HomeMy WebLinkAboutHillside Drive Ctop
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1540 SULLIVAN AVENUE • SOUTH WINDSOR, CONN. 06074
fNdsoa•Co AREA CODE 203/644-2511
March 16, 1989
RICHARD J. SARTOR
Town Manager
Chief Gary Tyler
Traffic Authority
South Windsor Police Department
Dear 'Chief Tyler:
On March 13, 1989 a Council Work Session discussed this petition
of the residents from Steep and Hillside Roads . The concerns
expressed relate to traffic volume and speed, road conditions,
and use of the streets as a shortcut.
Please initiate the following activities to investigate these
concerns:
1. Selective traffic enforcement - speed/stop signs/proper
operation - random times - (on Steep, and Hillside north
and south of Steep. )
2. Improve Line Striping.
3 . Review all signing —replacements or additions as needed.
Citizens have suggested the need for stop signs or speed controls
on Hillside north and southbound and in all possible locations
which are intersectionally related, i.e. north and southbound on
Hillside; eastbound and westbound on Steep Road. Please review
these possible sign locations.
Please record and coordinate reporting with Director of Planning
Marcia Banach of all activities vis a vis this area so that
additional evaluations may be possible in the future.
Very truly yours,
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'Town Mana r
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1540 SULLIVAN AVENUE • SOUTH WINDSOR, CONN. 06074
fypsoe•co AREA CODE 203/644-2511
March 10, 1989
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Michael J. Gantick, Director of Public Works
FROM: Jerry C. Iazzetta, Town Engineer h
RE: Hillside Drive and Steep Road
We have investigated three options for improving
conditions at the intersection and would like to submit the
following:
1 . Modify the intersection into a "T" type intersection.
We estimate the cost of this work to be $50,000.
The scope of work will be: construction of pavement,
pavement removal, extension of a driveway, addition of
two (2) catch basins with associated pipe, removal of
trees, topsoil seeding and curbing of old areas.
Preliminary information indicates that no additional
ROW will be necessary.
2. Clearing of trees to improve site line. It is
estimated that approximately 15 to 20 evergreen and
pine trees will be removed at a cost of $2,500.00. As
an alternate to the complete taking would be to trim
the lower branches on these trees in an attempt to save
them. The cost of this is estimated at $1,200.
Preliminary investigation indicates that these trees
are on private property. No monies have been estimated
for anything other than removal costs.
3 . Provide sidewalk along entire length of Steep Road.
The cost of providing a sidewalk along one side of
Steep Road is estimated as $38,000. If both sides were
to be built, the cost estimate would be $76,000.00 .
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Richard J. Sartor, Town Manager
FROM: Marcia A. Banach, Director of Planning
DATE: March 9, 1989
RE: Steep Road/Hillside Drive Corridor
Per your request, following is an analysis of Steep Road/Hillside
Drive and traffic conditions/concerns voiced by residents of those
streets .
EXISTING CONDITIONS:
Steep Road and Hillside Drive were constructed as part of Graham
Estates Subdivision during the 19601s. Road width is a uniform 26
feet and pavement is in generally fair condition. Drivers traveling
southbound on Steep/Hillside from Graham Road to Sullivan Avenue must
stop at Aroda Drive and at the intersection of Steep/Hillside,
Drivers traveling northbound must stop at Aroda Drive. The posted
speed limit is 25 mph.
Horizontal and vertical alignment are somewhat less than optimal
at 2 locations - a reverse curve on Steep Road which promotes driver
discomfort; and a vertical curve crest at Aroda Drive which limits
sight distance. The three-way stop sign at Aroda Drive mitigates
problems with limited sight distance. Grades are 7% or less, which
are less than the Town's maximum 8% grade standard.
Sight line difficulties also exist at the intersections of
Hillside and Steep, and Steep and Graham. There are also locations
where trees impair sight line for residents exiting their driveways .
Street lighting is adequate, with lights on every other utility
pole. Signage is generally adequate; all existing signs are in good
condition. There are no curve signs along the Hillside/Steep
corridor. The double center lines are somewhat faint.
The Steep Road/Hillside Drive corridor is classified as a minor
collector. Collector streets are expected to serve internal traffic
movements within an area of the community, such as a subdivision, and
connect the area with the arterial system. ' In this case,
Steep/Hillside connects to Sullivan Avenue, classified as an arterial
street; and to Graham Road, classified as a major collector street.
Minor collector streets typically carry light traffic volumes (less
than 2,000 vehicles per day) .
ACCIDENT HISTORY
Accidents within the Steep Road/Hillside Drive corridor are
generally few. In 1987, there were two accidents within the
corridor, plus one at the Graham Road intersection and one at the
Sullivan Avenue intersection. In 1986 there were no accidents within
the corridor, one accident at Steep/Graham and a cluster of accidents
on Sullivan Avenue from the traffic light west past Hillside Drive
( 20 total) . In 1985, there were four accidents within the corridor,
one at Steep/Graham and four at Hillside/Sullivan.
SPEED AND VEHICLE SURVEY
Traffic counts and a speed survey were conducted by the
Transportation Department at the Capital Region Council of
Governments. Traffic counters were placed on Steep Road about 400-
500 feet north of Hillside Drive, and on Hillside Drive about 400-500
feet north of Sullivan Avenue. Personnel from CRCOG also manually
conducted a license plate survey to determine the volume of through
traffic.
Average Daily Traffic
The estimated Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) on Steep Road is
1750, AADT on Hillside Drive is 2300 . The peak hour traffic is
highly directional, with vehicles traveling generally southbound in
the morning and northbound in the late afternoon. (This is typical
of a commuting pattern. ) The p.m. peak hour traffic is 274 vehicles.
The difference between the traffic counts on Hillside Drive and on
Steep Road are attributable to local vehicles accessing the northern
areas of the subdivision.
Through Traffic
Estimates of through traffic were developed by positioning an
observer at the Sullivan Avenue end of Hillside Drive and an observer
at the Aroda Drive end of Steep Road. The observers recorded license
plates of vehicles passing their location. Plate numbers were
subsequently compared; and if the same plate number was recorded by
the two observers within the same time span (allowing 2-3 minutes
driving time) , the vehicle was identified as a through trip.
The estimated daily volume of through traffic is 1000-1200
vehicles .
Posted speed limit is 25 mph. Median speed was recorded at 33
mph; 85% of the vehicles travel at 38 mph or less. Fifteen percent
of all vehicles travel 28 mph or less .
RECENT ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY
The South Windsor Police Department has been conducting selective
enforcement activity in the Steep Road/Hillside Drive vicinity.
Police radar units have been stationed at Hillside/Steep and
Steep/Aroda during various times on weekdays. Observed infractions
during a recent three-week period have been minimal, with citations
issued primarily for failure to stop at the two intersections . There
were three stop sign violations at the intersection of
Hillside/Steep; one at the Steep/Aroda intersection; and one at the
Steep/Graham intersection. Average speed detected by radar was 30-35
mph.
PROBLEM ANALYSIS
There appear to be several contributing factors to the use of
Steep Road/Hillside Drive as a through street:
1 . The corridor is slightly shorter than the alternative route,
Graham Road to Ayers Road to Sullivan Avenue.
2 . Vehicles traveling southbound on Steep/Hillside encounter the
same number of stops as vehicles traveling on
Graham/Ayer/Sullivan. Vehicles traveling northbound on
Steep/Hillside encounter one less stop than they would on
Ayers/Graham.
3. The intersection of Ayers at Sullivan Avenue is located
between two curves which may cause discomfort for drivers,
with a possible perception of sight line impairment.
4 . Congestion at the traffic light on Sullivan Avenue at Colony
Shops is generally encountered at peak traffic hours -- often
extending west on Sullivan Avenue past Hillside Drive. When
facing congestion at a traffic light, many drivers will opt
for the route which enables them to move; and Hillside/Steep
satisfies this criterion.
OPTIONS
,Signal light and pavement modifications on Sullivan Avenue are
expected to be implemented in late summer/early fall 1989 . The
modifications are expected to improve the operation of the
intersection.
Options which could be explored to mitigate public perception of
high traffic volumes/speeding traffic include:
1 . Modify the intersection of Steep Road and Hillside Drive to a
conventional T-intersection. This improvement would result in
forcing vehicles to make a full right or left turn, with a
complete stop, and would also yield an improvement in sight
line at the intersection.
Traffic accidents at the intersection have been minimal: 1 in 1987
and 2 in 1985 . The benefits of this option are an improvement in
sight line, and a possible reduction in failure-to-stop infractions
created by the 90 degree turn maneuver which would be created. (The
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current curve is about 120 degrees, which is easier to execute
without stopping. ) The cost of the improvement at about $50,000,
appears high in relation to the minimal accident history.
2 . Effect sight line improvements by clearing obstructing trees
on' private property along the street (at the intersection of
Steep/Hillside) . Residents can clear obstructing vegetation
to allow easier departure from driveways.
It is anticipated that about 15-20 evergreen trees on private
property could be removed at a cost of about $2,500. An alternative
might be just to trim bottom branches at a cost of about $1200.
Increases in sight line distance may aid in accident reduction.
Also, even where accident history is not significant, perception of
near-misses and general hazardous feeling can be reduced, leading to
greater peace of mind.
3 . Install sidewalks on one or both sides of roadways at a cost
of about $38,000 for one side of the street, $76,000 for both
sides.
Installation of sidewalks would increase residents' perception of
safety by providing a place to walk. The Town's Sidewalk Plan does
not, however, show sidewalks on Steep or Hillside as first or second
priorities
4 . Place a prohibition on thru traffic at all times (will require
police enforcement) .
Signs indicating that no through traffic is allowed would be
placed at the Sullivan Avenue and Graham Road interstections of Steep
Road and Hillside Drive. The benefit of this option is that it may
remove some through traffic. The amount of through traffic reduction
would probably be proportional to the amount of enforcement activity.
The mechanics of enforcement would be quite difficult - - a key
aspect would be ascertaining that vehicles are indeed through
vehicles .
This option (any any other option which reduces the amount of
traffic on certain streets) presupposes that the main streets to
which traffic is redirected are fully adequate to accomodate the
redirected traffic. If not, the redirected traffic may seek out yet
another alternate route.
This option would also test the degree of difficulty which a
driver is willing to endure to avoid the congestion of the main road.
For example, if a through prohibition is placed only on Steep and
Hillside, will drivers use High Street to Hillside Drive to
Saddleback Drive to Morgan Farms Drive to continue to avoid the
congestion? Will thru traffic prohibitions also need to be placed on
those peripheral streets? Also, the large number of left turns onto
Hillside Drive during p.m. peak hour would then be redirected to
Ayers Road; this redirection would need examination to determine if
forcing left turns onto Ayers Road is safer than allowing through
traffic on Hillside/Steep. An examination of the triangle formed by
Ayers/Graham/Sullivan would be in order if this option is selected.
5 . Create a one-way street network.
The P.M. peak hour has the largest number of through vehicles, and
people are more likely to be walking/playing 'in the afternoon/evening
than early in the morning. Thus a one-way street directing traffic
southbound only would reduce through traffic at the time when the
reduction would be most noticeable.
The disadvantage of this alternative is that residents would be
inconvenienced. This option also tests driver's tolerance for
difficulty of travel route - - it is possible that drivers will still
use the more circuitous route described in Option 4, thereby forcing
the extension of the one-way system to the peripheral roads.
Extension of the one-way system to the peripheral roads would result
in the addition of more traffic to Sullivan/Graham as residents are
forced to circle their neighborhood via Graham Road to the entrance
on Sullivan Avenue.
6 . Place a prohibition on left- and right-turns during peak hours
only -- may include linking streets (i.e. , High Street, Morgan
Farms Place) (will require police enforcement) .
The benefit of this option is a noticeable reduction in traffic
during the busiest times . Residents would only be inconvenienced
during about 4 hours per day.
Regular enforcement would be required. The same questions
regarding driver tolerance to inconvenience, outlined in Option 4
above, apply here. It may prove necessary to prohibit peak hour
turns onto peripheral streets - Morgan Farms Drive, High Street. It
is equally important that the main traffic-bearing roads are capable
of handling that traffic. (For example, Sullivan Avenue and various
intersections along it are incapable of efficiently handling peak
hour traffic volumes .
7 . Increase selective enforcement of stop sign and speeding
violations .
Selective enforcement may add to residents' peace of mind. It
might be more effective at removing traffic if speeding was a major
problem (which it does not appear to be) , by persuading drivers who
prefer faster speeds to travel on the main roads where the speed
limits are generally higher.
8 . Improve pavement markings and signage by repainting center
lines and stop bars, and adding curve signs at curves on the
Steep/Hillside corridor (approximately 2 curve signs at $75
each) .
r
If an option which redirects traffic is selected, it should (1) not
occur until the traffic light at Colony Shops is replaced; and (2) be
conducted on a six-month trial basis so that resultant impacts can be
determined.
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SOUTH WINDSOR, CONN. 06074
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MEMORANDUM January 17, 1975
To: Terry V. Sprenkel
Re Drainage Problems on Clinton and Hillside Drives
The flooding problem at #47 and #57 Hillside Drive is caused
by several contributing factors:
The catch basins on Hillside Drive are spaced too far
apart. Therefore, the water in the gutter moves t
fast and does not fall into the basins.
2. The run-off from Steep Road flows directly toward the
subject properties.
3. The lower stretch of storm drain is undersized.
In order to correct this problem, a larger pipe should be
installed, and three (3) new basins should be constructed.
The cost of such work should be about $15, 000:
The flooding at #$87 Clinton Drive can be corrected at little,
or no, cost to the Town. A recent field inspection indicates
that storm water run-off from the Town property can leave the
established water course and enter the Herzog property.
Construction of an earth berm, and cleaning of the pipe, should
alleviate this problem.
Melvin .C'1 Stead, Jr.
MCS:prb
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Terry V. Sprenkel
FROM: Bob Smith
DATE: January 8, 1975
RE: DRAINAGE PROBLEMS - CLINTON DRIVE AND HILLSIDE DRIVE
In reference to Councilman Sorosiak's request for a work session
to discuss individual flooding problems, I would appreciate
receiving a written report indicating the severity of the drainage
problems at the following locations:
7 Hillside Drive (James Reardon) - /
7 Hillside Drive (James Reardon, Jr.) ✓/
^L. 87 Clinton Drive (Robert Herzog) ✓
If the Town of South Windsor has any liability, I would appreciate
your so indicating, and also the estimated costs to be included
in a future budget. I would like to have this information avail-
able by January 31st. :
cc: Town Council `
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Mr.. Alen'. F. Wild
:.120'-Hillside Drive:•
South Windsor, Connecticut`
;�Dear Imo:: Wiled
Thjis office <has nveoti' ted the property maps and deed
K of, the at aida thrive-Steep Road;area, I am not able to;
_-_locate any' indication of,-a .drainage oasQrit or right-of�-
way; eta eittr your or your :neighbor's property.
`Without .such an Eagoment: or right-of-sway, this` office is%' '
unable .to:. ontro� the: grading ,in your rear:yard.
If you lve furth®r nformtion concerhireg this right-of�ay},.
which T for some reason am unable to f ind,; would you plea®
cal your convenlefic 1 at the Toum Ha11
wiry'`.truly ,yours
+ TOWN OF SOUTH .WYNDSOR
Emil U-7 ;Luce`k
Director .of 'Publle -Works.,.
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J. A. BECKWITH & CO., SIMSBURY, CONN. 06070
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TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
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SOUTH WINDSOR, CONN. 06087 G PC 'a
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