08-23-2010 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, August 23, 2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. • (6. DRAFT OLD CRYSTAL BAYROAD TRAFFIC STUDY, Continued) indicated, they do not want to do something that is obscuring a pedestrian crossing but that they would want to limit the places where they can cross to something that is clearly signed and motorists are expecting. As it relates to the unsafe speeds, one option is to narrow the roadway to an 1.1 -foot width and install curb and gutter along the roadway, which will make an uncomfortable sensation for the driver to travel at a higher rate of speed. The goal is to physically or psychologically bring the speed down. The last item is high visibility or high impact spots for pedestrian crossings, such as painting a ladder crosswalk. Signage can also be erected with blinking LED lights to be more noticeable, which are effective year- round. Alternative one is the lowest cost and has the lowest right -of -way impacts. This alternative addresses some of the traffic congestion areas by attempting to implement right -turn lanes and left -turn lanes at key intersections. At the middle school there would be a right -tam lane. If a motorist wants to continue straight through on Old Crystal Bay Road, they will be able to bypass those cars waiting to turn. The same thing can be done at the high school. This alternative will result in an improvement in traffic conditions but will not address the right -angle conflicts. There will still be left turning vehicles competing with right tam vehicles at the key intersections. Israelson noted alternative one is the cheapest option. McMillan asked whether the stop signs would be removed. • Israelson indicated they can be removed. In addition, all three alternatives provide the option of consolidating some driveways or converting them to right in/right out, which will be looked at during the feasibility study. Alternative two will have the best impact on traffic operations by removing all left turns. Each driveway would be a right in/right out. This option is the most expensive. There will still be the right turn lane and bypass lane. If you want to turn left into the school driveway, you will need to go down to the roundabout and come back up Old Crystal Bay Road to the driveway. There will still be access into the City Council facilities off of Kelley Parkway. A disadvantage to this option, in addition to the roundabouts, is the fact that motorists will need to go down to the roundabout and then come back up Old Crystal Bay Road. Israelson noted they are proposing full size roundabouts due to the fact that they have tractor trailers and school buses that will need to navigate the roundabouts. They have arrived at a reduced footprint for some of the roundabouts. This option will help improve traffic operations by removing a number of left turns from the roadway and reducing the speed along the corridor. This option includes having one driveway that will allow access to semi- tractor trailers and school buses. Israelson noted the left -turn conflicts will be improved considerably over alternative one. White commented it also provides a pedestrian barrier. Israelson stated there can be an additional pedestrian crossing that can be provided north of the roundabout. Given the benefit and cost, they would recommend Alternative 1 or 3. Israelson noted alternative three provides the greatest benefit and safety for the cost. 0 Page 10 of 18