Transportation Committee

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Monday, July 31, 2017 (August Committee Meeting) Municipal Complex, Committee Meeting Room, 3rd Floor MINUTES Members Present: Mayor Linda Page, Chair; Paul Gawrych, Will Haynie Staff Present: Eric DeMoura, Brad Morrison, Paul Lykins, James Aton Also Present: Daniel Burton, South Carolina Department of Transportation Mayor Page called the meeting to order at 12:45 p.m. 1. Approval of Minutes from the May 1, 2017 meeting Mayor Page stated that Mr. Haynie had a correction to the May 1, 2017 minutes. Mr. Haynie stated on page ten (10), paragraph one (1), line two (2), “Pelzer Drive” should read “Lansing Drive”. Mayor Page moved for approval of the minutes with amendment to page ten (10), paragraph 1 (one), line 2 (two); motion seconded by Mr. Haynie; motion carried unanimously. 2. Public Comments None 3. The Groves Before and After Traffic Study findings Mr. Aton, Town of Mount Pleasant Traffic Engineer, stated that he would be presenting a second overview of traffic volumes and speed for residents in response to requests from the May 1, 2017, Committee meeting due to concerns of miscommunication between the Town and Groves in the overview of the initial before and after study provided by Stantec Consulting. Referring to a graphic, Mr. Aton explained that a conversion of six (6) intersections to all way stops and installation of five (5) speed humps on  Transportation Committee Minutes July 31, 2017 Page 2 of 18 Lansing Drive was implemented for traffic calming. The study indicates an overall a reduction of nineteen percent (19%) on Lansing Drive of approximately three hundred (300) vehicles with a slight increase on Cliffwood Drive from the Coleman Boulevard entrance of approximately thirty (30) vehicles. Another graphic relating to speed, indicates a six (6) mile per hour (mph) reduction on the road segment of Lansing Drive off Coleman Boulevard and a three (3) mph reduction in speed on Lansing Drive off Johnnie Dodds Boulevard with a slight increase on Tall Pine Road and Cliffwood Drive off Coleman Boulevard. The study reflects a reduction in vehicles on Cliffwood Drive and Lakeview Drive off Johnnie Dodds Boulevard. The study was provided to residents of the Groves and the primary responses were request from residents on Lansing Drive for an additional speed hump between Palm Street and the existing speed hump and a resident on Japonica Drive at Cliffwood Drive requested conversion of the intersection to an all way stop with concerns of speed and a minor sight distance issue with the location of the existing stop sign and stop bar. Staff performed a traffic count to verify the findings of the initial study that Stantec completed on May 12, 2017, confirming the data showing an eighty-fifth percentile (85%tile) on Lansing at twenty-seven (27) mph. Staff has determined that the installation of the additional speed hump is feasible. The intersection of Cliffwood Drive has been examined and a decision has been made to relocate the stop bar and stop sign closer to the intersection to alleviate any sight distance concerns. A second traffic count was performed on Cliffwood Drive and Japonica Drive confirming an eighty-fifth percentile (85%tile) speed of twenty-five (25) mph for the Japonica approaches. There are no other additional recommendations for action. Mayor Page asked Committee for any questions. Committee had none. Donna German, 1020 Tall Pine Road, asked for clarification to the amendment to the May 1, 2017, minutes in regard to the vehicles turning left on Lansing Drive from the Traders Joe’s parking lot.  Transportation Committee Minutes July 31, 2017 Page 3 of 18 Mr. Haynie explained that an inadvertent error in the minutes read Pelzer Drive instead of Lansing Drive during a discussion of any consideration being given to placing a no left turn out of the Trader Joe’s onto Lansing Drive and the answer was that it was not possible. Mr. Morrison clarified that as a result of discussion on the recommendation of the study, it was not adopted by Council. Because Trader Joe’s is an existing business, placing restrictions on an existing business could cause legal concerns of retroactively restricting access. Ms. German stated that before Trader Joe’s opened a meeting was held to discuss residents’ concerns of increased traffic in the neighborhood. At the time, the manager at Trader Joe’s stated that they did not think it would be an issue, however, the business would be willing to install a right in, right out only divider island similar to the one exiting the Outback Steak House and questioned if would be possible for Trader Joe’s to install one also. Mr. Haynie inquired if the divider island is located on the Outback Steakhouse property. Ms. German continued that concerns were discussed prior to Trader Joe’s opening during a meeting where Town representatives were present. Mr. Morrison stated that an office complex on an adjacent street has restrictions that were brought through the Design Review Board (DRB) process based on neighborhood concerns. Trader Joe’s was open prior to the study being performed and no changes were recommended to the driveway. There may be some legal concerns about retroactively imposing restrictions that could result in a legal claim. Rodly Millet, 1296 Wisteria Wall Drive, commented that if Trader Joes would be willing to install some type of device on their own property the issue would be resolved and inquired if the Town or the Groves Civic Association would be the proper agency to approach Trader Joe’s. Chris Tomlinson, 259 Cliffwood Drive, stated that he resides at the intersection of Cliffwood Drive and Japonica Drive and there has been an increase in excess of thirty (30) cars that are traveling four (4) mph faster at  Transportation Committee Minutes July 31, 2017 Page 4 of 18 the intersection, however, the real issue is if a three way stop can be installed at the intersection due to dangerous conditions drivers create. Mr. Aton asked if the left turn at the intersection of Cliffwood Drive and Japonica Drive are in conflict with vehicles traveling south on Japonica Drive. Mr. Tomlinson replied that traveling west on Japonica Drive making a left to travel south on Cliffwood Drive toward Coleman Boulevard, drivers are cutting the corner creating dangerous conditions and there should be some consideration to manage traffic. Mayor Page asked Mr. Aton indicate on the graphic the area being referred to. Mr. Morrison restated that those Japonica approaches to Cliffwood Drive had eighty-fifth percentile (85%tile) speeds of twenty-five (25) mph). Mayor Page asked for clarification that eighty five percent (85%) of the cars are traveling at twenty-five (25) mph. Mr. Tomlinson stated that vehicles are crossing oncoming traffic at twenty- five (25) mph when they should be slowing down to take a controlled left turn. Mr. Haynie asked Mr. Tomlinson which intersection would he suggest a stop sign to be most effective. Mr. Tomlinson stated that he feels a stop sign on Cliffwood Drive or Japonica Drive for traffic traveling towards Coleman Boulevard, however, a stop sign on Japonica Drive traveling in the opposite direction could eliminate a head on collision. Mr. Haynie asked Mr. Aton to identify on the graphic the intersection for clarification. Mr. Tomlinson commented that a stop sign would make the intersection safer, however, it would not slow vehicles down. Mr. Haynie asked if drivers traveling on Cliffwood Drive from Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, where there is no stop sign, are swinging through without stopping onto that part of Cliffwood Drive.  Transportation Committee Minutes July 31, 2017 Page 5 of 18 Mr. Tomlinson replied in the affirmative and commented that the sight distance is an issue due to a large hedge at that location. Mr. Aton stated that the sight distance issue is being addressed by relocating the stop bar and stop sign closer to Japonica Drive on Cliffwood Drive by about twenty (20) feet. By pushing the sign out further, it requires the driver to make closer to a ninety degree (90°) left turn when vehicles are at the stop bar. Mr. Morrison stated that the stopping sight distance has been reviewed to determine if there is acceptable stopping sight distance through the curve and that no crashes have been observed. Mr. Aton confirmed that the crash history for the previous three (3) years has been reviewed for the intersection as part of the request for the all way stop and there is no crash history on record. Mr. Tomlinson stated that by adding a four (4) mph increase in addition to an additional 30 cars, an accident is inevitable. Mr. Aton reiterated that based on Stantec Consulting’s study of an increase of thirty (30) vehicles and four (4) mph in addition to the traffic count performed by staff, twenty-five (25) mph is an acceptable range of speed for this type of roadway. Mayor Page asked Mr. Aton that if there are twenty-five (25) more vehicles traveling on Cliffwood Drive from Coleman Boulevard and if the traffic counts are down on Lansing Drive by nineteen percent (19%), up by one percent (1%) on Tall Pine Drive and down on Cliffwood Drive and Lakeview Drive, where are the cars dispersing to. Mr. Aton stated that the after study that Stantec Consulting performed, an origin destination study was not completed. Mr. Morrison stated that an origin destination study is relative to each road and that was not part of the of the original study as the emphasis has always been focused on Lansing Drive that indicates a fifteen to nineteen percent (15-19%) reduction of traffic.  Transportation Committee Minutes July 31, 2017 Page 6 of 18 Mayor Page stated that the Town has been addressing the issue for several years and she is in favor of the additional speed hump and agreed that hedges planted in the right of way create sight line issues. The issue that is currently being addressed for consideration is an additional speed hump and why it would be justified for recommendation through this process. Mr. Aton stated that the additional speed hump would be placed midway between the existing speed hump on Lansing Drive between the intersection of Palm Street and the existing speed hump and would provide approximately two hundred seventy feet (270) spacing on the other side. The speeds collected were at twenty-seven (27) mph and do not necessarily meet the minimum requirements for the Town’s speed hump program. However, given the unique nature of the project and emphasis on reduction of cut through traffic, installation could be considered per the Committee’s direction. Mayor Page stated that the residents at the location of the additional speed hump are amenable to the installation location. Mayor Page commented that two other considerations are communication with Trader Joe’s throughout the process and that a new office building will be constructed off Coleman Boulevard behind Metto Coffee on Lansing Road. Residents have expressed concerns relating to increased traffic and asked if there is a possibility before construction begins for a right turn out only sign to be installed. Mr. DeMoura stated that it was his understanding that the project was properly noticed, meetings were held, the project proceeded through DRB and all the requirements were made at that time. Any effort after this process would need to be with the developers consent. Danielle Richardson, 1022 Lansing Drive, stated that her residence is near the new office building and that she was not alerted to the property being approved for development, however, residents are making the request for a right turn only sign out of concern for increased traffic on Lansing Drive and other roadways within the Groves neighborhood.  Transportation Committee Minutes July 31, 2017 Page 7 of 18 Mayor Page thanked Ms. Richardson for expressing her concerns and stated that the project has already been through the design review process and that the new development is now in the same position as Trader Joe’s as it is an existing approved plan. Ms. Richardson stated that the community came together to stop the first developer and because the notice was more visible to the community and that she did not see or hear of any notice with regards to the current project and suggested that the notice was placed inconspicuously. Mr. Haynie stated that he did not think he was a member of Council when that project was approved and inquired when the project was approved and how large the building be. Mr. DeMoura stated that approval does not go before Council. Mayor Page explained that the property was available for development and zoned appropriately and did not need approval from Council. Mr. Haynie questioned the size of the building and the intended use. Mr. DeMoura stated the building will be two (2) stories and measure fourteen thousand (14,000) square feet (sf) and that he is unsure of the intended use. Mayor Page commented that her recollection is that it may be a financial planner. Mr. DeMoura stated for the record, that several years ago, not all projects were required to be reviewed by DRB and now that has been changed where all projects must come in front of the DRB, projects are posted on the Town’s commercial project portion of the Town website and all the notices are lawfully posted. There was opportunity for the public to provide input on this project. Mayor Page agreed. Jake Rambo, 428 Shannon Drive, inquired if, with the increased speed on Cliffwood Drive, is there currently any consideration for additional speed humps.  Transportation Committee Minutes July 31, 2017 Page 8 of 18 Mayor Page reiterated that the process is unique for the Town of Mount Pleasant as the Town has embarked on something that has never done before to protect one the Town’s older and more established neighborhoods. Mayor Page stated that Town has a Traffic Calming Program that is easy and straight forward and asked Mr. Morrison how much funding is available. Mr. Morrison stated that forty thousand dollars ($40,000) is allocated annually. Mayor Paged stated that residents must go through an application process and criteria needs to be met to be considered for traffic calming. Mr. Aton stated that through the traffic calming program, a resident must complete an application, staff will determine an area of influence, the applicant must collect signatures on a petition with seventy-five percent (75%) of the residents in favor of speed humps, staff will then conduct a traffic count and if the area meets the eight-fifth percentile (85%tile) of thirty (30) mph or higher it will qualify for speed humps. Mr. Harrison commented that Lansing Drive did not have speed of thirty (30) mph either. Mayor Page stated that the situation is unique and the objective is to be proactive in two (2) neighborhoods that are being affected, the Groves and Cooper Estates. On Cottingham Drive, there has been a reduction approximately four hundred (400) cars per day. Mr. Morrison noted that the count is significant for Cottingham Drive. Mayor Page inquired what the reduction in cars per day is on Lansing Drive. Mr. Aton stated that there is a three hundred eight (380) car reduction on Lansing Drive toward Trader Joe’s and a two hundred eighty seven (287) car reduction on Lansing Drive near Coleman Boulevard. Mayor Page stated that Committee and staff is aware that there is not perfect solution and everyone, including residents, have worked very hard for a favorable solution within the neighborhood. Residents have continued to express that more efforts need to be made and staff has recommended to  Transportation Committee Minutes July 31, 2017 Page 9 of 18 move the stop sign on Japonica Drive and investigate if it helps with Cliffwood Drive line of sight issue and install an additional speed hump on Lansing Drive. Businesses will not be asked to limit turns from their parking lots as they are good corporate neighbors. Chris Bean, Manager of Trader Joe’s, if approached, may be willing to work the residents. Ms. Richardson commented that the new office building near Coleman Boulevard will be part of our community and will be looking for support from residents of the Groves and there is an opportunity to stop something before it gets out of control. The decrease in traffic is positive, however, that will change when the project is complete. Mayor Page expressed commitment to every neighborhood in the Town of Mount Pleasant and that the conversation will continue relating to traffic calming inviting Ms. Richardson and all residents to continue to discuss the issue. The issue before Committee is to hear concerns relating to the after study that was presented to residents. Mr. Gawrych asked Mr. Aton to view the graphic indicating where speed humps are placed within the Groves. Mr. Aton stated that currently there are five (5) speed humps on Lansing Drive. Mr. Gawrych stated that the process will always be evolving. When installation of stop signs and speed humps begins on a grid pattern it effects the flow of the traffic. Drivers find routes to travel where there are no speed humps or stop signs. Residents will be sure to let the owner of the new office building know if they are not being good neighbors. Staff analyzes the neighborhood and surrounding areas when making recommendation for traffic calming and asked if the roads being discussed are owned by the Town or State. Mr. Morrison replied that the roads are owned and maintained by the Town. Mr. Gawrych commented that if the roads were State roads, the process to have speed humps installed would be more difficult.  Transportation Committee Minutes July 31, 2017 Page 10 of 18 Mr. Morrison stated that Council committed to supporting the Transportation Committee and staff in this study approximately two (2) years ago. The charge for Committee and staff was to engage the neighborhoods during the process and this issue was not always unanimous. After heavy engagement with the community, the plan that has been implemented is the best solution from a consensus stand point with the understanding that other measures could be implemented in the future reminding Committee that there are residents in the neighborhood who were opposed to speed humps. All opinions were taken into consideration by Committee and staff throughout this process. Mr. Gawrych agreed and stated that speed humps can produce opposing opinions depending on where a resident resides. Speed humps are effective and the issue will continue to improve in the Groves as it has in Cooper Estates. Mr. Haynie questioned if there is any coordination with first responders to route responders to roadways without speed humps when approving the installation of traffic calming measures. Mr. Morrison stated that question regarding response routing would need to be deferred to the Town of Mount Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD). Staff did coordinate with the MPFD and first responders the new profile was reviewed for the speed humps, however, nothing specific to the routing is discussed. Kevin Cunnane, 3032 River Vista Way, stated that as a former New York City Fire Fighter, individual streets and truck specifications should be considered as speed humps could delay response times and suggested that if the MPFD and Mount Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) were adequately staffed, the MPPD could form a task force to arrest reckless drivers reducing the need speed bumps and potentially saving more lives. John Wright, 145 Rose Lane, stated that the MPFD and the MPPD are accredited and fully competent and it is not a good precedent to make residents fearful that in the event of an emergency, first responders would not be able to reach them.  Transportation Committee Minutes July 31, 2017 Page 11 of 18 Mayor Page stated that the recommendation from staff, based on the review of the comments made by residents and Committee, is to approve an additional speed hump on Lansing Drive and to relocate the stop bar and the stop sign on Japonica Drive. Mr. Tomlinson commented that there are only two (2) egresses within the Groves and questioned why the additional speed hump could not be placed on Cliffwood Drive where there are no speed humps. Mayor Page stated that based on percentages and speed, stop signs are directional and speed humps are designed to slow drivers. Mr. Morrison stated that stop signs generally control speed within one hundred fifty (150) feet of the intersection. It could be speculated that the slight increases in speed on the Cliffwood, Tall Pine and Lakeview segments may be due to drivers making up perceived time lost at the stop signs that were installed. For general self-policing or compliance, the speed hump is the most practical device to use. Mayor Page emphasized that Committee and staff are committed to resolving traffic issues in the Groves. David Harrison, 988 Cliffwood Drive, commented that he has noticed an increase in traffic on Cliffwood Drive after speed humps were installed on Lansing Drive and questioned why speed humps cannot be installed on or close to Cliffwood Drive. Cliffwood Drive is the only roadway within the Groves that does not have speed humps, so traffic naturally is diverted to Cliffwood Drive. Speeds are faster on Cliffwood Drive than on Lansing Drive. Mayor Page explained that the decision was based on the traffic study performed and that the project is ongoing. Mr. Rambo inquired when the next follow-up study would be performed. Mayor Page stated that the issue could be reevaluated six (6) months stating that Committee staff have been and are dedicated to resolving the issues within the Groves. Longtime residents will continue to traverse the Groves and Cooper Estates. However, it is hopeful that new residents will use  Transportation Committee Minutes July 31, 2017 Page 12 of 18 alternative routes and cut through traffic will continue to decline. Residents of the Groves should continue to express concerns. Mayor Page asked Committee if a motion would be made based on staff recommendations. Mr. Gawrych moved to proceed with the recommendation to install an additional speed hump on Lansing Drive and relocate the stop bar and stop bar on Japonica Drive as presented by staff; motion seconded by Mr. Haynie. Mr. Haynie inquired if the project is going to be reevaluated at a later date, could there be consideration for stop sign at the intersection of Cliffwood and Japonica Drive. Mayor Page commented that the stop sign will be relocated. Mr. Haynie asked for clarification where the stop sign will be relocated. Mr. Aton referred to the graphic indicating where the stop sign will be relocated citing the new location will improve sight distance on Japonica Drive. Mayor Page asked Mr. Aton to explain the purpose of a stop bar. Mr. Aton explained that a stop bar is the white pavement marking on the pavement at a stop sign, which marks where a vehicle is required to stop. Public Services will be moving the stop bar temporarily until the County is able to repave Japonica Drive install the permanent stop bar in thermoplastic. Mr. Haynie asked if cautionary signage could be considered on Cliffwood Drive as drivers approach the turn onto Japonica Drive. Mr. Morrison stated that there is no typical application for a warning sign at an intersection like Cliffwood Drive and Japonica Drive, citing there is adequate sight distance to the intersection. Mr. Haynie noted his understanding of the data and regulations. However, he feels anecdotal observations and the reality of driving patterns observed by residents should be considered. Mr. Morrison stated that historically, if a speed limit sign is posted and the eighty-fifth percentile (85%tile) is higher than the posted speed, then  Transportation Committee Minutes July 31, 2017 Page 13 of 18 additional speed limit signs have very little if no effect on operating speeds and it is how comfortable the driver is in that environment that dictates speed. Similarly, if a curve warning sign were placed in a location to affect speed, it is likely the eighty-fifth percentile (85%tile) speed would be unchanged after a three (3) month period. The speeds being discussed within this neighborhood are considered very reasonable. He reiterated that thirty (30) mph is the minimum threshold for considering speed humps within the Town’s traffic calming program. Installing additional signage and expecting a different outcome is unlikely, unless an all way stop is installed to provide some additional slowing within the approximate one hundred (150) foot influence area of residential stop signs. Mayor Page inquired if an all way stop was not recommended. Mr. Morrison answered in the affirmative. Mayor Page asked if an all way stop had ever been discussed. Mr. Morrison replied that this intersection of Cliffwood Drive and Japonica is a new issue that has surfaced in response to the survey results. Mayor Page asked for the dimensions of the stop bar. Mr. Morrison replied that the stop bar is approximately twenty-four (24) inches wide. Henry Sealy, 914 Cliffwood Drive, stated data provided by traffic studies is beneficial. However, a warrant to identify a need for an all way stop at the intersection should be investigated. Mayor Page asked Mr. Aton to indicate the stop signs on the graphic. Mr. Aton noted that there are no stop signs on Japonica Drive at this intersection nor the four (4) way intersection of Cliffwood Drive and Groves Manor Court to the north. Mayor Page asked for clarification that there are two (2) stop signs at the intersection of Japonica Drive, Cliffwood Drive and Groves Manor Court. Mr. Aton replied in the affirmative and noted that there is one (1) stop sign at this three (3) way intersection.  Transportation Committee Minutes July 31, 2017 Page 14 of 18 Mayor Page asked why a four (4) way four way stop would be installed. Mr. Morrison stated that in the context of the discussion, the only reason that a four (4) way stop would be installed would be for traffic calming. Mayor Page clarified that it would be an additional measure. Ms. German indicated on the graphic that the intersection is confusing for drivers who do not know who has the right of way and is requesting a stop sign be installed. Mayor Page stated that this is new concern being expressed and is part of the study and asked staff if a stop sign can be installed. Mr. DeMoura stated that the issue is a very contentious matter has been ongoing for several years expressing concern that not all residents have not had the opportunity to have benefit to this discussion about the location of the current stop signs. Mayor Page stated that before voting for on the recommendation by staff to Committee, the request for additional stop signs be explored with further discussion with the residents. Mayor Page asked how residents had been notified of the meeting today. Melissa Marino, 1019 Tall Pine Drive, stated an email had been sent to residents in addition to flyers delivered to houses for residents that are not on the email list. Mayor Page asked for a percentage of residents notified. Ms. Marino stated that of the two hundred fourteen (214) addresses in the neighborhood, one hundred seventy five (175) were notified by email. Mayor Page stated that the May 1, 2017, Transportation Committee meeting resident were clear they wanted an additional speed hump on Lansing Drive. The Committee is trying to accommodate the request. However, the request can be delayed another month to include discussion of additional stop signs. Residents should be notified that additional stop sign are being considered. Mr. Harrison asked if speed humps on Cliffwood Drive could be discussed.  Transportation Committee Minutes July 31, 2017 Page 15 of 18 Mayor Page answered in the affirmative stating the study is a trial and very unique in nature. The Town is committed to maintaining the quality of life in the neighborhood. Ms. Richardson asked if traffic from the new office building could be monitored. Mayor Page stated that the rules cannot change as the property was accurately zoned and the new owners have met compliance through the process. Ms. Richardson stated that resident would like to work with the owners. Mayor Page commented that the new owner will want to be community members and neighbors. Ms. Richardson expressed of increased traffic coming off the frontage road. Mayor Page suggested that meeting with the owners to address concerns. Ms. Marino, 1019 Tall Pine Drive, stated increased traffic on Tall Pine Road is further evidence to support a need for additional stop signs. Mr. Harrison stated Lansing Drive has always been a cut through road and Cliffwood Drive is the main entrance into the Groves suggesting that Google Maps direct traffic to Cliffwood Drive and does not understand why Lansing has speed humps installed and Cliffwood does not. Mayor Page stated that decision is based on data. Mr. Harrison commented traffic will use the easiest route. Speed humps on Lansing Drive has Cliffwood Drive vulnerable. Mayor Page asked Mr. Gawrych if to consider withdrawing his motion to install an additional speed hump and relocate at stop sign and stop bar. Mr. Gawrych withdrew the motion to install an additional speed hump and relocate at stop sign and stop bar; Mr. Haynie withdrew the second; no action was taken. 4. Update on the completion of the Highway 41 Wando River Bridge  Transportation Committee Minutes July 31, 2017 Page 16 of 18 Daniel Burton, South Carolina Department of Transportation, stated that he was responsible for managing the construction of the SC-41 Bridge over the Wando River. Starting on August 27, 2017 and into August 28, 2017, traffic was converted to the new bridge. Referring to an aerial photograph of the bridge, Mr. Burton, explained that traffic is temporarily on the upstream side of the bridge, primarily to finalize embankment slopes on the new approach and that it is similar on the Berkeley County side. Now that construction of the bridge is complete, demolition begins with the removal of the old fender system to clear the way for the removal of the steel truss. A special engineering barge crane will remove the section as a whole to be used as an offshore artificial reef, in coordination with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and concrete will also be used as a nearshore reef. The demolition contractor will demolish the existing bridge in its entirety to the bottom of the river channel. Ongoing work with the bridge contractor includes finishing the embankment approaches on the new bridge and new drainage to include installing cross line pipes. A new traffic signal will be installed at the Clements Ferry/SC-41 intersection and additional turn lanes that include a specific turn lane onto SC-41 and a deceleration turn lane off of SC-41 onto the old SC-41. The project is estimated to be completed by the end of November 2017. Mayor Page thanked Mr. Burton and noted for the record that the property is in Berkeley County. Mr. Burton answered in the affirmative. Mayor Page inquired if there will be any future water access on the vacant land after the removal of the old bridge. Mr. Burton stated that he is unaware any specific plans, noting that the baseball complex is under construction on the Mount Pleasant side. Mr. Gawrych questioned if Mr. Burton was referring to all of the old SC-41 right-of-way and the uncertainty of the use of vacant property along the access to the baseball park. Mr. Burton referred to the photograph to identify the area and stated that the new access road serves the baseball complex on the old Detyens property  Transportation Committee Minutes July 31, 2017 Page 17 of 18 and it will also go beneath the bridge to the other side. The remainder of the land will be used for the embankment and drainage. Mayor Page inquired as to the use of vacant land now that the old SC-41 over Clements Ferry Road has been realigned. Mr. Burton stated that he did not know specific details. However, access to several residences and the water pump station will remain open. There is an environmental obligation to pull the peninsula back to align with the existing contour. Mayor Page asked for questions. 5. Update – Ongoing Projects Mr. Lykins stated that the Coleman Boulevard Revitalization project is scheduled to begin construction after Labor Day. SC-41 and Joe Rouse Road Intersection Improvements are ongoing and construction is scheduled for completion in September 2017. Shem Creek Park Phase 3 is designed and permitting is ongoing. The improvements to Ronnie Boals Boulevard are complete. Mayor Page inquired if the Coleman Boulevard Project would be a two (2) year project. Mr. Lykins answered in the affirmative Mr. Gawrych clarified that SC-41 is not a Town project and commented that the County has awarded the contract. Mr. Morrison explained that HDR in combination with Stantec are the design consultants and have been given a notice to proceed to complete the NEPA document. The emphasis from the Town’s perspective is that Segment One (1) from US-17 to Bessemer Road is the most critical section from a construction perspective. The Town has emphasized to the County and HDR that efforts should focus on the most expeditious delivery of that portion of the project. HDR has begun to engage with community by initiating contact  Transportation Committee Minutes July 31, 2017 Page 18 of 18 with various Homeowner’s Associations. The project website has launched and is linked to the Town of Mount Pleasant website. The first public meeting is anticipated to be held in late September or early October. Mr. Gawrych asked Mr. Morrison to encourage the County to keep the public informed during construction with projected dates. Mr. Morrison agreed stating that staff has reiterated that the County should be very clear with dates as the project progresses. Mr. Gawrych stated that if communication is unclear residents would begin lose trust, which would be unfortunate after working hard to have the project fully funded. Mr. Morrison concurred and stated that he would continue to emphasis the schedule. 6. Adjourn There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:52 p.m. Respectfully submitted by, Cathy Godsey August 4, 2016 The Groves Traffic Calming Before & After Study Town of Mount Pleasant, SC 171001929 July 31, 2017 Agenda 1 The Groves Before/After Traffic Volumes and Speeds 2 Residents Response/Request 3 Department Findings 2 1 The Groves Before/After Traffic Volumes and Speeds 3  Speed Humps & All-Way Stops LAKEVIEW DRIVE EXISTING JOHNNIE DODDS BOULEVARD ALL-WAY STOP CLIFFWOOD DRIVE CONVERT TO ALL-WAY STOP TALL PINE ROAD LANSING DRIVE INSTALL SPEED HUMPS  Change in Daily Traffic Volumes Within The Groves (2015 to 2017) -17% = 78 fewer veh LAKEVIEW DRIVE JOHNNIE DODDS BOULEVARD -2% = 9 fewer veh CLIFFWOOD DRIVE +1% = 5 more veh TALL PINE ROAD -19% = 308 fewer veh LANSING DRIVE – 24-hr traffic count location 5  Change in 85th % Measured Speeds Within The Groves (2015 to 2017) 1 mph increase (28/29 mph Before/After) LAKEVIEW DRIVE JOHNNIE DODDS BOULEVARD 2 mph increase (26/28 mph Before/After) CLIFFWOOD DRIVE 2 mph increase (26/28 mph Before/After) TALL PINE ROAD 3 mph reduction (30/27 mph Before/After) LANSING DRIVE – 24-hr traffic count location 6 The Groves – Before and After Traffic Data Comparison • Daily Traffic Volumes  Reduction of approximately 300 daily trips on Lansing Drive (-19%) • Traffic Speeds  Lansing Drive saw a 3-6 mph speed reduction  The after study speeds ranged between 27- 29mph  Reasonable speed compliance in both the Before and After conditions 7 2 Residents Response/Requests Residents Response/Request • Lansing Drive  Request for an additional speed hump between the existing speed hump and the intersection of Palm Street  Concerns that speeds are still too high • Cliffwood Drive  Request for an all way stop at Cliffwood Drive (Coleman Blvd leg) and Japonica Road  Concern regarding speeds and sight distance at the intersection 9 3 Department Findings Department Findings • Lansing Drive  Counts conducted on 05/12/17 revealed an 85th% of 27 mph (Same as After Study)  Installation of additional speed hump is feasible • Cliffwood Drive  The stop bar on Japonica has been relocated closer to the intersection to alleviate any sight distance issues  Counts conducted on 06/25/17 revealed an 85th% of 25 mph  No additional action recommended 11 Questions?  New Wando Bridge approach from the south also showing the marina and new ball field complex Aerial of the New and Old Bridge Berkeley County Side Approach New SC-41 Intersection at Clements Ferry Road