Traffic Committee Meeting Agenda – December 4, 2018  

The Town of Blacksburg Traffic Committee will meet on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. in the Training Room at Blacksburg Police Department, 200 Clay Street, S.W. in Blacksburg, Virginia. 

Citizens are always provided the opportunity to voice their views/concerns regarding any item before the Committee.  It is the policy of the Traffic Committee to move the agenda item to the beginning of the meeting when citizens are in attendance to avoid detaining guests for the entire meeting.  However, citizens are always welcome to stay for the full meeting. 

Financial Update:

Capital Project:  C10412 (820-3101-852.70-99) 

• Current Available Funding:$26,519.60

(balance available to spend in this project to date) 

• Current Encumbrances:

• $8,148.72 - Intersection Study for BMS on Prices Fork Road

                                                                         (Requisition date: 11/13/18) 

Old Business:

1. A request has been received from Lynn Smith regarding his concern for safety at the intersection of Broce Drive and Scott Alan Circle.  He feels that cars coming off the hill on Broce Drive heading towards Scott Alan Circle need a flashing caution light to alert them to traffic coming in and out of Scott Alan Circle.  He describes vehicles traveling quickly off the hill and where Scott Alan is at the bottom of the hill, it makes it dangerous for cars entering and exiting Scott Alan. (Looking left from Scott Alan up the hill on Broce.)He further describes that from Scott Alan looking left up Broce Drive the trees have grown out over the road and they are obstructing the view.He’s requesting that the trees be trimmed ASAP to improve visibility. 

    

   Committee Recommendation from August 2018 Meeting:  Tabled for Stealthstat Results

   The Stealthstat Radar Data Collection Unit will be deployed to this location in the coming weeks to assess the potential for a speeding issue.  The unit will survey vehicles traveling from Stonegate down the hill toward Scott Alan.  Extra enforcement action has also been deployed to this area, and Public Works has already conducted some tree trimming and plans to return for further clearing of the vegetation.  This item is most appropriately delegated to the Police Department for enforcement action.  The Stealthstat will give a more accurate view of drivers’ habits and if a problem is detected the mobile speed display unit can possibly be deployed to this location.  Tabled for Stealthstat Results

    

   Committee Recommendation from October 2018 Meeting:  Tabled for Stealthstat Results

   The Stealthstat device is continuing to malfunction, and has currently been sent off for repairs.  Other options will be explored going forward for better, more reliable traffic study equipment.  The Police Department is also conducting extra speed enforcement in this area.  Tabled for Stealthstat Results

    

   Committee Recommendation from November 2018 Meeting:  Tabled for December 2018

   The Stealthstat data indicates an acceptable median, but the high end speeds are concerning.  Heavy enforcement has been deployed to this area, and at least one dozen citations have been written to drivers going in excess of 20 mph over the posted speed limit.  The Committee agrees to explore signage options, as well as the possibility of placing the MSDU in this area to increase driver awareness.  Heavy enforcement action will also continue.  Tabled for December 2018

    

2. A concern has been received from Amy Gray regarding her concern for safety on Tom’s Creek Road between Broce Drive and Gilbert Linkous Elementary School.Her correspondence follows:

    

   “Another issue that I’m very concerned with is the amount of traffic and the amount of traffic that is speeding on Tom’s Creek Road between Broce and Gilbert Linkous elementary school. I know that they are planning on building that huge apartment complex in the near future at the intersection of Broce/Toms creek as well as the one at the other end of Broce/university.  This will only cause the speeding and traffic to become increased. Is there anyway that we could put a couple speed bumps on Tom’s Creek Road between that intersection of Broce and toms Creek to GLE? I spoke with the police officer the other day and he told me that every single time he is in that area for traffic stops he always penalizes someone for speeding. I actually feel unsafe walking my son to school. A lot of people walk and a lot of college students (mainly) speed and it’s terrifying. Cars literally slam on their brakes at the blinking signs and we have had some very close calls on that road!”

    

   Committee Recommendation from October 2018 Meeting:  Table for Stealthstat Results

   When the Police Department sits out on extra patrol for an hour or so, a total of 1 to 2 tickets may be written during that time.  Based on the volume of traffic, this is not indicative of a serious issue.  Speeds generally average 28-32 mph for a steady flow of traffic, and not a lot of tickets are issued during the peak times.  Judges typically do not enforce tickets that are anything under 10 mph, and 90% of those receiving tickets will prepay.  Judges will often assign driving school, which is still a valuable lesson learned.  Gilbert Linkous Elementary is on this strand, and the school zone tolerance of course is lower during school hours.  There is a high volume of traffic through this area, which cannot be changed.  It is a natural thoroughfare for students and employees commuting into town.  The Stealthstat data collection unit will be deployed to this location next to get an idea of volumes and speeds.  The infrastructure may be contributing to the terrifying feel of walking in this area because there is no buffer between the traffic and sidewalk and a non-stop traffic volume.  While we can’t control volume, the Police Department will continue to provide extra speed enforcement in this area.  Table for Stealthstat Results

    

   Committee Recommendation from November 2018 Meeting:  Table for Stealthstat Results

   The Stealthstat schedule is currently backlogged due to the mechanical failure of one of the two units.  Table for Stealthstat Results

    

3. A request has been received from Carolyn Johnston to reduce the speed limit in the areas of Harrell, Houston, Warren, and Center Streets.She reports feeding the cats in this area every day and is concerned for the safety of the cats due to the high volume of speeders.

Committee Recommendation from October 2018 Meeting:  Table for Stealthstat Results

Technically it is illegal to feed feral cats, but aside from that, there will be another 300 students living in this area if the upcoming housing project is approved.  The speed limit here is outside the scope of the rezoning process, but the Committee agrees it’s potentially a good idea to look at lowering it, especially if the new development is approved.  The Committee agrees to deploy the Stealthstat on Center and Harrell Street, and table the item until December for the results since we are currently down one unit.  Table for Stealthstat Results in December 2018

New Business:

1. The Town Manager’s Office has asked the Traffic Committee for input regarding a resident concern on Preston Avenue.Kay Moody, who resides on Preston, has concerns regarding safety on her street.She reports that traffic is increasing in volume and becoming much faster, which is having an adverse effect on her children.

    

   • Town Council Member Jerry Ford received a couple of traffic concerns from citizens while canvassing for the recent election and has forwarded them to Traffic Committee for consideration.They are as follows (item #2 & #3):

      

2. A resident on Brook Circle would like to see the speed limit reduced to 15 mph.  It is a one-way residential street.

    

3. With the reworking of the North Main Street/460 BYPASS interchange, more traffic is occurring on Sunridge Drive between Chickahominy Drive and Toms Creek.  At certain times of the day, if a car is attempting to turn left onto Toms Creek from Sunridge Drive, a substantial back-up can occur; the resident recommended forbidding left hand turns during the evening rush hour.  This would have the effect of causing cars to continue up Chickahominy Drive, turn right onto Patrick Henry and then have a signal to make the left onto Toms Creek.

NEXT MEETING DATE:  Due to the Town’s observation of the New Year’s holiday, the next Traffic Committee meeting will be scheduled for the second Tuesday in January, which is January 8, 2018 at 9:00 am in the Training Room of the Blacksburg Police Department, located at 200 Clay Street, SW. 

To:               Traffic Committee Members

From:           Kristel Dickerson, Administrative Liaison 

Date:            November 29, 2018 

Subject:        Traffic Committee Meeting Minutes – November 6, 2018

 The Town of Blacksburg Traffic Committee met on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. in the Training Room at Blacksburg Police Department, 200 Clay Street, S.W. in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Financial Update:               

Capital Project:  C10412 (820-3101-852.70-99)

• Available Funding (prior to July 1, 2018):$19,668.32
• Additional Funds (added July 1, 2018):+$15,000.00

• Current Available Funding:$34,668.32

(balance available to spend in this project to date)

Old Business: 

1. A request has been received from Lynn Smith regarding his concern for safety at the intersection of Broce Drive and Scott Alan Circle.  He feels that cars coming off the hill on Broce Drive heading towards Scott Alan Circle need a flashing caution light to alert them to traffic coming in and out of Scott Alan Circle.  He describes vehicles traveling quickly off the hill and where Scott Alan is at the bottom of the hill, it makes it dangerous for cars entering and exiting Scott Alan. (Looking left from Scott Alan up the hill on Broce.)He further describes that from Scott Alan looking left up Broce Drive the trees have grown out over the road and they are obstructing the view.He’s requesting that the trees be trimmed ASAP to improve visibility. 

    

   Committee Recommendation from August 2018 Meeting:  Tabled for Stealthstat Results

   The Stealthstat Radar Data Collection Unit will be deployed to this location in the coming weeks to assess the potential for a speeding issue.  The unit will survey vehicles traveling from Stonegate down the hill toward Scott Alan.  Extra enforcement action has also been deployed to this area, and Public Works has already conducted some tree trimming and plans to return for further clearing of the vegetation.  This item is most appropriately delegated to the Police Department for enforcement action.  The Stealthstat will give a more accurate view of drivers’ habits and if a problem is detected the mobile speed display unit can possibly be deployed to this location.  Tabled for Stealthstat Results 

   Committee Recommendation from October 2018 Meeting:  Tabled for Stealthstat Results

   The Stealthstat device is continuing to malfunction, and has currently been sent off for repairs.  Other options will be explored going forward for better, more reliable traffic study equipment.  The Police Department is also conducting extra speed enforcement in this area.  Tabled for Stealthstat Results

   Committee Recommendation from November 2018 Meeting:  Tabled for December 2018

   The Stealthstat data indicates an acceptable median, but the high end speeds are concerning.  Heavy enforcement has been deployed to this area, and at least one dozen citations have been written to drivers going in excess of 20 mph over the posted speed limit.  The Committee agrees to explore signage options, as well as the possibility of placing the MSDU in this area to increase driver awareness.  Heavy enforcement action will also continue.  Tabled for December 2018

    

2. A request has been received from Laureen Blakemore, Director of Downtown Blacksburg, Inc., in regards to the Roanoke/Main Street intersection.Her correspondence follows:
    

   “The intersection at Roanoke and Main Street on the East side of the intersection is an absolute nightmare for pedestrians. We have several wonderful new, and old businesses on that side of Main St and Roanoke St and access to their premises is greatly impacted by the difficulties encountered in crossing Main St or Roanoke St at that intersection.  I would like to request that consideration is given to make this junction pedestrian friendly on all four sides. I would be happy to attend the meeting to give more information as needed or (preferably) to meet at the very intersection in question to truly experience the current crossing experience.  I have copied the representatives of some of the businesses which would greatly benefit to some work on enhancing this crossing area.  Jessica Jones- New River Fiber Co, Michelle Raub- Sugar Magnolia, Philip Walker- National Bank” 

   Committee Recommendation from October 2018 Meeting:  Tabled for November 2018

   Ms. Blakemore was in attendance for the discussion and presented her concerns, as well as those of other downtown business owners, to the Committee.  She also distributed a letter from Amelia Tuckwiller, a local educator, expressing similar concerns.  Several new businesses have opened, which has added to a greater number of pedestrians crossing in this location.  NBB reports having had several employees almost struck while crossing here.  John Holst, representative from WRA, explained that this is not a 4-corner pedestrian signal because of the impact to the business on the corner at 101 S. Main Street.  The utility pole would block the entrance to this business, and the signal would likely have to be attached to the building, which is not feasible because town property would be attached to a private structure.  The leading left results in the pedestrians losing right of way, and limits the amount of time that they have to cross.  Mr. Holst advises that operationally a change here would gridlock Main Street; it is the way it is because it’s the only way it can function without crippling downtown.  Because of all of the utilities underground, it is difficult to install independent pedestrian signals, especially since this intersection was just rebuilt in 2012.  The streetscape funding just opened up recently, which will allow some widening and installation of brick; the pedestrian area will be nicer, but the project still doesn’t give the town a right-of-way and we can’t block the entrance to a business.  The question was posed as to whether a pedestrian signal can be hung from a traffic signal, and it is agreed that it would have to be from the mast arm.  The Committee was advised that many localities do not signalize pedestrian crossings such as this.  Having two corners controlled and two corners not controlled is certainly not ideal, but the hybrid is the best we can hope for at this time.  This is definitely one of the most challenging intersections in town, and would take a very creative solution to signalize each corner.  The Committee agrees to table this item for the November meeting to brainstorm ideas for a possible solution.  Tabled for November 2018 

   Committee Recommendation from November 2018 Meeting:  No Immediate Action/No Further At This Time

   The discussion continued regarding potential solutions for this intersection since a pedestrian crossing signal is not a possibility on the one corner.  That corner is currently not wired, and the right of way is just so tight that there’s not space for a pedestrian signal.  Other configurations were discussed, such as adding a pedestrian signal to the traffic signal, but the arm would likely not hold the additional weight, as it is not designed to do so.  The Committee was advised that the intersection was actually drawn to be repaved with the crosswalk removed, but a previous local merchant voiced their discontent, and the crosswalk was put back in once the area was repaved.  The conditions surrounding this crosswalk are not a precedent that we want to set, nor is it a good idea to have the crosswalk when it wasn’t designed to have one on that leg of the intersection initially, particularly without the pedestrian signal.   The Committee agrees that the leg of the crosswalk parallel to Main can be left as is, but should the leg of the crosswalk from the bank to Xanadu should be removed?  With the sidewalk project that was just recently funded, there will be changes coming to this area within a couple of years, but if the crosswalk is to be removed, the question is whether we should wait until the sidewalk improvement project takes place, or does it need to come out immediately?  

   Skip Slocum was present and shared emails from additional area business owners that offered their feelings and suggestions for improving the intersection.  One of the business owners felt the Town is prioritizing automobiles over pedestrians, which he/she doesn’t feel fits our culture.  Another respondent suggested reflectors and state signage, which are a maintenance issue and must be replaced very often due to wide vehicles and snow plows, and the signage would require the same footprint as the pedestrian signal base.  Also, in theory, the paint is a reflector.  Another suggestion was received for more lighting downtown, which is contradictory to the Town’s efforts to control light pollution.     

   Lt. Goad from the Police Department explained right of way rules for pedestrian crossing, and the general observation is that pedestrians do not always obey the rules of crosswalks.  It was discussed that we are following textbook protocol, and we’re still having problems, so we have to wonder how much of the issue is generating from the end-user, and that just can’t be engineered.  So the question is whether there is a different way to approach these issues, for example via an educational campaign?  Engineering is a factor, but then there’s the human factor also.    

   It is agreed that the Town does not currently prioritize pedestrians, and if that’s something we would like to lean toward, there are engineering solutions, however it will come with serious implications.  A representative from WRA, the Town’s traffic consultant, cautioned that doing so would gridlock downtown to vehicles, and people would avoid it, pushing drivers out into neighborhoods.  In 2012 there was a push to get drivers back out onto Main Street and out of neighborhoods.  It’s a tough balance with light cycles, and would require a lot of engineering and construction.  A question was raised about shortening light cycles, but there are implications either way if cycles are too short or too long.  If they’re short, they’re ineffective in serving Main Street, and if they’re long in serving Main Street, the side streets cue up and can’t get onto Main efficiently.  The efficient flow of Main Street takes priority, and the intersection of Main and Roanoke is the most critical intersection of all.  What is currently there is the most optimum setting based on the conditions, and there are multiple timing plans that vary throughout the day, but it doesn’t give a protected left arrow nor pedestrian phase.  Work will soon be underway on a contract to revisit the timings.  Taking all variables into consideration, the most feasible plan is to educate users that there is a highly choreographed plan in place that is optimum for the current conditions.  There will be a great deal of money in the upcoming CIP to get people out of cars and onto bikes, buses, etc., and with the Western Perimeter that Virginia Tech has planned, things may look different in the future. 

   In summary, the original plan was for the Main Street/Roanoke Street intersection to have a U-shaped crosswalk, therefore the question is whether we want to address the crosswalk immediately, or wait until the sidewalk project, which could be several years away.  It’s not a significant job to grind a crosswalk out, but the concern is that people will still cross there.  Taking it out furthers the argument that we aren’t pedestrian friendly downtown, but safety is also a concern.  Public Works is investing significant funds to keep paint fresh and bright on roadways, etc.  Chris Lawrence feels it necessary to leave the crosswalk for now because it’s a balance, while it may not be perfectly safe, we don’t want to give the idea we aren’t pedestrian friendly either.  There is no feasible way to put in the fourth pedestrian signal, but light cycles will be re-evaluated in the future as there are plans to request funding from Town Council soon.  In the more distant future, the sidewalk project will get underway and can look at ways to redesign this intersection to accommodate this corner and potentially include a fourth pedestrian signal head.  No Immediate Action/No Further At This Time

    

3. A concern has been received from Amy Gray regarding her concern for safety on Tom’s Creek Road between Broce Drive and Gilbert Linkous Elementary School.Her correspondence follows: 
   

   “Another issue that I’m very concerned with is the amount of traffic and the amount of traffic that is speeding on Tom’s Creek Road between Broce and Gilbert Linkous elementary school. I know that they are planning on building that huge apartment complex in the near future at the intersection of Broce/Toms creek as well as the one at the other end of Broce/university.  This will only cause the speeding and traffic to become increased. Is there anyway that we could put a couple speed bumps on Tom’s Creek Road between that intersection of Broce and toms Creek to GLE? I spoke with the police officer the other day and he told me that every single time he is in that area for traffic stops he always penalizes someone for speeding. I actually feel unsafe walking my son to school. A lot of people walk and a lot of college students (mainly) speed and it’s terrifying. Cars literally slam on their brakes at the blinking signs and we have had some very close calls on that road!”

    

   Committee Recommendation from October 2018 Meeting:  Table for Stealthstat Results

   When the Police Department sits out on extra patrol for an hour or so, a total of 1 to 2 tickets may be written during that time.  Based on the volume of traffic, this is not indicative of a serious issue.  Speeds generally average 28-32 mph for a steady flow of traffic, and not a lot of tickets are issued during the peak times.  Judges typically do not enforce tickets that are anything under 10 mph, and 90% of those receiving tickets will prepay.  Judges will often assign driving school, which is still a valuable lesson learned.  Gilbert Linkous Elementary is on this strand, and the school zone tolerance of course is lower during school hours.  There is a high volume of traffic through this area, which cannot be changed.  It is a natural thoroughfare for students and employees commuting into town.  The Stealthstat data collection unit will be deployed to this location next to get an idea of volumes and speeds.  The infrastructure may be contributing to the terrifying feel of walking in this area because there is no buffer between the traffic and sidewalk and a non-stop traffic volume.  While we can’t control volume, the Police Department will continue to provide extra speed enforcement in this area.  Table for Stealthstat Results 

   Committee Recommendation from November 2018 Meeting:  Table for Stealthstat Results

   The Stealthstat schedule is currently backlogged due to the mechanical failure of one of the two units.  Table for Stealthstat Results

    

4. A request has been received from Carolyn Johnston to reduce the speed limit in the areas of Harrell, Houston, Warren, and Center Streets.She reports feeding the cats in this area every day and is concerned for the safety of the cats due to the high volume of speeders. 

Committee Recommendation from October 2018 Meeting:  Table for Stealthstat Results

Technically it is illegal to feed feral cats, but aside from that, there will be another 300 students living in this area if the upcoming housing project is approved.  The speed limit here is outside the scope of the rezoning process, but the Committee agrees it’s potentially a good idea to look at lowering it, especially if the new development is approved.  The Committee agrees to deploy the Stealthstat on Center and Harrell Street, and table the item until December for the results since we are currently down one unit.  Table for Stealthstat Results in December 2018

New Business: 

1. A request has been received from Sarah Johnson via the At Your Request system for a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Upland and Palmer.Her correspondence follows:

    

   “I'd like to request a four-way stop sign in place at Upland and Palmer. Palmer Drive is often used as a cut through to avoid traffic on S. Main. Driving on Upland Road, there is no visibility due to overgrown foliage on one side and a hill opposite. It would be much safer, and slow traffic if that intersection was a four-way stop.”

   Committee Recommendation from November 2018 Meeting:  No Further

   Stealthstat data was collected with a new demo unit that that Police Department is testing out.  Over a 5 ½ day period, 4,339 cars passed through the area from 0900 on 10/25/18 through 1800 on 10/30/18.  The largest volume on any day was 1,784 cars, and the largest volume in any hour was 50 cars.  There has been one accident in this location in the last 12 months, which involved a truck with a trailer crossways of a vehicle speeding down Palmer.  The warrants for volume and crash history are not met for a 4-way stop sign at this intersection.  Follow-up will be made with Public Works in regards to the overgrown foliage, and the Police Department provides heavy speed enforcement in this area on a regular basis.  No Further

2. A request has been received from BT for Traffic Committee to review the intersection of Industrial Park Road and Commerce Street for potential improvements.(handout) 

Committee Recommendation from November 2018 Meeting:  Action Recommended

Erik Olsen from BT was in attendance and presented their concern regarding safety at the above intersection, which is in close proximity to BT.  He reports at least five rather significant accidents recently, which he believes were all due to driver disregard of the stop sign at Commerce.  Cars traveling on Commerce have a stop sign, while those traveling on Industrial Park do not, but drivers assume it is a 4-way stop.  There currently are not stop bars in place, although there may have been at one point in time; truck and bus traffic wear out markings quickly.  There is a report of an increase in vehicle and pedestrian traffic in this area in general.  The Town currently has a CIP project to install more sidewalks, and then when the proposed brewery opens there will be even more general traffic that is not accustomed to commercial traffic.  BT proposed the following in hopes of improving safety at the intersection:  installing stop bars, ensuring line of sight/trimming vegetation, widening the radius, installing cross traffic signs (which appear to be a regular MUTCD compliant yellow/black warning sign), and using speed reminders.  Part of the problem seems to be that drivers do not realize they need to stop, so they literally pull out in front of a moving car.  Stop bars are the most obvious and cost effective visual to alert drivers that they need to stop.  BT feels that long-term there is a need for a larger turn radius here as trucks routinely cut the corner.  The Engineering Department will consult with the Public Works Department about easements and utilities in terms of making the radius wider.  The Committee agrees to put down stop bars, install stop ahead signage, and look at the positioning of the stop sign to make sure it is clear.  Action Recommended

Additional Business: 

• Erik Olsen presented a concern on behalf of BT regarding vehicles parking in the radius of the cul-de-sac on Stroubles Creek.Their buses turn around and time check in this location, and when cars are parked here, it is especially difficult for the 60-ft. buses to navigate.It is possible that commuter students are parking here, or residents who live on the far side of Fox Ridge.The request is for the entire curb and 80-ft. back on each side to be painted yellow to signify no parking.The debate is whether to use paint or signs.The problem with using signage is that signs tend to disappear, and perhaps there were some here previously. David from Public Works and Lt. Goad from the Police Department will conduct a site visit to see what will be most effective and talk to Hethwood about the situation.Chris Spradling from BT will be included on the invite as well in order to clarify with BT Operations the exact need.It was noted that we should remain cognizant not to block off access to the trail so that residents still have a place to park on the street if someone who lives in Stroubles Mill wishes to drive over and use the trail. 

NEXT MEETING DATE:  The next Traffic Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 9:00 am in the Training Room of the Blacksburg Police Department, located at 200 Clay Street, SW. 

 For more information, call the Blacksburg Police Department at 540-443-1402.