Traffic Calming Update
This is an update as of June 8th. For the latest on anything described below visit http://www.trafficcalmingproject.org/ and contact your working group representative. A list of working group reps may be found at http://www.trafficcalmingproject.org/representatives.html.
Process to Date: At the end of 2007, we were informed by the City that Pemberton Heights (PH) and Brykerwoods (BW) neighborhoods had been selected for traffic calming based on our score on a traffic index. A neighborhood-wide meeting was held by the City in December, and 23 neighbors volunteered to represent various sectors of PH and BW. Starting in January, these reps have held seven meetings. The first few meetings focused on reviewing statistics and data about traffic in our neighborhood provided by the City and reviewing the various TC options and guidelines. This information may be found at http://www.trafficcalmingproject.org/project-data.html , http://www.trafficcalmingproject.org/project-guidelines.html, and http://www.trafficcalmingproject.org/toolkit.html. TC reps also have presented traffic calming options that are not part of the City’s “toolkit” and these have been evaluated.
Since the very beginning of the process, starting with the survey the City collected at the December meeting, the TC reps have been collecting comments from neighbors in their sectors about traffic-related problems observed/experienced in the neighborhood. These ranged from visibility problems, speeding, and cut-through traffic to accidents and episodes of road rage. All of these problems were included on a master list of approximately 70 issues. The TC reps, with the help of the City, then separated out “operational issues” (such as inconsistent signage and drivers running stop signs, which the City will address separately), from problems that can be addressed through traffic calming.
In May, reps from the two neighborhoods then met independently to devise draft TC plans for PH and BW. Where the TC plan affected a certain sector, the representative(s) for that area made every effort to talk with those neighbors to get their reactions. Based on that feedback, the draft plan was adjusted and then presented to the City traffic engineers in an informal meeting. The engineers noted that certain elements of the plan were either feasible as proposed, would need to be researched by the engineers, or were not allowable.
At the most recent working group meetings, all of the TC reps reviewed the draft plans for PH and BW. Voting on each element of the plans, the working group decided which elements had the support of every TC rep and which elements raised issues that needed further consideration. At this time (June 8th) the TC reps are gathering additional feedback to help the working group determine how to handle those few remaining TC plan elements.
Frequently Raised Questions: The following questions have been raised frequently by neighbors recently.
1. Why don’t we just put some stop signs in to slow traffic?
The State of Texas has certain rules regarding when stop signs may be used. For example, stop signs are to stop the less-trafficked street at an intersection. They are not to be used for traffic calming. At a T-intersection, they are to stop the “stalk” of the T. All-way stop signs may not be installed unless traffic on both streets is approximately equal. While there are certain exceptions, for example for safety, these must be carefully considered and demonstrable. Thus, wholesale distribution of stop signs is not a viable TC option.
2. What about using those cameras that photograph speeders and generate automatic traffic tickets?
State statutes passed in 2007 prohibit a city from putting these types of devices on highways or streets.
3. How will the vote on the final plan work?
The City will mail one ballot to each household in the traffic calming area. That ballot will explain the plan and allow that household to vote Yes or No on the entire plan. Line item veto will not be allowed. The plan will pass if 60% of the respondents—not 60% of the TC area—approve the plan. The TC area encompasses both Pemberton and Brykerwoods together. There will be an open house prior to the vote to explain the TC plan and address questions.
The Current Draft TC Plan for BrykerWoods:
A neighborhood survey and DRAFT traffic calming map (see links below) have been hand delivered to all BrykerWoods homes by BWNA volunteers. Input is encouraged! Please contact your neighborhood area traffic calming representative.
SURVEY > Download tc_flyerltr_genrl_format.doc
DRAFT MAP > Download tc_area_mapmarkups_060320083.pdf
Again, please talk with your TC representative if you have any questions about this information. Thanks!
