HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 9045INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Backaround•
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
No. 9045
Page 1 of 2
SUBJECT: REMOVAL OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT a AVE. & MAGNOLIA AVE.
Staff recently received a citizen request to remove the traffic signal at 5t' Ave. & Magnolia Ave.
Staff also reviewed the adjacent traffic signals on Magnolia Ave. at College Ave. and Magnolia
Ave. at Henderson St. Of the three intersections, Fifth Ave. had the least volume of traffic
approaching Magnolia Ave with only a total of 533 vehicles per day entering the intersection from
both the north and the south.
Investigation:
Staff conducted the following investigations at the three intersections to complete the analysis:
• Collected 24 -hour tube traffic counts on all approaches;
• Performed hand counts of vehicles entering each intersection during the four
highest peak traffic hours;
• Evaluated pedestrian accommodations;
• Measured motorist sight distances on all four approaches of each intersection;
• Reviewed three years of accident reports.
Traffic Sianal Warrant Analysis:
In accordance with the guidelines set out in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices
( MUTCD), staff used the physical data collected in the investigation to complete a traffic signal
warrant analysis. Staff applied the data to 10 of the 12 warrants set out in the MUTCD — warrants
four (4) and five (5) were not applicable to these intersections.
The review of vehicle accident records uncovered the following data for 5th Ave. & Magnolia Ave:
• 2006: Two (2) accidents involving left turn movements; two (2) right angle
accidents for failure to obey signal; one (1) rear end accident;
• 2007: One (1) accident involving left turn movements;
• 2008 One (1) right angle accident for failure to obey signal.
The MUTCD provides guidelines to the professional engineer in the form of warrants where a
traffic signal may be a solution to traffic control problems. The warrants, however, are no
substitute for engineering judgment. but rather serve to provide guidance to assist the engineer in
making a determination.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORT41_ TPYes
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
E,�/c'�►.
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
No. 9045
Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT: REMOVAL OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT 5`" AVE. & MAGNOLIA AVE.
5th Ave. had the least volume of traffic approaching Magnolia Ave. of the three intersections
reviewed, with only a total of 533 vehicles per day entering the intersection from both the north
and the south. And although five (5) accidents occurred in the intersection in 2006, only two (2)
of those accidents would have been prevented had the motorist obeyed the traffic signal.
Finally, before making decision, staff also contacted Fort Worth South, Inc. Paul Paine, President
of Fort Worth South Inc. expressed his support for removal of the traffic signal. Therefore, it is
staff's recommendation that the traffic signal equipment at 5th Ave. & Magnolia Ave. be removed.
Removal Process:
In accordance with the guidelines set out in the MUTCD, the traffic signals at 5th Ave. & Magnolia
Ave. will be placed in flashing operation with yellow indications displayed to motorists on
Magnolia Ave. and red indications displayed on 5th Ave. for a period of 90 days. Signs will be
installed on each approach to the intersection advising motorists of the pending removal of the
signals and providing a phone number to leave comments.
At the end of the 90 day flash period, if no information or public comments are received that
would alter staffs engineering decision, the signals will be removed.
If you have any questions, please contact Mark Mathis at 817- 392 -7861.
Dale Fi eater, P.E.
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH_ TFXAS