01-07-03MAYOR: Horace G. Feliu CITY MANAGER: Sanford Youkilis (Acting)
VICE MAYOR: Mazy Scott Russell CITY ATTORNEY: Earl G. Gallop
COMMISSIONER: David D. Bethel CITY CLERK: Ronetta Taylor, CMC
COMMISSIONER: Randy G. Wiscombe
COMMISSIONER: Dan McCrea
WORKSHOP AGENDA
CiLy Commission Workshop
Meeting date: January 7, 2003 6130 Sunset Drive, South Miami, FL
Next Regular Meeting date: January 21, 2003 Phone: (305) 663-6340
Time: 6:00 PM
City off South Miami Ordinance No. 6-86-1251 requires all persons appearing in a paid or
remunerated representative capacity before the City Staff, Boards, Committees and the City
'
Commission, to fill out the appropriate form and file it with the City Clerk prior to engaging in
lobbying activities.
1. Discussion on the existing conditions and several
suggested modifications to address the traffic issues in
the downtown and the area immediately south of the
downtown. The study area is bounded by US 1 on the north,
SW 80th Street on the south with Red Road and SW 62'd Avenue
as the eastern and western boundaries.
PURSUANT TO FLA, STATUTES 286.0105, -THE CITY HEREBY ADVISES THE PUBLIC THAT IF A PERSON DECIDES
TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THIS BOARD, AGENCY OR COMMISSION WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER
CONSIDERED AT ITS MEETING OR HEARING, HE OR SHE WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS, AND THAT
FOR SUCH PURPOSE, AFFECTED PERSON MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS
MADE WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE EASED. THIS
NOTICE DOES NOT CONSTITUTES CONSENT BY THE CITY FOR THE INTRODUCTION OR ADMISSION OR OTHERWISE
INADMISSIBLE OR IRRELEVANT,, EVIDENCE, NOR DOES IT AUTHORIZE CHALLENGES OR APPEALS NOT OTHERWISE
ALLOWED BY LAN.
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION
WORKSHOP - January 7, 2003
MMFI IGmley -Horn
NE and Associates, Inc.
INTRODUCTION
The City of South Miami (City) retained Kimley -Horn and Associates Inca
(KHA) to conduct a.traffic study for the downtown area and the adjacent
residential neighborhood south of the downtown. The purpose of the study was
twofold. In the downtown area, the primary objectives were to evaluate traffic
patterns and recommend improvements to facilitate traffic flow. Residents of
the neighborhood south of the downtown were raising concerns over speeding
and cut through traffic. In this area, traffic patterns and vehicular speeds were
examined to identify the need for traffic calm" ing measures'.
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The study area is bounded by SW 72nd Street (Sunset Drive) to the north, SW
57th Avenue (Red Road) to the east, SW 80d' Street to the south, and US I (Dixie
Highway) to the west. The study area is shown in Figure 1. The City identified
specific corridors and intersections to examine. A variety of issues were
reviewed within the area including queue spill back, progression, intersection
operation, traffic patterns, vehicular speeds, cut - through traffic, and traffic
calming.
Recommendations in the downtown area focus on facilitating progression,
improving intersection operations, and minimizing queue spill back. The goal
4 of the recommendations for the downtown area was to make the most efficient
use of the existing roadway network.
Recommendations presented for the residential neighborhood revolve around
quality of life issues. Residents perceive that cut - through traffic and speeding
are increasing. ` Level of service is not an issue, but rather maintaining the
character of the neighborhood.
040818000 —0102 —1— Kimlev -Horn and Associates. Inc.
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Not To Scale
Figure l
Area Location Map
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DATA COLLECTION
In order to assess the existing conditions, recent traffic data was provided by the
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City. This information was supplemented by additional counts collected by
KHA. Listed below are the various traffic data that were collected.
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The
City provided traffic data collected on May 2, 2000, at the locations listed
below. This information included 72 -hour counts, vehicular classification, and
vehicular speeds.
1. SW 76h Street between SW 60"' Avenue and SW 61" Avenue
2. SW 76th Avenue between SW 61S` Avenue and SW 62nd Avenue
3. SW 61" Avenue between SW 766' Street and SW 781h Street
4. 'SW 59`h Avenue between 74th Terrace and SW 76`h Street
5. SW 58`' Avenue between 74`h Terrace and SW 76`h Street
KHA obtained 48 -hour counts on November 29, 2000, at the following
locations:
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l . Sunset Drive between SW 59 Avenue and SW 58 Avenue
2. SW 73rd Street between' SW 59"' Avenue and SW 58`h Avenue
3. SW 74`h Street between SW 59th Avenue and SW 58th Avenue
Turning counts were
movement collected at the intersections listed below. The
time periods for data collections extended from 7 :00 AM to 9 :00 AM and 4:00
PM to 6:00 PM.
1. Sunset Drive /SW 58`h A -venue (11/29/00)
2. Red Road/SW 74`h Street (11/29/00)
3. Sunset Drive/Red Road (3/1/01)
4. SW 76h Street/SW 61s` Avenue (11/29/00)
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5. Red Road/SW 73rd Street (11/29/00)
040818000 —0102 —3— Kimlev -Hom and Associates. Inc.
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6. SW 80th Street/SW 58th Avenue (PM only) (3/1/01)
7. SW 80`h Street/SW 591 Avenue (PM only) (3/1/01)
Additional 24 -hour counts were obtained by KHA during November 2001 at the
following locations:
1. SW 62nd Avenue north of SW 80th Street
2. SW 78" Street west of SW 62nd Avenue
3. SW 78`h Street east of SW 62nd Avenue
4. SW 79`s Street east of SW 62nd Avenue
Some of the key raffic volumes are depicted in Figure 2.. Copies of the traffic
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data are included in Appendix A.
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040818000 —0102 —4— Kimlev -Horn and Associates. Inc.
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* Three day average
The 85h percentile speed data depicted in Figure 1 indicates that 85 percent of
the drivers are traveling at 31 -32 miles per hour (mph) or slower. As shown in
Table 1, most of the drivers are maintaining a speed near the posted speed limit.
The average speed ranges between 26 and 27 mph. The speed data presented in
Table 1 indicate there is not a significant speeding problem on the sampled
roads.
040818000 —0102 —6— Kimlev -Horn and Associates. Inc
185%
Average
Location
Kimley -Horn
•
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and Associates, Inc.
SPEED STUDY
Avenue and SW 61st Avenue
30 mph
32 mph
26 mph
SW 58th Avenue between 74th
The vehicular speed chosen by a driver may be influenced by several factors
such as weather, lighting, vehicle density, vehicle mix, roadway geometry,
30 mph
31 mph
adjacent land use, and the driver's familiarity with the road. A driver's choice
SW 59th Avenue between 74th
of speed is usually a balance between expedience and safety, and is often a
Terrace and SW 76th Street `
subconscious decision. Most drivers will drive at the maximum rate of speed
31 mph
26 mph
that they believe they can safely operate their vehicle.
The 85h percentile speed is 'often used as a measure of the upper limit of
"reasonable" speeds for the prevailing conditions. ' The 50th percentile speed is
the average speed traveled by motorists. Speed data were collected on several
2 -lane residential streets in the neighborhood south of downtown. The 85th and
50'' percentile speeds were calculated for each location and are summarized
below in Table 1.
Table 1
Summary of Observed Speeds in the Residential Area
* Three day average
The 85h percentile speed data depicted in Figure 1 indicates that 85 percent of
the drivers are traveling at 31 -32 miles per hour (mph) or slower. As shown in
Table 1, most of the drivers are maintaining a speed near the posted speed limit.
The average speed ranges between 26 and 27 mph. The speed data presented in
Table 1 indicate there is not a significant speeding problem on the sampled
roads.
040818000 —0102 —6— Kimlev -Horn and Associates. Inc
185%
Average
Location
Posted Speed
Speed*
Speed*
SW 76th Street between SW 60th
Avenue and SW 61st Avenue
30 mph
32 mph
26 mph
SW 58th Avenue between 74th
Terrace and SW 76th Street
30 mph
31 mph
27 mph
SW 59th Avenue between 74th
Terrace and SW 76th Street `
30 mph
31 mph
26 mph
* Three day average
The 85h percentile speed data depicted in Figure 1 indicates that 85 percent of
the drivers are traveling at 31 -32 miles per hour (mph) or slower. As shown in
Table 1, most of the drivers are maintaining a speed near the posted speed limit.
The average speed ranges between 26 and 27 mph. The speed data presented in
Table 1 indicate there is not a significant speeding problem on the sampled
roads.
040818000 —0102 —6— Kimlev -Horn and Associates. Inc
ME IGmley Horn
and Associates, Inc.
Figure 3 illustrates the range of speeds (0 mph to 45+ mph) and the frequency of
each speed observed on each roadway. The roads experience a -range of
vehicular speeds that resemble normal distribution - the majority of the
observations fall in a central range with a small percentage of occurrences
outside of this range on both the high and low side. Figure 3, clearly illustrates
the pattern of normal distribution on each roadway:
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040818000 —0102 —7— Kimlev -Horn and Associates. Inc.
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TRAFFIC ANALYSIS
The City entified several problem locations within the stud area. The traffic
t3' P _ _ Y
analysis portion of this study examines each location and their specific traffic
issues. An assessment of each location is provided and recommendations are
made when appropriate. The majority of the recommendations are
transportation system management {TS" improvements. TSM is based on
making more efficient use of the existing roadway network rather than
traditional road widening.
Traffic patterns differ based on what section of the study area is discussed: the
downtown area or the residential area. The downtown area is defined as the
portion of the study area north of SW 74th Street. The residential area is south
of SW' 74`' Street. The posted speed limit throughout the area is 30 mph.
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Within the limits of our study, the following locations were examined in detail:
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Downtown
• SW 58th Avenue /Sunset Drive intersection
• Red Road/Sunset Drive intersection
• Red Road/SW 73rd Street intersection
• Red Road/SW 74`h Street intersection
Residential neighborhoods
0 SW 58`h Avenue
• SW 59h Avenue
• SW 61' Avenue
040818000 —0102 —9— Kimlev -Hom and Associates, Inc.
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DOWNTOWN LOCATIONS
SW 58t' Avenue /Sunset Drive Intersection
Issue: SW 58th Avenue /Sunset Drive is a signalized intersection. The traffic
signal operates two- phase, where left tum movements yield to opposing traffic.
A westbound queue frequently spills back from the Dixie Highway /Sunset Drive'
intersection located approximately 750 feet to the west. When this situation
occurs, no storage is available for vehicles attempting to turn onto Sunset Drive
from northbound SW 58h Avenue. Northbound motorists determined to make
this maneuver frequently queue in the middle of the intersection and block `
southbound traffic.
Assessment: The westbound queue extending back on Sunset Drive from Dixie
Highway and blocking this intersection is a recurring ` problem, particularly
during the PM peak. A -field review of this intersection was conducted during
peak periods. This intersection operates in coordination under the Miami -Dade'
County; signal system. Signal phasing and timing data was obtained from
Miami -Dade County for the subject intersection and the adjacent signalized
intersections on either side:
• Red Road/Sunset Drive
• Dixie Highway /Sunset Drive
Examining the signal timing provides a picture of the progression along Sunset
Drive. During the PM peak, the current signal. tuning prioritizes the westbound
movement on Sunset Drive. Because the westbound movement is the
predominant movement in the evening, any recommendations will also favor
this movement. Currently, an extensive westbound queue has already formed at
Dixie Highway /Sunset Drive when the signal head for SW` 58th Avenue turns
green.
With minor adjustments to signal timing, the signal head SW 58h Avenue can
z tam green earlier, before a substantial westbound queue has developed. A
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modified signal timing plan is located in Appendix endix B. Special care was taken
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not to change the timing at the Dixie Highway /Sunset Drive intersection, as we
did not want this , improvement to interfere with progression along Dixie
Highway. Similar to the existing conditions, the proposed timing plan continues
to provide progression for the westbound movement along Sunset Drive.
However, this recommendation will facilitate side street vehicles turning onto
Sunset Drive, although, due to the limited storage between the signalized
intersections, 'this problem may not disappear entirely.
A capacity analysis was conducted for the SW 58ffi Avenue /Sunset Drive
intersection based on the 2000 Highway Capacity Manual. Existing and
proposed conditions were examined and are included in Appendix B. As only
minor offset changes were made to the Sunset DnVe /SW 58"' Avenue
intersection,' the level of service (LOS) remained at LOS B.
Recommendation: Implement minor adjustments to signal timing for the SW
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58'' Avenue /Sunset Drive intersection. The modified signal timing plan is
located in Appendix B.
Red Road/Sunset Drive Intersection
Issue. Evaluate the intersection's operation and review historical crash data.
Assessment. The Red Road/Sunset Drive intersection experiences high demand.
throughout the day. This intersection operates in coordination under Miami-
Dade County's signal system. The left-tam movements are protected -
penwssive on all approaches. Due to the high level of retail and commercial
development in the area, there are a significant number of pedestrians.
A capacity analysis was performed on the intersection under existing conditions.
In the PM peak, the intersection operates at LOS E. Minor signal timing
modifications are recommended to reduce queues and improve progression `
along both corridors.
040818000 —0102 —11— Kimlev -Hom and Associates. Inc.
Assessment: A field review at this
intersection revealed that the .northbound S' 73 Sr n
queue from the Red Road/Sunset . Drive
intersection routinely extends past the SW 73rd Street intersection. When this
occurs, vehicles on SW 73rd Street can no longer make an eastbound left -turn.
Eastbound left turn motorists attempt to idle in the median area as a refuge
040818000 —0102 _12— Kimlev -Horn and Associates. Inc.
CEEFJ
Kimley -Horn
• .. ME
and Associates, Inc.
while waiting for the northbound queue to clear. However, the painted median
is approximately 10 feet wide and passenger cars are typically 18 to 22 feet
long. Therefore, the tail end of the car extends into the southbound lane and
blocks traffic.
Traffic counts were collected at this intersection in November 2000. ` The data
reflects low volumes on SW 73`d Street throughout the day. The heaviest
demand occurs during the PM peak hour (72 vehicles per hour), and the
majority of motorists make an eastbound right -turn movement. During the PM
peak hours, 66 vehicles out of 72 vehicles made a right turn, representing over
90 percent of the eastbound approach volume. During the morning peak hours
the opposite was true. A total of 35 out of 53 (66 percent) vehicles made an
eastbound left turn. Another light volume at the intersection is the northbound
left -turn movement, with an afternoon peak of 42 vehicles.
" The Red Road/SW 73`d Street intersection
f p' is approximately 300 feet south of Sunset
s� Drive. The queue generated from the
I K f signal at the Red Road/Sunset Drive
W intersection commonly exceeds 800 feet.
r .. Because of the close proximity of these
intersections and the aggressive nature of drivers, the scene in the above photo is
a common occurrence with eastbound vehicles making left turns. impeding the
southbound through movement.
Due to the relatively low traffic volumes on this segment of SW 73`d Street and
the small number of eastbound left turns, we recommend converting SW 73`d
Street to right-turn only at its intersection with Red Road. This operation will
eliminate vehicles left-turning vehicles from blocking the southbound lanes. A
channelized right-tam island would discourage motorists from completing a
left-tam movement. Left -tam movements at this location can be rerouted to the
intersection of SW' 74`' Street and Red Road. No significant impact in the level
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Kimley -Horn
and Associates, Inc.
of service at SW 74h Street and Red 'Road is expected. ' Proper signing and
pavement markings should also be installed.
Recommendation: Convert SW 73d Street to an eastbound right-turn only at the
Red Road intersection.
Red Road/SW 74th Street Intersection
Issue: The signalized intersection of Red Road and SW 74th Street is operating
under split- phasing due to the geometric offset of the side street. The split-
phase operation for SW 74`h Street causes delays to Red Road traffic. The
geometric offset is illustrated in the following picture;
Assessment:
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The side street
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approaches are
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offset by
approximately
d
18 feet. With a
1
posted speed of
30 mph, a
i transition of
270 feet is required to be in compliance with American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) design criteria. The existing
transition measures less than 90 feet for the east/west through movement. Based
on the design criteria and the geometric deficiencies of the intersection, the
existing split- phasing is required.
A capacity analysis was conducted for this r
intersection using SYNCRHO, a traffic
operations analysis software based on the 2000
Highway Capacity Manual. The results of the "pry h
analysis show the eastbound and westbound
approaches experience ' LOS D and F �
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Kimfey -Horn
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respectively, during the PM peak. According to the SYNCHRO output, the
delay for the westbound movement appears to be unacceptable (421 seconds per
vehicle). However, a field review indicated that the delay is not that severe.
Because SYNCHRO calculates delay in seconds per vehicle, when the approach
volume is low, the delay per vehicle results can be abnormally high. Therefore,
we believe that the intersection is operating within acceptable parameters during
the majority of the day, although operations are slightly deficient during the PM
peak hour.
Side street traffic turning onto Red Road encounters a Tong northbound queue
generated by the Red Road/Sunset Drive intersection. If the queue along Red
Road could be reduced, the intersection at Red Road and SW 74th Street would
operate more efficiently. "
Recommendation: Modify signal timing splits at the intersection of Red Road
and Sunset Drive, but do not modify split- phasing at the intersection of Red
Road and SW 74`h Street due to the geometric offset of the SW W Street.
RESIDENTIAL LOCATIONS
SW 58th Avenue and SW 59th- Avenue Corridors
Issue: To determine the -level of non- residential traffic intrusion within the
residential area.
Assessment: As a motorist travels south on SW 58th Avenue or SW 591h Avenue,
land uses transition from commercial/retail to residential. North of SW 74`"
Street, both roads serve a variety of retail establishments from a pharmacy to
sidewalk cafes. On -street parking is prevalent and pedestrians are widespread:
Between SW 74th Street and SW 76`h Street, the land use begins to transition to
high- density residential uses, including condominium and apartment' buildings.
South of SW 76"' Street, single - family housing lines both roadways. A speed
limit of 30 mph is posted throughout the community.
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Daily traffic volumes were collected on both SW 58" and SW 59`h Avenues and
are presented in Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 summarizes the two -way volume
(northbound and southbound) along SW 58`x' Avenue and SW 59h Avenue.
Hourly volumes on both roadways are balanced or almost equal throughout the
day. This pattern is not unusual in areas with a grid roadway network, where
motorists can easily divert to a less congested street. Therefore, volumes tend to
equalize on area roadways. SW 59th Avenue does carry slightly higher volumes
throughout the day, which'' may be partially attributed to the four -way stop
control at SW 59`h Avenue /SW 80`h Street. The four -way stop control enables
vehicles to easily turn onto /off SW 59b Avenue and, therefore, _ attracts more
vehicles.
Figure 5 illustrates the directional hourly volume along both roadways. In the
morning, the majority of vehicles travel northbound. In the midday, volumes
are approximately equal in each direction. During the evening hours the
southbound volume is prevalent.
Figure 6 presents traffic volumes at two locations on SW 58th Avenue and
Figure '7 compares volumes at two locations on SW 59th Avenue. Traffic
volumes are higher on both SW 58`h Avenue and SW 59th Avenue closer to the
downtown area versus farther south near SW 80`x' Street.
Motorists may infiltrate the neighborhoods along SW 58`h Avenue and SW 59`h
Avenue to avoid traffic delays along Red Road. The local neighborhood may
experience a`higher infiltration of cut - through traffic when delay and congestion
on Red' Road is severe. Currently,' some cut-through traffic is believed to exist
within this area. Turning movement counts were collected at the two locations
listed below during the PM peak, which is the busiest time of the day along
these corridors, to identify the presence of cut-through traffic:
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• SW 80' Street/SW 58 th Avenue
• SW 80th Street/SW 59th Avenue
040818000 —0102 —16 Kimlev -Horn and Associates. Inc.
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