Washington County, Oregon Photo add here 1
Washington County, Oregon Total population: 536,370 City population: 320,000 Based on 2010 Census Rural population: 26,000 Urban Unincorporated Population: 190,000 Would be Oregon s 2nd largest city Mid-Block Crossing Policy Primary need - a safe, convenient & connected network Ideally -Crossings would occur at road intersections having traffic signals -Road users expect pedestrians at intersections -Existing or minimal additional improvements needed (lighting present) 2
Primary need - a safe, convenient & connected network Reality -Trails, transit stops, & other destinations connect in the middle of blocks -Access management fewer intersections -Long block lengths between signalized intersections -Users are asking for them Why are engineers reluctant? Engineering Code-holding paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public Mixed messages from research, data, peer experiences Liability-litigious atmosphere Others specific to the organization dynamics 3
How to address concerns: Professional Technical Research & Review Examples from peer communities List of Acceptable Treatments: vetted by engineering, operations, maintenance Develop a Policy - Process Serving needs of citizens The Analysis : Make your Case Each location is unique Analyze safety factors (may seem daunting) Number of lanes Truck route Travel speed Posted speed Transit service Transit stop locations Land uses existing-planned Transportation improvements planned Topography Vegetation Stopping Sight Distance Corner Sight Distance Lighting Intersection-driveway spacing Queuing conflicts Vehicle volumes Vehicle classification Pedestrian-bicycle volumes Gap analysis Identify Treatment :reasonable, practicable, appropriate 4
Treatments - reasonable, practicable & appropriate Treatments 5
Treatments Science Park Drive Interconnecting with transportation facilities - additional accommodations 6
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Recreation Transportation 9
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Toolkit Implementation Safety Improvements Roadway Overlay Program Transportation System Plan Update Capital Project Development Cross Division Collaboration Operations-Maintenance Engineering Traffic Land Use Planning Transportation Planning Construction-Project Management 2012 Oregon Active Transportation Summit 14
Urban and Rural Rural Road Safety Strategic Action Plan Identify the Issues Hear from Stakeholders Inventory and Evaluation of Existing Conditions Listening Sessions-Community Dialogue Identify Routes-Network Identify Strategies to Improve Safety Implementation 15
Rural Road Users Bicycles Walkers Farm Equipment Equestrians USPS Letter Carriers Freight-Trucks Personal Vehicles School Buses Begin community dialogue with various stakeholders about Safety Come with Data and Inventory Discuss road safety issues and share experiences of roadway interactions Opportunity to clarify legal obligations the rules of the road Identify strategies and solutions to address conflicts and improve safety conditions 16
Inventory and Evaluation Issues-Conflicts Crash Data Destinations Existing Routes Road Suitability for bicycles Roadway Suitability for Bicycle Travel No routes currently designated or recommended by County Conflict Mitigation Overtaking conflicts, speed differential, minimize encounters (exposure) 17
Engineering In rural area many safety improvements will benefit a wide variety of users Design Construction Traffic Operations Maintenance Profiled Striping Way finding Signage Special Crossing Treatments Construction Detours Education Outreach Enforcement Safety Campaigns Targeted enforcement actions Safe Routes to School Signing (Safety and Wayfinding) Maps Resources & Amenities Training-Classes 18
Community Supported Strategies Public and Private Partnerships Open lines of communication Goals Reasonable, practicable, and appropriate provisions Ongoing Evaluation Questions? Contact Information: Gary_Stockhoff@co.washington.or.us Shelley_Oylear@co.washington.or.us 19