04-25-22 Work Session Agenda and Materials
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CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION AGENDA
April 25, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers, 201 First Avenue East
The public can participate in person in the council chambers or via videoconferencing.
Register to join the video conference at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_47c3HQvkSembsZwOI7IXXA.
Please see the bottom of the agenda for instructions to watch the meeting live.
Public comment can also be provided via email to publiccomment@kalispell.com.
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. DISCUSSION
1. Draft Traffic Calming Policy 2022
C. PUBLIC COMMENT
Persons wishing to address the council are asked to do so at this time. Public comment
can be provided in person, verbally during the online meeting by using the raise hand
feature, or via email to publiccomment@kalispell.com
D. CITY MANAGER, COUNCIL, AND MAYOR REPORTS
E. ADJOURNMENT
UPCOMING SCHEDULE / FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Next Regular Meeting – May 2, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. – Council Chambers
Next Work Session – May 9, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. – Council Chambers
To provide public comment live, remotely, please register for the video conference through
zoom and use the raise hand feature to indicate you would like to provide public comment. See
the top of the agenda for the zoom link.
Watch City Council sessions live or later on Charter Cable Channel 190 or online at
https://www.kalispell.com/480/Meeting-Videos.
MEMORANDUM
To: Doug Russell – City Manager
CC: Susie Turner – Public Works Director
From: Keith Haskins – City Engineer
Re: Traffic Calming Policy Draft
Meeting Date: 4/25/2022
BACKGROUND:
Following the adoption of the Move 2040 Transportation Plan, Public Works staff met with City
Council on 10/11/21 to discuss traffic calming methods recommended within the Move 2040
Transportation Plan. Additionally, a site-specific traffic review and potential traffic calming
project was discussed with Council concerning a traffic circle for East Oregon Street.
As a result of that meeting, Public Works was tasked with drafting a Traffic Calming policy to
discuss with Council at a future work session.
MEETING PRESENTATION:
During the work session, Public Works staff will present on the proposed Traffic Calming Policy
and will be seeking input and direction from Council on the draft policy. The intent of the policy
is to give direction to Public Works staff and the public as to how traffic calming measures
should be implemented within the City of Kalispell.
ENCLOSURE: City of Kalispell Traffic Calming Policy 2022
201 1st Avenue E
PO BOX 1997
Kalispell, MT 59903
Public Works Department Phone (406)758-7720
Fax (406)758-7831
www.kalispell.com
Traffic Calming Policy
2022 DRAFT
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Contents
1. Definition ................................................................................................................................ 3
2. Background ............................................................................................................................ 3
3. Traffic Calming Toolbox....................................................................................................... 4
3.1. Horizontal Deflection ....................................................................................................... 5
3.2. Vertical Deflection ........................................................................................................... 6
3.3. Street Width Reduction .................................................................................................... 7
3.4. Routing Restriction .......................................................................................................... 8
4. Procedure ............................................................................................................................... 9
4.1. Determination of Qualifying Projects .............................................................................. 9
4.2. Process for Qualifying Projects ...................................................................................... 11
4.3. Construction and Post-Construction............................................................................... 13
Figure 1 - Speed/Pedestrian Injury Severity Correlation - Move 2040 .......................................... 3
Figure 2 - Standard Traffic Control Review Process .................................................................... 10
Figure 3 - Local Street Criteria ..................................................................................................... 11
Figure 4 - Major Collector, Minor Collector, or Minor Arterial Criteria ..................................... 11
DRAFT
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1. Definition
“Traffic Calming is the combination of mainly physical measures that reduce the negative effects
of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior, and improve conditions for non-motorized street
users.”1
- The Institute of Transportation Engineers
2. Background
“Traffic calming supports the livability and vitality of residential and commercial areas through
improvements in non-motorist safety, mobility, and comfort. These objectives are achieved by
reducing vehicle speeds or volumes on a single street or a street network. Traffic calming
approaches use a variety of physical measures and driver-perception techniques to produce
desired effects. An effective traffic calming program can help to transform streets and aid in
creating a sense of place for communities.
The importance of reducing vehicle speeds in an area where there is potential for conflict
between a pedestrian and a motor vehicle is undeniable. Simply stated, the slower the speed of a
vehicle, the greater the chances are for survival for a pedestrian.”
– Move 2040 – Kalispell Area Transportation Plan
Figure 1 - Speed/Pedestrian Injury Severity Correlation - Move 2040
As a community grows, roads within residential neighborhoods or other areas with multimodal
uses can become convenient cut-throughs for traffic, causing an increase in driving speeds and
traffic volumes. These increases in speed and volume can have negative impacts on residents,
pedestrians, businesses, and schools. Kalispell has identified a need to employ traffic calming
devices and techniques to calm speeds and reduce volumes. Traffic calming goes beyond typical
signage installations or roadway striping through the installation or use of techniques which add
a level of complexity to the road or discomfort to drivers, requiring them to be more alert and/or
slow down to navigate.
1 Lockwood, Ian. ITE Traffic Calming Definition. ITE Journal, July 1997, pg. 22. DRAFT
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The “livability and vitality of residential and commercial areas” is very important for the City of
Kalispell to support and protect. However, responsible implementation also requires judicious
application and installation to provide appropriate access and response times for emergency
vehicles as a matter of public safety. Additionally, considerations for other large road users such
as school buses, plow trucks and other maintenance vehicles are necessary.
In order to correctly balance the quality of neighborhood character with required levels of service
for safety and maintenance, a policy document was determined by City Council to be an
appropriate step prior to initialization of traffic calming features throughout the City. This
document is intended to provide guidance to the public and City Staff as to when traffic calming
may be considered for installation, how it will be funded, and what is required for public support
before moving forward.
3. Goals
1. Create a policy that selects the appropriate measures and locations while maintaining
efficient transportation networks and a livable and safe environment for bicyclists,
pedestrians, drivers, and adjacent land uses.
2. If implemented, traffic calming measures should not move issues to adjacent street
networks.
3. Existing levels of service should be maintained.
4. Implemented traffic calming measures should meet traffic control criterion and design
standards.
4. Traffic Calming Toolbox
The traffic calming measures recommended in the Move 2040 – Kalispell Area Transportation
Plan (Move 2040) are separated into four sub-groups:
Horizontal Deflection – limits the ability of a motorist to drive in a straight line by
creating a horizontal shift in the roadway.
Vertical Deflection – creates a change in the height of the roadway that forces a
motorist to slow down in order to maintain an acceptable level of comfort.
Street Width Reduction – increases driver attention and naturally lowers vehicle
speeds.
Routing Restriction – prevents turns or through movements into specific areas to
reduce traffic or create pedestrian zones.
In addition to the four sub-groups, the Move 2040 plan also provided a level of appropriateness
on a scale of 1 to 3, with 1 being the least appropriate and 3 being the most appropriate. This
scale does not completely preclude a technique from a given roadway classification. Instead, the
appropriateness scale is intended to provide staff additional general guidance for the selection
process when choosing an appropriate traffic calming tool. DRAFT
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4.1. Horizontal Deflection
4.1.1. Chicane
A series of alternating curves or lane shifts that force a motorist to
steer back and forth out of a straight travel path. The curvilinear
path is intended to reduce the speed at which a motorist is
comfortable traveling through a facility. Chicane curves can be
created with a curb extension that alternates from one side of the
street to the other.
Staff should consider impacts to drainage caused by curbing;
visibility of features to motorists and maintenance staff
(especially in the winter); and maintenance responsibilities for
additional landscape or hardscape areas within the right-of-way.
Appropriateness: Arterials: 1 Collectors: 3 Locals: 3
4.1.2. Realigned Intersection
The reconfiguration of an intersection with
perpendicular angles to have skewed approaches or
travel paths through the intersection. The expectation is
that these features will discourage fast vehicle
movements through the intersection.
Staff should consider additional advanced warning
traffic control devices; available right-of-way to
accommodate the geometric modifications to the
roadway; and maintenance responsibilities for
additional landscape or hardscape areas within the right-of-way.
Appropriateness: Arterials: 1 Collectors: 3 Locals: 3
4.1.3. Traffic Circle
A raised island, placed within an unsignalized
intersection, around which traffic circulates. A circle
forces a motorist to use reduced speed when entering
and passing through an intersection, whether the
vehicle path is straight through or involves a turn onto
an existing street.
Staff should consider removal of existing traffic
control (e.g., stop signs), installations of additional
traffic control; minimum lane widths to accommodate
emergency and maintenance movements; and maintenance responsibilities for the center of the
island.
Appropriateness: Arterials: 1 Collectors: 2 Locals: 3 DRAFT
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4.2. Vertical Deflection
4.2.1. Speed Hump
An elongated mound in the roadway pavement surface
extending across the travel way at a right angle to the traffic
flow. A speed hump produces sufficient discomfort to a
motorist driving above the speed hump design speed to
discourage speeding.
Staff should consider advanced warning traffic control
devices; annual striping; impacts to drainage; and
maintainability for plows, street sweepers, etc.
Appropriateness: Arterials: 1 Collectors: 3 Locals: 3
4.2.2. Speed Table
A raised area placed across the roadway designed to
limit the speed at which a vehicle can traverse it. Like a
speed hump, it extends across the travel way. Unlike a
speed hump, a speed table has a long enough flat top, to
accommodate the entire wheelbase of most passenger
cars. This flat top enables comfortable and safe vehicle
speeds that are faster than allowed by a speed hump.
Staff should consider additional advanced warning traffic
control devices; impacts to drainage; and maintainability
for plows, street sweepers, etc.
Appropriateness: Arterials: 2 Collectors: 3 Locals: 3
4.2.3. Raised Crosswalk
A variation of a flat-topped speed table, a raised crosswalk
is marked and signed as a pedestrian crossing. A raised
crosswalk improves pedestrian safety by causing motorist
speed to decrease at the crossing. Additionally, the height
of the crosswalk increases the visibility of a pedestrian to
motorists and improves the line of sight for a pedestrian
toward an oncoming vehicle.
Staff should consider additional advanced warning traffic
control devices; impacts to drainage; and maintainability
for plows, street sweepers, etc.
Appropriateness: Arterials: 2 Collectors: 3 Locals: 3
DRAFT
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4.3. Street Width Reduction
4.3.1. Curb Extension
A horizontal extension of the sidewalk into the street resulting in a
narrower roadway section. This method may be used at either a
corner or midblock. A curb extension at an intersection is called a
corner extension, while at midblock it is referred to as a choker. A
corner extension shortens pedestrian crossing distance, and can be
combined with a vertical speed control device (e.g., raised
crosswalk) to achieve a greater reduction in vehicle speed.
Staff should consider additional advanced warning traffic control
devices; impacts to drainage; and maintainability for plows, street sweepers, etc.
Appropriateness: Arterials: 3 Collectors: 3 Locals: 3
4.3.2. Median Island
A raised island located along the street centerline that narrows the
travel lanes at that location, encouraging motorists to slow. A
median island can double as a pedestrian refuge island if a cut in the
island is provided along a marked crosswalk. When placed at or
near the entrance to a neighborhood, a median island provides a
visual cue to the motorist about the preferred vehicle speed.
Staff should consider additional advanced warning traffic control
devices; and maintainability (plow friendly tapered nose, snow
storage).
Appropriateness: Arterials: 3 Collectors: 3 Locals: 3
4.3.3. Road Diet
The conversion of an undivided roadway to a
cross-section with fewer or narrower through
motor vehicle travel lanes. The most common
application is the conversion of an undivided four-
lane roadway to a three-lane roadway consisting of
two through lanes and a center two-way left-turn
lane. This lane reduction may also accommodate
the inclusion of multimodal elements such as
bicycle lanes, sidewalks, pedestrian refuge islands,
parking, and transit.
Staff should consider additional advanced warning traffic control devices; traffic volumes /
impacts to adjoining streets; cost to construct (these are typically larger-scale projects).
Appropriateness: Arterials: 3 Collectors: 3 Locals: 2
DRAFT
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4.4. Routing Restriction
4.4.1. Diagonal Diverter
A diagonal diverter is a physical barrier placed
diagonally across a four-legged intersection. The
barrier creates two unconnected intersections.
Traffic approaching the intersection is restricted to
one receiving leg, rather than three. A strategically
placed diagonal diverter can reduce traffic volume
by preventing straight-through traffic movements at
an intersection.
Staff should consider additional advanced warning
traffic control devices; maintainability (transition areas accumulate ice and debris because
maintenance equipment cannot navigate sharp corners); and impacts of routing on traffic and
emergency services.
Appropriateness: Arterials: 1 Collectors: 2 Locals: 2
4.4.2. Full Closure
A physical barrier placed across a street to close the street
completely to through vehicle traffic. Full closure can be
done at either an intersection or midblock. A full closure
can be designed to allow bicyclists and pedestrians to pass
through.
Staff should consider where the diverted traffic is likely to
shift (in particular the availability, capacity, and
appropriateness of the alternative routes); maintainability
(snow storage and turn-arounds at dead-end); and accessibility of emergency vehicles.
Appropriateness: Arterials: 1 Collectors: 2 Locals: 2
4.4.3. Median Barrier
A median barrier is a raised island placed through an
intersection, along the centerline of a roadway, preventing a
motorist from traveling straight through the intersection on
the side street. A median barrier can be designed to allow
turns to and from the main street, while preventing through
traffic from the side street from crossing the main roadway.
Staff should consider advanced warning traffic control
devices; maintainability (hardscape vs. landscape, utility
access, maintenance access); pedestrian and bicycle access;
cost of installation; and the impacts of routing of traffic and emergency services.
Appropriateness: Arterials: 2 Collectors: 3 Locals: 3 DRAFT
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5. Procedure
5.1. Determination of Qualifying Projects
5.1.1. Requests for Review
Requests for traffic reviews can be initiated by city residents, business owners, Homeowner
Associations (HOAs), Property Owner Associations (POAs), city staff, other government
agencies, and the general public. Requests will be received by the Department of Public Works
and logged for review with a description of the request (or complaint) along with contact
information of the requestor (or complainant). Public Works administration staff will notify
engineering staff of new requests as they are received and logged.
5.1.2. Initial Review
Public Works engineering staff will complete cursory reviews for traffic requests. If a traffic
review appears to be viable, the review will be placed in a queue for review and prioritized by
the date received and perceived risk(s) identified in the request.
5.1.3. Data Collection
Much of the data required for analysis will be collected by Traffic Signs and Signals (TSS)
division within Public Works via the implementation of tube counters or radar counters. The
location and layout of the counters will be reviewed with the responsible engineer. Counters can
be utilized to collect data on traffic volumes, turning movements, and speeds. The engineer will
review other available resources to determine crash history and will complete a field visit to
collect pertinent site information, measurements, and photo documentation as applicable to the
review.
Engineering staff will also collect pertinent information pertaining to the road classification,
existing signage, applicable MDT traffic counts, and any available previous findings.
Additionally, engineering staff will review the requirements of the City of Kalispell Standards
for Design and Construction and applicable recommendations from the current Transportation
Plan.
5.1.4. Analysis and Reporting
The responsible engineer will compile and analyze the traffic data and review the data in
accordance with the warrants of the MUTCD. A technical memorandum will be prepared to
document the findings of the analysis. The technical memorandum will be saved to memorialize
the study and may be provided to the original requestor. The Kalispell Police Department will be
notified of any traffic control changes.
The tech memo will recommend one of the following:
1. Do nothing – road is functioning as designed
2. Install Standard Traffic Controls
3. Evaluation for Traffic Calming (speed or volume issues)
DRAFT
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5.1.5. Standard Traffic Control Installations
If traffic control changes are required, they will be completed (if possible) by TSS staff in
accordance with the requirements of the MUTCD and city code. Standard installations by TSS
staff include traffic control devices such as signage, painted symbols, curb painting and striping.
Traffic control changes requiring major construction may require budgeting, design, bid, build
approach to complete.
Figure 2 - Standard Traffic Control Review Process
5.1.6. Criteria To Initiate a Traffic Calming Study
The following criteria shall be satisfied in order to move forward with a traffic calming study:
1. All warranted standard traffic control devices have been installed for a minimum of one
year without significant changes in driver behavior; AND
2. Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) is calculated to be greater than 400 and less than
5,000 vehicles per day; AND
3. A documented collision pattern (bike, pedestrian, motor vehicle) has been identified in
the past 5 years; OR
4. The 85th percentile speed for the area of interest is more than 5 mph above the posted or
statutory speed limit for local streets, or greater than 10 mph above the posted or statutory
speed limit for minor arterials, major collectors, or minor collectors; OR
5. 5% of the traffic on any recorded day exceeds the speed limit by 10 mph on local streets
and 15 mph on minor arterials, major collectors, or minor collectors.
DRAFT
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Figure 3 - Local Street Criteria
Figure 4 - Major Collector, Minor Collector, or Minor Arterial Criteria
5.2. Process for Qualifying Projects
5.2.1. Local Area Support
Once a project qualifies for traffic calming, a technical memorandum (Tech Memo) of the
findings of fact will be provided to the original requestor. Along with the Tech Memo, a list of
property owners within 330 feet of the subject area will be provided to the requestor. A
minimum of two thirds (67%) of all property owners on the provided list must sign in favor or
proceeding with engineering analysis of appropriate traffic calming solutions to address the
issues identified in the Tech Memo. Signatures of renters or tenants will not be considered
toward the two thirds requirement. It will be the responsibility of the requestor to solicit
neighborhood signatures on the provided form.
DRAFT
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5.2.2. Preliminary Engineering
When minimum local area support has been documented and provided to Public Works, the
application will be considered complete and the project will be queued for Preliminary
Engineering Design (PED). The PED will consider conditions pertinent to the study area,
including but not necessarily limited to, appropriateness of solutions for the street classification,
existing pedestrian features, school bus and pedestrian traffic, local services, emergency traffic,
street maintenance, storm drainage, and sight distances. In addition to the PED, preliminary
engineering cost estimates will also be developed for up to three proposed alternatives.
5.2.3. Neighborhood Meeting
A neighborhood meeting will be scheduled with the requestor. Applicable Public Works staff,
school bus management staff, and emergency personnel will be invited in addition to all property
owners within 330 feet of the subject area. The purpose of the neighborhood meeting is to
present and vet the proposed traffic calming alternatives and to select a preferred alternative.
Once a preferred alternative is selected, two thirds of the attending property owners, the Public
Works Director, the Police Chief, and the Fire Chief must all support the preferred alternative in
order for the project to move to final engineering design. Support will be verified by signature.
5.2.4. Funding
After selection of the preferred alternative has reached the required consensus, an appropriate
funding source must be secured for the project to move forward. Unless another funding source
is available for the project (such as an approved grant), traffic calming projects will be fully
funded by the local area within 330 feet of the limits of construction of the proposed project via
the creation of a Special Improvement District (SID).
The requestor will be responsible to secure the bonding for the SID and to hire a consultant to
review the project, propose the assessment strategy, verify construction costs, and secure final
engineering services (if necessary). The requestor will submit a petition for SID to the City Clerk
along with any applicable filing fees. City of Kalispell staff time will not be included in the cost
of the SID for traffic data collection, data analysis, project meetings, engineering design services,
bidding and negotiation services, or engineering construction services. However, if consultant
services are necessary or requested, all associated consulting fees will be incorporated in the
project cost and paid with the SID or other selected funding mechanism.
5.2.5. Final Engineering
Final Engineering Design (FED) will be completed once funding has been secured. Depending
on the size and scope of the project, staff availability, staff workload, project priorities and
resources, the Public Works Department may offer FED services to assist in the project. FED
will provide the necessary design for the installation of the preferred alternative. If FED services
are not available within the Public Works Department, the requestor or the requestor’s consultant
will be responsible to secure the FED services. If the FED is not performed in-house, the final
design must be submitted to the Public Works Department for engineering review and approval.
The SID must be finalized and approved by City Council and the FED approved prior to bidding
the work for the project.
DRAFT
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5.3. Construction and Post-Construction
5.3.1. Construction
Construction of the design shall be completed via a public bid and selection process pertinent to
the size and scope of the project. Final costs for the project will be tabulated at completion of the
construction.
5.3.2. Post-Construction Responsibilities
Following successful completion of the project, the City of Kalispell Public Works Department
will take ownership of the final work product and will be responsible for all associated
maintenance costs directly appurtenant to the Traffic Calming Measure within City of Kalispell
right-of-way. Adjacent property owners will continue to be responsible for all items already
addressed in Municipal Code such as sidewalk maintenance and snow removal, weed control,
and boulevard care. DRAFT
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•Obtain “in favor” signatures from 67% (2/3) of all property owners on the provided list
from the city –move to next step.
Local Area Support -Requestor
•Review and provide up to three alternatives with preliminary cost estimates for
appropriate traffic calming solutions –move to next step.
Preliminary Engineering Design (PED) –Public Works Staff
•Facilitate meeting with City stakeholders and neighborhood.
•Present and discuss the proposed traffic calming alternatives from the PED.
•Preferred alternative selection requires:
•2/3 approval from attending property owners
•Approval from City staff –PW Director, Police Chief, Fire Chief
•Achieve all approvals –Move to next step
Neighborhood Meeting –Public Works Staff and Requestor
•Hire a consultant to secure bond for SID, determine assessment strategy, manage
project, and manage funds.
•Submit petition for SID to City Clerk with applicable filing fees
•Receive City Council approval for project and SID funding
•Secure funding –Move to next step.
Funding SID -Requestor
•If Consultant:
•Requestor’s consultant completes design.
•Public Works reviews and approves design.
•Consultant oversees bidding and construction
•If Public Works Staff:
•Public Works staff complete design, provide bidding services, and construction
oversight
Final Engineering Design –Requestor’s Consultant or PW Staff
•Accept final work product at completion of any applicable warranty period.
•Perform all maintenance of hard infrastructure appurtenant to the traffic calming
measures within the right-of-way.
Post Construction –Public Works StaffDRAFT