8.1 Stop Sign Installation (Oakdale/Johnstown)CITY OF SALINA
REQUEST FOR CITY COMMISSION ACTION DATE TIME
10/22/12 4:00 P.M.
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: FISCAL APPROVAL: AGENDA SECTION
NO: 8
BY:
PUBLIC WORKS FINAL APPROVAL: ITEM
NO:
Page 1
1
BY: Daniel R. Stack BY:
ITEM: Resolution No. 12-6941
A resolution authorizing the installation of stop signs on Oakdale Avenue at the intersection of
Johnstown Avenue.
BACKGROUND:
Johnstown Avenue is currently stop-controlled at Oakdale. An approximate 28 feet east-west offset
occurs where Oakdale crosses Johnstown. The offset was established in 1918 after development of
the hospital. The Donna Vanier Children’s Center was substantially completed on August 31, 2012
and since that time, concerned citizens have requested the placement of stop signs on Oakdale
Avenue to make this a four-way stop.
The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) has no standard on exactly when to install a
stop sign, but gives guidance on the criteria to consider. The criteria applicable in this situation, and
discussed below, are traffic volumes, accidents, and/or restricted view.
Traffic volumes (taken in June 2012) are approximately 240 vehicles per hour in the peak hour on
Oakdale and 40 vehicles per hour during the peak hour on Johnstown. These volumes do not come
close to meeting the minimum MUTCD criteria to warrant consideration of stop signs which is 300
vehicles per hour for an eight hour period an average day. Also, no collisions have been recorded in
the last 10 years related to sight triangle obstructions or the offset alignment. This data is prior to
construction of the Donna Vanier Center which included the installation of signage and fencing that
might be considered to be additional sight obstructions.
Typically, Traffic Engineering and the MUTCD require that a documented problem exist before any
action be considered. Thus, at the current time, the intersection does not meet the Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) volume or accident criteria for four-way stops. Additionally, the
nature of the traffic and the travelling speeds are such that any occurrence of problems would likely
be a property damage only type of accident.
As noted above, some view restrictions exist for eastbound Johnstown traffic as illustrated on the
attached photos. The photos show the view from a stopped passenger vehicle on Johnstown looking
north at the west side of Oakdale. The Donna Vanier Center development has added landscaping,
fencing, and a sign to the property at typical locations on private property at this corner. City staff did
not address these items during review of the site plan since enhanced landscaping is a normal
planning requirement and can be found on many properties around the City. Landscaping items
placed on private property and outside of the right-of-way typically do not cause sight distance
problems at normal intersections (streets that are not offset). However, due to the Oakdale offset,
these amenities clutter up the site view for eastbound Johnstown traffic looking north.
The MUTCD does provide an option in the guidance criteria for four-way stops which considers
“locations where a road user, after stopping, cannot see conflicting traffic and is not able to
reasonably safely negotiate the intersection unless conflicting cross traffic is also required to stop.”
CITY OF SALINA
REQUEST FOR CITY COMMISSION ACTION DATE TIME
10/22/12 4:00 P.M.
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: FISCAL APPROVAL: AGENDA SECTION
NO: 8
BY:
PUBLIC WORKS FINAL APPROVAL: ITEM
NO:
Page 2
1
BY: Daniel R. Stack BY:
City staff believes a road user can still “…see conflicting traffic…” to some extent through the fencing
and “…reasonably safely…” negotiate the intersection. This same discussion occurred during the
Planning Commission meeting on October 2, 2010 when the question of additional right-of-way was
discussed for adding an s-curve to Oakdale. No accidents due to the offset street alignment have
occurred. Thus, based upon the low speeds and volumes, and no accidents thus far; staff does not
see a definite need at this time to add stop signs.
According to K.S.A. 8-2001, “local authorities” are allowed to adopt traffic regulations which are not in
conflict with state law, and K.S.A. 8-2002 allows local authorities to regulate traffic using official traffic-
control devices and designate any intersection or junction of roadways as a stop or yield intersection.
The statute requires that to be enforceable a traffic control device must be adopted by a local
authority via an ordinance, resolution, or regulation. The necessary resolution has been attached for
consideration.
FISCAL NOTE:
Labor and material costs to install two additional stop signs are less than $300.00.
CONFORMANCE WITH STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal #3: The City will provide the highest quality of services, consistent with governing body direction,
available resources and staff commitment to quality.
COMMISSION ACTION OR RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff has identified the following options, and recommends option 1.
1. Due to the low speeds and volumes, and a lack of recorded accidents which would be
remedied by the addition of the stop signs, concur with staff’s assessment that the installation
of stop signs on Oakdale Avenue at the intersection of Johnstown Avenue is not necessary at
this time.
2. Approve Resolution No. 12-6941 authorizing staff to install stop signs on Oakdale Avenue at
the intersection of Johnstown Avenue, thereby creating a four-way stop.
3. Give staff further direction and/or re-visit this issue at a later date.
Enclosures: Location Map
Photos
Resolution 12-6941
Ì
View on Johnstown looking north from car at stop bar
View on Johnstown looking north from car at edge of pavement at southwest corner
RESOLUTION NUMBER 12-6941
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL
DEVICES ON OAKDALE AVENUE IN THE CITY OF SALINA, KANSAS.
BE IT RESOLVED by the governing Body of the City of Salina, Kansas:
Section 1. That in accordance with the provisions of Article 20, Chapter 8 of the Kansas Statutes
Annotated, the City Manager is directed to install the following traffic control devices in the City of
Salina, Kansas:
Stop signs to be installed on Oakdale Avenue at Johnstown Avenue, making the intersection
a four-way stop.
Section 2. That this resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption.
Adopted by the Board of Commissioners and signed by the Mayor this 22nd day of October, 2012.
Norman M. Jennings, Mayor
[SEAL]
ATTEST:
Lieu Ann Elsey, CMC, City Clerk