New Search
? Roadway Capacity is diminished by all closures. However, this particular <br /> segment of roadway has not been utilized for neighborhood circulation for many <br /> years. The unimproved gravel surface has not been maintained by the City and <br /> has served the adjacent industrial uses much more directly than the nearby <br /> residential. The street segment does not connect to Chambers or 2nd Avenue, and <br /> carries internal traffic only. The turn prohibition from 3rd to Taylor does not <br /> affect the capacity of either street and targets large trucks only. <br /> ? Intersection capacity: The closure will have minor effects on the capacity of the <br /> intersection of Almaden and 4~' Avenue by removing most northbound and <br /> southbound movements and converting them to westbound to southbound left <br /> turns and northbound to eastbound right turns. Likewise, the intersection of 3rd <br /> and Taylor will reduce one movement for large vehicles only. Observed volumes <br /> through both intersections are low and there will be no change in the LOS. <br /> ? Safety: All potential safety impacts, both positive and negative, are minor. <br /> There have been no reported accidents on Almaden Street between 3rd and 4~' <br /> Avenue or the intersection of 3rd and Taylor in the five year period from January <br /> 1, 1993 through December 31, 1997. The probability of accidents will decrease <br /> with this closure from reductions in traffic volume and a likely reduction in <br /> vehicle speeds. <br /> Closing a street can have negative safety impacts, including: 1) an increase in <br /> emergency vehicle response time; 2) the barricade could be hit by a motorist; and <br /> <br /> II 3) the increased traffic at other intersections could increase the probability of <br /> accidents at those intersections if capacity is significantly affected. <br /> In the case of the Almaden Street closure, and restriction of one movement at 3rd <br /> and Taylor, the anticipated effects on safety are slight, as 1) the closure and turn <br /> prohibition were reviewed and approved by the Fire Marshall; and 2) the <br /> barricade and all associated signing and marking, is in compliance with the <br /> Manual on Uniform Traj~c Control Device (MUTCD) standards. <br /> ? Signs, Signals, Markings: This project will be adding several signs notifying <br /> motorists of new regulatory controls and warnings including No Right Turn for <br /> Trucks at 3rd and Taylor, End and Object marking signs at the barricade on <br /> Almaden. <br /> ? Intersection Controls: This project will make no changes to existing controls. <br /> ? Roadway Lighting: This project proposes no changes in roadway lighting. <br /> ? Access Control: No direct driveway or approach changes are a part of this action, <br /> however all access (except for emergency services) between the A&K <br /> Development site and 4"' Avenue is being eliminated. <br /> i <br /> <br />