Agenda - Public Works Committee - 10/15/2002

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P.W. CASE #: REQUEST BY RESIDENTS TO INSTALL STOP SIGNS AT 156T~I LANE NW/YAKIMA STREET NW By: Brian E. Olson, Principal City Engineer Grant Riemer, Street Maintenance Supervisor Background: g It was brought to our attention by several residents of the Reilley Estates subdivision that a sight restricted intersection exists on 156th Lane NW and Yakima Street NW. Staff visited the site and performed a volume count near the intersection to check if volume would warrant the placement of an all-way stop sign. The results of the volume analysis indicate an average of approximately 270 vehicles per day on 156~h Street and 139 vehicles per day on Yakima Street NW. The volume of traffic on Yakima Street was not adjusted to include the anticipated traffic generated from the Highlands at River Park project because the net affect is anticipated to be negligible. Observation: Placement of stop signs require meeting warrants which are defined in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). With the amount of information presented above, an all-way stop condition would not be warranted under the volume criteria cited in the manual. Another consideration that is discussed in the MUTCD on placement of all-way stop condition is whether the placement of stop signs on the minor legs of the intersection will control and improve the operational characteristics of the intersection. The two criteria that are mentioned and apply to this intersection are volume and sight visibility. "In most cases, the street carrying the lowest volume of traffic should be stopped." Staff also visited the intersection to check on sight visibility issues. There is a minor sight obstruction in the southeast corner of the intersection caused by some tree branches that can be corrected with minor pruning. The affected homeowner has been contacted. The major concern is the northeast corner of the intersection. Due to the high elevation of the lot, it makes it very difficult for people traveling south on Yakima Street to see traffic approaching from the east on 156th Lane NW if a stop condition is not required. Based on the above discussion, Staff recommends placing STOP signs on the Yakima Street NW legs of the intersection. This would make 156th the through street and traffic would be stopped on Yakima Street. Recommendation: It is staff's recommendation that stop signs be placed on the two Yakima Street NW legs. Committee Action: Motion to recommend to the City Council to install stop signs on the two Yakima Street NW legs of the intersection of 156th Lane NW/Yakima Street NW. Review by: Public Works Director P.W. 10/15/02