COM 0649.004 2002-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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dramatic impact on curbing speeding and has been very effective as a traffic calming device. However, the maximum observed speed did not decrease significantly. The maximum speed in the downhill direction was 55 mph or higher both before and after the four way stop installation. The maximum speed in the uphill direction increased from 47 mph to 52 mph. Two problems were noted. The data indicates that a diversion of traffic has occurred. County Department of Public Works staff said that they are receiving complaints from residents living on Aloha Kona Drive that there are more speeding cars on their street. During the 10 hour traffic count, the traffic counters reported 23 vehicles on Nani Kailua Drive running the stop sign, most at "full speed." This represents a hazardous traffic condition and is one reason multi -way stops are not used as traffic calming measures. With respect to the opinions of the Kona Traffic Safety Committee, five opinions were received to an initial email for comments. There were four opinions in favor of the four way stop and one not in favor. The dissenting opinion cited the unsightliness of the numerous sign posts and their opinion that drivers were speeding on other portions of the roadway to make up for lost time. The emails received in response to a draft summary report recognized the need for traffic calming measures but one person questioned the appropriateness of the four way stop as a traffic calming device. Recommendations. The above analysis shows that the four way stop at the Nani Kailua Drive/Kakalina Street intersection is not warranted by the criteria listed in the MUTCD. The current traffic volumes are too low to warrant either traffic signals or a four way stop. There have been no traffic accidents at this intersection so that the accident -related criterion is also not applicable. Therefore, the additional stop signs for Nani Kailua Drive should be removed by the applicant and the intersection restored to its original condition after the report has been discussed by the County Council. Leaving an unwarranted four way stop in place could create severe liability problems for the County and the engineering consultants involved in its design and evaluation. However, the study also verifies a serious speeding problem on Nani Kailua Drive and the need for mitigating action. A four way stop is not appropriate as a traffic calming device for either level or steep roadways. The choices for appropriate traffic control applications on this steep roadway with wide pavements and no raised shoulders are limited. For this environment, a demonstration program could be attempted to narrow the lane widths on Nani Kailua Drive for a limited length at one or more intersections. This could effected through restriping and reinforced with plastic delineator tubes. The specific details would need to be developed by an engineering design study. The results will most likely not be "aesthetically pleasing".