INFORMATION ONLY COUNCIL REPORT
Engineering & Public Works Division
For the July 1 4,2015 Council Meeting
ry
WEST
KEtOl,VNA
DATE
June 29,2015
TO
Jim Zaffino, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM:
Kyle Reese, Senior Design and lnspection Technologist
RE
Driver Feedback Signs (Speed Reader Boards)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Driver feedbaek signs have been utilized in various locations in the City of West Kelowna.
There are 4 signs already installed and 3 additional signs purchased for installation in 2015.
Various studies across North America have shown that these signs can reduce operating
speeds over the long term but the greatest benefits are often found immediately after
installation. The three additional signs purchased in2015 will be placed on Reece Rd, Vineyard
Drive and Campbell Rd. The Campbell Rd location will be considered a þermanent installation
however the Reece Rd and Vineyard Drive signs will be looked at for relocation after 12-18
months of operation. All of the signs purchased collect speed data and the data will be
collected and reviewed regularly to gauge the effectiveness of the installations.
BAC
UND:
Driver feedback signs (also referred as speed reader boards) have been deployed in various
locations throughout the City of West Kelowna. This report provides Council with a summary of
the current installations and information regarding additional signs planned for 2015, refer to
Appendix A - Driver Feedback Signs Map.
Driver feedback signs are a form of traffic calming generally suitable for locations such as
arterial roads or roads with steeper grades not conducive to other measures such as speed
humps. They provide visual feedback to drivers on their speed and can be used either as
stand-alone measures or in combination with occasional enforcement or enhanced signage and
markings.
Best Practices
Various studies have been conducted across North America which verifies that driver feedback
signs can be effective in decreasing the 85% speed (speed that 85% vehicles area travelling or
leés) over the long term. However, the greatest impacts are typically seen shortly after the
installation (within 2 months). As drivers become more accustom to the signs their
effectiveness is reduced. There are a variety of methods which can be utilized to maximize their
effectiveness such as:
Minimizing permanent installations which may lead to proliferation of the signs and desensitization for drivers
Supplement permanent locations with occasional enforcement
Focus on locations where they offer the greatest benefit such as speed zone transitions,
schools, playgrounds or construction areas.
.
.
.
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Driver Feedback Signs (Speed Reader Boards)
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a
Alter message displayed periodically. This could include altering the thresholds for
flashing speed and beacon displays or running a sign dark for short periods (i.e. collect
data only).
Utilize trailer mounted signs for short term locations such as construction zones. These
can quickly and easily be relocated to a variety of locations. This can be effective in
responding to resident concerns or for educational purposes at the start of a school
season (remind drivers of school zone changes).
Sions
Existi
There are currently four driver feedback signs installed on the City of West Kelowna roads.
. One on Old Okanagan Hwy approaching Butt Rd
o One on Glenrosa Rd approaching Webber Rd
. Two on Westlake Rd approaching Rosewood Dr
Old Okanagan Highway/Glenrosa Rd signs
The originaidriver feedback signs at these locations were purchased in coordination with the
ICBC Road lmprovement program in2O12. The locations were chosen based on discussions
with ICBC. The initial installations were completed in 2012. Unfortunately due to faulty
equipment and lack of warranty or product support, these went out of operation shortly after
installation and could not be repaired. Replacement signs were purchased in 2O14 andhave
been functioning since installation in spring of 2015.
Westlake Road
Two signs were installed on Westlake Rd in 2014 as part of the Westlake Road upgrade project.
The loðations are north and south of the intersection of Rosewood Drive which is a key
pedestrian connection to the newly opened Mar-Jok Elementary. The signs purchased are of
ihe same manufacturer as the replacements to ensure compatibility and consistency throughout
the City. There have not been any issues or concerns with the operation of these signs to date.
New Siqns for 2015
Re-locatable Signs
Three additional driver feedback signs have been purchased for 2015 as a result of various
neighborhood Traffic Calming Studies.
Two solar powered units will be deployed in temporary locations: One in the Smith Creek
neighborhood and one in the South Boucherie neighborhood. These units will be initially placed
in lõcations with the greatest need and considered for relocation no sooner than 12-18 months'
The initial location chosen from the Smith Creek area is on Reece Rd for the following reasons:
. Measured volumes were the highest of all roads in the study area and speeds exceeded
+1Okm/h above the speed limit
. Various sightline issues exist due to the vertical alignment of road
. Several residential homes access directly onto Reece Rd
The South Boucherie study identified Vineyard Dr approaching Pinot Gris as a location that
would benefit from the installation of a driver feedback sign due to:
. the steep road grades
o Limited sightline approaching Pinot Gris
. Downhill approach to a sharp curve
After approxim ately one year of installation, staff will compile a list of recommended locations to
consider relocating these signs. lnitially this would include all areas identified in the various
traffic calming studies , other road safety reviews and locations with high collision frequency or
known speeding issues. Additional locations may be considered should staff receive any
resident requests or petitio ns for traffic calming ( and data collection supports the need)
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Driver Feedback Signs (Speed Reader Boards)
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Permanent Signs
ln addition to the two solar powered units, there is also a permanent unit purchased that will be
installed on Campbell Rd approaching the residential area of Casa Loma. This unit would be
hardwired to a power supply permanently and not intended to be relocated.
All three units are anticipated to be delivered by the end of July with a tentative installation date
of mid-August.
FI
NANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
A summary of the current investment in Driver Feedback signs in the City of West Kelowna is
summarized in Table
1:
Table 1: Driver Feedback Gosts
2 832
Old Okanaqan Hiqhway/Glenrosa Rd Signs (2 signs)
$ 33.960
Traffic Calminq (Smith Creek, South Boucherie, Casa Loma (3 signs)
$ 12,292
Westlake Road (2 signs)
TOTAL $ 76,054
* Cosf to relocate signs can vary depending on locations chosen and whether existing street lighting can
be utitized to mount equipment. Whenever feasible locations with existing mounting options would be
utilized to minimize any operationalcost
Respectfully
itted,
o
Fiili
GM of Engineering and Public Works
ror Design and lnspection Technologist
Approved for Agenda
b
illis
Manager of Engineering
PowerPoint: No
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Driver Feedback Signs (Speed Reader Boards)
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Driver Fee
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Driver Feedback Signs
Type
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A
Permanent
Re-locatable
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Sign is Facing
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