From: Gerald Fisher
Sent: Tue Nov 12 15:32:06 2019
To: 'Nick MCCLOUD'
Subject: RE: Shirley Street & Cole Avenue intersection improvement
Importance: Normal
Dear Mr. McCloud,
Thank you for your email and thoughts on the Shirley-Cole intersection improvements. The improvements addressed several transportation related concerns. First and foremost is the school crossing at this intersection. The intersection was recently designated by the City of Molalla and the Molalla School District as one of several critical school crossing in Molalla. The use of curb extension has been well studied and provides a much safer crossing for pedestrians. It also has traffic calming affects that have all but eliminated motorist not stopping at the all-way stop and speeding through this intersection. While the curb extensions look very tight to the drivers eye, the width of the roadway is actually the same width as Molalla Avenue downtown.
As I understand it, the bus company rerouted buses to utilize a more straight through route through the intersection. The intersection is designed to provide enough turning movement so that a bus and large truck can slowly negotiate the turn without issue. That is provided that motorist stop at the marked location. Our observations in the field continue to show motorist not obeying the traffic control devices. When the do, we've observed buses and trucks making the turn without issue. They have to go slower but the make the turn and going slower is the point.
Another issue has to do with vehicles pulling trailers especially during the Buckeroo. The Buckeroo Association has repeatedly notified individuals attending the event with trailers to utilize Francis Street. The can also approach from OR 211 using Cole, but in either case it allows for a more straight through route for individuals pulling trailers to the event. Our Public Works staff pulls trailers with equipment through this area and have not had issues negotiating the intersection.
The good news is that as motorist have become used to slowing down through these types of intersections, we have seen less tire marks on the curb and have received less complaints from motorists and no complaints from pedestrians. All that being said, we are looking at the potential of smoothing the curbs a little bit on future applications. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and we will continue to work towards a balance. These are new to Molalla but have been effective intersection treatments throughout the state and country.
Regards,
Gerald Fisher, P.E. | Public Works Director
City of Molalla
117 N Molalla Ave. | PO Box 248 |Molalla, OR 97038
Office: 503.829.6855 <callto:503.829.6855> | Direct: 503.759.0218 <callto:503.759.0218>
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-----Original Message-----
From: Nick MCCLOUD <INDIDAWG@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, November 8, 2019 2:12 PM
To: Gerald Fisher <gfisher@cityofmolalla.com>
Subject: Shirley Street & Cole Avenue intersection improvement
Mr. Fisher, Hello I understand the need and compliance for ADA but this intersection is frankly to small for the vehicles going thru. It has been almost six months and you can see the damage to the concrete due to the fact the ada sidewalks are just to big. Vehicles are having to back up so bus es or trucks with trailers and get through.
I don’t feel that was the intent of this intersection.
Thank you
Nick McCloud