PURPOSE

To request design approval to install two blank-out turn prohibition signs at the intersection of Buena Vista Street and San Fernando Boulevard and one blank-out turn prohibition sign at the intersection of Buena Vista Street and Vanowen Street as a part of our on-going effort to modernize and upgrade these intersections.

BACKGROUND

The intersections of Buena Vista Street & San Fernando Boulevard and Buena Vista Street & Vanowen Street were upgraded and improved in 2002 with the Empire Center � Five Intersection Improvement Project.  Both intersections were outfitted with the most modern and safe equipment and facilities allowed by Caltrans approved standards at that time.  Since the completion of the signal improvement project, California adopted the Federal Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) in 2004 to modify and update their previous standards to conform to Federal requirements.  Additionally, technological advances in LED (light emitting diode) sign systems have made available new traffic control devices for use near rail crossings.

The LED blank-out sign systems give additional direction to motorists who turn to cross the railroad tracks adjacent to each of the two above intersections.  Two signs are placed on the traffic signals for the streets parallel to the tracks (San Fernando Boulevard and Vanowen Street).  The signs are dark during normal traffic signal operation, but they are illuminated when the crossing protection gates are deployed with an approaching train.  The illuminated signs show �No Right Turn� or �No Left Turn� in the appropriate direction to remind motorists not to cross the tracks when the gates are deployed.

ANALYSIS

The Federal MUTCD, Section 10C.09 allows the use of train activated LED blank-out, turn prohibition signs specifically for light rail systems that operate on tracks parallel to adjacent roadways.  The signs have also been successfully used for heavy rail systems at locations similar to those on Buena Vista Street.  The signs emphasize the closure of the railroad grade crossing upon the approach of a train that is in addition to the standard approved safety devices at railroad grade crossings.

City staff has reviewed and evaluated a number of technological advances to our railroad grade crossing systems over the last several years.  Our award of a Hazard Elimination Safety (HES) grant from Caltrans in 2005 enabled the City to explore a number of potential systems to modernize our grade crossings.  In October 2005, City staff met with representatives of the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), Southern Pacific Railroad (SP), and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to discuss potential uses of the grant to maximize safety and efficiency of the Buena Vista Street crossings.  The use of blank-out turn prohibition signs was one promising option discussed at the meeting.  Staff ordered the signs in December 2005, and we received them during the week of January 10, 2006.

FISCAL IMPACT

The LED blank-out signs were purchased with existing traffic signal operation funds in order to acquire and install them as soon as possible.  They will become a component of the overall modernization scheme of each Buena Vista Street railroad crossing.  The sign installation will have no fiscal impact.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that City Council authorize the installation of LED blank-out turn restriction signs for Buena Vista Street at San Fernando Boulevard and at Vanowen Street.

Attachments:    

Figure 1 � Proposed blank-out signs at San Fernando Boulevard

Figure 2 � Proposed blank-out signs at Vanowen Street

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