TO: TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
FROM: MARIA B. TIPPING, CITY ENGINEER
DATE: JANUARY 25, 2024
Reviewed by:
Finance Director: N/A
SUBJECT:
Title
SUMMARY OF NEW PROVISIONS FOR SETTING AND AMENDING POSTED SPEED LIMITS INCORPORATING ASSEMBLY BILL 43 - STAFF UPDATE
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SUMMARY
The California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 43 (AB43), published October 11, 2021, which became effective January 1, 2022. The Bill modifies the method used to establish speed zone segments from the 85th percentile engineering analysis method to a process that considers pedestrian safety over motorist driving behavior in business and residential districts. The 85th percentile speed is the speed at or below which 85 percent of drivers will operate with open roads and favorable conditions. The use of the 85th percentile engineering analysis method is still required for use when evaluating speed zone segments, but the 85th percentile calculation will not be the predominant factor in establishing speed limit recommendations.
With AB 43 becoming effective and providing for new provisions with regard to setting speed limits, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) was required to update the California Manual on Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD) via the California Traffic Control Devices Committee (CTCDC). Once the CTCDC had approved modifications to the CAMUTCD, local agencies in the State of California will now be able to implement new or updated local speed surveys to incorporate any new provisions for setting posted speeds for Police Departments to enforce.
At tonight’s meeting, the City Consultant will be presenting a brief overview of the latest provisions amending the CAMUTCD released in the March 2023, revision 7 update.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission receive and file this report.
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FINANCIAL REVIEW
The cost to prepare this staff report is approximately $866 and is included in the Community Development Operating budget for FY 22-24.
ANALYSIS
Assembly Bill 43 has been in effect as of January 1, 2022. This bill affects how speed limits are established and updated in the State of California. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has a role as the agency responsible for implementing standards for setting and updating speed limits. Per AB43, Caltrans has updated the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) for agencies within the State of California to follow. This update was approved with the March 2023 CAMUTCD revision 7.
The new law allows local governments the flexibility to lower speed limits on roads in business and residential areas and other segments identified as “safety corridors” without following the “85th percentile rule” previously mandated by state law. This will help set speed limits taking into consideration bicyclist and pedestrian safety, without the 85th percentile being a predominant factor.
Immediate provisions from AB43 permit local agencies to extend speed surveys up to 14 years to allow for the time necessary for Caltrans to update the CA MUTCD. Since 2022, the City of Claremont has extended those speed surveys reaching the previous limit of 10 years, out to 14 years, which allowed the Claremont Police Department (CPD) to continue enforcing speed violations.
Per the March 2023 CA MUTCD, AB43 provides the new criteria for setting and updating speed surveys. Advantec conducted a review of the AB43 provisions now incorporated in the CA MUTCD and prepared a summary memorandum outlining the details of each provision (Attachment).
Briefly stated, the following provisions are now incorporated into the CA MUTCD.
• Extending the applicable survey period for enforcement from seven years (ten with proper justification) to fourteen years.
• Rounding the 85th Percentile in 5 mph increments, with 5 mph speed reductions and Maximum Speed Reductions.
• Applicability of designated safety corridors on the State Highway System and Local Agency Roadways.
• Safety Corridor Designation Criteria/Requirements.
• Ability to retain the currently adopted survey or to restore immediately a prior speed limit.
• Requirements of defining a “Business Activity District”.
Advantec’s memorandum contains sample analysis scenarios that have been provided to allow for a preview of some of the potential outcomes.
At tonight’s meeting, the City consultant will present the updated provisions to the CA MUTCD for setting speed zone segments consistent with AB43. Moving forward, staff will work with the consultant to obtain speed survey data to begin performing speed survey updates. Once completed, a staff report will be presented to the Commission with the updates.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact Commission Secretary, Carrissa Roque at croque@ci.claremont.ca.us.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Maria B. Tipping, P.E. Vincent Ramos
City Engineer Associate Engineer
Attachment:
Memo AB-43 CAMUTCD