Submitted By
Bill McKenna, Village Engineer
Reviewed By
A.M.Z.
Agenda Item Title
Title
An Ordinance Establishing All-Way Stops at the Intersection of South Boulevard and Scoville Avenue
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Overview
Overview
The Engineering Division recommends upgrading the intersection of South Boulevard with Scoville Avenue from a two-way to an all-way stop controlled intersection due to the high number of right angle collisions exceeding the warrants required for all-way stop controlled intersection; high pedestrian crossings for Oak Park River Forest (OPRF) students, farmer’s market visitors, and users of the Park District and athletic facilities; and because Scoville Avenue is a bike boulevard with a higher number of cyclists crossing South Boulevard. Other improvements for bump-outs and pavement markings for bikes are included as part of the 2023 Resurfacing of Various Streets project. There is a separate item at tonight’s Village Board meeting for a construction contract for these physical improvements.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Ordinance.
Background
During the design of the 23-2 Resurfacing of Various Streets project which included pedestrian, bike, and crosswalk improvements at the Scoville Avenue with South Boulevard intersection, staff reviewed the crash history of the Scoville Avenue with South Boulevard intersection to determine if the intersection was unsafe and should be upgraded to an all-way stop controlled intersection. Based on this review, staff recommends upgrading this intersection to an all-way stop for the following reasons. The intersection has had more than 5 crashes in the past 12-month period which meets warrants for all-way stops. The intersection’s crash rate exceeds the critical crash rate for the area which is a statistical tool used for determining if there is a higher percentage of crashes at an intersection as compared to the background statistical average. There is a high number of pedestrians who cross South Boulevard for OPRF, the farmer’s market, and for using the Park District’s and OPRF’s pool and athletic fields. Scoville Avenue is also part of the bike boulevard network and is intended to have improvements to help cyclists safely cross South Boulevard.
In addition to upgrading the intersection to an all-way stop controlled intersection, physical improvements for creating bump-outs on the south side of South Boulevard to improve pedestrian safety by shortening the crossing distance and improving visibility and high visibility green bike pavement markings are included as part of the 23-2 Resurfacing of Various Streets project. There is a separate agenda item at tonight’s meeting for the construction contract for the 23-2 Resurfacing project.
Pending Village Board concurrence on this Ordinance, staff will install the stop signs.
Fiscal Impact
Staff estimates it will cost less than $1,000 to install the stop signs. The FY23 Budget includes funding for this expenditure within account # 1001-43740-761-560634 (Public Works, Street Services, Sign Replacement).
DEI Impact
As mentioned, this intersection impacts many communities such as high school youth and cyclists. Creating safer intersections can encourage more individuals to partake in walking and biking activities that promote a healthier lifestyle and overall community.
Alternatives
The Board can delay action to gain additional information.
Previous Board Action
N/A.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A.