101-Staff Report.pdf
PUBLIC WORKSDEPARTMENT
CITY HALL
1010300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
TELEPHONE: (408) 777-3354www.cupertino.org
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting:May 3, 2011
Subject
Consider an Ordinance to place stop signs on Bandley Drive at Mariani Avenue.
Recommended Action
Conduct first reading of Ordinance No. 11-_____, Amending Section 11.20.030 of the Cupertino
Municipal Code Relating to Establishment of All Directional Vehicular Stop Required at Certain
Intersections;Bandley Drive at Mariani Avenue.
Discussion
The intersection of Bandley Drive and Mariani Avenue is a T-intersection that is currently
controlled by a stop sign on Mariani Avenue, the minor street approach. There are no stop signs
on Bandley Drive. A crosswalk across Bandley exists on the south side of the intersection, and a
crosswalk across Mariani exists on the east side. See Attachment Bfor a diagram of the
intersection. Traffic volumes through the intersection are fairly heavy during the morning and
afternoon commute periods, and pedestrian volumes are also heavy at times. The intersection is
on a walking route to Lawson Middle School. Connectivity needs between multiple buildings
leased by Apple have also caused greater pedestrian volumes at this intersection.
The City has received requests from time to time to convert the intersection to an all-way STOP
by installing stop signs on Bandley. The State of California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control
Devices (MUTCD) prescribes specific warrantsthat should be met in order to justify installing
an all-way STOP. These warrants take in consideration traffic and pedestrian volumes, vehicle
speeds, vehicle delays, and accident history. Analysis of intersection operations with respect to
these warrants has typically indicated that an all-way STOP installation is not warranted.
Within the past three months, there have been two reported accidents at the intersection related to
left-turning vehicle conflicts. Also, within the past five years, there have also been two reported
accidents involving pedestrians in the crosswalks. This number of accidents is not sufficient in
itself to meet the warrants prescribed in the MUTCD; however, the MUTCD does allow the
engineer to consider the need to control left-turn conflicts, and the need to control
vehicle/pedestrian conflicts, in the determination as to whether an all-way stop installation is
warranted. It is staff’s opinion that the installation of stop signs on Bandley Drive will lead to a
reduction in these types of accidents in the future.
Authority is granted to local jurisdictions to place stop signs through Section 22450(b) of the
CVC, which states, “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a local authority may adopt
rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution providing for the placement of a stop sign at any
location on a highway under its jurisdiction where a stop sign would enhance traffic safety.”
Fiscal Impact
The cost of installing the signs and striping on Bandley Drive is incorporated into the annual
operational budget of Public Works staff. There is no additional fiscal impact for this work.
_____________________________________
Prepared by:David Stillman, Senior Civil Engineer
Reviewed by:Timm Borden, Director of Public Works
Approved for Submission by:David W. Knapp, City Manager
Attachments:
Attachment A-Ordinance
Attachment B-Diagram of the intersection