SC-Coppell HS-CS 890711July 11, 1989
MEMORANDUM
TO: Russell R D , P.E., City Engineer
FROM: Shohre Da nd, Civil Engineer ~
RE:
SCHOOL ZONES EVALUATION
SUBJECT: CROSSWALKS ON SANDY LAKE ROAD AT SAMUEL BOULEVARD - AND
MEADOWRUN
As per your request, I reviewed and studied the above referenced subject,
per your memo dated July 1, 1989. In the short period of time given, I
have used the 1980 Texas MIJTCD and the City of Plano's "School Zone
Traffic Control Guidelines" and checked with area Cities on similar
subjects. As a result, I would like to make the following comments,
followed by my recommendation, based on my findings, and the best
available information:
COMMENTS:
Per MUTCD, the type of school area traffic control devices used, must
be related to ... the volume and speed of traffic ... street width
... and the number of children crossing.
A School Route Plan is suggested , per the MUTCD,as the first step
taken toward an effective school safety program. Such plan should
consider, the streets within the school boundary area .... and
proposed route to be used by the school children. This plan is not
available, to my knowledge, at this time.
It is my understanding that sidewalks will be installed on the south
side of Sandy Lake Road, from Samuel Boulevard to Meadowrun Drive,
and on the west side of Samuel Boulevard from the school property to
Sandy Lake Road. In my reconu~endation, I will assume this part as a
given factor for consideration of crosswalks.
I met with Officer Kelley, and he indicated to me that the requested
crosswalks, if allowed and installed, will enable those students,
grades 4 and 5, who reside in the northeastern section of the City,
north of Sandy Lake Road, to walk to school on Mockingbird Lane, as
some may choose to walk instead of ride to school.
As per your memo ,the location of two crosswalks on Sandy Lake Road
at Meadowrun Drive and Samuel Boulevard, have been requested and
therefore, are given in this plan. According to Officer Kelley,
there may be up to 40 (+/-) students using each crosswalk. It is
also my understanding that there will be a crossing guard at each
crosswalk.
I would like to make the following recommendations with the first one on
the list as my first recommended plan:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1) Per MUTCD and Piano's guide, school routes should be planned to take
advantage of existing traffic controls. For this reason, since the
3-way intersection at Sandy Lake Road and Samuel Boulevard is
signalized, the existing school speed zone in that vicinity should be
removed, to take advantage of existing signalization. Please note
that the cars will come to a complete stop at the red light, before
the crossing guard directs students to walk across Sandy lake Road;
therefore, there will be no need for the existing school speed zone.
(See Attachment
To protect the second crosswalk on Sandy Lake Road at Meadowrun
Drive, a school speed zone should be established, along with
appropriate traffic signs, as shown on Attachment
In this plan the needed protection at both crosswalks, are provided,
and also the length of the school speed zone is kept to a minimum to
be effective and functional.
2) If there are any factors not covered in this study, which may be the
reason(s) to keep existing school speed zone on Sandy Lake Road, I
then would recommend that the school speed zone on Sandy Lake Road be
extended to cover the crosswalk at Meadowrun Drive, along with
appropriate traffic signs. (See Attachment 'B"). Please note that
the intention is to protect said crosswalk, although a lengthy school
speed zoine is generally not recommended.
In any of the above cases, the following traffic signs and markings are
recommended:
The proposed crosswalks and the school speed zone be installed
according to the 1980 Texas MUTCD.
Advance crossing signs and school crossing signs be installed per
section 7 B-9 and 7 B-10 of MUTCD. (See attached sketch) - (Not to
scale).
Traffic signs stating "Resume Speed 35 MPH" be installed at the end
of the school speed zones, MUTCD.
In order to uncover any defects in existing and proposed school zone
traffic control devices, follow-up field checks should be conducted
periodically.
Please note that as we have discussed, there may be other data which would
assist us more in this type of study, such as traffic counts, exact number
of students using crosswalks, a SChool Route Plan, and a general guideline
that may show the practice in the City for School Area Traffic Control,
etc.
I would also like to suggest a meeting among concerned and affected
parties from the Coppelt I.S.D. and the City, to go over this proposed
plan, or any other suggestions, to make sure that all the questions and
concerns are addressed prior to the implementation of such plan.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
SD/lsg
SCHZNS
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