To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Transportation and Public Works
Staff Name and Phone Number: Johannes J. Hoevertsz 707-565-2231
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Fourth
Title:
Title
Modify the Existing Vehicle Length Restriction on Laughlin Road
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a Resolution Modifying the Existing Laughlin Road Restriction on Vehicles with Trailers or Semi-Trailers with Kingpin to Rear Axle Lengths Exceeding 38 Feet to Laughlin Road Between Postmile 31.50 and Postmile 31.66 and Authorizing the Director of Transportation and Public Works to Install Associated Signage. (Fourth District)
end
Executive Summary:
Over the past several decades, the Department of Transportation and Public Works (TPW) has been working to limit damage to the Laughlin Bridge caused by the inability of long vehicles to negotiate the southern approach of the bridge. On February 25, 2014, this Board adopted Resolution 14-0066 prohibiting vehicles with trailers or semi-trailers with kingpin to rear axle lengths exceeding thirty-eight feet (38’) on Laughlin Road between River Road and Slusser Road.
In the five years since the County imposed the vehicle length restriction on Laughlin Road, TPW has determined that while the restriction has achieved its goal of reducing the number of incidents on Laughlin Bridge thereby furthering the County’s interest in public safety, the restriction has also impacted businesses located along relatively straight portions of Laughlin Road within the restricted area, that rely on vehicles above the restricted length for their business needs. Adoption of this resolution would limit the restricted area to Laughlin Road between Postmile 31.50 (North Laughlin Road intersection) and Postmile 31.66 (southeast of Laughlin Bridge) and allow long vehicles access to Laughlin Road between Slusser Road and North Laughlin Road and between River Road and just southeast of Laughlin Bridge.
Discussion:
Laughlin Road carries an average daily trip volume of approximately 2,700 vehicles per day. Laughlin Road services the transportation needs of the immediate unincorporated area and the south and east side of the Sonoma County Airport and provides a direct connection west to Slusser Road and Airport Boulevard and east to River Road. The bridge in question spans Mark West Creek and was installed in 1916.
In the past, the Laughlin Bridge has been struck numerous times by lengthy truck and trailer vehicles causing damage to the concrete structure. On February 25, 2014, this Board adopted Resolution 14-0066 prohibiting vehicles with kingpin to rear axle lengths exceeding thirty-eight feet (38’) from traveling on Laughlin Road between Slusser Road and River Road pursuant to Section 35401(e) of the California Vehicle Code, which allows the County, in consideration of public safety, to limit the length of vehicles that are allowed to use a given roadway.
In the five years since the County imposed the vehicle length restriction on Laughlin Road, TPW has determined that while the restriction has achieved its goal of reducing the number of incidents on Laughlin Bridge thereby furthering the County’s interest in public safety, the restriction has also impacted businesses located along relatively straight portions of Laughlin Road within the restricted area, which rely on vehicles above the restricted length for their business needs. In light of both the positive impacts and unintended consequences of the Laughlin Road vehicle length restrictions, TPW has performed further analysis of the stretch of Laughlin Road between River Road and Slusser Road and determined the restricted area could be limited to Laughlin Road between Postmile 31.50 (North Laughlin Road intersection) and Postmile 31.66 (southeast of Laughlin Bridge), which would retain the same safety benefits without the unnecessary impacts on local businesses.
Accordingly, staff recommends this Board adopt a resolution modifying the existing vehicle length restrictions on Laughlin Road and authorizing signage as necessary to indicate the affected portions of the roadway.
TPW will notify California Highway Patrol of this modification within 30 days of adoption of the resolution.
Prior Board Actions:
Resolution No. 14-0066 adopted February 25, 2014 prohibiting vehicles with trailers or semi-trailers with kingpin to rear axle lengths exceeding 38 feet on Laughlin Road between River Road and Slusser Road and authorizing the Director of Transportation and Public Works to install associated signage.
Fiscal Summary
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Expenditures |
FY 19-20 Adopted |
FY20-21 Projected |
FY 21-22 Projected |
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Budgeted Expenses |
$1,000 |
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Additional Appropriation Requested |
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Total Expenditures |
$1,000 |
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Funding Sources |
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General Fund/WA GF |
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State/Federal |
$1,000 |
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Fees/Other |
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Use of Fund Balance |
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Contingencies |
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Total Sources |
$1,000 |
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Appropriations are available within the FY 2019-20 Road Maintenance adopted budget for the installation of signs, to be funded revenues comprised largely of state gas tax.
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Staffing Impacts: |
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Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A-I Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None.
Attachments:
Location Map, Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
Resolution #14-0066