Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Traffic Calming topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Traffic commission asks staff to evaluate pavement speed-limit markings on Crest Road and other arterials
Summary
After discussing California MUTCD guidance, commissioners asked staff to research costs, locations and Association coordination for painting speed-limit pavement markings as a traffic-calming tool.
The Traffic Commission directed staff on Sept. 25 to further evaluate whether pavement-painted speed-limit markings should be placed on Crest Road and other arterials, and to return with a more detailed report that includes recommended locations, coordination with the Rolling Hills Community Association (RHCA) and cost estimates.
Traffic Engineer Vanessa Munoz told commissioners the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (California MUTCD) allows pavement markings for regulatory signs subject to engineering judgment. “It is a tool to complement or… reinforce the idea of the speed limit,” Munoz said, noting the marking is optional and most often used near schools or entrances.
Commissioners discussed consistency and maintenance concerns; Munoz recommended consistent placement to avoid resident confusion and suggested pairing pavement markings with other measures where appropriate. Staff and a deputy said they have observed such markings in other Southern California jurisdictions but they are not widespread.
Commissioner Judith requested staff contact Malibu (which uses some pavement markings uphill of Pacific Coast Highway) to learn whether the city found the markings effective. Commissioners also asked staff to consult RHCA because the association maintains the streets and stripe work in the private roadway areas; staff said it may be preferable to include any pavement-marking work as part of planned paving or striping projects rather than as a stand-alone item.
The commission’s direction to staff was procedural: investigate recommended locations (Crest Road, Eastfield and Portuguese Bend were discussed), estimate costs and maintenance implications, and return with a detailed recommendation at a future meeting. The commission approved the staff request for further evaluation by voice vote.
