installed to reduce the crossing distance for
students/pedestrians utilizing the crosswalk; these bulb-outs or curb extension will shorten the
distance students/pedestrians need to cross. Other alternatives include providing a crossing guard
at this intersection (or re-positioning the crossing guard from the Whitley Collins Drive intersection
with Highridge Road). If the aforementioned alternatives do not provide the desired results, a stop
sign or the removal of the crosswalk from this location and asking pedestrians to cross at the
Highridge Road intersection (180 ft west of Stonecrest) should be investigated along with potential
enhancements at Highridge intersection.
Whitely Collins Drive: In the westbound direction Whitely Collins Drive could benefit from a 25
MPH speed sign (similar to the sign used for the eastbound/uphill direction). This sign can be
installed on the existing sign post or street light pole between Northbay Road and the school’s exit
driveway. If the speeding persists, the City may opt to install a speed feedback sign that alerts
drivers to their speeds given the downhill travel in this direction. Crosshatch markings have been
applied to a section of westbound Whitley Collins (about 200 FT south of the school exit driveway)
and it is suggested that crosshatching is extended to cover the area between Northbay Road to
Stonecrest Road.
Northbound Highridge Road: Between Whitely Collins Drive and Crestridge Road, northbound
Highridge road can also benefit from similar treatments to Whitley Collins Drive. These include a
25 MPH school zone sign (the City might opt to use a feedback sign) that can alert drivers during
school pick-up and drop-off times to the need to slow down from the posted 35 MPH speed limit
to 25 MPH. Crosshatching exists on northbound Highridge Road south of Whitley Collins Drive and
a similar treatment north of Whitley Collins can help delineate the travel lane and direct traffic
away from the loading zone. Another possible treatment for the loading zone is the use of
thermoplastic squares that delineate the school valet zone as shown in Exhibit 5.
Exhibit 5. School Valet Zone (Source: City of Burbank)
Highridge Road and Whitley Collins Drive: The traffic back-ups at Highridge Road and Whitley
Collins Drive during school drop-off and pick-ups are short in duration (less than 5 to 10 minutes
G-9
15' TYP .
\_ TI-IERMOPLASTIC 4~X4" WHITE
CURB FACE
PASSENGER LOADING ONLY ZONE
10
of such queues were observed). Should the City deem that the delays experienced per vehicle
become excessive, potential solutions can be explored such as positioning a flagger to direct traffic
at this location.
The above recommendations are summarized in Exhibit 6. It should be noted that while the school
currently engages in educating parents on drop-off and pick-up procedures, strong communications
by broadcasting the rules and expectations clearly and often is important to ensure compliance. To
reach every family, a good rule of thumb is to use at least five different ways to send out every
message (i.e. website, emails, calls, PTA and staff meetings, word of mouth, calls, social media, school
information boards, etc). Systemizing communications by adding the circulation plan flyer to the
school handbook, as an example, and sending it home when Ridgecrest welcomes new students are
recommended.
G-10
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Exhibit 6. Summary of Recommendations
G-11
Legend 9 [i] LIMIT .................. 2_5
9 ················· 9 ··················
RIDGECRESTINTERMEDIATE SCHOOLWHITLEY COLLINS DRHIGHRIDGE RDSTONECRESTRD CRESTRIDGE RD INSTALL RRFB1 INSTALL 25MPHSPEED LIMIT SIGN(R2-1) INSTALL 25MPH SCHOOLZONE SPEED LIMIT SIGN(SR4-1)(CA)5NORTH
B
A
Y
R
D EXTEND CROSSHATCHMARKINGS BETWEENNORTHBAY RD ANDSTONECREST RD - DETAIL A INSTALL ADACURB RAMP234 DELINEATE THE EXISTINGSCHOOL VALET ZONE -DETAIL B6H-1CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES 1. RRFB -RECTANGULAR RAPID Fl.ASHING BEACON SPEED LIMIT 25 3. 25MPH SPEED LIMIT SIGN (R2-1) PAINT 8" WHITE DIAGONAL LINEO20' C-C MEDIAN 4. DETAIL A -CROSSHATCH MARKING DETAILS 5. SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT SIGN -SR4-1(CA) 15'' TYP, c,,. Cl '\___ ntERMOPLASTIC i0X<0 \\lilTE CURB FACE PASSENGER LOADING ONLY ZONE 6. DETAIL B -DELINEATION MARKING DETAILS RIDGECREST INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS SHEET OF