HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated July 26, 2016 ITEM # 36
DATE: 07-26-16
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: SPEED LIMIT ON 6T" STREET (HAZEL AVENUE TO UNION PACIFIC
RAILROAD UNDERPASS)
BACKGROUND:
As part public input sessions for the 6th Street Bridge Reconstruction Project, a citizen
request was received to reduce the speed limit along 61h Street to 25 MPH from the
bridge through the entrance of Brookside Park. The comments received by staff
included concerns about the number of cyclists and pedestrians using the marked cross
walk north-south across 6th Street at the park's entrance compared to the number of
cyclists and vehicles that use 6th Street itself.
Over the last several years 6th Street has become one of the main cycling and
pedestrian corridors in Ames due to the fact it most directly connects Downtown Ames
to the Iowa State University campus. This makes the route prime for commuting to and
from campus, and also is a significant connection point along the City's trail network and
park system for recreational users. Several important factors contribute to the
complexity of traffic in the area, such as the curvature of 6th Street from the UPRR
underpass to the bridge, the high number non-motorized users, and how the roadway
under the tracks cannot support on-street bike lanes because of the underpass.
Because of this complexity, staff would recommend lowering the speed limit from its
current designation of 30 MPH to a residential level (25 MPH) from Hazel Avenue west
to a point 100 feet east of the UPRR underpass where it becomes an ISU owned road.
This would provide additional time for users to safely navigate this section of 6th Street.
Operating closer to residential speeds will also promote better integration of on-street
cycling and motorized users. It should be noted that this will also make the segment
consistent with the speed limit on ISU's segment of this street.
When looking at the accident history for the most recent 10+ year period (2006-2016),
there were 17 total accidents, of which six were either minor or possible injuries. Those
injury accidents equate to a 35.3% injury rate, whereas on average Ames has a 24.2%
injury rate city-wide. This segment thus experiences a slightly higher potential for
injuries to occur. According to national best practices, lowering the speed limit alone to
25 MPH should result in a 22% reduction in all types of injury crashes. Once the bridge
project is complete, staff will also ensure that proper signs and pavement markings are
restored.
This proposed change around the Brookside Park entrance is just one example of an
ongoing effort Public Works staff has initiated to improve safety and access to the City's
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park system. Both Ames Police and the Parks and Recreation staff are also involved in
this coordinated effort.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. a) Approve the ordinance to establish a 25 MPH speed limit on 6th Street from Hazel
Avenue to a point 100 feet east of the railroad underpass.
b) Waive the requirement for three readings, thereby passing the ordinance on first
reading to reopen 6th Street under the newly established speed limit to minimize
confusion to the public.
2. Reject the proposed changes and retain the existing 30 MPH speed limit.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION:
The 6th Street bridge is nearing completion and is expected to open in early August. If
City Council agrees with staff's recommendation to lower the speed limit to 25 MPH, it
would be beneficial to waive the rules and pass the ordinance on all three readings at
this meeting. This would allow the street to be reopened with the newly established
speed limit in place, thereby encouraging the desired driving habits from the start.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1 as described above.
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