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
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