Subject
Two resolutions modifying the traffic pattern for E Diagonal Blvd and NE 10th Street are proposed.
Summary and Background
Ongoing residential development along the E Diagonal Blvd corridor necessitates refinements to the local transportation network. Specifically, a lowering of the speed limit on E Diagonal Blvd from 35 to 25 between E Ridgeway Ave and NE 10th Street and the installation of a four-way stop at the Diagonal/10th Street intersection are proposed.
Upgrading the intersection of NE 10th Street and E Diagonal Blvd from a two-way stop to a four-way stop is a recommended improvement in the City's Transportation System Plan. When the Diamond Run subdivision was under review by the planning commission, an additional traffic impact study was commissioned for the development. Included in the findings of the study was a recommendation that the four-way stop be installed as part of the development. The development is now under construction and the upcoming school year makes this an opportune time to install the four-way stop. A four-way stop will make the intersection safer for students traveling to Sandstone and Highland Hills schools. Diamond Run subdivision will also include a new walking path along NE 10th Street, creating a safer off-street route for pedestrians.
The issue of reducing the speed limit on E Diagonal Blvd is also directly tied to residential development. The speed limit on the road increases from 25 mph to 35 mph at the intersection of E Ridgeway Ave and E Diagonal Blvd and then increases again to 40 mph at the intersection of NE 10th Street and E Diagonal Blvd. During the consideration of the conditional use permit for Santiago Estates (a 199 unit manufactured home park), the planning commission discussed the need to ensure safe routes for children traveling from the park to schools south of Diagonal. A school crossing is planned on E Diagonal Blvd from the entrance of the park at the intersection with E Ridgeway Ave to the multi-use path on the south side of road. The planning commission recommended that the city council consider lowering the speed limit on E Diagonal Blvd from 35 mph to 25 mph in this block as part of their approval. A copy of the planning commission's recommendation is attached to this report.
The city council has the authority to designate the installation of stop signs on city streets and to designate speed limits of 25 mph within the city. Speeds higher than 25 must be authorized following commission of a speed study by the Oregon Department of Transportation. It is recommended that the city council consider reducing the speed in light of the increased pedestrian demand that will be placed upon this street in the next 18 months.
Tie-In to Council Goals:
Housing remains a council goal in 2021. Santiago Estates represents a substantial affordable housing development offering lower cost housing. Diamond Run subdivision offers a variety of housing options. These changes to the traffic pattern are recommended for the safe operation of these residential developments.
Fiscal Information
There is no fiscal impact to the city as a result of these changes, except for the cost of sign installation. Sign maintenance and installation is part of the street department's annual operating budget.
Alternatives and Recommendation
Alternatives
The city council may choose to:
- Adopt Resolution 2193 lowering the speed on E Diagonal Blvd from 35 mph to 25 mph between E Ridgeway and NE 10th
- Reject Resolution 2193 and maintain the current speed limit
- Adopt Resolution 2194 and install a four-way stop at the intersection of NE 10th Street and E Diagonal Blvd
- Reject Resolution 2194 and maintain the current intersection flow of uncontrolled movements on E Diagonal Blvd and stop movements on NE 10th Street
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the city council adopt Resolutions 2193 and 2194.
Requested Action/Motion
- Motion to adopt Resolution 2193
- Motion to adopt Resolution 2194
Submitted By: Clinton Spencer