12/08/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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.. . Mr. Hanks stated that he feels there are certain merits in the toll booth solution which was brought up in a meeting of the East and West Butte neigh- bors, which he and Joe Hessler attended. Four-way "STOP" signs are serious traffic matters. Putting "STOP"signs in where they are inappropriate can cause serious problems and accidents. However, with the change in traffic flow, one may be needed, but that will be treated as a separate issue. In regard to larger and greater quantity of speed limit signs, this can be done but he does not feel that will change drivers' behavior. Mr. Delay stated that the size and numbers of "STOP" siqns have little to do with traffic in comparison with changes in the physical nature of the street. He asked if something could be done with curbs to provide a more constricted feeling. Mr. Hanks stated that they are working on a project like this on Augusta Street. When it is finished, it can then be assessed. Some people who thought that project was good at first are now not sure. The Federal Highway Administration is conducting experiments with a special design of speed bumps. The special design would lower traffic speeds from five to seven miles per hour without negative effect. Typical speed bumps have a real 1 i abil ity factor. These speed bumps would have to have Federal sponsor- ship to reduce liability, but they might be the real solution to the problem. Mr: Lieuallen asked what relationship there is with speed bumps and the Agate and 14th streets intersection. Mr. Hanks stated that they are somewhat similar, but there is greater visibility there for the driver due to the gradual rise. Mr. Lieuallen stated that another idea was a wide raised walkway from Campbell Senior Center to High Street. Mr. Hanks stated that that particular type of . walkway qives pedestrians a false sense of security, but really does not affect drivers. Mr. Lieuallen asked him if he had facts to use as a basis for this opinion. Mr. Hanks stated that he would research this item and bring back the information. Additionally, however, painted crosswalks are six times more dangerous than those which are unpainted. Mr. Lieuallen stated that there is a real need for a solution so staff should be encouraged to continue looking at the problem. One issue which has not been dealt with is traffic on the south side of the butte on 4th Avenue. He asked if there was a likelihood that traffic on that street would increase. Mr. Hanks stated that it could. How- ever, no additional "STOP" sign would change that very much. There is no proposed solution. There is a lonq-ranqe, high-capital-cost solution for the 1st and 4th avenues connector. If that were built, it would bypass this neigh- borhood. The reason this street is used is because people do not have to cross the railroad tracks to get from 1st Street to River Road. Ms. Miller noted that any of these potential solutions could present more traffic on 5th Avenue which already has a problem. Traffic is only going to be shifted from one street to another. Artificial narrowing of streets does not necessarily work. She stated that traffic statistics from the University area are different from statistics in other areas. A diverter now may not be the answer to the problem, but it could be a start. She is somewhat skeptical about diverting people through parking lots, but is willing to give it a try. . MINUTES--Eugene City Council December 8, 1980 Page 13