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PO Box C 405 Grand Avenue Laramie, WY 82070 Phone: (307) 721-5250 Fax: (307) 721-5216 Email: [EMAIL REDACTED] CITY OF LARAMIE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE CITY ENGINEER CITY OF LARAMIE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE CITY ENGINEER What can the City do to help? The City of Laramie installs traffic signs and striping to regulate parking, regulate speeds, and to warn of traffic hazards. Residents can request that warning or regulatory signs be placed at appropriate locations to warn of hazards or regulate parking. How do I make a request for modification to traffic control within my community? Requests should be submitted in writing to the City Engineer and should, at a minimum, include the following information: 1. Requesting individual’s Contact Information 2. A description of the location of the traffic concern. 3. A description of the nature of the traffic problem you are concerned with. 4. A description of how the requested modification to traffic control will be able to eliminate or reduce your traffic concerns. 5. Verification of neighborhood support, including support from the Home Owner’s Association (if applicable). 6. Feel free to attach any additional information you feel would be of benefit, including pictures, maps, and/or diagrams. Upon receipt of the written request, the City Engineer will forward the request to the Traffic Commission. The Traffic Commission will then provide a recommendation to Staff to either approve or deny the request or to refer the request for a traffic study. The recommendations of the Traffic Commission are then forwarded to City Council for approval. Stop Signs Crosswalks Time Restricted Parking Handicap Parking The Traffic Commission makes recommendations to City Council on matters relating to traffic control, and prepares rules and regulations affecting traffic on city streets. When does the Traffic Commission meet? The Traffic Commission meetings are scheduled for the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 7:00 AM, at 405 Grand Avenue, 1st Floor Conference Room, and are held upon receipt of a formal request for modification to traffic control. Is there a deadline to make a request? To ensure Staff has adequate time to research each request, formal requests for modification to traffic control must be received in the Office of the City Engineer no later than two weeks prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. Procedure and Guidelines for Requesting Modifications to Traffic Control ---PAGE BREAK--- Stop Signs and Traffic Signals Crosswalks Time Restricted Parking Stop Signs and Traffic Signals are not always warranted. Stop signs and traffic signals are the two most valuable and effective traffic control devices when used at the right place, under the right conditions, and should only be installed where traffic conditions meet engineering warrants. Unwarranted traffic controls unnecessarily increase congestion, commute time, fuel consumption, and noise and air pollution. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) has established guidelines that must be followed for placement of stop signs and traffic signals. Staff, or engineering consultants, perform a warrant analysis to determine whether installation of a stop sign or traffic signal is necessary based on established guidelines. Factors taken in to consideration for the warrant analysis include, but are not limited to: ♦ Traffic Volumes ♦ Speed of Traffic ♦ Visibility at Intersection ♦ Type of Area (residential, business, etc) ♦ Collision History ♦ Distance From Other Traffic Control Devices ♦ Proximity to a School Why use a crosswalk? A crosswalk is the preferred and, in most cases, the safest crossing location for pedestrians, particularly if the crosswalk is enhanced by a traffic signal. But using a crosswalk does not relieve pedestrians from using due care for their own safety. Crosswalks are marked at intersections where there is substantial conflict between vehicle and pedestrian movements, where significant pedestrian concentrations occur, or where pedestrians could not otherwise recognize the proper place to cross. The decision to install, or not install, a marked crosswalk is taken very seriously. Crosswalks are not marked unless anticipated benefits clearly outweigh the risks. On some multi-lane high volume roads, marked crosswalks installed where there is no traffic signal could be less safe than no crosswalk since it can provide a false sense of security for pedestrians. Staff will consider such factors as pedestrian volume, traffic volume, traffic speed, and roadway configuration. What can you do to make the streets safer? As a driver: ♦ Know and obey the speed limits. ♦ Watch for, and yield to, pedestrians in the roadway. As a pedestrian/parent: ♦ Set a good example for your children. ♦ Instruct children the proper way to cross the street. ♦ Teach your children the safest route to school. ♦ Look both ways before crossing the street. Handicap Parking The City of Laramie has two types of designated handicapped parking within public right-of-ways: General Designated Handicapped Space: A parking space designated as a general handicapped space can be used by any vehicle displaying the requirements for parking in this type of space. Specific Reserved Handicapped Space: A specifically reserved handicapped space is assigned to a specific license plate number and can only be used by the vehicle displaying the corresponding license plate number affixed on the posted signage. A temporary handicapped space can be issued by the City Manager’s Office for a 90-day period. This type of space would be appropriate for individuals who need an easier form of access to a building following surgery, etc., but will not require the space on a permanent basis. The Traffic Commission also hears requests for placement of time-restricted parking throughout the community. Time Restricted Parking is most often requested by businesses that feel there is a need for areas of short term parking adjacent to the business for customers.