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I I I Council Meeting Minutes March 23, 1993 Page 5 Council Business, continued The informational meeting addressed the conversion of 8th St. into a cul- de-sac. There was discussion to allow left turns from Forestdale onto Silver Lake Road. To accommodate vehicles, it is necessary to reconstruct the intersection of Forestdale and Silver lake Road which was found to be too costly as a temporary measure. Speed data showed that about 85% of the traffic travels less than 30 mph, average speeds for Redwood North, Redwood South, and Driftwood were 27, 24, and 25 mph, respectively. The volume data showed a higher volume of vehicles per day on Redwood North than the other two streets. Staff installed a barricade at the west side of the intersection of 8th St. and Silver Lake Road, but residents from Torchwood said the closure was inconvenient and increased traffic on other streets. The closure was found to be an effective method in reducing traffic on Redwood north of Forestdale, but volumes shifted to two local streets south of Forestdale. Another informational meeting was held and the group consensus was that something needs to be done, but the closure was not an effective method. The following suggestions were made: reduction of speed limit to 25 mph, better speed limit enforcement, additional signage, four-way stop sign at Forestdale and Redwood, speed bump at the top of the hill on Redwood, no left turn at 8th St. and Silver Lake Rd., and removal of median which prohibits left turning vehicles onto Silver Lake Rd at Forestdale. Staff supports Legislation to reduce residential speeds to 25 mph, and increase speed limit enforcement on Redwood lane if the road closure is removed. Staff cannot recommend the use of additional signage or speed bumps, which is strongly discouraged by traffic experts. Benke asked if speed "humps" as opposed to speed "bumps" are proven to decrease speed levels. Proper said speed humps are not recognized speed control devices and questioned City liability if used. Proper receives about one call per month regarding speed levels on streets. He questions the safeness of speed humps and feels other streets have similar conditions. Gunderman asked if speed humps could disable City snowplows. Proper said that other cities have had mixed results with speed humps. Larson asked if other cities have used rumble strips to warn people of approaching stop signs. Proper was told by other cities not to install these because they are very noisy and have received complaints. Williams said the staff report does not determine whether traffic volumes or speeds are the problem. Proper admits the 8th St. intersection onto Silver lake Road is bad and is glad it will be closed and the Forestdale Intersection will be realigned. Proper feels a speed hump will not divert traffic more effectively than closing off Redwood. Benke said initially the Redwood speed level problems were of main concern and feels it should remain the primarily concern. Council Business Volume and Speed Level Study Report 93-086