Transportation Committee

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Monday, October 1, 2018 Municipal Complex, Committee Meeting Room, 3rd Floor 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 MINUTES Members Present: Mayor Will Haynie, Chair; Bob Brimmer, Joe Bustos, Kevin Cunnane Staff Present: Eric DeMoura, Brad Morrison, Paul Lykins Mayor Haynie called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. 1. Approval of Minutes from the August 6, 2018 meeting Mr. Bustos moved for approval of the minutes; motion seconded by Mr. Brimmer. Motion carried unanimously. 2. Public Comments Lauren Sigler, 3424 Salterbeck Street, expressed concern relating to speeding in the Abbey subdivision in Park West stating that residents are dealing with the backlash of being a cut through road to access the Park West Boulevard traffic signal. Heather Ley, 3373 Stockdale Street, expressed concern relating to speeding in the Abbey subdivision in Park West stating that a permanent solution to the speed issue needs to be identified. 3. Employee years of service recognition Mr. Morrison recognized Cathy Godsey for five (5) years of service to the Town of Mount Pleasant. 4. Discussion of traffic concerns in the Abbey subdivision in Park West Mr. Brimmer stated that several months ago, a resident from the Abbey expressed to Council members the difficulties with speeding and that Council  Transportation Committee Minutes October 1, 2018 Page 2 of 10 members have received at least one email from residents explaining the situation now. As a Park West resident, he is very familiar with the area and understands that the original master plan for this area in Park West was designed to be a commercial area and over the years, the developer transitioned the area into a residential neighborhood. Wando High School, commercial and residential traffic has increased, and speeding has become an issue in the area. Residents have requested potential traffic calming and several options have been discussed. Some options are not feasible because of the Town ordinance, but has asked staff if installing speed limit signs is a consideration. The signs have been used on McCants Drive and alert drivers to their speed. It is not the best solution, but the signs will make drivers more aware of how fast they are traveling in a residential area, potentially contributing to some reduction in speed. Mayor Haynie asked if Mr. Brimmer was referring to the radar feedback signs. Mr. Brimmer replied in the affirmative, stating that one (1) radar sign on Stockdale Street and another coming off Park Avenue Boulevard to alert drivers that they are in a residential area could potentially keep them from accelerating through the area. The idea is for the Committee to consider the possibility for some type of traffic calming in the area and to provide staff the opportunity to comment on the viability of the radar signs or any other measures to help the area. Mr. Bustos stated that he travels the area regularly and is familiar with how drivers respond to traffic patterns in the area. Traffic signals have been discussed, but a warrant study was conducted for the intersection at Faison Road and Park Avenue Boulevard that did not support the installation of a traffic signal. He suggested the study did not consider traffic from Wando High School and Oceanside Collegiate Academy and that there should be a way to bypass the warrant study for the installation of a traffic signal at Faison Road. Mr. Cunnane stated that he previously had an office where the Park West preschool is located, noting that the area is extremely problematic, and the  Transportation Committee Minutes October 1, 2018 Page 3 of 10 solution being offered is the flashing signs and questioned if the signs were effective for only an initial period of time. Mr. Morrison stated that what has been observed in the pilot project is that speed reductions on McCants Drive ranged from two to seven (2-7) miles per hour (mph). What is more relevant is the devices appear to be most effective when a driver enters the signed road from a roadway with a higher posted speed limit, or in this instance, Park West Boulevard and Park Avenue Boulevard. The signs on McCants Drive have been in place for approximately one (1) year and some additional studies will be performed. Mr. Cunnane stated that it was his understanding that the radar signs were effective when initially installed, but less effective the longer they have been in place. Mr. Morrison replied that he did not recall if that was part of the discussion, but the information he is emphasizing is directly from the previous memo on the matter. The concern of installing any speed control device is that it could become ineffective over time. Mr. Cunnane inquired if the issue would be eliminated by extending the median where Salterbeck Street meets Park Avenue Boulevard and Stockdale Street and converting it into a dedicated right turn lane. Mr. Morrison asked Mr. Cunnane for clarification to his suggestion. Mr. Cunnane stated that if Salterbeck Street were blocked off, there would be no incoming traffic. Mr. Morrison responded that may be a fairly restrictive approach to what is being suggested as a speeding problem. Staff would prefer to make other recommendations before implementing that type of approach, as it would also limit resident travel. Staff is in the design process of the Stockdale Street/Park West Boulevard intersection improvements and the Committee will be presented with concepts in the next several months. The improvement could draw traffic to Stockdale Street as it is the major collector roadway between the two (2) developments. Accordingly, Stockdale Street is not eligible for speed humps because it is a major collector and carries a  Transportation Committee Minutes October 1, 2018 Page 4 of 10 higher volume. The recommendation previously considered for the feedback signs were for situations where roadway was not eligible for the speed hump program, as the signs can be installed without creating a physical restriction on the roadway. Mayor Haynie asked if Mr. Morrison was referring to Stockdale Street. Mr. Morrison replied in the affirmative, stating that Stockdale Street is not eligible for speed humps. Mayor Haynie asked if Salterbeck Street was eligible for speed humps. Mr. Morrison replied that Salterbeck Street is eligible in the sense that on the Traffic Calming Map it is shown as eligible, but the guidance regarding the minimum length of a roadway is one thousand fifty (1050) feet, which is the minimum distance for two (2) humps placed between two (2) stop-controlled intersections. In this instance, just like we have at other locations, not everything fits in that box, as half the street is commercial and the other seven hundred seventy (770) ft. is residential. Speed humps could be placed on the residential portion; however they would have to be spaced much closer together. If the Committee wanted to consider allowing the street section for speed humps it would advisable for the neighborhood to go through the applications process and staff can work them in to the current year program. On Stockdale Street, radar feedback signs could be considered. Mr. Cunnane asked what options for traffic calming are available if the roadway is not eligible for speed humps. Mr. Morrison replied that an all way stop could be considered at the intersection of the last commercial driveway. Mr. Cunnane commented that there are driveways on both sides and that it is an intersection. Mr. Morrison stated that a stop sign is typically not an effective traffic calming measure, but it could be effective in certain situations. Mr. Cunnane asked if the Mount Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) has had the opportunity to collect speeds utilizing the traffic trailer.  Transportation Committee Minutes October 1, 2018 Page 5 of 10 Chief Ritchie replied in the negative, stating that direct enforcement has increased throughout Park West. Mr. Bustos asked Mr. Morrison if when turning right on to Park Avenue, if the apartment complex is connected to that in any way. Mr. Morrison replied that the Park Avenue Boulevard apartments do not feed into Salterbeck Street. Mr. Haynie asked if we had any authority to lower the speed limit. Mr. Morrison replied that any change from our standard ordinance of twenty- five (25) mph on all residential streets in Mount Pleasant must be supported by a speed study. From a traffic engineering standpoint, setting an unrealistically low speed limit becomes problematic for enforcement on a roadway that is designed for twenty-five (25) mph. Mr. Bustos commented that it is a short residential area and a speed hump would force people to start slowing down before the stop sign. Mr. Morrison stated that the option has been examined and suggested if the Committee found it acceptable, these individuals could apply for humps through the traffic calming program. If the eighty-fifth percentile (85th%-tile) speed meets the minimum thirty (30) mph, then it appears there is room for two (2) speed humps on the roadway, likely spaced at three hundred to four hundred (300-400) ft. apart. He noted that spacing would be less than the typical spacing. Mayor Haynie asked if the process included putting out data collectors first. Mr. Morrison replied in the affirmative. Mr. Bustos stated that in Charleston National, temporary rubber speed cushions were installed and later converted to permanent speed humps and questioned if speed cushions could be an option. Mr. Morrison replied that would be at the Committee’s discretion, noting that it would be advisable to go through the traffic calming program to collect and analyze the data. The speed cushions in Charleston National were installed in response to Wando High School traffic.  Transportation Committee Minutes October 1, 2018 Page 6 of 10 Mr. Bustos inquired how long it would take conduct the study. Mr. Morrison stated that it is very quick to collect the data and staff could collect it as early as next week. The petition process may take longer, because minimally you would want the entire neighborhood to participate. Staff will be presenting traffic calming recommendations to the Committee in February. Mr. Bustos questioned if, in the interim until February, speed cushions could be installed. Mr. Morrison stated that decision would be at the Committee’s discretion. Mr. Bustos moved to install speed cushions on Salterbeck Street as an interim measure until recommendations can be presented to the Committee in February noting that he does not think it will interrupt the collection of data. Mayor Haynie asked if the motion included the installation of the radar feedback signs. Mr. Bustos amended the motion to include the installation of the radar feedback signs on Stockdale, inquiring if the radar feedback signs collect data for targeted enforcement. Mr. Morrison replied in the affirmative, stating that the signs collect data also. Mr. Cunnane asked if drivers had reached their travel speed by the time they reach that location. Mr. Morrison replied in the affirmative. Mayor Haynie stated that motion had been amended to include both traffic calming measures. Mr. Cunnane seconded the motion. Mayor Haynie asked the residents if there was any further input. Unknown Resident stated that drivers are turning onto Stockdale Street from Park West Boulevard and are traveling fifty (50) mph in front of her house.  Transportation Committee Minutes October 1, 2018 Page 7 of 10 Unknown Resident, commented that there is no crosswalk at the intersection and that parents and children must walk an extra half mile to the crosswalk creating an extra mile for a seven-year-old to walk to school. Mayor Haynie asked for clarification that the resident was referring to the intersection across from Park West Boulevard stating that the Town is in the process of designing and widening the intersection and asked Mr. Morrison if the issue could be examined. Mr. Morrison replied in the affirmative, stating that the issue has been discussed extensively and a study would need to be conducted by Charleston County School District (CCSD) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) for concurrence on a new crosswalk. The Stockdale intersection is very active with traffic and that is the reason the current crosswalk location was determined the safest for a high intensity crosswalk treatment. Mr. Brimmer suggested the future roundabout could providing a safer pedestrian crossing at Stockdale Street. Mr. Morrison replied that pedestrian crossings would be considered with any improvements to the intersection and noted the Committee asked the Charleston County Transportation Committee (CTC) to fund the recently completed sidewalk from Stockdale Street to the crosswalk to provide better connectivity. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Bustos asked the unknown resident if her house faces Stockdale Street. Unknown Resident replied in the affirmative. Mr. Bustos asked staff if that is where one of the radar feedback signs will be installed. Mr. Morrison stated that the most effective locations would be as shown on the graphic, which is near the intersection of Salterbeck Street and approximately one hundred fifty (150) ft. up Stockdale Street from Park West Boulevard.  Transportation Committee Minutes October 1, 2018 Page 8 of 10 Mr. Brimmer stated that the goal is to not let drivers get up to speed before they see that they are speeding. Mr. Bustos commented that by the fitness center, vehicles are parked on the shoulder of the road in addition to the turning traffic at the daycare center and that by the time drivers are past the commercial area, they are accelerating through the residential area. The start of the residential area would be a good location to install another radar feedback sign. Mayor Haynie asked how long it will take for the issue to be addressed. Mr. Morrison stated that staff needs to procure and install the devices. Mayor Haynie stated that he would like for the residents to be able to leave the meeting knowing a timeline to expect some progress. Mr. Morrison replied that the process could take approximately sixty to ninety (60-90) days and the cost is approximately three thousand dollars ($3,000) each and ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for the installation if three devices were used instead of two. 5. Update – Ongoing Projects Mayor Haynie asked for an update on the progress of Coleman Boulevard Revitalization project. Mr. Lykins stated that the majority of the sidewalk and curb and gutter work is complete on the westbound lanes and paving is in progress, noting that the landscaping and lighting are the last remaining items which are expected to be completed in approximately five to ten (5-10) days prior to the new traffic shift to the eastbound lanes. Mayor Haynie inquired when the next traffic shift is anticipated. Mr. Lykins replied that the traffic shift is expected to occur on October 15, 2018. Mayor Haynie asked if staff would be alerting residents to the new traffic pattern. Mr. Lykins responded in the affirmative.  Transportation Committee Minutes October 1, 2018 Page 9 of 10 Mr. Brimmer stated that he attended a meeting with County staff for an update on the status of the SC 41 project and that there are some opportunities for the Town. He would like the item to placed on the November Committee meeting agenda to discuss some actions with Council to move the project forward. Mayor Haynie agreed that the discussion be included on the November agenda. Mr. Morrison stated that a mini-roundabout at Paul Foster and Belle Hall Parkway has been funded. The mini-roundabout will be the first in Mount Pleasant, noting that it will be smaller and does not require the same infrastructure as a standard roundabout. Mayor Haynie questioned if the mini roundabout will be installed in the existing right-of-way. Mr. Morrison replied in the affirmative. He also noted the current bus stop located on Houston Northcutt Boulevard in front of the Harris Teeter shopping center will be relocated to the Watermark Plaza area and the project may require a small amount of land acquisition. This would be a great project to include a high intensity pedestrian crossing with a mid-block pedestrian refuge due to the heavy activity between the two (2) bus stops. Mr. Cunnane questioned if there was any possibility of revisiting the median issue on Coleman Boulevard. Mr. Lykins replied in the negative, explaining the project is too far underway and that staff was directed by Council to only remove the on-street parking associated with the current project. Mr. Cunnane inquired if the on-street parking at the Boulevard will be removed. Mr. Lykins replied in the negative, stating that the removal of the on-street parking was for the new areas. Mr. Cunnane questioned that if the parking, bike lane and two (2) travel lanes remain, would it not be counterproductive to the bike lane.  Transportation Committee Minutes October 1, 2018 Page 10 of 10 Mr. Lykins replied in the negative, stating that the project will have bike lanes in each direction of Coleman Boulevard. The on-street parking has been removed from the design at the Hibben United Methodist Church, Brookgreen Town Center and the Moultrie Middle School locations. Mr. Cunnane questioned how one property has special exception. Mr. Morrison replied the Boulevard was constructed in 2013. Mr. Cunnane asked if the road is being rebuilt. Mr. DeMoura replied in the negative, stating that the project limits are outside of the current scope of work. 6. Adjourn There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:38 p.m. Respectfully submitted by, Cathy Godsey October 4, 2018 Traffic Concerns in the Abbey Subdivision in Park West Transportation CIP Project Updates October, 2018 Ongoing CIP Construction • Coleman Boulevard Revitalization New 2018 CIP Design • Long Point Road Extension • Coleman Boulevard and Patriot’s Point Intersection Improvements • Billy Swails Boulevard Phase 4B • Shem Creek Bridge Bike Lanes • Park West Boulevard Widening • All American Boulevard Extension • Maritime Port District Improvements • Park West Boulevard and Stockdale Street Improvements  Coleman Boulevard Revitalization Contractor: Blythe Development Start Date: September 11, 2017 Completion Date: December 27, 2019 Status: Stage 1 – Westbound • Mainline Coleman Westbound - Paving on Coleman westbound lanes. All drainage, sidewalk and curb to be completed is complete. Lighting installation should begin in two weeks and palm tree installation 2nd week in October. • Stage 2 Eastbound traffic control shift to scheduled for October 15.  Coleman Boulevard Revitalization Project Progress as of September 28, 2018 • 4000 Feet of Storm Drain • 2,000 Feet of Lighting and Irrigation Conduits • 45 Drainage Structures • Simmons Street Force Main Relocation • 3 Water Quality Treatment Devices • Simmons Street Gravity Sewer Relocation • 2,700 Feet of Curb and Gutter • Simmons Street Gravity Sewer Repair • 2,500 Feet of Sidewalk • Simmons Street Paving • Fairmont Avenue Force Main Relocation • 2,400 Feet of New Waterline on Coleman • 3 Waterline Relocations Completed Long Point Road Extension Project Cost Estimate: • $16,810,000 Fully funded via adoption of 2019-2023 CIP Designer: JMT Completion Date: • Design: September 2019 Construction: September 2022 Status: • Currently analyzing alignment alternatives between US 17 and Billy Swails Blvd. per Council direction. Report of these alternatives in November. • Design of road between Billy Swails Blvd. and Rifle Range Boone Hall Plantation Christ Church Patriot’s Point Gateway Intersection Improvements Project Cost Estimate: • $6,765,800 Fully funded via adoption of 2019-2023 CIP Consultant: STV Incorporated Completion Date: • Design: February 2019 Permitting: June 2019 • Construction: June 2021 Status: Right of Way plans to be submitted for review this month. Right of way acquisition should begin in November. Utility coordination is ongoing.  Billy Swails Boulevard 4B Project Cost Estimate: • $12,568,497 ($2,568,497 TOMP and $10,000,000 Federal) Designer: Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. Completion Date: Design: August 2020 Construction: August 2022 Status: • Currently, several alignment alternatives are being reviewed through the NEPA process. Wetlands have been delineated and most field work has been completed. Traffic study is completed in a draft format and will be finalized when the preferred alignment Shem Creek Bridge Bike Lanes Project Cost Estimate: • $791,000 ($158,000 TOMP and $633,000 Federal) Consultant: CDM Smith Completion Date: • Design: December 2018 • Construction: December 2019 Status: Held public information meeting. Currently developing preliminary plans and awaiting SCDOT approval of Project Planning Report and design exception. Park West Boulevard Widening Project Cost Estimate: • $8,517,445 – Fully funded via adoption of 2019-2023 CIP Consultant: Mead and Hunt Completion Date: • Design: December 2018 – Construction: June 2021 Status: • The roundabout design has been revised to delete additional ROW needs from Foxmoor HOA property. Utility coordination and engineering is ongoing. • Final design to be completed in December. All American Boulevard Extension Project Cost Estimate: • $5,171,000 – Fully funded via adoption of 2019-2023 CIP Consultant: Mead and Hunt Design: March 2018 - December 2019 Construction: March 2020 – December 2021 Status: • Designer is currently working on alignment alternatives. • Wetlands have been delineated. • Currently working to get Phase 1 designer under contract for plan revisions and right of way acquisition for that phase.  Maritime Port District Improvements Study Project Cost Estimate: • $163,458 for concept study – $2,000,000 funded via adoption of 2019-2023 CIP Consultant: CDM Smith Concept Study: August 2018 - January 2019 Construction: NA Status: • Field Surveys are underway. Traffic field work completed. • Meetings with SCSPA and other stakeholders are planned. Intersection Improvements Roadway Extension Corridor Analysis and Cross Section Study  Park West Boulevard and Stockdale Street Improvements Project Cost Estimate: • Concept Design: $200,000 Consultant: Mead and Hunt Concept Study: October 2018 - September 2019 Construction: NA Status: Staff currently reviewing proposal and scope of work from Mead and Hunt.  PARK WEST BOULEVARD AND STOCKDALE STREET IMPROVEMENTS Intersection Improvement  Transportation Sales Tax (TST) Projects • Park West Boulevard sidewalk from Stockdale Street to the recreation complex is complete. • Anna Knapp Boulevard sidewalk from Johnnie Dodds Boulevard to Hibben Ferry is complete. • Belle Hall Parkway and Paul Foster Mini Roundabout. Charleston Transportation Committee (CTC) Projects • Pelzer Drive sidewalk is complete • Lansing Drive sidewalk project is currently under design. • Seacoast Parkway sidewalk project is currently in design and additional right of way needs are being evaluated. • Cottingham Drive sidewalk design to be funded next year.  Other Projects • SC 41 Widening • Patriot’s Point Realignment • Maritime Port District – Project kick-off meeting held. Surveying and field data collection is underway. • Belle Hall Queue Lane – Complete. • Wando Park S/W – Complete. • OV Traffic Study – Ongoing. • Signals – Ben Sawyer Boulevard/Center Street, US17/Faison Road, SC41/Harpers Ferry Way. • Park West Blvd & Stockdale Street Improvements Belle Hall Parkway at Paul Foster Road Mini Roundabout Houston Northcutt Boulevard Transit Shelter