TC 09-26-11 Meeting MinutesMEMORANDUM
COUNTY of FREDERICIK
Department of Planning and Development
TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: John A. Bishop, AICP, Deputy Director - Transportation
RE: Transportation Committee Report for Meeting of September , 2011
DATE: October 5, 2011
The Transportation Committee met on September 26, 2011 at 8:30 a.m.
Members Present
Chuck DeHaven (voting)
James Racey (voting)
Bryon Grigsby (voting)
Gary Oates (liaison PC)
Lewis Boyer (liaison Stephens City)
Members Absent
Mark Davis (liaison Middletown)
George Kriz (liaison PC)
Chris Collins (voting)
***Items Requiring Action***
1. Back Mountain Road Speed Concerns
540/665-5651
FAX: 540/665-6395
VDOT Engineering has reviewed the Back Mountain Road accident history and geometrics
and has determined that a speed study would not be warranted. They do, however, feel that
a highway safety improvement program analysis may be warranted and would like
concurrence from Frederick County regarding moving forward with this. See
communication from VDOT below.
We have performed a speed and crash analysis along the Route 600/Route 614 corridor from
Route 50 to Route 608. The speed analysis yielded that vehicles are traveling below the
speed limit except for the Rt 614 section.
Count Location Route 600 Route 600 Route 600
Route 600 Route 614
0.45 mi N Rt 55 0.20 mi N Rt 608S 6.57 mi N Rt 608N 1.37 mi N Rt 614 1.00 mi N Rt 600
Speed Limit (mph) 55 55 55 55 45
50th Percentile Speed (mph) 46.98 48.19 46.43 47.31 48.87
85th Percentile Speed (mph) 52.83 54.61 53.27 53.83 54.21
Pace of Speed (mph) 45-54 50-59 45-54 45-54 50-59
107 North Kent Street, Suite 202 • Winchester, Virginia 22601-5000
The crash analysis (from 2007 to 2009) revealed that there is a high number of crashes
within the study area but the crash and injury rates were close to Staunton's secondary roads
published crash and injury rates. Due to the recent number of fatality crashes, a detailed
analysis of the fatality crashes (from January 2007 to August 2011) was performed and
yielded that none of the fatality crashes were correctable due to driver error (i.e., No
restraint used, Alcohol or Drug use, Motorcycle hitting a Deer).
A comprehensive speed limit study is not necessary based on the speed and crash analysis.
However, due to the high number of crashes, please ask Frederick County officials if they
would like VDOT to pursue a HSIP analysis along the Rt 600/614 corridor to investigate if
other safety measure can be taken beside a speed limit reduction.
MOTION: Motion by Mr. Racey and seconded by Mr. Grigsby to recommend that the
Board accept VDOT's recommendation to perform a Highway Safety Improvement
Program analysis. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Reliance Road Speed Study
Attached (pages 5-9 of this report) please find the speed study conducted by VDOT on
Reliance Road. At this time, with the concurrence of state and local law enforcement,
VDOT is recommending a reduction in speed from 55 to 45 mph from the beginning of the
55 mph section (just east of Exit 302) to the Frederick County/Warren County line.
MOTION: Motion by Mr. Racey and seconded by Mr. Grigsby to recommend that the
Board accept VDOT's recommendation to reduce the speed limit on reliance road to 45
mph. Motion passed unanimously.
3. Tasker Road Speed Study
Attached (pages 10-14 of this report) please find the speed study conducted by VDOT on
Tasker Road. At this time, with the concurrence of state and local law enforcement, VDOT
is recommending a reduction in speed from 45 to 35 mph from Nature Drive to Spanish Oak
road.
MOTION: Motion by Mr. Racey and seconded by Mr. Grigsby to recommend that the
Board accept VDOT's recommendation to reduce the speed limit on Tasker Road between
Nature Drive and Spanish Oak Road from 45 mph to 35 mph. Motion passed unanimously.
6. Welltown Road/Rest Church Road Truck Restriction Update
Staff and Board members have been receiving complaints for some time now regarding an
increase in truck traffic on Welltown and Rest Church Road where heavy truck traffic was
believed to have been restricted. Investigation of the issue has revealed that the primary
reasons for this are new developments that have taken place since the original restriction
was put in place that have created `breaks' in the restriction. Staff is recommending that the
County request an updated restriction of these roadways that would account for these new
roadway developments. Specifically, staff is recommending that the County request a new
2
restriction that runs along Rest Church Road from Zachary Anne Lane to Welltown Road,
and along Welltown Road from Rest Church Road to Tyson Drive.
MOTION: Motion by Mr. Grigsby and seconded by Mr. Racey to recommend that the
Board direct staff to prepare the application for updating the truck restriction. Motion
passed unanimously.
***Items Not Requiring Action***
4. MPO Long Range Plan Update
Staff updated the Committee on the status of the MPO long range plan.
5. Capital Improvement Plan
Staff notified the Committee that the update of the Capital Improvement Plan is in progress
and provided them with the currently adopted plan for reference and discussion.
7. Other
Staff notified the Committee that they are coordinating with the County Administrator's office
on a revenue sharing application for the Russell 150 transportation improvements.
3
VDOT Speed Limit Study
Northwest Region Traffic Engineering
Date 09/19/2011
Study area:
Route No. 627
Street name Reliance Road
Jurisdiction: Frederick
From: US 11 (Valley Pike)
To: Frederick/Warren County Line
Length: 1.83 miles
Functional Class:
Rural Major Collector
Speed limit for study roadway
VDOT - Traffic Engineering
Traffic Engineer
This section of Route 627 is currently governed by an unposted 55 mph statutory speed limit and a
posted 45 mph speed limit by a resolution dated 1/11/1980. East of the Frederick/Warren County
Line is governed by a posted 45 mph speed limit by a resolution dated 2/2/2005.
Origin and Mature of Request:
This speed limit study is in reference to a request from the Edinburg Residency, on behalf of a citizen
to study this section of Route 627 for a speed limit reduction.
Study Results and Recommendation:
It is recommended a 45 -mph speed zone be installed for the study area as follows:
Route # 627 (Reliance Road)
County: Frederick
From: Frederick/Warren County Line (MP0.00)
To: Route 842 (MP1.32)
Length: 1.32 miles
The proposed 45 speed limit is 10 mph lower than the measured 85th percentile speeds and falls
slightly lower than the midpoint of the pace speed range. There are forty five (45) access points per
1.32 miles in the 55 mph speed zone of the study area equates to thirty four (34) access points per
CO.34 Rte 627 Speed Study
09/19/11
mile which is defined as having high density access by the Highway Capacity Manual definition. Also
the 55 mph speed zone is surrounded at both ends by 45 mph speed zones. Based on the high
density access and providing a consistent speed zoning along a larger travel corridor with similar
roadway characteristics supports the speed reduction.
Shady Details:
A. Speed Data
Twenty-four hour speed samples were secured on May 3, 2011 at two locations using data collectors
with pneumatic road tubes. The results are as follows -
Location -
ollows:
Location:
85th percentile speed
50th percentile speed
Pace Speed:
0.25 miles W 1-81
46.75 mph
41.60 mph
40-49 mph
B. Road characteristics:
Physical Roadway:
0.50 miles E 1-81
55.47 mph
49.00 mph
50-59 mph
Route 627 is a two-lane, two-way, undivided roadway with an average measured pavement width of
24 feet and six to eight foot shoulders. The vertical alignment follows the flat to gently rolling terrain
and the grades are relatively flat throughout the study area. The 1-81 overpass has a gently sloping
vertical crest. The horizontal alignment has four curves, three of which are located in the 55 mph
speed zone. Also the lack of a center turn lane along the study area has the potential for conflicts and
rear end type crashes.
The 2009 published traffic count for this section of Route 627 is 2,000 vpd. Twenty-four hour traffic
counts collected at the two speed sample locations have a weighted average of 3,287 vpd.
Traffic Control Devices:
Route 627 has a double yellow centerline throughout the study area and a stop sign and stop bar
controlling the right of way at its approach to the intersection of US 11. Stop signs are also on the
side street approaches.
C. Roadside development and environment:
Between US 111 and the 1-81 interchange, the roadside development along Route 627 consists of
commercial properties on both sides of the road. Between 1-81 interchange and the Frederick/Warren
County Line consist primarily of residential properties on both sides of the roadway. The 45 mph
speed zone has six (6) access points comprised of one (1) intersection, three (3) commercial
entrances and two (2) interstate ramps. The 55 mph speed zone has forty five (45) access points
comprised of one (1) intersection, two (2) commercial entrances, ten (10) field entrances and thirty
two (32) private entrances. The six (6) access points per 0.51 mile in the 45 mph speed zone equates
to twelve (12) access points per mile which is defined as having low density access by the Highway
Capacity Manual. The 55 mph speed zone has forty five (45) access points per 1.32 miles equates to
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CO.34 Rte 627 Speed Study
09/19/11
34 access points per mile which is defined as having high density access by the Highway Capacity
Manual definition.
D. Parking practices and pedestrian activity:
There were neither pedestrians nor roadside parking observed in the study area. It is noted that there
is potential for pedestrian activity due to residential mail retrieval.
E. Reported Crash Experience:
Crash records and rates obtained through "RISS" are for the period
From: 1/01/2007
To: 12/31/2009
Length of period: 3 years
According to our records, the total number of reported crashes for this section of highway is: 4
And, the total number of reported injuries for this section of highway is: 1
And, the total number of reported fatalities for this section of highway is: 0
The crash rate for this section of highway is: 99.81 per 100 million VMT.
The injury rate for this section of highway is: 24.95 per 100 million VMT.
The fatality rate for this section of highway is: 0.00 per 100 million VMT.
For all secondary roads in the Staunton District area per the latest published crash data:
The district average crash rate is:
The district average injury rate is:
The district average fatality rate is:
General Crash Report Notes:
231 per 100 million VMT.
113 per 100 million VMT.
2.15 per 100 million VMT.
Crashes only involving an injury, fatality or property damage exceeding $1,500 are reportable
and available through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
® Due to the time required to process and code crash data, RNS typically does not include data
for the previous six (6) months.
® Accident quantities show the number of individual incidents that occur, whereas, Injury &
Fatality quantities show victim totals which may or may not be more than one per incident. (i.e.
One accident may have three injury victims involved)
Page 3 of 5 (o
CO.34 Rte 627 Speed Study
09/19;11
Discussion of crash experience and relevant information:
Two (2) Fixed Object -Off Road crashes and Two (2) Angle crashes occurred in the study area during
the three year reporting period. There is no relevant pattern to the reported crashes within the study
area due to the frequency and severity. The crash, injury and fatality rates for Route 627 are well
bellow the Staunton District averages.
F. Enforcement Consensus:
This recommended change in speed limit has been reviewed by First Sergeant Jim Failor
of the Virginia State Police, Lt. Mike Richardson of the Frederick County Sheriff's Department and
Chief R. Philip Breeden of the Middletown Police Department.
The local enforcement officer concurs with/opposes the recommendation.
The State Police Officer:
® Concurs
❑ Opposes
The Frederick County Sheriff's Department:
® Concurs
❑ Opposes
The Middletown Police Department:
® Concurs
❑ Opposes
If any officer opposes, please explain:
Page 4 of 5
VDOT Speed Limit Study
Northwest Region Traffic Engineering
Date 08/29/2011
Study area:
Route No:
642
Street name-
Tasker Road
Jurisdiction-
Frederick County
From-
Route 37 (MP 6.73)
To-
Route 636 (White Oak Road, MP 3.51)
Length-
3.22 miles
Functional Class:
Urban Collector
Speed limit for study roadway
,rykp
VDO`t' - Traffic Engineering
Traffic Engineer
This section of Route 642 is currently governed by 45 mph speed limit (resolutions dated 8/5/1997
and 3/18/2004).
Origin and Nature of Request:
This speed limit study is in reference to a request from the Edinburg Residency, on behalf of a citizen
to study this section of Route 642 for a speed limit reduction.
Study Results and Recommendation:
It is recommended a 35 mph speed zone be installed for the following area:
Route #- 642 (Tasker Road)
County: Frederick
From: Route 1467 (Nature Drive, MP 5.52)
To- Spanish Oak Road (MP 4.46)
Length: 1.06 miles
The proposed 35 speed limit is approximately 13 mph lower than the measured 85th percentile
speeds and falls on the lower end of the pace speed range. Route 642 between Route 1037 and
Route 719 has twenty-two (22) access points with a majority of them being residential properties. A
high number of crashes with injuries and a fatality have occurred from Route 1467 to Spanish Oak
Road. With factors such as high access density, roadway characteristics and a high number of
crashes and severity supports the speed reduction.
Page 1 of 5
CO.34 Rte 642 Speed Study
08/29/11
Study Details:
A. Speed Data
A one hour spot speed sample was collected between Route 1037 and Route 719 on May 5, 2011
using a radar gun. Twenty-four speed samples were collected on May 3, 2011 at the other two
locations using data collectors with pneumatic road tubes. The results are as follows:
Count Location
RT 37 TO RT 1037
RT 1037 to RT 719
RT 719 TO RT 636
Speed Zone Distance (miles)
1.65
0.91
50th Percentile Speed (mph)
_
46.41
_
42
_0.66
43.341
85th Percentile Speed (mph)
50.4
47
48.41
Pace of Speed (mph) IL
45-54
37-46
45-54
D. Road characteristics:
Physical Roadway:
Route 642 is a two-lane, two-way, undivided roadway. The vertical alignment follows a flat to rolling
terrain with varying grades throughout the study area. There are numerous horizontal curves,
especially on the section of roadway between Route 37 and Route 1037. The 2009 published traffic
counts for this section of Route 642 are as follows:
Count Location 11
RT 37 TO RT 1037
RT 1037 to RT 7191
RT 719 TO RT 636
Average Daily Traffic (vpd) 11
13,000
12,000 15,400
Traffic Control Devices:
Route 642 has a double yellow centerline throughout the study area and signalized intersections at
Routes 719 and 1031/647. Stop signs are also on the side street approaches. There are right turning
lanes for almost every entrance, and left turn lanes for some.
C. Roadside development and environment:
Between Route 37 and Route 1037, the roadside development along Route 642 consists of
residential properties and commercial properties on the north side of the road, and farm land to the
south. This zone has ten (10) access points comprised of three (3) intersections, five (5) commercial
entrances and two (2) private entrances. The ten (10) access points per 1.65 miles equates to six (6)
access points per mile which is defined as rural density access by the Highway Capacity Manual. The
roadside development between Route 1037 and Route 719 consists primarily of residential properties
on both sides of the roadway. This zone has twenty two (22) access points comprised of four (4)
intersections, one (1) commercial entrance and seventeen (17) private entrances. The twenty two
(22) access points per 0.91 mile equates to twenty four (24) access points per mile which is defined
as having high density access by the Highway Capacity Manual. Between Route 719 and Route 636,
Page 2 of 5 lc?
CO.34 Rte 642 Speed Study
08/29.!11
the roadside development is residential on both sides of the roadway. This area has five (5) access
points comprised of three (3) intersections and two (2) commercial entrances. The five (5) access
points per 0.66 mile equates to eight (8) access points per mile which is defined as rural density
access by the Highway Capacity Manual. Due to the high access density access from Route 1037 to
Route 719 there is a potential for significant number of conflicts along Route 642. The potential of
conflicts from Route 37 to Route 1037 and Route 719 to Route 636 are low.
D. Parking practices and pedestrian activity:
There were neither pedestrians nor roadside parking observed in the study area. However,
pedestrian activity is to be expected near the residential area due to mail pick up.
E. Reported Crash Experience:
Crash records and rates obtained through "RNS" are for the period
From: 1/01/2007
To: 12/31/2009
Length of period: 3 years
Note: Crashes where no injuries were sustained and property damage was below $1,500 may not be
recorded in RNS. Due to the time required to process and code crash data, RNS typically does not
include occurrences in the last several months. Accident quantities show the number of individual
incidents that occur, whereas, injury & fatality quantities show victim totals which may or may not be
more than one per incident (i.e. One accident may have three injury victims involved).
According to our records, the total number of reported crashes for this section of highway is: 58
And, the total number of reported injuries for this section of highway is: 39
And, the total number of reported fatalities for this section of highway is: 1
The crash rate for this section of highway is: 164.50 per 100 million VMT.
The injury rate for this section of highway is: 110.61 per 100 million VMT.
The fatality rate for this section of highway is: 2.84 per 100 million VMT.
For all secondary roads in the Staunton District area per the latest published crash data:
The district average crash rate is:
The district average injury rate is:
The district average fatality rate is:
Page 3 of 5
231 per 100 million VMT.
113 per 100 million VMT.
2.15 per 100 million VMT.
CO.34 Rte 642 Speed Study
08/29/11
Discussion of crash experience and relevant information:
Fifty-eight (58) crashes resulting in thirty-nine (39) injuries and one (1) fatality occurred in the study
area during the three year reporting period. A majority of the crashes were rear end crashes (26)
resulting in eighteen (18) injuries and angle crashes (16) resulting in fourteen (14) injuries and one (1)
fatality. The fatality crash occurred approximately 750 feet west of Route 647 when a resident failed
to yield to oncoming traffic when entering a residential driveway. The greatest concentration of the
rear end crashes occurred between Route 37 and Route 1037 (14). The greatest concentration of
angle crashes occurred between Route 1037 and Route 719 (8). Six (6) fixed object -off road crashes
occurred in the winding section of Route 642 between Route 37 and Route 1037. There were no
patterns observed in the remaining types of crashes. The crash and injury rates for Route 642 are
below the Staunton District averages, but slightly higher for the fatality rate.
F. Enforcement Consensus:
This recommended change in speed limit has been reviewed by First Sergeant Jim Failor of the
Virginia State Police and Lt. Mike Richardson of the Frederick County Sheriff's Department.
The local enforcement officer concurs with/opposes the recommendation.
The State Police Officer:
❑ Concurs
❑ Opposes
The Frederick County Sheriff's Department:
❑ Concurs
❑ Opposes
If any officer opposes, please explain:
Page 4 of 5
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