Antioch will allocate $1.5 million towards improving traffic conditions on its most hazardous streets while simultaneously decreasing the speed limit on two of them.
The City Council has made the decision to lower the speed limit on Laurel Road and Wild Horse Road from 45 mph to 40 mph. Although Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock also advocated for reducing the speed limit on James Donlon Boulevard, a major road in the city, from 40 to 35 mph, the city’s traffic consultant stated that it would not be feasible.
“According to the law, we can only lower the speed based on the 85th percentile,” explained consultant traffic engineer Charmine Solla during Tuesday’s council meeting. The 85th percentile refers to the speed at which 85% of the drivers are traveling at or below.
James Donlon Boulevard, a primary arterial road with a posted speed limit of 40 mph, had 85% of drivers traveling at a speed of 52 mph or below, indicating that the speed limit should actually be increased based on the study, Solla stated. However, cities have the authority to maintain the existing speed limits.
Furthermore, Assembly Bill 43 will allow cities to change speed limits outside of state regulations starting in 2024, but it will also prohibit the use of radar or lasers by police to monitor motorists’ speed, according to Councilman Mike Barbanica, a former police officer. He emphasized that this measure would hinder the enforcement of traffic laws.
The requested traffic calming measures were introduced in response to residents’ concerns about enhancing the safety of city streets. City staff and engineers conducted a thorough analysis of current conditions, collision history, speed surveys, and traffic volumes on James Donlon, 10th Street, and Sycamore Drive. They also held meetings with representatives from the police and fire departments prior to proposing any changes.
Planned traffic calming measures encompass the installation of warning signs with rectangular rapid flashing beacons, vehicle speed feedback signs, enhanced line striping for better visibility of crosswalks, as well as the addition of buffered bicycle lanes, “tuff curbs” (yellow separators with flexible posts), lane reduction, and restriping of certain roads.
Although the recommended improvements do not involve permanent infrastructure like concrete median islands, they are more cost-effective and can be implemented more expeditiously compared to permanent structures, noted Solla.
The staff report indicated that roundabouts were also considered for some intersections, but due to space constraints and the necessity of acquiring private property, they were not feasible options.
The estimated costs for the traffic calming measures are as follows: $425,000 for Sycamore Drive, $220,000 for West 10th Street, and $765,000 for James Donlon Boulevard. The improvements to Sycamore Drive, where many children reside, will take priority and be funded through the gas tax fund. Acting City Manager Kwame Reed stated that he will consult with engineering staff and the finance director to determine funding methods for the remaining roads.
While a number of residents voiced their support for the traffic calming measures, they still expressed concerns regarding their effectiveness.
“I am concerned about reckless drivers,” said Leslie May. “The issue lies with reckless drivers and people who simply don’t care. They will either disregard the measures completely or try to avoid them.”
Mayor Pro Tem Tamisha Torres-Walker expressed her approval of all the changes while highlighting the absence of crosswalks on Sycamore Drive, calling it a “significant challenge.”
“There have been complaints about speeding on Mahogany,” Torres-Walker remarked, referring to a street connected to Sycamore Drive. “My concern is that people will find alternative routes to bypass the traffic calming improvements.”
Solla clarified that additional crosswalks could be considered, but state regulations require a high demand for pedestrian usage.
“It is not uncommon for people to seek alternate routes,” she added, stating that if this becomes an issue after the measures are implemented, engineers can conduct further assessments and take appropriate action.
“Alternatively, we can proceed with striping Mahogany,” suggested Thorpe, as he believed that conducting a study would be time-consuming.
The council unanimously voted 4-0, with Councilwoman Monica Wilson absent, to approve the traffic calming measures. This includes the addition of striping on Mahogany Way.