(A) General.
(1) This analysis was supplemented by reviewing ODOT’s Safety Priority Index System listing for locations on state highways ranked among the state’s top 10% of hazardous locations. The Safety Priority Index System (SPIS) is a method developed by ODOT for identifying hazardous locations on state highways. The SPIS score is based on three years of crash data and considers crash frequency, crash rate, and crash severity. ODOT bases its SPIS on 0.10-mile segments to account for variances in how crash locations are reported. This information is a general comparison of the overall safety of the highway based on crash information for all sections throughout the state.
(2) According to ODOT’s 2006 SPIS ratings, there are no locations on any of the state highways within the study area with a SPIS score ranked among the state’s top 10%.
(B) Sight distance.
(1) Through field observations, locations on area roadways within the city were examined for provision of adequate sight distance. The provision of proper sight distance allows adequate time for drivers to react to changing conditions, such as obstacles in the roadway or other vehicles that are crossing or entering the roadway ahead.
(2) The most common location noted where sight distance is limited is along Oregon 82 through the downtown, where sight distance is often limited by cars in angled parking stalls. The presence of these parked cars along the highway can limit sight distance at intersections, as well as for vehicles attempting to back out of parking stalls. In fact, the backing maneuvers and poor sight distance were cited as deterrents to bicycling along Oregon 82 in this area by residents.
(3) Another location where sight distance was noted to be limited is at the intersection on Oregon 82 at Lake Street, where the horizontal curve to the north and the adjacent vegetation/ development on the north side of the highway shorten sight distance for vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians crossing or entering from the north. The existing sight distance to the west from the north approach was measured at approximately 225 feet. According to A Policy of Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, fifth edition, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington, D.C., 2004.), assuming a highway design speed of 30 mph (it is currently posted at 25 mph), the minimum intersection sight distance should be 335 feet, with the minimum stopping sight distance being 200 feet. Therefore, the provided sight distance is not desirable for entering or crossing traffic, but is sufficient for on-coming vehicles to stop prior to the intersection if needed.
(Ord. passed 6- -2009)