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February 28, 2020 Page 7 followed with input from all stakeholders. Slides from the presentation shown at this meeting can be found in the appendix following this traffic study memorandum. Based on feedback from all stakeholders, several improvement alternatives were eliminated due to cost, constructability or impact to the recently improved school property. The two improvement alternatives that were chosen for further investigation were: • The potential acquisition of State property west of the north parking area to facilitate providing a traditional four-legged intersection • Combining pedestrian crossings to one central location and providing traffic signal control These two alternatives can be implemented individually or complementary to one another. The two improvement alternatives are detailed in the following section. Preferred Improvement Alternatives • The potential acquisition of State property west of the north parking area to facilitate providing a traditional four-legged intersection: o Figure 4 shows the existing property lines and a graphic of how left turns into the pick-up/drop-off and west parking lot access are unable to occur safely at the same time. This has resulted in the closure of the west access during peak school times forcing all access and egress to one location. This has resulted in extensive queuing and delay. o Figure 5 shows a rough concept drawing of what could be implemented with a successful land swap or acquisition, and a graphic of how it would improve traffic operations and intersection safety. • Combining pedestrian crossings to one central location and providing traffic signal control: o Figure 6 shows how the one centralized pedestrian crossing would replace the two existing crossings and where a pedestrian activated traffic signal system would be located. A raised median could be constructed on the either side of the crossing to further protect pedestrians. The median could only be constructed if the west access is realigned as then eastbound left turns would be restricted at the east access. o The many advantages that come with this alternative include: ■ Placing the pedestrian crossing area where only through movements are being made (currently pedestrians crossing conflict with turning and through vehicles). ■ A protected pedestrian phase for much safer crossing without the need of a crossing guard or traffic control officer. ■ During off-peak times the signal would rest in green for Lake Valentine Road so that vehicular traffic is unaffected. ■ When a pedestrian is present and uses the push button, the signal would provide a red light for vehicles and a WALK sign for pedestrians. The time from pushing the button to receiving the WALK signal should be minimal, and the total pedestrian phase is estimated to be less than 20 seconds. Two transportation scenarios were analyzed in Synchro/SimTraffic for the study area, including: • Year 2020 Mid-Block Signal Only • Year 2020 Mid-Block Signal and West Access Realignment K:\014908-000\Traffic\Traffic Study\Lake Valentine Road Study.docx