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Traffic commission approves rapid-flashing beacons on White Oak Ridge to boost trail crossing safety
Summary
The City Traffic Commission approved rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFBs) at a mid-block trail crossing on White Oak Ridge near Deep Spring Road after staff reported high pedestrian activity and recommended the installations; commissioners asked staff to collect baseline yield data for later evaluation.
The City Traffic Commission unanimously approved installing rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFBs) on White Oak Ridge about 260 feet east of Deep Spring Road to improve visibility for pedestrians crossing at mid-block trail ramps.
Staff recommended the change, saying the crossing links an open space north of the roadway with Santiago Hills Park to the south and that on-site observations showed pedestrian activity at the crossing ‘‘higher than average.’’ The staff presentation noted White Oak Ridge is a two-lane, 40-foot-wide roadway with parking on the south side and a 35 mph speed limit on the block in question.
Why it matters: staff said RRFBs are expected to ‘‘enhance visibility to motorists and improve vehicle yield rates when activated’’ and that the proposed beacons are similar to pedestrian equipment already used at other city crossings. During questions, Commissioner Redding asked whether staff had baseline yield-rate data that could be used to evaluate the installation after six months. Staff replied that yield measurements had not been collected but that pedestrian counts on the busiest days were ‘‘in the ballpark of 170 to 200’’ users and that yield data could be collected if the commission directed staff to do so.
Following discussion the commission moved, seconded and voted to approve the installation; the Chair announced the motion passed unanimously. Staff concluded the meeting by saying it would be available to collect additional performance data if requested.
The commission took no further amendments; the item passed and no additional action was recorded other than the commission’s authorization to proceed with installations and associated signal equipment work.
