Agenda 10/12/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

DATE: October 1, 2004 TO: Dan Collins, City Manager FROM: Leon Towarnicki, Director of Public Works SUBJECT: Traffic Signal Study - Intersection of Market Street and Moss Street In late February 2004, a resident of Gravely Street, Ms. Donna Acuna-Rivera spoke at a Council meeting expressing concern over the need for a traffic signal at the intersection of Market Street and Moss Street. Council referred the matter to the Transportation Safety Commission and Public Works Department for study and a report back at a later date. The issue was reviewed with the Transportation Safety Commission at their March 4, 2004 meeting and it was noted the Public Works Department would conduct an in-house study and report back to the Commission. The study has been completed and the results will be reviewed with the Transportation Safety Commission at their upcoming October 7, 2004 meeting. I am passing this information along to you at this time for inclusion on the agenda for Council's October 12, 2004 meeting. Background An evaluation of the intersection of Market Street and Moss Street was conducted in accordance with criteria outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Millennium Edition, December 2000, specifically Chapter 4C - Traffic Control Signal Needs Studies. Traffic count information was complied by the Traffic Signal Division of the Public Works Department in mid to late September, 2004. Additionally, traffic accident data for the 3 year period from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2003 as compiled by the Martinsville Police Department was reviewed. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices is a Federal Highway Administration document that contains standards for traffic control devices used in all 50 States. Generally, studies related to traffic signal needs compare conditions that exist at the intersection in question with 8 standard criteria or warrants as outlined in the MUTCD. If existing conditions at the intersection meet any of the criteria, it is typically considered as an indication that traffic conditions exist which may be improved by the installation of a traffic signal. Likewise, failure to meet any of the warrants is typically considered as an indication the intersection is functioning adequately as is and little, if any benefit would be gained by a signal installation. As always, sound engineering judgment should be applied taking into consideration all of the relevant data. It should also be noted that contrary to a popular public perception, installation of a traffic signal is not a cure-all for