HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Transportation Advisory Commission - 11/26/2001 TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
(Meeting of November 26,2001)
Members Present
Clif Moss Stuart Sher Robbie Foster
Israel Ybarra MAC Karla Bennett Anthony Alejandro
Orlando Noyola Don Davenport Grace Marie Gonzales
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CALL TO ORDER-Chairperson Alejandro called meeting to order at 1:35 p.m.
II. APPROVAL OF"MINUTES"- Chairperson called for approval of minutes for meeting of October 22,2001. Motion made by
Mr. Noyola, seconded by MAC Bennett to approve minutes as presented. Motion passed.
III. COMMENTS BY CHAIRPERSON and/or VICE-CHAIRPERSON - Chairperson-None;Vice-Chairperson Sher thanked the
Police Department for a"job well done" in controlling the heavy traffic congestion around the malls over the Thanksgiving
Holidays. Capt.MacDonald in answer to Mr.Seiler question,stated that the Friday after Thanksgiving is still the busiest day •
of the year.
IV. MONTHLY TRAFFIC FATALITY REPORT(ATTACHMENT"A") -Capt.MacDonald reported that to date the City has recorded
22 fatalities. In answer to Mr.Foster question regarding excessive speeding on the freeways,Capt.MacDonald reported that
the cause of traffic injuries in the emergency room is speeding. Within the next six(6)month,.thirty-seven(37)patrol cars will
be equipped with radar equipment for increased enforcement.
V. MONTHLY TRAFFIC ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE REPORT SEPTEMBER,2001), (ATTACHMENT"B")- Mr Seiler briefly
stated total accidents for October, 2001, down 2%; Alcohol/Drug related accidents,down 18%; Injury Accidents,down 8%;
Total Injuries,up 7%, Fatal Accidents,down 4% and Fatalities,even.Confirmed Alcohol Related Statistics-54%.
The same intersections made top listing as last month. Everhart/SPID intersection remains top accident intersection with a
total of 105 accidents to date.Report shows an increase of 69% compared to October,2000. Remaining intersections have
a more nominal increases with Weber/SPID showing a decrease. Staples/SPID,Ayers/SPID and Airline/SPID show increases.
Everhart/Saratoga shows a 24%decrease. Largest increase is at Holly/Kostoryz of 82%being attributed to left turn movements
from northbound Kostoryz to Holly Road.Narrow lanes and traffic control patterns are a possible contributing factor to accidents
at this intersection..
Mr.Sher asked if the Everhart/SPID zone is part of the Everhart/SPID intersection and if so,total accidents at this intersection
is 149 accidents. Mr.Seiler explained that the 105 accidents were for both frontage road intersections at Everhart,and that
the 44 accidents for the"Everhart/SPID Zone"were only for the south frontage road. The frontage road"zone"is comprised
of the frontage road(between exit ramp and intersection),exit ramp area, and expressway main lane area immediately at the
exit ramp.
Mr. Foster commented on motorists at this intersection attempting to cross over on Everhart Road across three(3)lanes of
traffic to the Wal-Mart shopping center driveway on Everhart creating major congestion. Mr.Seiler stated an aggressive stance
must be taken to deny this direction of access and proposes to install a concrete barrier to prohibit motorists from making a
left turn to this driveway.
Mr.Moss reiterated that ramp reversals are needed and feels the merchants would be more receptive to the idea now.
Mr.Seiler further stated that the Texas Transportation Institute(TTI)is undertaking a Traffic Congestion Study being funded
by the Texas Department of Transportation(TxDOT)with findings to be completed in February,2002. This study will most likely
identify steps that TxDOT is willing to take with the locations of exit and entrance ramps that are contributing to some of the
problems.
VI. RECOGNITION of Audience/Public Concerns not scheduled on Agenda-None
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VII. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS REQUIRING COMMITTEE REVIEW
A. Staff recommendation to establish a one-way school zone on Republic Drive during morning/afternoon school hours
of Sanders Elementary School.The one-way pattern would operate in the southbound direction of Republic Drive from
its intersection with Killarmet Drive to Congressional Drive. This recommendation is being made at the request of the
Sanders Elementary School,with proper consideration by the City Staff,and with the approval of affected(abutting)
property owners.
Staff is proposing a one-way pattern in the southbound direction of Republic Drive from its intersection with Killarmet Drive to
Congressional Drive during one hour in the morning(7:15 a.m.-8:15 a.m.)and afternoon(3:15 p.m-4:14 pm). This measure
has been requested by Sanders Elementary School. Traffic congestion studies were conducted resulting in a one-way street.
Mr.Alejandro asked if there is support from all the residents being affected by this one-way change? Mr.Seiler replied in the
affirmative. Mr.Moss asked the time-frame for installation of this one-way street request. Mr.Seiler stated approximately 30
days after City Council approval. Mr. Foster made motion, seconded by Mr. Sher to approve one-way street proposal for
Sanders Elementary School. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Recommendation by the City Staff for speed limits S.H.361 between Park Road 22(South Padre Island Drive)and
the City of Port Aransas,and that this recommendation be forwarded to the Texas Department of Transportation for
consideration by its Austin Central Office be established confirming these speed limits. No existing City Ordinance is
in place of S.H.361.The Staffs recommended speed limits are:
1. 45 MPH,between Park Road 22 and a point approximately 1,500-feet northeast of Park Road 22.
2. 55 MPH,between a point approximately 1,500-feet northeast of the Park Road 22 to a point approximately
1,500-feet north of Zahn Road.
3. 60 MPH, between a point approximately 1,500-feet north of Zahn Road to the North City Limit of Corpus
Christi.
Mr.Seiler stated that TxDOT had recommended an increase from 55 to 60 on Park Road 22 between Park Road 22 and a point
approximately 1,500-feet northeast of Park Road 22; increase from 55 to 60 between a point approximately 1,500-feet
northeast of the Park Road 22 to a point approximately 1,500-feet north of Zahn Road and 60 to 65 mph between a point
approximately 1,500-feet north of Zahn Road to the North City Limit of Corpus Christi.
The Texas Department of Transportation has advised the City of Corpus Christi to prepare its own recommendation to TxDOT
if it did not concur with TxDOT's speed limit recommendations. TxDOT would than share the City's recommendation with the
TxDOT Austin office that makes recommendation throughout the State. The City's concern is that this is a narrow highway with
one-lane in each direction. The road is a safe,well-constructed highway; however,some of the activities occurring throughout
the year, along with the planned development of Packery Channel, and with the annexation of Mustang Island and new
subdivision construction,give cause to the City's concern the potential for increased accidents with increased speed limits.
Capt. Bob MacDonald with the Corpus Christi Police Department stated that he takes a united stand with City staff not to
increase speed limits on this portion of SH 361. Mr.Seiler further stated that when TxDOT made their recommendations earlier
this summer,they did not appear to have all the traffic accident information that the City has on record. Mr.Alejandro asked
the procedure to follow if the Transportation Advisory Committee approved this recommendation. Mr.Seiler stated that TxDOT
will discuss our proposal with the Austin office and feels TxDOT would be supportive of the City's decision. The Austin office
would then in turn make recommendation to the local TxDOT which would then have to be presented back to the Transportation
Advisory Committee and to the City Council for enacting an ordinance. There is presently no City ordinance for SH 361 speed
limits.
Motion made by Mr. Moss,seconded by Chief Bennett to endorse Staffs recommendation. Discussion followed. Mr.Moss
asked if the State or City has jurisdiction over Hwy.361. Mr.Seiler stated that the State has jurisdiction,as it does over the
Crosstown Expressway, IH 37 and SPID and many other streets within the City. One other example is Weber Road(FM 43).
Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. (Continuances)
On-Going Texas Department of Transportation-City of Corpus Christi issues.
Mr.Seiler stated as previously mentioned,Texas Transportation Institute is undertaking the SPID Congestion Study
Are compiling all traffic data at intersections and the freeways for findings.
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B. Confirm membership of Bicycle Advisory Sub-Committee(Continued on Hold,Action Planned in December 2001
Meeting)-Advisory item only.
C. Everhart @ South Padre Island Drive- Mr. Seiler gave a brief synopsis of the collision diagrams illustrating the
various types and number of accidents at the top ten(10)locations. Mr.Ybarra stated that he felt like the yellow lights.
are a contributing factor to accidents because they are not all synchronized alike. Mr.Seiler stated that the duration
of the yellow light is based on the factors of the speed limit on the street,type of intersection and various factors. Most
of the yellow lights are set at 4.0-4.2 seconds.
Mr.Foster asked if anything can be done to alleviate rear-end collisions? Mr.Seiler stated some drivers are trying to"beat the
light"while others are trying to obey the law;and not challenging the end of the yellow clearance;thus resulting in accidents.
The City is in the process of increasing yellow light clearances in about 10-15 locations throughout the city. If this process
works, will proceed to other intersections. Mr.Seiler added that there should be a reduction in accident experience at all SPID
intersection with the Crosstown Extension. Further,results of the TTI Traffic Congestion Study may indicate to eliminate some
entrance ramps allowing for a relocation of an exit ramp further away from an intersection,which would have some bearing on
the accident experience rate and amount of traffic going through an intersection. Other ideas suggested were perhaps installing
rumble strips to alert motorists they are in the wrong lane. Grooves cut in the road could also be a good retardant. Mr.Noyola
asked if there are any technology improvements to improve traffic lighting by installing warning signals of short bursts of light
to alert motorists to changing of yellow lights. Mr.Seiler stated that bursts of yellow lights could be observed as flashing lights
and the strobe lights have a propensity to cause an epileptic seizure. Mr.Foster asked about the status of cameras being used
to monitor"red light"running. Mr.Seiler stated Senate bills that would allow use of video cameras for the purpose have died
in the State legislature the past two years.. What effect would lowering the speed limit have on these intersections was a
question asked by Chief Bennett? Mr.Seiler stated"not much". The vast majority of motorists travel at a speed they feel most
prudent and comfortable for the particular conditions around them at that time. It would effect some people to slow down,but
most would not.
VIII.. CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER'S REPORT-Nothing additional this month.
IX. ISSUES FOR December 24,2001 Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting-Committee agreed not to meet unless
something important materializes,leaving decision to Mr.Seiler.
X. PREVIOUS CONCERNS-Update on#1 -Mr.Seiler stated he has met with the Traffic Signals Technicians and are planing
to implement this change on IH37/Shoreline.
XI.. NEW CONCERNS- Mr. Sher- Please check signals at Staples/Alameda at Six Points. RTA has experienced a"rash of
accidents"concerning the Alameda/Staples signage and striping.
XII. ADJOURNMENT-Meeting adjourned at 3:12 p.m.
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