MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE TRAFFIC CODE UPDATE MASTER RECOMMENDATION REPORT: 9.14, 9.16, 9.18

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1 MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE TRAFFIC CODE UPDATE MASTER RECOMMENDATION REPORT: 9.14, 9.16, 9.18 Report Date: Please send all recommendations for update to Shane Locke ( , 8-Apr-09 Code Section (i.e ) Current Code language Proposed Code Language Reason for Change The municipal traffic engineer shall place and maintain official traffic control devices when and as required under the traffic ordinances of the municipality to make effective the provisions of the ordinances, and may place and maintain such additional official traffic control devices as he may deem necessary to regulate, warn or guide traffic under the traffic ordinances of the municipality or the state Vehicle Code. The municipal traffic engineer shall place and maintain official traffic control devices when and as required under the traffic ordinances of the municipality to make effective the provisions of the ordinances, and may place and maintain such additional official traffic control devices as he may deem necessary to regulate, warn or guide traffic under the traffic ordinances of the municipality or the (state Vehicle Code) Alaska Traffic Manual No current code language. Drug free school zone signs: The municipal traffic engineer shall place "Drug Free School Zone" signs at the beginning of every designated school zone adjacent to a school. When it comes to traffic control devices, it is not per State Code, but Statute, AS (d) requires following the MUTCD + AK DOT/PF Supplement = Alaska Traffic Manual, to be followed not only by the state but all municipalities. Statute requires no ordinances in conflict. Reference state statute guidelines. Committee Status (approved, denied, no action)

2 Manual and specifications: All traffic control signs, signals and devices shall as far as Manual and specifications: All traffic control signs, signals and devices shall as far as practicable ATM includes the MUTCD along with statespecific provisions. practicable conform to the Manual conform to the (Manual on on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways published by the Streets and Highways published by the United States Department of Transportation. All signs and United States Department of Transportation) Alaska Traffic Manual. All signs and signals required under this title for a particular purpose shall be signals required under this title for uniform as a particular purpose shall be uniform as to type and location throughout the municipality. All traffic control devices so erected and not inconsistent with the provisions of to type and location throughout the municipality. All traffic control devices so erected and not inconsistent with the provisions of state laws or this title shall be official traffic control devices. state laws or this title shall be official traffic control devices.

3 Traffic control signal legend. Whenever traffic is controlled by traffic control signals exhibiting different colored lights, or colored lighted arrows, successively, one at a time or in combination, only the colors green, red and yellow shall be used, except for special pedestrian signals carrying a word legend, and the lights shall indicate and apply to drivers of vehicles and pedestrians as follows: A. Green indication. 1. Vehicular traffic facing a circular green signal shall proceed straight through or turn right or left, unless a sign at such place prohibits either such turn. Vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or left, shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk at the time such signal is first exhibited. Traffic control signal legend. Whenever traffic is controlled by traffic control signals exhibiting different colored lights, or colored lighted arrows, successively, one at a time or in combination, only the colors green, red and yellow shall be used, except for special pedestrian signals (carrying a word legend), and the lights shall indicate and apply to drivers of vehicles and pedestrians as follows: A. Green indication. 1. Vehicular traffic facing a circular green signal shall proceed straight through or turn right or left, unless a sign at such place prohibits either such turn. Vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or left, shall yield the rightof-way to other vehicles and to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk (at the time such signal is first exhibited). Word legends not applicable in all cases continued. 3. Unless otherwise directed by a 3. Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal, as pedestrian control signal, as provided provided in Section , insection , pedestrians facing pedestrians facing any green any green signal, except when the sole signal, except when the sole green signal is a turn arrow or unless a green signal is a turn arrow, may sign at such place prohibits, may proceed across the roadway within proceed across the roadway within any any marked or unmarked marked or unmarked crosswalk. crosswalk.

4 C. Steady red indication. 1. Vehicular traffic facing a steady circular red signal alone shall not enter the intersection and shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain standing until a signal to proceed is shown. This traffic may, after stopping, cautiously proceed to make a right turn from a one-way or two-way roadway into a two-way roadway or into a one-way roadway carrying traffic in the direction of the right turn, or it may make a left turn from a one-way or two-way roadway into a one-way roadway carrying traffic in the direction of the left turn, provided that the movements described in this subsection are not allowed. add language from B Stop Sign: No vehicle may follow another vehicle through a steady red indication signal without coming to a complete stop in its turn at the stop line, crosswalk or point nearest the intersecting roadway continued. if a sign posted by state or local authority prohibits these movements, or directs the driver's attention to an arrow signal which controls these movements. Any vehicle making such a turn shall yield the right-of-way to any other vehicle or pedestrian lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk at the time the signal is exhibited.

5 Pedestrian control signal legend. Whenever special pedestrian control signals exhibiting the words "walk" or "don't walk" are in place, such signals shall indicate the following: A. "Walk" signal. Pedestrians facing such signal may proceed across the roadway in the direction of the signal and shall be given the right-of-way by the drivers of all vehicles. B. Flashing "don't walk" signal. No pedestrian may start to cross the roadway in the direction of a "don't walk" signal illuminated with intermittent flashes, but any pedestrian who has partially completed his crossing on the "walk" signal shall have adequate time to proceed to a sidewalk or safety island before opposing vehicles are assigned the right-of-way. Pedestrian control signal legend. Whenever special pedestrian control signals exhibiting the words "walk" or "don't walk" are in place, such signals shall indicate the following: A. "(Walk) Steady "walking person" (symbolizing walk) signal. Pedestrians facing such signal may proceed across the roadway in the direction of the signal and shall be given the right-of-way by the drivers of all vehicles. B. (Flashing "don't walk" signal) Flashing "upraised hand" (symbolizing do not walk). No pedestrian may start to cross the roadway in the direction of a "don't walk" signal illuminated with intermittent flashes, but any pedestrian who has partially completed his crossing on the "walk" signal shall have adequate time to proceed to a sidewalk or safety island before opposing vehicles are assigned the right-of-way continued. C. Steady "don't walk" signal. No pedestrian may start to cross the roadway in the direction of such signal, and any pedestrian in the street should proceed to the nearest sidewalk or safety island immediately since vehicle movement through the crosswalk is imminent. C. (Steady "don't walk" signal) Steady "upraised hand" (symbolizing do not walk). No pedestrian may start to cross the roadway in the direction of such signal, and any pedestrian in the street should proceed to the nearest sidewalk or safety island immediately since vehicle movement through the crosswalk is imminent.

6 Flashing signal legend: A. Whenever an illuminated flashing red or yellow signal is used in a traffic sign or signal, it shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as follows: 1. Flashing red signal (stop signal). When a red lens is illuminated with intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but, if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection, and the right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign. 2. Flashing yellow signal (caution signal). When a yellow lens is illuminated with intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or pass such signals only with caution. Flashing signal or Intersection Control Beacon legend: A. Whenever an illuminated flashing red or yellow signal is used in a traffic sign or signal, it shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as follows: 1. Flashing red signal (stop signal). When a red lens is illuminated with intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but, if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection, and the right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign. 2. Flashing yellow signal (caution signal). When a yellow lens is illuminated with intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or pass such signals only with caution. The existing code does not give motorists a clear message on the intended response to a flashing yellow or red arrow. From DOT: Per the MUTCD, an intersection control beacon is distinct from a signal in terms of required numbers of displays, placement, and whether the device is mandatory with a stop/yield condition. Lumping the two together is a problem as the MUTCD rules are different. Recommned adding "intersection control beacon" throughout when referring to flashing red or flashing yellow rules.

7 continued. B. This section shall not apply at railroad grade crossings. Conduct of drivers of vehicles approaching railroad grade crossings shall be governed by the rules as set forth inchapter Flashing yellow arrow signal. A driver The existing code does not give motorists a facing a flashing yellow arrow signal, clear message on the intended response to a alone or in combination with other signal flashing yellow or red arrow. indications, may cautiously enter the intersection only to make the movement indicated by such arrow or such movement as is permitted by other signals shown at the same time. A driver shall yield the right of way to other vehicles, lawfully within the intersection at the time the flashing yellow arrow light is shown. In addition, a driver turning left shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles approaching from the opposite direction so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time when such turning vehicle is moving across or within the intersection continued. 4. Flashing red arrow signal. A driver facing a flashing red arrow signal, alone or in combination with other signal indications, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line; but if there is no stop line, traffic shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection; or if there is no crosswalk, at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection only to make the movement indicated by such arrow or such movement as is permitted by other signals shown at the same time.. The right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a STOP sign. The existing code does not give motorists a clear message on the intended response to a flashing yellow or red arrow.

8 No current code language. Traffic Control Signal Preemption Device: A. Except as provided in subsection (c), it shall be unlawful for a person to possess a traffic control signal preemption emitter. B. A person convicted of violating subsection (a) shall be guilty of a Code violation and subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months or by both such fine and imprisonment. C. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the operator, passenger, or owner of any of the following emergency vehicles authorized by the Municipal Traffic Engineer, in the course of such person's emergency duties: (1) Publicly owned fire department vehicles; (2) Publicly owned police vehicles; (3) Publicly owned public works department vehicles; or (4) Motor vehicles operated by ambulance services. The emergency preempt system disrupts the normal cycle of operation at a signalized intersections. Yellow, red and pedestrian clearance times may be modified in order to provide a timely green for emergency vehicles. The system therefore reduces the operation and safety at signalized intersections that have been preempted and should only be used by authorized vehicles in emergency situations B. Establish safety zones of such kind and character and at such places as he may deem necessary for the protection of pedestrians. B. Establish (safety) pedestrian zones of such kind and character and at such places as he may deem necessary for the protection of pedestrians. Make the same as previous Title 9 changes.

9 Street closures. A. In an emergency, the chief of police may close all or part of any street to traffic. B. Except as provided in subsection A of this section, all street closures shall be pursuant to permit issued undertitle 24. Prior to issuing any permit for the closure of a street designated as an arterial or collector street on the official streets and highways plan of the municipality, the department of public works shall notify the traffic engineer of the proposed closure. The traffic engineer or his designee shall review the closure and make any recommendations he deems necessary for the movement of traffic. Street closures. A. In an emergency, the chief of police may close all or part of any street to traffic. B. Except as provided in sub-section A of this section, all street closures shall be pursuant to permit issued under Title 24. Prior to issuing any permit for the closure of (a) any street (designated as an arterial or collector street on the official streets and highways plan of the municipality, the department of public works shall notify) the traffic engineer shall be notified of the proposed closure. The traffic engineer or his designee shall review and approve the closure and make any recommendations he deems necessary for the movement of traffic

10 A. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass on the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions: 1. When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn. B. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event may such movement be made by driving off the pavement or maintraveled portion of the roadway, or by driving on or across a solid white line or by driving in a lane which has been designated by the municipal traffic engineer as a parking lane. A. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass on the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions: 1. When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn. B. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event may such movement be made by driving off the pavement on the shoulder or maintraveled portion of the roadway, or by driving on or across a solid white pavement edge marking (line) or by driving in a lane which has been designated by the municipal traffic engineer as a parking lane No current code language. Limitations for overtaking on the right: A. No driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass on the right on two lane roads with opposing directions within a designated school zone.

11 Limitations on driving on left side of roadway. A. No vehicle may be driven on the left side of the roadway under the following conditions: 1. When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the street when the driver's view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard if another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction. 2. When approaching within 100 feet of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing. 3. When the view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel. B. The limitations set out in subsection A of this section shall not apply upon a one-way roadway, or under conditions described in Section A.2, or to the driver of a vehicle turning left into or from an alley, private road, driveway or intersection. Limitations on driving on left side of roadway. A. No vehicle may be driven on the left side of the roadway under the following conditions: 1. When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the street when the driver's view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard if another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction. 2. When approaching within 100 feet of or traversing any intersection or railroad grade crossing. 3. When the view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct or tunnel. 4. When within a designated school zone. 5. When a single solid yellow line or two solid yellow lines are present. B. The limitations set out in subsection A of this section shall not apply upon a one-way roadway, or under conditions described in Section A.2, or to the driver of a vehicle turning left into or from an alley, private road, driveway or intersection.

12 No passing zones. No passing zones. A. The municipal traffic engineer is A. The municipal traffic engineer is authorized to determine those portions of any street where overtaking and passing or driving authorized to determine those portions of any street where overtaking and passing or driving to the left of the to the left of the roadway would be roadway would be especially hazardous especially hazardous and may by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway indicate the and may by appropriate signs or markings on the roadway indicate the beginning and end of such zones, and, beginning and end of such zones, when such signs or markings are in and, when such signs or markings place and clearly visible to an ordinarily are in place and clearly visible to an ordinarily observant person, observant person, every driver of a vehicle shall obey the direction thereof. every driver of a vehicle shall obey B. When signs or markings are in place the direction thereof. B. When signs or markings are in place and define a no passing zone as set forth in subsection A of this section, no driver may at any time drive on the left side of the roadway within such no and define a no passing zone as set forth in subsection A of this section, no driver may at any time drive on the left side of the roadway within such no passing zone or on the left side of any pavement striping designed to mark such no passing zone throughout its passing zone or on the left side of length, such as two solid yellow lines or any pavement striping designed to a broken yellow line with a solid yellow mark such no passing zone line. throughout its length.

13 Driving on roadways laned for traffic: Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, the following rules shall apply: A. A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety, and properly signaled as required bysection A lane change will not be made that causes the vehicle to cross a solid white line, unless there is sufficient paved width to allow passing on the shoulder. B. Official signs approved by the traffic engineer may be erected Driving on roadways laned for traffic: Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, the following rules shall apply: A. A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety, and properly signaled as required by Section (A lane change will not be made that causes the vehicle to cross a solid white line, unless there is sufficient paved width to allow passing on the shoulder.) B. Solid white lines separating lanes of travel in the same direction may be crossed with caution. Wider solid white lines can be crossed with extreme caution. C. Crossing a double white line is directing slow-moving traffic to use prohibited. a designated lane or allocating specified lanes to traffic moving in the same direction, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of the traffic device.

14 continued. C. Official signs approved by the D. Official signs approved by the traffic traffic engineer may be erected engineer may be erected directing slowmoving traffic to use a designated lane directing vehicles in specified lanes to make specific turns or or allocating specified lanes to traffic movements. Vehicles in these moving in the same direction, and lanes shall make the turn or drivers of vehicles shall obey the movement indicated by the device directions of the traffic device. and shall not be moved right or left E. Drivers of vehicles shall remain upon the roadway except to make entirely within one lane and shall not the movement indicated by the initiate a lane change when approaching traffic device. within 100 feet of or while traversing a D. Drivers of vehicles shall remain signalized intersection. entirely within one lane and shall not initiate a lane change when approaching within 100 feet of or while traversing an intersection No current code language. Driving in mini traffic circle: A. All traffic shall circumvent the raised center island of the mini traffic circle moving to the right or counter-clockwise direction. B. Traffic approaching the mini traffic circle shall yield the right-of-way to vehicles lawfully within the intersection.

15 No current code language. Vehicle approaching or entering intersection or roundabout (a) When two vehicles enter or approach an intersection which is not controlled by an official traffic-control device, from different roadways at or approximately at the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right except as otherwise provided in this section. (b) A driver having stopped and yielded may proceed when a safe interval occurs and when other traffic in or near the intersection does not constitute an immediate hazard and while exercising caution, irrespective of the "vehicle on the right" rule stated in (a) of this section. When so proceeding, other vehicles approaching or at the intersection must yield. (c) The right-ofway rules in (a) and (b) of this section do not apply if the approach or entrance of a vehicle into an intersection is otherwise covered by traffic regulations. Will use State of Alaska statute (13 AAC ) continued. No current code language. (d) A driver entering a roundabout must yield to a vehicle on the circulating roadway in the roundabout. (e) A vehicle in front of another vehicle in a roundabout has the right-of-way over following vehicles. (f) A driver may not change lanes in the roundabout or exit the roundabout until the movement can be made safely. (g) In this section, "in front of another vehicle in a roundabout" means the front bumper of a vehicle is ahead of the front bumper of another vehicle.

16 Vehicles entering stop or yield intersection. C. The driver of a vehicle approaching a yield sign shall, in obedience to such a sign, slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions and, if required for safety to stop, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but, if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if none, then at the point nearest to the intersecting roadway, where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway. After slowing or stopping, the driver shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another street so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time such driver is moving across or within the intersection. Vehicles entering stop or yield intersection. C. The driver of a vehicle approaching a yield sign shall, in obedience to such a sign, slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions and, if required for safety to stop, shall stop at a clearly marked (stop) yield line, but, if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if none, then at the point nearest to the intersecting roadway, where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway. After slowing or stopping, the driver shall yield the rightof-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another street so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time such driver is moving across or within the intersection.

17 Vehicle entering street from alley, public or private property or building: 3. Yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which is approaching so closely on the street to be entered as to constitute a hazard during the time such driver is moving across or entering traffic on the street. Any vehicle turning right onto a street from any alley or public or private property shall make the turn as close as practicable to the righthand curb or edge of the roadway. Any vehicle turning left onto a street from any alley or public or private roadway shall complete the turn into the extreme lefthand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered. Vehicle entering street from alley, public or private property or building: 3. Yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which is approaching so closely on the street to be entered as to constitute a hazard during the time such driver is moving across or entering traffic on the street. Any vehicle turning right onto a street from any alley or public or private property shall make the turn as close as practicable to the righthand curb or edge of the roadway. Any vehicle turning left onto a street from any alley or public or private roadway shall complete the turn as close as practicable into the extreme lefthand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered.