HomeMy WebLinkAbout14 - Corona del Mar Crosswalk UpdateAGENDA ITEM NO. I�
October 22, 002
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Public Works Department
Richard M. Edmonston
949 - 644 -3344
red monston()citv.newport- beach.ca.us
SUBJECT: CORONA DEL MAR CROSSWALK UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
DISCUSSION:
Staff has received numerous calls regarding a pedestrian accident at the intersection of
East Coast Highway and Iris Avenue that occurred on September 26, 2002. Several of
the callers were under the impression that the nineteen - year -old pedestrian was killed
in the accident. The accident report indicates he suffered a broken arm along with
various cuts and scrapes. A recent check with the Police Department indicates they
have not been contacted by anyone to indicate the injuries were more serious than
originally reported by the doctor at Western Medical Center.
Background
This location is one that has been a concern to Public Works Staff for many years and
past attempts to make improvements, such as the installation of a signal, have been
denied by Caltrans on the basis that the volume of vehicular traffic on Iris Avenue is
inadequate to justify a traffic signal. Caltrans has also been concerned that additional
signals in Corona del Mar will impede traffic flow. Previous City studies show negligible
impact from a signal at this location.
The Vision 2004 plan calls for an improvement to increase pedestrian safety at this
location. As the first step in this process, the current budget includes $100,000 to study
and to implement appropriate pedestrian safety improvements on Coast Highway in
Corona del Mar.
More recently, Staff has met with Caltrans' staff to discuss the proposed relinquishment of
Coast Highway from Jamboree Road to Newport Coast Drive. Caltrans has prepared a
document addressing what needs to be done in order to bring this section of roadway into
a "good state of repair." This study acknowledged the high accident rate at the Iris
Avenue intersection, but only proposed to address the problem by adding a few extra
signs. At the recent meeting Staff challenged Caltrans on the adequacy of the signage
proposal and requested the location be restudied for the installation of either a traffic
signal or a lighted crosswalk similar to the two they installed in Laguna Beach.
SUBJECT: CORONA DEL MAR CROSSWALK UPDATE
October 22, 2002
Page 2
Staff is aware of the safety issues at this location - both for drivers and pedestrians, and
will continue to be proactive in taking steps to address these issues.
Environmental Review: Not applicable.
Prepared by:
Submitted by:
Richard M..Edmonston, P.E. ( -Stephen ,8adum
Transportation and Development Services Manager Directr. of Public Works
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