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Consider adoption of a resolution approving Traffic Order 425, establishing an all way stop at the intersection of Pleasants Valley Road and Vaca Valley Road
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors consider adoption of a resolution approving Traffic Order 425, establishing an all way stop at the intersection of Pleasants Valley Road and Vaca Valley Road.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The intersection of Pleasants Valley Road and Vaca Valley Road is currently a “T” intersection controlled by one stop sign on Vaca Valley Road. The terrain is composed of rolling hills with a winding alignment, with fencing and trees adjacent to the intersection. The site distance from the stop on Vaca Valley Road is currently limited but meets design standards for stopping sight distance.
Pleasants Valley Road is currently under construction for the safety improvement project that is constructing shoulders through this intersection. The project made extensive efforts to minimize impacts to the ditches and trees and therefore has widened primarily where existing dirt shoulders exist, with minor adjustments to the alignment of the road. In the context of making these adjustments, Public Works Engineering has evaluated the construction changes at the intersection with Vaca Valley Road and determined that the stopping sight distance will be further limited, and may not meet the appropriate design standard after the project is completed.
Pleasants Valley Road is established as a through-Highway major collector, which means that it may have intersections, but other roads must have established stops or yields prior to entry onto Pleasants Valley Road. Vaca Valley Road is a Route of Regional Significance due to its importance in the event of Interstate 80 becoming congested or closed. The intersection of these roads now carries a significant volume of traffic, which will likely increase as Interstate 80 becomes more congested. Public Works Engineering staff performed an Engineering and Traffic Study for the intersection and determined that it already meets the necessary warrants for an all-way stop and that the safety of the intersection would be enhanced by the installation of the additional stop signs.
With the Board’s adoption of the resolution, a stop sign (R1-1) will be installed on northbound and southbound Pleasants Valley Road to meet the sight distance standard and enhance public safety. Additional signing and striping will be placed in the approach sections to ensure safety at the changed intersection.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The estimated $2,000 cost of installing stop signs and advance advisory signs will be paid by the Road Fund. There is no impact to the General Fund.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose to not adopt Traffic Order 425. This is not recommended as the all-way stops will enhance traffic safety without any reduction in the level of service of the road.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed this item and approved it as to form.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION