HomeMy WebLinkAboutTrans 2014-09-08 Item 2B - Discussion - Stop Sign Request (South 148th Street / 46th Avenue South)i City of Tukwila
TO:
Jim Haggerton, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
Mayor Haggerton
Transportation Committee
FROM: Bob Giberson, Public Works Director
DATE: September 5, 2014
SUBJECT: Stop Sign Request — S 148th St146th Ave S
ISSUE
Discuss traffic engineering analysis and recommendation for safety improvements at the S 148th St /46th Ave S
intersection.
BACKGROUND
After multiple citizens requested action at the South 148th Street and 46th Avenue South intersection, we recently
concluded our traffic engineering investigation and our findings include:
1. There were no recorded traffic accidents from 2006 to 2012
2. There were two recorded accidents in 2012 to 2013 — both accidents involved hitting parked cars
3. There are indications of speeding vehicles
4. Traffic engineering standards dictate that stop signs are not to be installed to control speeding
5. There is 1 existing stop sign on the south leg of the subject intersection that serves northbound 46th Ave S
6. The southwest and northeast intersection corners have obstructed sight distance due to encroaching fences and
vegetation
7. South 148th St acts as the major road and 46th Ave S acts as the minor road as far as vehicular volumes
8. Traffic engineering standards dictate that stop signs should not be placed on the major road that intersects a
minor road
9. There is significant pedestrian traffic through this intersection to and from local schools
ANALYSIS
Based on adopted traffic engineering standards and principles, the City proposes to:
• Install an additional stop sign on 46th Avenue South, protected by reflectorized guideposts
• Work with adjacent property owners to improve sight distance on intersection corners
• Install pedestrian warning signs in all directions
• Send notices to all affected property owners informing them of the new proposed traffic revisions
We understand that stop signs have been requested for all 4 corners, however, it is not supported by engineering
standards and principles. Installing stop signs on the major road (South 148th Street), will likely lead to more enforcement
and liability issues. Unwarranted stop signs tend to be ignored, which may lead to further accidents and enforcement
problems.
Our goal is to implement the bulleted traffic revisions listed above as soon as possible.
RECOMMENDATION
For information only.
attachment: Vicinity map
w:lpw englotherlbob gibersonlcorrespondencelinfo memo 148th_46th stop sign request.docx
pedestrian warning signs
PROPOSED STOP SIGN aerial map