pages: TransportationCommission/2012-06-27.pdf, 4
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TransportationCommission | 2012-06-27 | 4 | the department should only install the system at Webster Street. He felt that instead of spending money on electric signs that display traffic information, the City should build a public website or iPhone application so the public can see the intersections and traffic conditions. He wanted to thank Joy Bhattacharya for producing the simulation because the simulation is a 2012 solution, which community members need. Commissioner Moehring stated that Webster Street has been looking for something like this for a long time. She thought about the community feedback that she received and one of their concerns was that the traffic coordination would reduce people visiting the nearby shops. She wholeheartedly disagreed with that concern and she believes that it will improve the streetscape and increase shopping activity. She stated that as soon as Constitution Way was built, 80 percent of the traffic was diverted from Webster Street to Constitution Way. Additionally, she hopes that the coordination system will bring some of the traffic back at a nice pace. Furthermore, she felt the signal coordination prevents speeding. Sergeant Simmons, Alameda Police, agreed and said that the coordinated traffic light system would prevent drivers from speeding to beat the light changes. If drivers had an understanding of the flow of lights during the commute hours, they would stop and visit the stores and then continue through the corridor. Commissioner Moehring mentioned that the Fire Department station is right off of Webster Street on Pacific Avenue. The traffic signal would make life easier for the department, and would allow trucks to more easily travel through the intersection. Rick Zombeck, Division Chief for Alameda Fire Department, supported the solution and felt the system is good for the community. His station responds up and down the Webster Street corridor often and Station # 2 is the second busiest station in the City. Commissioner Moehring stated that it is a very busy pedestrian corner. She questioned whether the electric signs going up could be used for other purposes such as when the City conducts the festival on Webster Street and there are street closures. Staff Khan replied he would work with the West Alameda Business Association; however, the City cannot use the signs for advertisements. The signs could be used when the City supports a fair or festival. He would take up the suggestion to the City Manager for approval. Commissioner Miley stated that he is happy to see the corridor modernized. He believes that the system would provide the City with a lot of flexibility in terms of managing the flow of traffic. He asked staff to explain the project's relationship to the Broadway/Jackson project. As a commuter through that area, he felt the electric signs would be helpful, especially when the tube gets backed up. He wanted to know how the City planned to work with Oakland to further relieve the congestion. Page 4 of 10 | TransportationCommission/2012-06-27.pdf |