Stop Signs Jefferson & Spruce SMEMORANDUM
December 5, 2003
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Stop Signs at Jefferson Street and Spruce Street
A request was received from the Police Department to investigate the need for
additional traffic control at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Spruce Street. This
intersection is currently an uncontrolled intersection. A review of the accident reports
indicates that there have been three accidents at this intersection in the last four years.
Because of the low volume of traffic, this translates into a relatively high accident rate.
Public Works Director Mike Koch recommends the installation of stop signs for traffic on
Jefferson Street at Spruce Street.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Michael A. Koch, Public Works Director
MEMORANDUM
December 8, 2003
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Michael A. Koch, Public Works Director
Stop Signs at Jefferson Street and Spruce Street
INTRODUCTION
This is in response to a request from the Police Department to investigate the
need for additional traffic control at the intersection of Jefferson Street and
Spruce Streets.
DISCUSSION
The intersection of Jefferson and Spruce Streets is currently an uncontrolled
intersection, which means that the right-of-way is determined by State code and
City ordinance that requires motorists to yield to the vehicle on the right.
A review of accident reports indicates that there have been three accidents at
this intersection in the last four years. Because of the low volume of traffic, this
translates into a relatively high accident rate. Three of the four quadrants of the
intersection contain features that present considerable sight distance restrictions.
The safe approach speed for all legs of the intersection is below that which is
considerable acceptable.
While the potential for simultaneous vehicle arrivals at the intersection is
relatively Iow based on the traffic volumes, there are other conditions that require
consideration.
Northbound motorists on Spruce are ascending a street with a 22% grade. For a
vehicle traveling in this direction to start again after stopping or slowing for a
vehicle on the right (westbound traffic on Jefferson) presents a less than ideal
situation, particularly in inclement' weather. Also, southbound motorists on
Spruce are descending a street with a 12% grade making stopping more difficult
in snow or ice conditions. For comparison, the grade of Jefferson near the
intersection of Spruce is 5%.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the investigation of the intersection, I recommend the installation of
stop signs for traffic on Jefferson Street at Spruce Street.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
The City Council is requested to pass the attached ordinance requiring traffic on
Jefferson Street to stop for traffic on Spruce Street.
Prepared by Bill Schlickman, Traffic Engineering
SITE LOCATION
Not To Scale
PURPOSE:
Jefferson Street
~ICINITY MAP
Showing the Spirit
ORDINANCE NO. 102-03
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA, BY MODIFYING SUBSECTION (b) OF
SECTION 32-214 THEREOF PROVIDING FOR THE ADDITION OF
STOP SIGNS ON JEFFERSON STREET AT SPRUCE STREET
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CLTY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1.
That the Code of Ordinances of the City of Dubuque,
Iowa, by adding Jefferson Street to Subsection (b) of
Section 32-214 thereof as follows:
"Sec. 32-214.
Stop Intersections.
(b)
Eastbound and Westbound
Jefferson Street and Spruce Street
Passed, approved and
December 2003.
adopted this 15th day of
Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor
Jeanne F. Schneider. CMC, City Clerk