Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Approve Staff’s Recommendation for Improvements to the Becker Road Roundabout.
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Submitted By: Heath Stocton, P.E., Asst. Public Works Director
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of high-quality infrastructure and facilities.
Executive Summary (General Business): Following a resident expressing concerns during “Public to be Heard” regarding the new Becker Road roundabout, Staff have developed a safety improvement plan.
Presentation Information: N/A, but Staff is available for explanation and to address questions.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve Staff’s recommendation for improvements to the new Becker Road roundabout.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve an improvement plan to the new Becker Road roundabout.
2. Move that the Council not approve the recommended plan and provide Staff direction.
Background: Staff previously received a correspondence from concerned resident Mr. Libinksi regarding the advisory speed for the new roundabout on Becker Road. At the time, the roundabout had not been turned over to the City, so the request to lower the advisory speed was sent to the CEI firm and the Engineer of Record (EOR). Both the CEI and EOR agreed to a reduction from 30mph to 25mph.
Once the roundabout was turned over for City maintenance, to ensure the 25mph speed limit was appropriate, Staff conducted a “ball bank” test per FDOT guidelines. The ball bank test provides the speed at which a normal driver can navigate the curve or roundabout comfortably. The findings indicated that an advisory speed of 15mph was appropriate. As soon as this information was available, a work order was created to change the advisory speed signs. The installation coincidentally occured the day after Mr. Libinski’s presentation to City Council.
In addition to the reduction in the advisory speed, Staff recommends the installation of two (2) solar powered advanced warning beacons (flashers). They will alert eastbound and westbound motorists to the presence of the upcoming roundabout. They will be placed in advance of the existing warning signs. Staff is currently coordinating with the developer to attempt to cost share.
There was a brief discussion about the inclusion of rumble strips or transverse audible striping. Staff recommends against these treatments due to the noise created. This location is nearby many residences and the noise created by the treatments would be detrimental to their quality of life. Lastly, Mr. Libinski expressed concern over the proposed bollards. Due to the geometry of the central island sloping up to the upcoming art feature, Staff recommends the bollards be left in place. In addition to preventing errant vehicles from striking the art feature they will be lighted making them and the entire roundabout more visible to approaching motorists.
Prior to the roundabout being operational, there were numerous speeding complaints east of the roundabout to Gilson Road. At the request of the Police Department, two (2) driver feedback signs were installed; one for eastbound and one for westbound. These assist in notifying the motorists of the speed limit far in advance of the new roundabout.
Issues/Analysis: Light from solar powered advanced warning beacon (flashers) could be visible from homes along the southern right-of-way of Becker Road.
Financial Information: $3,000 for two (2) advanced warning beacons. Staff is still coordinating with the developer, Greenpointe, in an attempt to cost share the improvements. Funding is available in the Road and Bridge fund if Green Pointe isn’t willing to contribute.
Special Consideration: Police Chief Bolduc confirmed three (3) recorded accidents at this location since the roundabout has been operational. Staff confirmed that there were no tire marks or other damage from vehicles at the time of acceptance. The tire marks and damage shown in the resident’s exhibit have been removed and repaired by Greenpointe.
Location of Project: Intersection of Becker Road and Veranda Boulevard/Veranda Preserve Boulevard
Attachments: Existing and Proposed Improvements Exhibit
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review:
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