T-intersections are common junctures for San Marino residents driving city streets. Without a stop sign to slow down their commute, drivers usually zoom through our quiet streets.
Many drivers behave the same way at some four-way intersections without stop control, according to Police Chief John Incontro, who received a complaint from a resident near the Canterbury Road and Santa Anita Avenue intersection.
City staff reported to the Traffic Advisory Commission on April 18 that this four-way intersection is not stop controlled.
City Traffic Engineer Terry Rodrigue reported that drivers commuting down Santa Anita Avenue expect the full right of way, despite right of way belonging to the first car arriving at the intersection.
“The intersection is being used as a two way stop,” Rodrigue said. The Canterbury Road cross gutters, which move rain water down the street, create dips that drivers on Canterbury instinctively utilize as stop signs.
The commission directed staff to provide a report at their May 16 meeting on the number of intersections where major streets intersect minor streets and lack stop control.
While the commission’s agenda items were very specific, Assistant City Manager Lucy Garcia provided a general update on activities in the Public Works Department.
Garcia reported that the city may hire a consultant to advise them on achieving a complete streets approach to their circulation element. This would involve making changes that would provide safer access to all users of the road, regardless of mode of transportation, ability, or age.
Action was also taken on a traffic concern at Shakespeare Drive south of Wallingford Road. Wallingford Road turns left at a 90-degree angle into Shakespeare Drive. An advisory speed sign of 15 m.p.h. marks the suggested speed for the street.
2790 Shakespeare Drive was the site of a “run off road” accident in 2011. A car barreled into the front of the house, damaging the house and nearly striking the resident inside. A police report was never filed.
Commissioners decided to add more reflective markers for greater visibility in the evenings and to replace the existing left arrow sign with a larger left arrow sign.
Staff was also advised to solicit input from residents on Shakespeare Drive and Wallingford Road regarding the placement of four Chevron signs, which illuminate when flashed by headlights and would require four additional sign poles.
They were also asked to solicit input about rumble strips, which provide an auditory and tactile signal to drivers veering too close to the curb. The street did have rumble strips prior to a resurfacing in recent years.
