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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 07 - All Way Stop Control ITEM ft MEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: BRUNO RUMBELOW, CITY MANAGER w �.... MEETING DATE: APRIL 17, 2012 SUBJECT: ALL-WAY STOP CONTROL AT CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE AND GAYLORD TEXAN LOADING DOCK SERVICE DRIVE RECOMMENDATION: City Council to consider approval of an ordinance amending the Grapevine Code of Ordinances Chapter 23 Traffic, Section 23-30, Stop Intersections, to establish all-way stop control at the intersection of Convention Center Drive and the Gaylord Texan loading dock service drive, and take any necessary action. BACKGROUND: The Gaylord Texan Loading dock service drive intersects Convention Center Drive approximately 100 feet northeast of the intersection of Convention Center Drive and the original alignment of Ruth Wall Road which runs north behind the Gaylord property. For a number of years there has been stop control on the southbound approach of the Loading dock service drive to this T-intersection, and also on the westbound approach of Convention Center Drive. Having stop control on two of the three legs of a T-intersection is unusual and can create confusion and issues related to drivers' expectations about what other drivers will do. For this reason, it is recommended that the intersection be converted to an all-way stop, which will more clearly define for drivers on all approaches what is expected. Typically, all-way stop control is warranted based on minimum traffic volumes. In this case, there would not be sufficient traffic volumes to support all-way stop control on that basis alone. However, guidance provided in the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices also allows for consideration of other factors, including sight distance and whether traffic is able to safely negotiate the intersection without having conflicting cross traffic stopped. At this intersection, the westbound right-turn lane is frequently closed and used by the Gaylord Texan for loading and storage of large equipment and materials, and is also impacted by the ICE show tent and supporting equipment during the holiday season. As a result, sight distance at this intersection is often limited. Also, the presence of equipment and materials in and very close to the street limits the ability of large trucks to negotiate the intersection quickly, and there is significant truck activity in this area since it is the only access to the loading dock for the entire hotel/convention center complex. Based on these considerations related to the roadway geometry, sight distance, and truck activity, staff recommends all-way stop control as an appropriate traffic control measure, regardless of actual volumes. Management at the Gaylord Texan initiated the consideration of all-way stop control at this intersection and supports the proposed action. Staff recommends approval. lm p April 12,2012(2:30PM) c'Lt � l ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS AMENDING THE GRAPEVINE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING CHAPTER 23 TRAFFIC, SECTION 23-30 RELATIVE TO STOP INTERSECTIONS; REPEALING CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A PENALTY OF FINE NOT TO EXCEED THE SUM OF TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00) FOR EACH OFFENSE AND A SEPARATE OFFENSE SHALL BE DEEMED COMMITTED EACH DAY DURING OR ON WHICH AN OFFENSE OCCURS OR CONTINUES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE BE IIT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS: Section 1. That Chapter 23 Traffic, Section 23-30 Stop Intersections, of the Grapevine Code of Ordinances is hereby amended by adding the following: "(442) Locations not within named subdivisions: (iii) On Convention Center Drive eastbound at Gaylord Texan Loading Dock Service Drive On Convention Center Drive westbound at Gaylord Texan Loading Dock Service Drive (kkk) On Gaylord Texan Loading Dock Service Drive southbound at Convention Center Drive" Section 2. That the City Manager, or his designee, is hereby authorized to have the proper traffic signs erected, constructed, and placed at such points along said highway, streets or alleys, or portions thereof under construction, maintenance or repair so that travelers will be reasonably notified of said traffic regulations. Section 3. That all ordinances or any parts thereof in conflict with the terms of this ordinance shall be and hereby are deemed repealed and of no force or effect; provided, however, that the ordinance or ordinances under which the cases currently filed and pending in the Municipal Court of the City of Grapevine, Texas shall be deemed repealed only when all such cases filed and pending under such ordinance or ordinances have been disposed of by a final conviction or a finding of not guilty, nolo contendere, or dismissal. Section 4. That any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined in a sum not to exceed Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) and a separate offense shall be deemed committed upon each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues. Section 5. If any section, article, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase or word in this ordinance, or application thereto any person or circumstance is held invalid or unconstitutional by a Court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance; and the City Council hereby declares it would have passed such remaining portions of the ordinance despite such invalidity,which remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect. Section 6. That the fact that the present ordinances and regulations of the City of Grapevine, Texas are inadequate to properly safeguard the health, safety, morals, peace and general welfare of the public creates an emergency which requires that this ordinance become effective from and after the date of its passage, and it is accordingly so ordained. PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS on this the 17th day of April 2012. APPROVED: ATTEST APPROVED AS TO FORM: ORD. NO. 2