Residential Traffic Calming Handbook - Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Residential Traffic Calming Handbook for the City of Fort Walton Beach
City of Fort Walton Beach Residential Traffic Calming Handbook City of Fort Walton Beach Public Works & Utility Services Department 107 Miracle Strip Parkway SW Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Phone: 850-833-9613 Revised July, 2011
Introduction Your City Council is aware that speeding is the most common residential traffic complaint reported to the Police Department and traffic engineering officials. Some drivers in a hurry to get to work or home may ignore speed limits. Other drivers may use local roads and streets to bypass congested highways or overloaded intersections. Residents who live on these local roads perceive a danger to children playing outdoors, while others fear increased auto exhaust pollution, road noise, crime or hazards to walkers, joggers and bicycle riders. The results are concern from residential areas over safety and quality of life issues. The purpose of this booklet is to present ways in which residents and City officials can find solutions to residential traffic problems. Consideration is given to a variety of residential traffic concerns and to the characteristics of these concerns on a case-by-case basis. Each situation is reviewed with respect to the available traffic calming measures that have been, or could be found effective to alleviate the neighborhood traffic concerns. This booklet outlines the guidelines and procedures the City Council has established in order to develop an effective and safe solution or solutions to each particular situation. There are many factors taken into consideration when reviewing residential traffic concerns to determine the most feasible traffic calming measure. These factors include: the surrounding roadway network, resident access, speeds and/or volume of traffic, accident history and pedestrian and driver safety. 2
1.0 What Roads Are Covered In This Program? The calming measures provided in this booklet are specifically designed for neighborhood roads in predominately residential areas that are classified as local roads or streets. Note: Neighborhood roads and/or streets that are classified as COLLECTOR or ARTERIAL roads will not be considered for calming under the guidelines of this program. The roads classified as arterial or collector are Miracle Strip Parkway (State Road 30), Eglin Parkway (State Road 85), Beal Parkway (State Road 189), Mary Esther Boulevard (State Road 393), Hill Avenue, Lewis Turner Boulevard (State Road 189), Racetrack Road (State Road 188), and Hollywood Boulevard from Eglin Parkway to Hill Avenue. 2.0 Is My Neighborhood Traffic Concern One of Speeding or Volume? Residents are usually the most knowledgeable about traffic concerns in their neighborhood. In fact, reports from citizens are sometimes the only way the City becomes aware of traffic concerns in residential areas. Upon receiving a request about traffic concerns on a residential street, the City will perform an investigation. Based on findings from the initial investigation, additional traffic studies may be scheduled. The purpose of these studies is to determine if the traffic concern is related to speeding and to quantify the severity of speeding. These studies will indicate whether the traffic concern qualifies for traffic calming measures. 3.0 Who Pays for Calming Measures? Roadway changes intended to reduce speeding can result in costly construction. The City Council establishes an annual budget for the purpose of transportation related improvements, which include Residential Traffic Calming. Once the annual budget has been fully encumbered for a given budget year, the following alternatives are left as options for residents who desire traffic calming measures. Waiting List For Next Budget Year Local Assessment Neighborhood Association Funding Proportional Share Assessment of Affected Residents (Cost Sharing) Note: Cost Sharing could be required in situations where neighborhood residents express a traffic calming preference that is more costly than the most economical1y feasible traffic calming measure deemed acceptable by the City Engineer. The difference in cost between that recommendation and the residents preferred alternative would be absorbed by area residents. Some funding alternatives for the neighborhood could be handled through a special taxing district, a neighborhood association or by individual contributions by residents in the affected area. 3
4.0 What Are Speed Calming Measures? 4.1 Civic Involvement/Neighborhood Traffic Watch Program Upon initial contact by the residents requesting traffic calming assistance, staff will encourage the residents of a neighborhood to develop a Neighborhood Traffic Calming Education and Awareness Program in conjunction with the City's Community Policing activities. This program is designed to bring area residents together to discuss and educate one another with area traffic concerns and possible ways to deal with these concerns (i.e. awareness, flyers, etc.). One option to address neighborhood speeding concerns is the distribution of flyers, which increases the awareness of residents for the need to control speed. Residents can distribute these flyers through volunteer efforts. 4.2 Roundabouts A Roundabout is a raised circular structure constructed at a three-way or four-way intersection. Its objectives are to slow speeding and reduce the number and severity of vehicular accidents at intersections. This measure is most suitable for wide intersections and may accommodate all size vehicles by applying appropriate engineering designs. 4
4.3 Street Narrowing This traffic calming measure reduces the width of a section of a roadway in a gradual manner. The effect of this measure is to reduce speed and discourage non-local traffic. Motorists react to this measure with slower speed because of a concern of a limited travel path. 5
4.4 Speed Tables A Speed Table is a raised pavement feature constructed across the width of the street. It is usually 3 inches high and at least 22 feet in length from the leading edge to the trailing edge. This feature discourages motorists from speeding and encourages them to obey the posted speed limit. When speed tables are constructed, advisory signs are installed to notify motorists of the speed table and an appropriate travel speed. Speed tables will be the principal speed reducing measure considered, as they will probably be the most cost effective method available to address speeding complaints typically found in the neighborhood. 6
Speed tables are not used to slow traffic at a given "point" but rather to reinforce a safe speed along a street or street section. For this reason, a single table is not recommended. Usually, a series of tables is used along with appropriated signage. Tables can also be used in conjunction with other traffic calming devices, such as roundabouts when there is a long segment of roadway, thus reducing the number of speed tables necessary to achieve targeted speed reduction. The City Engineer will recommend the number of speed tables to be installed and their location. Traffic engineering research indicates that spacing tables between 350 and 500 feet is most effective at lowering the 85th percentile speed to the targeted speed range. The first table in a series should normally be located in a position where it cannot be approached at high speed from either direction. To achieve this objective, the first table in a series is typically installed within 100 and 200 feet of a small radius curve or stop sign. Care should be taken so that speed tables are not planned which conflict with utility access, drainage improvements, manhole covers, and driveway cuts. Coordination must also occur with emergency agencies, such as the Police Department, Fire Department, and Sheriff’s Office, to ensure the speed tables do not interrupt or delay emergency response times. 4.5 Narrowed Speed Tables This traffic calming measure combines the installation of a speed table as well as a street narrowing within the vicinity of the speed table. Its objectives are to reduce speed and discourage non-local traffic. By extending the narrowed street beyond the table area, travel speeds will be reduced over a longer distance than a conventional speed table. 7
4.6 Chicanes A Chicane is a traffic calming measure that reduces the speed of vehicles by providing a narrowed vehicle travel path for a section of roadway. This feature changes the physical characteristics of a roadway section from an existing straight alignment to a series of horizontal curves. It requires a relatively wide right-of-way. 5.0 Standard Procedure for Implementation of Traffic Calming Measures Following are the procedures for implementation of traffic calming option(s). Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: Initiation Traffic Engineering Analysis City Engineer Preliminary Analysis Petition Public Hearing and Decision 5.1 Step 1: Initiation 1. A minimum of five signatures from owners of five separate properties in the neighborhood will be required before a study will be initiated. 2. City staff wil1 review the concerns with the person(s) initiating the request to assure that the scope and details of the concerns are clearly identified. 3. Staff wil1 make a preliminary assessment to determine if the roadway is a candidate for the traffic calming measures contained within this booklet. 5.2 Step 2: Traffic Engineering Analysis 1. If staff determines traffic calming device(s) may be appropriate, a traffic 8
engineering analysis will be initiated that may include any or all of the following, depending on the scope of the concern. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. Traffic conditions at the location. Existing traffic signs and pavement markings. Motorists' travel patterns. Effect of the roadway system in the vicinity. Construction in the nearby area. Traffic or roadway plans for the vicinity and contributing roadway system. Time of day and/or day of week relationship traffic count to determine the average daily trips (ADT). h. Vehicle speed check to determine the 85th percentile speed. i. Accidents report summary. 2. The traffic study may include an analysis of the effectiveness and cost of the traffic calming measures included in this handbook. 3. The traffic study will include deploying traffic counters to measure the speed and volume of traffic at various points along the roadway. The traffic counters will collect data for a minimum of two weeks. 4. Upon completion of the traffic study, the data will be downloaded from the traffic counters and analyzed by staff to determine the 85 th percentile speed and the relevant volume counts. 9
5.3 Step 3: City Engineer Preliminary Analysis The City Engineer will review the traffic engineering analysis, field information and other available information pertaining to the particular area of concern. The traffic analysis must find that a speeding problem exists, based on the standard of an 85th percentile speed of at least 11 mph over the posted speed limit. The traffic analysis data will be classified as follows: a. Class I Minor Excessive Speed - Measured 85th percentile speed less than 11 miles per hour above the posted speed. Installing traffic calming measures on streets with an 85th percentile below criteria speed will not be recommended. The Police Department may be requested to increase enforcement on a random basis during the hours when the majority of the speeding violations seem to occur. Neighborhood flyers may be issued if required. b. Class II Excessive Speed - Measured 85th percentile speed of 11 miles per hour or greater in excess of the posted speed but in no case less than 36 mph regardless of the posted speed. For locations that do not meet the Class II criteria, no additional studies will be conducted within one year. Once it has been determined that a given location meets the Class II criteria, the following departments will be notified that traffic calming measures are being considered, and their comment and input will be requested: Fire Department Police Department Public Works & Utility Services Department Based on the results of the traffic engineering analysis, additional traffic studies may be conducted on nearby roads and streets if it is determined that those roads and streets may potentially be impacted by the installation of traffic calming measures. The City Engineer, after analyzing traffic data, field information and other available information, will decide whether to tentatively recommend traffic calming measure(s) and to request the contact person initiate the petition process below. 10
5.4 Step 4: Petition 1. If the City Engineer determines traffic calming measures could be installed, the contact person can obtain a petition form from the Engineering & Utility Services Department. Only the City supplied petition format shall be used. 2. The contact person will receive a map highlighting the designated area to be petitioned. If staff has sufficient information, the location of the proposed traffic calming measures may be illustrated on the petition. The contact person is responsible for distributing the petition to obtain signatures of residents in the designated area. 3. The petition must be filed and meet all minimum requirements prior to action being taken. 4. The petition, with signatures, must represent 75% of the property owners within the defined area. Petitioners must complete a "speed control survey", also signed by each homeowner. 5. All of the property owners in the designated area (as determined by staff) should be contacted and given the opportunity to complete the traffic control survey, indicating their "yes" or "no" concerning the installation of traffic calming measures. 6. If both the husband and wife are joint legal owners, both signatures are required, a Mr. and Mrs. is not acceptable. 7. Renting tenants are not an acceptable substitute for the legal homeowner. 8. The completed petition must be signed, acknowledged and then returned to the City. It will be returned to the sender/petitioner if it does not meet requirements. 9. The contact person has 90 days to return completed petition forms. Petitions not received within the 90 day period will be deemed null and no further action will be taken. Prior to the expiration of the initial 90 day period, the Engineering & Utility Services Director may grant a one-time extension of the 90 days. 10. At least 75% of the lot owners must sign the petition, and must be in favor of the traffic calming measures. 11. SUBMISSION OF A COMPLETED PETITION DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES WILL BE INSTALLED. 5.5 Step 5: Public Hearing and Decision Upon receiving the completed petition from the property owners of the designated area, staff will conduct a Public Hearing that will be noticed as outlined below. 5.5.1 Notice of Public Hearing Residents within the area where proposed traffic calming measures are being considered will be given notice of a public hearing. Methods of notification will include: 11
Placards - Notice of Public Hearing signs will be posted at least 10 days before the hearing at strategic sites within the neighborhood. Resident Notification - Notice will be sent to those residents on subject travel route¹1. Resident shall be that of record based on City of Fort Walton Beach water bills. Failure to notify a resident within the travel route area will not be cause to invalidate the public hearing or its results. Any resident who is unable to attend a scheduled public hearing may submit his or her comments in writing to staff of the Public Works & Utility Services Department at any time prior to or during the public hearing, and those comments will be considered by the City in making its decision. 5.5.2 Purpose of Public Hearing A public hearing will be conducted by the City to obtain input from the public on the recommended options. Residents of nearby roads and streets which may suffer an impact as a result of the proposed traffic calming measures shall also be given the opportunity to comment on the traffic calming measures. Requests for traffic calming on nearby roads and streets will be subject to the standard procedures in this manual and treated as new requests. 5.5.3 Decision Regarding Traffic Calming Measures and Designation of Affected Area for Petition Based upon the information provided by staff and input received from the public in writing and at the public hearing, the City Engineer will make a decision. The City Engineer will determine the type, number and location of traffic calming measures appropriate within the subject travel route. Temporary traffic calming measures may be recommended at the discretion of the City Engineer. The objective of such an installation in a residential community would be to test the effectiveness and demonstrate the benefit of the traffic calming measure. The use of temporary devices also may be advantageous when budget constraints delay the installation of the permanent device. An appeal of the City Engineer’s decision may be made to City Council. 6.0 Removal of Traffic Calming Measures 1 The Subject Travel Route includes the road or street on which traffic calming measures are proposed, as well as intersecting roads or streets, dead end streets or circle streets which have no other access to properties other than the road or street on which the traffic calming measure is to be installed. 12
The City Engineer may consider a petition for the removal of traffic calming measures provided that the following conditions are met: A. The traffic calming measure to be removed must be in place for a minimum of a one year period unless it can be clearly shown to be an imminent hazard to drivers or pedestrians. B. A request for a removal petition must be signed by at least five owners of separate properties in the affected area. C. The new petition must include the same designated area as the original. D. Approval of 60% of the property owners in the original designated area is required for consideration by the City Engineer for removal of traffic calming measures. This requirement need not be met when the City has deemed the measures to be a safety hazard. If a location fails to achieve the necessary petition majority within the signature period, the location shall not be reconsidered for a period of one year from the date the signature period expires. 7.0 Emergency Procedures The City may, at its option, install traffic calming measures in emergency situations as deemed appropriate by the Public Works & Utility Services Department. Emergency situations typically exist where bodily injury or property damage has occurred as a result of speed or volume on a street that qualifies for consideration of residential traffic calming measures. -orWhere the 85th percentile speed is measured at 25 miles per hour or greater in excess of the posted speed, but in no case less than 50 mph, regardless of the posted speed, the Public Works & Utility Services Director may authorize the installation of speed calming measures. Locations that have traffic calming measures installed through emergency procedures will be approved by the City Council. 8.0 Who Do I Call for Help? Should you have any questions regarding our program, please feel free to call one of our Public Works & Utility Services staff team at 833-9613. Thank you for your interest in YOUR neighborhood's traffic safety. 9.0 Effective Date 13
The effective date of this date handbook is October 1, 2011. Any locations where traffic calming measures have been installed prior to October 1, 2011, shall be subject to the procedures in this handbook for a full or partial removal request, including the one year waiting period from the date of installation for initiation of the process to remove any or all traffic calming measures. 14
APPENDIX 15
Residential Traffic Calming Program Petition Form We the undersigned as residents of the neighborhood, hereby request the evaluation of the traffic problems on and the development of a traffic calming project. DATE NAME (please print) ADDRESS SIGNATURE : .' . Duplicate form as necessary. Please list all addresses in the petition area. One signature per household or business. Page of 16
TRAFFIC CONTROL SURVEY Name of Street and Subdivision: Name of Property/Home Owner: Property Address: 1. Do you want a traffic calming project to be installed on this section of your street and/or within your subdivision? Yes No 2. What are the problems that you believe occur on this section of the street? {Please number the problems below according to the most serious with (#1) and least with (#6)} Also, please provide any information that may help define this problem. High Traffic Speeds: Priority# Difficult To Cross Street: Priority# Dangerous For Bikes: Priority# Traffic Noise: Priority# Other: Priority# Other: Priority# Why: Why: Why: Why: Why: Why: 3. Why do you think a traffic calming project should or should not be done? Please explain: 4. Have you read and understood the policies for Traffic Calming established by the City Council? Yes No 5. Do you have any other comments or suggestions? Signature of the Property/Home Owner (As it appears on the Deed of the property) 17 Date
2. The traffic study may include an analysis of the effectiveness and cost of the traffic calming measures included in this handbook. 3. The traffic study will include deploying traffic counters to measure the speed and volume of traffic at various points along the roadway. The traffic counters will collect data for a minimum of two weeks. 4.
traffic speeds along bus routes. 7 The cumulative effect of all traffic calming measures must be taken into account regarding increased discomfort to drivers and passengers. 8 The measures used should be suitable for the types of buses that use the route. 9 Appendix A provides a summary of the acceptability of traffic calming measures on bus .
Qualifying Criteria for Traffic Calming Measures Transportation Standing Committee Report - 2 - September 28, 2017 BACKGROUND Since the Traffic Calming Administrative Order (AO) #2015-004-OP was adopted, 218 requests for traffic calming assessments have been received. Table 1 provides a summary of the status if these requests.
Fort Bragg, NC Fort Leavenworth, KS Fort Campbell ,KY Fort Lewis WA Fort Carson, CO Fort McPherson, GA ,GA Fort Meade MD . Fort Belvoir CPAC Building 320 Training Dates Room Number Time 17 -19 March Room 140 0800 -1600 daily 24 -26 March Room 134 0800 -1600 daily
the Watts speed hump is the preferred design. This design is twelve feet in length. This type of speed hump is best for local streets with posted speeds of 30 miles per hour or less and low traffic volumes (Traffic Calming Handbook, PennDOT, 2012). because they are more visible to drivers. Speed humps are between 3 and 4 inches in height.
markings) and speed display signs. - Where traffic volumes on the study street exceed 4,000 VPD the Additional 200 Fine Signs or Speed Display signs can be used under the specific programs for those signs, outside the traffic calming program (see pp. 16-17). Some of the measures in the Guide can likewise be used on higher volume roads and may be
Road Class / Type Desired Speed Traffic Road Km/h Type of traffic calming measure Motorway Primary 1 Secondary 2 Local Road 60 50 40 1. Road Humps x x x x x 2. Rumble Strips x x x x x 3. Jiggle Bars x x x x x x x 4. Road Islands x x x x x 5. Narrowing x x x x x x 6. Town Gates x x (x) x x x 7.
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