Tom Reeves, P.E., L.S.

October 18, 2002

CITY OF MONTEREY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Subject: Comments on Draft Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines

Dear Access Board Members:

After reviewing the Draft Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines, I have the following comments and concerns.

Pedestrian Crossings (1102.8, 1105)

Crosswalks (1105.2)

The “tabled” intersection areas used to maintain the required 1:48 cross slope of crosswalks could possibly lead to broader impacts for communities in hilly areas. In some instances, construction of “tabled” intersections may require extensive reshaping of the existing topography by cutting and filling of soils. It may be necessary to remove large trees and native plants to facilitate large scale grading of intersections. Furthermore, retaining walls may be required at intersections where there is limited right-of-way for slope grading. All of these factors can negatively impact the environment of our communities. The end result may be a “terracing” of cities in hilly environments.

“Tabled” intersections can also impact vehicular through traffic by introducing uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous grade breaks and vertical curves at the approach and departure of an intersection

In light of these concerns, there may need to be an objective limit to where this requirement can reasonably be applied.

Roundabouts (1105.6)

Signalization of roundabouts for pedestrian accessibility runs counter to the benefit of roundabouts controlling traffic at intersections without the use of signals. If signals are used for pedestrian crossing, where is the traffic halted? Is traffic halted only at the crossing being used; or is all vehicular traffic at the circle stopped? Crosswalks may need to be located further from the intersection to allow for vehicle queuing without impacting circulatory traffic in the circle if vehicular traffic is halted at the crosswalk in use.

I appreciate your time in considering these comments as you move towards finalizing changes to Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines.

Sincerely,

Tom Reeves, P.E., L.S.
City Engineer