To:              Traffic Committee Members

From:           Kristel Dickerson, Administrative Liaison

Date:            October 30, 2018

Subject:        Traffic Committee Meeting Minutes – October 2, 2018

The Town of Blacksburg Traffic Committee met on Tuesday, October 2, 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. An At-Your-Request submission has been received from Jill Schwab on behalf of her daughter Emily Schwab regarding pedestrian safety in the vicinity of the bus stop (#1300) located at Toms Creek/Winston Nbnd and Hillel at Virginia Tech.The request is to install a crosswalk in this location.In her correspondence, she specifically mentions students riding the bus to this stop and then crossing without a crosswalk on Toms Creek Road to get to Hillel (710 Toms Creek Road).    She also mentions hearing from friends that live at the Edge wanting to cross Toms Creek Road somewhere between the signalized intersection at Prices Fork Road and the median refuge island at Gilbert Linkous/Watson Avenue. 

    

   Committee Recommendation from June 2018 Meeting:  Tabled

   Essentially there are 6 lanes of traffic in this location, and to install a crosswalk across them would be a serious safety concern; it’s just not feasible with all of these lanes.  For next budget year BT does hope to run bus service both ways year round so there will not be a need for riders to cross as often.  This area was reviewed briefly at the May 2018 meeting as well, where it was agreed that there is a need to create a common culture across town and campus, and a Communication Team at BT would be an asset to collaborate with VTPD and the town for an education and awareness campaign.  There are potential options for pavement markings and paint to be used to clarify the bus stop, but as for a crosswalk, safety wise it is not a good idea and would be creating a false sense of security because as the bus starts slowing in the right lane to stop, drivers jump around the bus to go out left and around.  BT will pull ridership numbers to be reviewed at the August meeting.  Tabled for August 2018

   Committee Recommendation from August 2018 Meeting:  Tabled

   The representatives on the Committee present for today’s meeting continued to voice concern over the vast area that a crosswalk in this location would have to cover, which would create a safety issue in itself.  The Committee agrees to table the item for September in order to review ridership numbers from BT once they become available.  Tabled for September 2018

    

   Committee Recommendation from October 2018 Meeting:  No Further

   The continued consensus is that this would be such a broad crosswalk over multiple lanes with a bus stop in the same area that safety would be a definite concern.  The BT ridership numbers are also super low here, with most students walking to campus from this area unless it is in the event of snow and/or rain.  It would take a CIP project with a change in infrastructure to safely remedy this concern, and the costs would need to be weighed against the benefits.  Even with a refugee crossing though, the bus would still be hiding people.  This is not an uncommon occurrence across town.  Striping could potentially restrict the width down a bit, but people still go around the buses, so perhaps striping could create a dedicated pull off.  The speeding concern can often be attributed to perception, and bad pedestrian behavior is not fixable.  Randy Formica, Director of Engineering, has submitted a CIP project to conduct a study along this entire corridor in response to continued concerns and complaints, but the Committee agrees to take no immediate action due to the lane widths and low ridership numbers.         No Further (at this time)

    

2. 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

New Business:

1. 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

    

2. A request has been received from BT for Traffic Committee to review parking in the 900 Block of Progress Street, NW between Watson and Main near Preston Row.There are currently 22 buses attempting to pass through this area per hour.Two-way traffic has always been tight, but now with the new development that is still under construction, it’s squeezed down to one lane (or two very narrow lanes).BT is advocating for the northbound side of Progress Street between Winston and Watson to be marked “No Parking” due to the narrow travel lane widths created by parking on both sides.

   (*There will be an update provided on this item during the meeting.)

    

   Committee Recommendation from October 2018 Meeting:  No Further

   Chris Lawrence advised prior to the meeting that it was determined more immediate action would need to be taken due to the severity of the concern.  BT was unable to pass two buses through the area, and new residents would be moving in soon, so it was decided to go ahead and post “no parking” signage on one side of the street.  Parking was removed on the side of the new construction because the other side of the road is made up of small rental houses without driveways.  The new complex has a full parking lot, but the fear is that residents will still park right outside their unit because their doors lead out to the road, which leads to the congestion and takes away from parking for the residents across the street.  The decision was made in the Town Manager’s Office to go ahead with the signage prior to Traffic Committee review in order to keep BT flowing and to break the habit early.  The plan is to only install signage at this point, however communication may be needed with Park Place because of the hedgerow, which may necessitate paint as opposed to signs along that stretch from Main to Watson.  Signage is definitely more efficient, but can get lost in the vegetation since there is no space between the sidewalk and hedgerow. This item was discussed during the meeting, but at this time signage is not yet in place.  Communication will be made with Chris Lawrence to reach out to Norman in Public Works for further confirmation/clarification.  No Further

    

3. A concern has been received via the “At Your Request” system regarding pedestrian safety in the crosswalk at Main Street and Alumni Mall.The correspondence follows:

    

   “This is a request to improve pedestrian safety of the crosswalk that crosses Main St at Alumni Mall. Several times I have almost been hit walking west in this crosswalk by cars and buses heading south on Main St. that fail to come to a complete stop before turning right to Alumni Mall. I suggest these improvements for pedestrian safety at this crosswalk. 1. Post a sign in the southbound lane warning the driver of the pedestrian crossing at Alumni Mall. (There is already one there for the crossing at Faculty St. but we need another for this crossing.) 2. Keep the vegetation in the median there very low. I think the crosswalk is hidden to most drivers and drivers don't always see pedestrians in the median. 3. If necessary, prohibit right turns on red at this intersection. Prevent a death or injury!”

    

   Committee Recommendation from October 2018 Meeting:  No Further

   John O’Shea provided a handout illustrating the area in question and summarizing his study of the concern and potential solutions.  The tallest shrub measures 4 ft. 2 in., which accounts for 99% of the population, therefore 99% of the population can be seen with the existing shrubbery in the traffic island as it is at the time of the study.  Signage does not appear to be necessary because there is a pedestrian-actuated crossing signal that does function as intended.  Many do ignore the pedestrian signal, but it is incumbent upon pedestrians to exercise due regard to their personal safety and use caution when crossing streets.  There are some traffic calming measures in place already, and sign pollution is a concern.  The Committee agrees this item is unfounded, and advises no further action is necessary.  No Further

    

4. A concern has been received in regards to pedestrian safety on Park Drive between Highland Circle and Locust Avenue.This area has a small walking area that the Town put in 6-7 years ago to help pedestrians walk along this very steep & narrow street.  There were never any markings delineated for this walking area, it was just explained to the neighbors at a public meeting and then it was installed.  There has been enough turnover in the last few years that many residents now do not know that this marked area is intended for walking, and they walk on the other side of the road where the lane width is much narrower and adjacent trees prevent walking off the pavement.  This creates a more dangerous scenario because cars are crossing the center yellow line into the oncoming lane to avoid the pedestrians.The request is for the pedestrian area to be marked clearly so the pedestrians are aware that this side of the road is the intended walking area.

    

   Committee Recommendation from October 2018 Meeting:  Action Recommended

   There are not sidewalks in this location, and speeding is a concern, both of which make it difficult for pedestrians to walk in this neighborhood.  There was a community meeting years back, at which time a compromise was met to mark the dip for a designated walking lane since there are not sidewalks.  The problem is that cars are forced to veer over to avoid pedestrians because there is no place for the pedestrians to get off the roadway when they are walking on the other side as opposed to in the designated lane; most people think it’s a bike lane.  The request is for markings to clearly depict it as a pedestrian lane so that it gets utilized appropriately.  The Committee agrees this is a fairly economical solution, and agrees to place thermo markings on the pavement (two on each hill).  Norman with Public Works will check into the available sizes and check back in with Lt. Goad regarding the cost for a total quantity of 4.  This is an expense that can potentially be covered out of the Traffic Committee budget.  Action Recommended

5. 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

    

6. 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

    

7. A request has been received from Sandy Knapp regarding parking in the McBryde Drive and Barringer Drive neighborhood.She requests that this area be changed to either resident only parking, or no parking between 8am and 5pm.

Committee Recommendation from October 2018 Meeting:  No Further

Ms. Knapp was in attendance at the meeting and described her concerns and proposed solution.  She is a citizen who lives in the Barringer/McBryde neighborhood, and details a problem with congestion created when students come into her neighborhood and park their cars for the day to go to campus.  She explains this area as a family neighborhood, with a lot of residents walking dogs and kids playing.  This issue started approximately 3 to 4 years ago, and is becoming more of a problem each year, and now even construction workers from VT are parking here.  The behavior creates a safety issue approaching McBryde from Barringer or Kelsey.  Ms. Knapp proposes resident only parking or no parking 9a-5p.  Most of the parking is legal, and the Police Department does monitor this area and issues parking tickets when warranted.  The curb was painted a few years back, but people still park in the curve starting about 8 am every morning.  She reports the street cleaner also not being able to get thru either.  In regards to permit parking, historically 75% of the neighborhood had to agree to it.  But because of the transient nature of some of the town neighborhoods, the ordinance was recently changed to say that the town can now apply permit parking based on several criteria.  Matt Hanratty in the Town Manager’s Office oversees this process.  It is thought that this area is on the list of potential candidates.  Lt. Goad will reach out to Mr. Hanratty to request that he contact Ms. Knapp with the status of residential parking in this area.  No Further

NEXT MEETING DATE:  The next Traffic Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at 9:00 am in the Training Room of the Blacksburg Police Department, located at 200 Clay Street, SW. 

Distribution:

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