BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDATuesday, September 12, 2017 - 5:30 PM

Conference Room A

The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter forthe hearing impaired, or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities, should be madeat least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to Peggy Hawker, City Recorder at 541.574.0613.

The agenda may be amended during the meeting to add or delete items, change the order ofagenda items, or discuss any other business deemed necessary at the time of the meeting.

A. CALL TO ORDER

B. ROLL CALL/INTRODUCTIONS

C. ADDITIONS TO AGENDA

D. PUBLIC COMMENT

E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

E.1 Approval of the Minutes of Meeting of June 13, 2017Bike Ped June 13 Minutes.docx

E.2 Approval of Minutes of the Meeting of August 8, 2017Bike Ped Aug 8 Minutes.docx

1

F. OTHER BUSINESS

F.1 Committee Structure Update

F.2 Oceanview Drive Safety ConcernsMemo_RE_Oceanview_Drive_Speed_6-15-17.pdfStaff_Report_-_Oceanview_Drive_9-5-17.pdfCity_Mgr._R___R_--Report_on_Oceanview_Drive_Bike_and_Pedestrian_Issues.pdf

F.3 Bike Racks and Bike Parking (cont.)BikeParking.pdf

F.4 Safe Routes to School ProjectsNewport Middle Map.pdfYaquina View Map.pdf

G. REVIEW EXISTING PROJECTS

H. REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR STAFF

I. BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS

J. COMMITTEE COMMENTS

K. ADJOURNMENT

2

June 13, 2017

5:30 P.M.

Newport, Oregon

The City of Newport Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee met on the above date in Conference Room A of the Newport City Hall. In attendance were Maryann Bozza, Marsha Eckelman, Wendy Engler, Chuck Forinash, and Susan Hogg. Also in attendance was Rachel Cotton, Associate Planner, and Jenna Berman, ODOT Region 2 Active Transportation Liaison. Not it attendance were Eric Hanneman and Wendy Henriksen. Community member in attendance was Michael Rioux.

ROLL CALL

Bozza opened the meeting with a roll call. Bozza asked for additions to the present agenda.Forinash request adding a discussion in the Committee Comments about the South Beach workshop he attended. Jenna Berman’s presentation changed to follow the approval of minutes in the agenda.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

No public comments.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MAY 9, 2017

Forinash asked about Bozza’s comments in the minutes concerning no bikes at the HMSC. This was about the nature trail that officially has no bikes. According to Bozza, it has always been signed, but hasn’t been enforced. It was taken off the map for the South Beach bike route. Forinash said the Wayfinding Map needed these changes as well.

MOTION was made by Eckelman, seconded by Hogg, to approve the minutes of May 9, 2017, as presented. The motion carried unanimously in a voice vote.

ODOT GUEST: JENNA BERMAN, ODOT REGION 2 ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION LIAISON

Berman introduced herself to the Advisory Committee and gave her background. She explained that there is a new transportation bill in the legislature that would provide funding for such things as Safe Routes to School. Berman will need ideas from communities to identify and prioritize future projects that need funding.

Berman covered the history of Active Transportation at ODOT. They are looking at roads as a complete network that accommodates all modes of transportation. Berman covered the reasoning for the program and challenges they are facing.

Berman covered the updated Oregon Transportation Plan, which includes the Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, with the AC. Berman said the AC should ask for make sure its priorities are

3

incorporated into the upcoming Transportation System Update rather than minimums. By getting projects in the TSP, it will help elevate them when it comes to funding.

Berman is trying to work with ODOT internally to make sure funding goes to projects that might fall short on funding. They will be updating their internal guidance. Berman will work withODOT’s engineers to incorporate emerging best practices from the state’s Bike and Ped. plan. Hogg asked if the new ADA legislation addressed island ramps in locations where there are no sidewalk connecting the ramps to anything. Berman thinks that anything that is up to standard needs to be accessible and that is part of the pressure.

Berman gave information on how to talk to people who do not bike. She encouraged the AC to be engaged in the TSP update. Cotton said this would start in the fall of 2017. She said that through the visioning process, they are gathering information on what the community wantsrelated to bike and pedestrian infrastructure and improvements. The Vision is meant to be very general, but it will give the City an idea of what the community envisions. Bozza asked what the relationship between the City and ODOT is for the TSP update process. Berman explained that ODOT is paying for it. They will have a planner that will work with the City on the process. The planner assigned to Newport is a bicyclist. There will be a lot of public outreach for the TSP update and then the City Council will adopt it.

Berman shared that she is aware of some safety concerns from the Newport area. She reported that she asked ODOT about sharrows. They have funding to do them on the bridge, but the City would have to pay to maintain them. Berman covered the major funding pots available for bike and pedestrian projects for Newport. The funds are from State dollars from gas taxes. One percent of these taxes are designated to bike and pedestrian projects. Forinash asked how much funding one percent is. It is about a million dollars per year and would be distributed between different projects in the State right of way system. Engler asked if Oceanview would qualify. Berman didn’t know. Forinash asked if the City could double the money in Quick Fix by matching half of the costs. Berman said yes.

A discussion ensued regarding Connect Oregon. Berman said that the transportation bill will change things. Some things may change such as the application cycle. Multiuse paths can be funded but they have to be in a right-of-way. Engler asked about using All Roads Transportation Safety (ARTS) funds for bike/ped safety improvements on Oceanview. Berman said project selection is statistically based and usually goes by accidents. To be competitive, you have to show many crashes. Forinash asked if you could show that people are not using the roadbecause it is unsafe. Berman said that is tough. Engler said sight distance could be the focus. Berman said to talk to Amanda Sallier, who is over the ARTS program at ODOT, to ask if Oceanview would be competitive. The TSP will have a lot of the information already lined outfor application.

Engler asked what Berman’s feelings were about sharrows on the bridge. At first she wanted them has reconsidered after her visit to Newport. ODOT is about to launch a study on Hwy 101

4

to evaluate the Oregon Coast Bike Route. Berman explained what the study will be looking at to distribute funding. Engler said tourist dollars are justifiable to use for tourist routes. She asked if there would be some information to help the AC advocate for sharrows to the City Council. Berman thinks there will be recommendations that come out of the study. She is split on the idea of sharrows on the bridge. Berman said there isn’t much data on sharrows currently, but she thought that in the next few years there will be more information about sharrows that will help with these questions.

Berman reviewed the questions she will bring to ODOT with the AC. The first question asked if they should do a no turn on red at the intersection of Lighthouse Drive and 101 and what the rules are for this. Berman said there is an option of having a pedestrian light that turns a few seconds before the green light for traffic. The second question was if ODOT should do a speed study on Oceanview, and if the City is liable if you keep the speed lower and something happens. A discussion ensued regarding ways to slow down traffic. Berman to find out with ODOT if the City just goes with 85 percentile speed . Bozza asked about the Hwy 101 crossing with flashing lights. She would like to know if there are numbers to say they are safe for kids. Yes, and Berman will supply a handout to the AC concerning this. Cotton to send out Berman’s presentation to AC. Engler will inform the City Council about what was discussed at the next meeting.

UPDATE OF NEWPORT BIKE MAPS

A discussion ensued regarding the bike maps. Cotton noted changes to the map. She put in bike parking where she knew it existed. She said that the AC can take the new maps home and review them for comments. She also figured out the shopping route map and put in a description on how to navigate through Frank Wade Park. Forinash said it is Wayfindingsignage. Rioux noted that there is a section that the public can go that cuts down the hill before the fence spot by Frank Wade Park. He asked if the City could cut in an actual pedestrian pathwhere it is. Cotton said she was unsure of the property ownership and would look into this. Forinash asked if the Arts Committee signed off or commented on the dots for arts on the maps. Cotton said no and she would verify with them. There will be a different color for the City to City. Bozza said that City to City doesn’t say that it is from Newport to Toledo. The AC tells Cotton that they are pleased with the maps. Rioux noted that on the Bayfront to Nye Beach route, the section on Hwy 20 has construction on it. He suggested adding text saying that a more relaxing ride is to go the reverse way and go downhill to Benson along the Bayfront. Cotton to add this. The AC will take home maps and send comments to Cotton in the coming week.

UPCOMING ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Cotton noted that in the email she sent the AC there was one incorrect date. There will be a meeting of the Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee on June 14th and then a conference call in the morning on June 15th. There is also a webinar option. Cotton said that the

5

Lincoln County Health and Planning workshop is actually on Thursday the 22nd with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Eckelman will be attending. Bozza noted that Safe Routes to Schools is something that would be appropriate in this context. Eckelman will talk about this. Hogg shared information about regional walking tours by different agencies who are trying to promote walking.

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR STAFF

Cotton reported on a letter to the Editor in the Newport News Time concerning Oceanview Drive. It was shared with the City Council. Cotton to share article with the AC.

Cotton noted that at the next meeting there would be a vote on a new committee member.

Cotton asked the AC about the dates they will be gone in the upcoming summer months. Bozza will be gone in July, Hogg to be gone in August, and Eckelman will be gone in September.

BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS

There was one accident reported for June. It occurred in a parking lot in the 1200 Block of SW Fall St on May 6th. A person was attempting to reverse their car and had it in the wrong gear, which resulted in hitting a pedestrian. The pedestrian was taken to the hospital for injuries. It is case number 17N-01071.

COMMITTEE COMMENTS

Forinash reported on the South Beach workshop he attended. He reported that ODOT was using old aerial graphics during the workshop. Bozza asked why he suggested a midblock crossing at the intersection of Pacific Way and 101. Forinash said it is difficult to verbalize but suggested reviewing the sidewalk placement and flow of traffic for the area to understand. Bozza did not think pedestrians would use a midblock crosswalk. She said most pedestrians are heading to a specific destination and are not tourists.

ADJOURNMENT

Having no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:09 P.M.

6

August 8, 2017

5:30 P.M.

Newport, Oregon

The City of Newport Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee met on the above date in Conference Room A of the Newport City Hall. In attendance were Maryann Bozza, Marsha Eckelman, Eric Hanneman, and Wendy Henriksen. Also in attendance was Rachel Cotton, Associate Planner. Not it attendance were Wendy Engler, Chuck Forinash, and Susan Hogg.Potential Advisory Committee members in attendance were Michael Rioux and Nicole Fields.

ROLL CALL

Bozza opened the meeting with a roll call and asked for additions to the agenda. None were noted.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF JULY 11, 2017

Cotton noted that the July 11 meeting did not have a quorum, so approval of meeting minutes did not need to be done.

DISCUSSION OF OPTIONS FOR COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AND FILLING VACANCY

Bozza noted at the July 11 meeting there was a discussion about if there could be multiple members added to the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Cotton reported that she checked with the City Attorney, Steve Rich, and City Recorder, Peggy Hawker, and their suggestion was to allow for alternate members. One member would be appointed as the seventh committee member by ordinance and the AC could appoint up to three members as alternates. The role of the alternates is that they are non-voting members except in the absence of voting members. The AC was in agreement with this structure. Bozza thought participation had been unclear for members of the public in the past when attending AC meetings and thought the proposed structure would clear this up.

Rioux didn’t have a preference on being a committee member or alternate. Fields was happy with either as well. Bozza noted that she wasn’t at the previous meeting interviews and asked the AC their thoughts on the candidates. Eckelman noted that the AC liked all three applicants. Hanneman gave an overview of each of the applicants and their backgrounds. Cotton read Susan Hogg’s letter to the AC concerning her thoughts on each applicant. Hogg was in favor of voting for Daniella Crowder to be appointed to the AC. Hanneman was also in favor of Daniella because she was more of a professional person in the biking community. Eckelman was in favor of Daniella. Bozza thanked Rioux for saying he would like to be an alternate and thought it would be good. She thought Fields could be an alternate and valued her interest in public health. Cotton said that Engler sent an email to her that noted that Fields would be a great asset with her grant writing background. Bozza said she would go with the majority.

MOTION was made by Eckelman, seconded by Henriksen, to recommend that the City Council adopt an ordinance that allows for up to three alternate members of the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee. The motion carried unanimously in a voice vote. 7

MOTION was made by Bozza, seconded by Henriksen, to recommend Daniella Crowder as the new member of the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and Michael Rioux and Nicole Fields as alternate members. The motion carried unanimously in a voice vote.

A discussion ensued regarding the benefits of having alternate members on the committee.Rioux asked if the draft ordinance addressed the order in which alternates would vote in place of absent members. Bozza said the AC was just doing a recommendation to the City Council for each person to be considered for positions on the AC. Cotton said the AC could talk about the structure for filling vacancies at a later date. She would clarify how the voting would happen when there wasn’t a quorum. Cotton thought the CC would be voting on the recommendation during its second meeting in August.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BIKE RACK LOCATIONS

Cotton said there are not many bike racks in the City. She spoke to Derrick Tokos about the possibility of adding more bike racks. He said if the AC wanted to make recommendations to prioritize five spots for bike racks, that could be achievable. The list didn’t have to be created at the current meeting, but Cotton asked the AC to consider locations. She said she spoke to the project manager at Agate Beach (Ernest Bloch Memorial Wayside), and he thought that couldbe a good spot for a bike rack. He wanted to look at the ADA clearances before thinking about putting in a bike rack.

Fields noted that Lincoln County Public Health was doing a food health assessment and one of the questions was about bike racks and walkability to stores that sell food in Newport. The data will be available at the end of August. Cotton said Hogg suggested that parking standards should include bike parking for businesses. Eckelman noted that she witnessed tourists biking around Newport during the summer and they had bike maps.

A discussion ensued regarding locations for bike racks, which included larger retailers like Fred Meyer, JC Market, Safeway, and Walmart. Bozza suggested the AC put their priorities on paper and present it to Tokos. Cotton said the AC should develop a list and also recommend what the standards should be for bike parking on new developments. Bozza said the government surplus website might have bike racks that could be sourced at a lower cost. Hanneman said that most businesses don’t have parking and only the larger stores have parking lots where bike rackscould be placed. He thought they may have to be placed in public rights of way. Cotton noted there were some bike racks at the Yaquina Head Lighthouse and the South Beach State Park.Cotton suggested that in certain areas there be a request for more concentrated areas with bike racks such as the Bayfront and Nye Beach areas. Fields said she would provide the data from their assessment to the AC. Areas of interest for bike racks were the Supermarkets, Bayfront (each end and some on dock side), Jetty Road at South Beach State Park, Yaquina Bay Lighthouse State Park, Ernest Bloch Memorial Wayside, and the South Beach crabbing pier by Rogue. Cotton to give an update at the next meeting on locations.

Hanneman suggested the AC look into the possibility of bike share in Newport. Fields noted that it was working in Portland. Hanneman said the City wouldn’t have to fund it and could find corporate sponsors. Cotton thought it might be good option with the OSU expansionhappening. Bozza thought there should be rental bikes and zip cars in Newport. She asked

8

Fields if the County would be looking at facilitating infrastructure to get people out to exercise. Fields said there wasn’t any funding in the current cycle. There was a little money for side projects and they would be building the program so they could be compatible for grants.

VISION 2040 UPDATE

Cotton reported on highlights from the Vision 2040 survey results. She said there hadn’t been a structural group formed to determine how to move forward with implementation of the Vision,but it would be happening. The Vision 2040 Advisory Committee is working on prioritizing statements. A discussion ensued regarding results for different areas.

EXISTING PROJECTS

Cotton reported that Engler asked about the 6th Street and Harbor Way sidewalks. Design exists and projects are scheduled to start next spring or early summer. Cotton also reported a hearing on Oceanview Drive safety issues would be on a future agenda for the City Council. This was concerning the traffic on the road and changes the neighbors are requesting.

BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTSThere were no accidents in July.

COMMITTEE COMMENTS

Bozza asked about the concerns a member of the public had about Lighthouse Drive. Cotton reported that this is an ODOT decision and would check with Jenna Berman on it again. Berman told Cotton that there would be some Safe Route to Schools funding and the main requirement is that projects be within a half mile of a K-8 school. Yaquina View Elementary was one and Harney Street sidewalk was another area that came to mind for Cotton. Fields asked if the AC would write the grant for the Safe Routes to School. Cotton said it could be an option but Berman would be the one to recommend projects for funding. There would be additional opportunities to apply for grants. Fields said the County Public Health Department was in a good place at the time to be a fiscal agent or lead agent on a fiscal grant and could partner with the AC.

Bozza asked if the Bike and Ped Master Plan progress spreadsheet was ever found. Cotton said the ones that have been done have been taken off the list. Tokos knew which ones needed to be addressed.

Hanneman reported on a response from the City concerning sewer lids that had gaps in them. The response was that they knew it was a problem and newer ones with narrower gaps would be put in. They thought the idea of putting lids perpendicular would be a waste of time because when cars pass over them, they spin. Hanneman thought it could be a good project for the bike club, with the City’s approval, to go around turning the sewer lids perpendicular to traffic flow.

Bozza noted that she would like the AC to go through the process of choosing a new Committee Chair and would like the AC to consider taking on the role. The AC said that Bozza had done a great job as Chair.

ADJOURNMENT 9

Having no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:46 P.M.

10

City of Newport169 SW Coast HighwayNewport, OR 97365P|541-574-3366 F|541-574-3301http://www.thecityofnewport.net/

MemoTo: Spencer Nebel, City Manager

City Council

From: Timothy Gross, Director of Public Works/City Engineer

Date: 8/30/2017

RE: OCEANVIEW DRIVE SPEED

This memo is to provide an overview of speed zone laws, a history of the speed limit on Oceanview Drive, and a summary of the actions taken to establish the current speeds on Oceanview Drive.

In May of 2013 as part of the discussion associated with the proposed Teevin site and the suitability of Moore Drive for additional truck traffic, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) advised the City that the posted speeds on SE Moore Drive, Bay Boulevard both east and west of SE Moore Drive, and Oceanview Drive all had posted speeds that were not established by an ODOT speed zone order. By law, ODOT is responsible for establishing speed zones on all roadways in Oregon. Since none of these road sections met the State Statute definition of a residential district, the legal speed on the roads would therefore be 55 mph per the basic rule.

https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/TRAFFIC-ROADWAY/pages/speed_zone_program.aspx#The_Basic_Rule

City staff conducted speed studies on these segments of roadways and forwarded that data with a request for a Speed Zone Investigation to be completed by ODOT. The speed limit posted on Oceanview Drive when this study was conducted was 25 mph. Speed studies on Oceanview Drive indicate that in the area of the Agate Beach Wayside, 64% to 84% of the motorists were exceeding the posted 25 mph limit, while 85% of the drivers were driving 35mph or less, called the 85th percentile speed. The 85th percentile speed is used as an indicator for speed zone investigations to determine what motorists perceive as a safe and prudent speed. In combination with the 85th percentiles speed, investigators also consider accident history, road geometry, driveway spacing, and other factors when considering appropriate speeds. Since there is no vehicle accident history related to speed, no pedestrian accident history in the area, limited driveway approaches, and long site distances, the State recommended a 35 mph limit on

11

Page 2

Oceanview Drive between Hwy 101 and Edenview Way. Initially the State recommended a 35 mph speed all the way between Hwy 101 and NW 16th, but after discussions with City staff, the State agreed to lower the speed recommendation between Edenview and NW 16th to 25 mph.

City staff has done subsequent speed studies along Oceanview Drive between NW 12th and Edenview Way, and results indicate that the 85th percentile speed in this region is consistently 25 mph. This shows that speeding is generally not prevalent in this corridor. City staff have not had an opportunity to follow up with speeds near the Agate Beach Wayside because of the construction of the adjacent Big Creek Pump Station, but when the paving in the area is complete, City Staff will conduct a subsequent speed study in this area as well. Copies of the speed study results used in the Speed Zone Investigation are attached.

Oceanview Drive is classified in the City’s Transportation System Master Plan as a collector roadway. This means that it serves as a primary route for traffic to access adjacent neighborhoods and as a secondary bypass to the major arterial route, which is in this case is Hwy 101. The roadway that now exists as Oceanview Drive was originally the Pacific Coast Highway, and the current cross section and alignment are the result of that original use. The challenge with Oceanview Drive is that it is only 24 feet wide and has limited or no shoulders, forcing pedestrians to walk in the travel lanes. Although a motorist may be able to drive 25 or 35 mph safely with pedestrians sharing the road, it always seems like they are traveling too fast to a pedestrian who confronts a vehicle in such a manner. City staff have investigated widening the shoulders and/or the potential to install sidewalks along Oceanview Drive. However, due to narrow rights-of-way, topography, and encroachments, widening the road and/or installingsidewalks would be very costly, and City staff have been unable to identify a source of funding to date.

It is my opinion as City Engineer that the speeds recommended by ODOT on Oceanview Drive are appropriate and represent the safest speeds for the roadway. The speed studies, accident history, and experience support this opinion. Below is an excerpt from the ODOT Speed Zone Program web page (link above) that discusses the underlying principal behind the establishment of speed zones:

American law follows the basic idea that most people are reasonable and laws exist to control the few who are unreasonable or inconsiderate. The posted speed zones follow the same idea. The methods for establishing speed zones are based upon careful studies that have been performed in Oregon and throughout the United States.

These studies show that traffic moving at a speed that is reasonable for the road and weather conditions results in fewer accidents. Drivers are more patient because a reasonably uniform speed allows progress with less passing, less delay, and fewer rear-end collisions.

Many people believe that lowering posted speeds will mean fewer accidents, but studies do not prove this. Unrealistically low speeds frustrate many drivers, resulting in numerous speeding violations and unsafe driving, actually causing more accidents. Some motorists may try to make up time by taking a shortcut through residential or other areas that are not suited to higher speeds and increased numbers of cars.

12

Prepared by: Timothy Gross, PE, Director of Public Works/City Engineer

Title: Oceanview Drive Pedestrian Safety Issues

Recommended Motion:

None

Background Information:

This memo is intended to respond to concerns raised at the July 17th, 2017 City Council Meeting regarding pedestrian safety on Oceanview Drive, and to provide the City Council with some options to consider regarding how those concerns may be addressed.

At the July 17th meeting, several residents addressed Council regarding the agenda item about the speeds on Oceanview Drive, however all of the concerns that were raisedwere about pedestrian safety on the road, due to the lack of pedestrian facilities forcing people to walk in the travel lane, and limited vehicle site distances in several locations.

On Thursday, August 24, 2017, Spencer Nebel, City Manager, Timothy Gross, Director of Public Works/City Engineer, and David Allen, City Counselor joined JoAnn Hanselman on a walk down Oceanview Drive from Agate Beach State Park north to Hwy 101, south from Hwy 101 to NW Spring Street, and back north along Oceanview to Agate Beach State Park. Observations from this walk include:

1. Oceanview Drive is only 24’ wide and the only place for pedestrians to walk in most places is in the drive lane. There are few shoulders along Oceanview and many places where the lane drops immediately to a water filled ditch or canyon.

2. Because the road has no curbs, many of the locations where gravel shoulders do exist are very scoured from water runoff at the pavement edge, creating a risk of falling or twisted ankles if pedestrians stepped off the side of the road.

3. Vegetation is growing right up to the paved edge causing very limited sight distance, particularly in the area where Oceanview has significant curves. This causes problems both for pedestrians walking on the road, and challenges for drivers entering onto Oceanview from view restricted adjacent roads and driveways.

4. We did not observe many divers that appeared to be driving in excess of the limit. There was one driver with a trailer that came around a blind corner while we were

STAFF REPORTCITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM

13

walking in the lane which was very startling. The vegetation was grown right to the edge of the road in this location and gave us no where to exit the road. The driver was able to slow down and avoid us with a 5 foot margin.

Speed did not appear to play much of a role in the safety issues identified. Although excessive speed would certainly exacerbate existing safety concerns, the overwhelming majority of the concerns took place in the segment of Oceanview Drive posted as 25 mph, which is the lowest speed limit that can legally be established in this corridor, and is consistent with the 85% speed. (Please see memo dated June 16, 2017) Although it is alarming as a pedestrian when a vehicle comes around a blind curve, all motorists were able to respond quickly to the situation, slowing down until there was room to pass.

There are two significant safety issues that need to be addressed to make Oceanview Drive safe for pedestrians:

1. A separate sidewalk, walking path, shoulder or widened pavement needs to be provided to allow pedestrians to walk outside of the travel lanes.

2. Sight distance on curves and corners needs to be improved.

City Staff did reach out to Weldon Ryan, Speed Zone Investigator with ODOT who did the initial speed study and speed zone findings for ODOT on Oceanview Drive. Weldondid indicate that the 25 mph sped limit on Oceanview is by law the lowest speed limit that can be posted on Oceanview between Edenview and Spring Street. Furthermore he confirmed that the 35 mph speed on Oceanview between Hwy 101 and Edenview is correctly set based upon ODOT’s analysis. He did indicate that the City could request that the speed study be reviewed again, but unless something has significantly changed, the findings would likely be the same. I have include Weldon’s contact information is you would like to speak with him about the process ODOT uses for establishing speed zones in Oregon.

Weldon RyanSpeed Zone InvestigatorODOT R2 Traffic Unit503-986-2992weldon.j.ryan@odot.state.or.us

Fiscal Notes:

None

Alternatives:

Several short term improvements can be done to improve safety, reduce speeds and provide more adequate notification regarding pedestrians on Oceanview Drive:

1. Oceanview was recently restriped with a double yellow centerline from Hwy 101 to Spring Street. Fog lines could be added (a single solid white line) at the edge of the pavement. Driver’s speed is usually determined by what they feel is safe

14

and prudent based upon the road and conditions. Adding a fog line gives the illusion that the lane is narrower and is a common practice for slowing traffic.

2. Add warning signage in advance of curves and areas where sight distance is poor.

3. Trim vegetation back in the ROW as far as possible in poor sight distance areas. On some corners, the sight distance triangle required by City code is not being met on private property, and communication with the property owners and possible enforcement action should be initiated to improve these corners. City staff are already identifying areas where vegetation needs to be trimmed throughout the corridor and will be trimming vegetation within the ROW and communicating with property owners shortly.

4. Improve gravel shoulders where room exists and make drainage corrections so shoulders do not wash out during rain events. City staff will repair existing shoulders within the next few weeks but drainage corrections may take longer to identify and implement.

Longer term improvements to address pedestrian safety may include the following:

1. There appears to be sufficient room to construct a sidewalk or trail on the east side of Oceanview Drive. As with most roads, there are some problem areas where the ROW is narrow or the embankment is steep, but the majority of the Oceanview ROW has sufficient room and topography to allow a sidewalk. It would be necessary to install storm drain and curb as part of any improvement because the current drainage on the roadway is by a ditch on the east side. A future sidewalk would need to be constructed immediately adjacent to the existing road in the area where this ditch is currently located, requiring curb and storm sewer. Although a project to build sidewalk along the entire length of Oceanview would be very costly, it would be possible to do the project in phases, and first install sidewalk segments where the most dangerous curves and sight distance issues exist, filling in other areas at a later date. I highly recommended that City Council work toward implementing this alternative.

2. The road could be widened with paved 5’ shoulders, curb and storm sewer, however it is unlikely that the ROW exists to make these improvements and costly ROW acquisition may be necessary. This is likely the most costly alternative with the largest impact to adjacent property owners. The end result is that both bicycles and pedestrians have a safe place to ride and walk outside of the travel lane, but are still walking on the roadway.

15

3. Oceanview Drive could be changed to a one-way street similar to Otter Crest Loop around Cape Fowlweather. This would allow sufficient room on Oceanview for one lane of traffic and a marked walking path and/or bike lane. Oceanview Drive serves as a collector roadway to the many adjacent neighborhoods and Nye Beach. Since alternatives to Hwy 101 are slim, I would not recommend this alternative due to the negative impact it would have on Highway 101 and traffic circulation in Newport in general.

4. Apparently when the signal at 25th Street and Hwy 101 was installed at Walmart, there was discussion about making Oceanview Drive a cul-de-sac near its intersection with Hwy 101. For the same reasons as listed in item 3 above, Staff do not recommend this alternative.

Attachments:

Memo RE Oceanview Drive Speed 6-15-17

16

CITY MANAGER REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Meeting Date: September 5, 2017

Agenda Item: Report on Oceanview Drive Bike and Pedestrian Issues.

Background:On July 17, 2017, a group of citizens addressed the City Council regarding concerns about a posted speed limit,and pedestrian safety concerns on Oceanview Drive. Since that time, Councilor Allen, Public Works Director, Tim Gross, and I have walked Oceanview Drive from Highway 101 to NW Spring Street, and back with JoAnn Ronzio to experience this street as a pedestrian.

Since this meeting, Public Works has placed a double yellow line throughout this section of roadway. The cross-walk at Agate Beach has also been repainted following the repaving of this section of the roadway.

During this walk, we identified a number of issues that could be addressed in the short term to improve pedestrian safety, including brush removal and adding gravel to areas impacted by scouring from storm water running along the edge of pavement. These items will be scheduled by Public Works in the next few weeks.

On a more long-term basis, the City could consider a number of major changes to this corridor. This includes the following:

1) Construct a sidewalk in phases on the east side of Oceanview Drive. There are several sections which will be difficult and expensive to construct. In a few cases, additional right-of-way will need to be acquired.

2) The road could be widened over time to include sidewalks, curb, gutter, and storm drains. This would be very expensive and would require significant changes for property owners along the route.

3) Oceanview could be changed to a one-way street with a traffic lane and a bike pedestrian lane. This would be similar to Otter Crest Loop. This would limit traffic circulation and eliminate a key detour when Highway 101 is closed for accidents or events.

4) When the traffic signal was put into place at Walmart, it was the long-term plan between the City and ODOT to create a cul-de-sac at the north end of Oceanview at Highway 101. This would reduce traffic on Oceanview, but would not address the visibility issues on this stretch of the road.

It is my opinion that the physical limitations of Oceanview Drive, handling pedestrian and vehicular traffic, is the primary safety issue, not the posted speed limit. The City may be able to make an argument to reduce the speed on Oceanview from Highway 101 to Edenview, from 35 mph to 30 mph, but we are not sure that will change anything in relation to the speed traveled by vehicles on this stretch of road. In the attached memo from Public Works Director Tim Gross, information is provided on the costs for establishing speed limits in the State of Oregon. In order for speed limits to be legally enforceable, they must meet specific criteria.

We greatly appreciate the efforts of JoAnn Ronzio in arranging a walking tour for us of Oceanview Drive.

Recommendation:

We will be proceeding with brush removal and shoulder repairs in the next few weeks. At this time, I would ask the Council to review the various options, in addition to the current status, to determine whether the Council is interested in obtaining more information about any of the alternatives.

17

Fiscal Effects:

None from discussing alternatives.

Alternative:

As suggested by the City Council.

Recommended Action:This is a discussion item. Fiscal Effects:None.

Alternatives:None recommended.

Respectfully Submitted,

Spencer R. NebelCity Manager

18

19

NE

EA

DS

ST

NE

HA

RN

EY

ST

NE 10TH ST

NE 8TH ST

NE 9TH ST

NE 4TH ST

NE 10TH ST

NE

GR

AN

T S

T

NE 5TH ST

NE 6TH ST

NE

FO

GA

RT

Y S

T

NE 7TH ST

NE 9TH ST

NE

7T

H D

R

NE 3RD ST

NE 10TH ST

NE 8TH ST

NE 9TH ST

NE 7TH ST

NE

DO

UG

LA

S S

T

NE 3RD ST

NE 10TH CT

NE

ILE

R S

T

NE

JEF

FE

RIE

S C

T

NE

JE

FF

RIE

S P

L

NE 6TH ST

NewportMiddleSchool

Newport HighWest Campus

NewportHigh MainCampus

0 200 400 600 800 1,000100Feet ¯

This map is for informational use only and has not been prepared for, nor is it suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. It

includes data from multiple sources. The City of Newport assumes no responsibility for its compilation or use and users of this

information are cautioned to verify all information with the City of Newport Community Development Department.

City of Newport

Community Development Department169 SW Coast Highway Phone:1.541.574.0629Newport, OR 97365 Fax:1.541.574.0644

Image Taken July 20134-inch, 4-band Digital Orthophotos

David Smith & Associates, Inc. Portland, OR

Newport Middle School with 1/4 Mile Buffer

Existing Sidewalks

1/4 Mile Buffer

This intersection is very congested

during pick-up and drop-o�

times. Potential for crosswalk

improvements.

20

SE 5TH ST

SE 1ST ST

SE V

IEW

CT

SE BAY BV

SE

1S

T P

L

NE

EA

DS

ST

NE

GR

AN

T S

T

SE

DO

UG

LA

S S

T

SE 1ST ST

NE

FO

GA

RT

Y S

TS

E F

OG

AR

TY

ST

NE 3RD ST

SE 2ND ST

SE 3RD ST

NE

LIN

CO

LN

ST

SE SCENIC

LP

NE YAQUINA HEIGHTS DR

NE 1ST ST

SE 4TH ST

SE SPRUCE WY

NE 2ND ST

HIGHWAY 20

NE 3RD ST

E OLIVE ST

NE 2ND ST

NE 4TH ST

SE VIEW DR

NE

HA

RN

EY

ST

SE

HA

RN

EY

ST

SE LARCH ST

SE M

OO

RE D

R

Newport HighWest Campus

Newport HighMain Campus

Yaquina ViewElementary

0 200 400 600 800 1,000100Feet ¯

This map is for informational use only and has not been prepared for, nor is it suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. It

includes data from multiple sources. The City of Newport assumes no responsibility for its compilation or use and users of this

information are cautioned to verify all information with the City of Newport Community Development Department.

City of Newport

Community Development Department169 SW Coast Highway Phone:1.541.574.0629Newport, OR 97365 Fax:1.541.574.0644

Image Taken July 20134-inch, 4-band Digital Orthophotos

David Smith & Associates, Inc. Portland, OR

Yaquina View Elementary School with 1/4 Mile Buffer

Existing Sidewalks

Sidewalk Gaps

1/4 Mile Buffer

This is a busy signalized

intersection with potential for

crosswalk improvements.

There are ped crossing signs

here, but this intersection is a

good candidate for RFBs.

1/2 block sidewak gap exists

here in the sidewalk network.

Additional crosswalk

potentially needed.

1 block sidewak and bike lane

gap on Harney Street

21