Agenda

Return

City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:

09/06/2022

BACKGROUND

It has been observed that it is not uncommon for motorists to attempt a u-turn maneuver to change direction from north bound to south bound on Schertz Parkway at the median break at Prairie Lane. City Engineering Staff investigated and determined that the maneuver at that location cannot be made safely in almost any circumstance. Sight distance is not adequate and the width of the median and turn lane is not wide enough for the turn to be made without veering into an adjacent lane of travel and interfering with other traffic.

State law (Texas Transportation Code) grants the authority to the City to regulate turning movements and both State law and City Code Section 86-39 explicitly prohibit the making of a u-turn where unsafe and/or where a sign is erected pursuant to the authority of the City Council. On August 4, 2022, the Staff presented this case to the Transportation Safety Advisory Commission (TSAC) to request that they make a recommendation to City Council to authorize the location of such a sign. TSAC unanimously voted to recommend the placement of signs in order to explicitly prohibit u-turns in both directions on Schertz Parkway at Prairie Lane. The recommendation prohibits u-turns in both directions.

GOAL

The goal of Ordinance 22-D-38 is to educate and discourage motorists from attempting an unsafe turning maneuver and to provide an explicit Code reference for citation of the offense.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT

The elimination of vehicles making u-turns at this unsafe location will provide a safer experience for vehicular and pedestrian traffic on Schertz Parkway. Explicitly prohibiting u-turns by erecting signs at this location will solidify the Police Department's ability to enforce the prohibition of an unsafe turning maneuver.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

It is recommended that Council enacts this ordinance and authorize Staff to erect signs prohibiting u-turns on Schertz Parkway at Prairie Lane.

FISCAL IMPACT

The cost impact of this ordinance is minimal and is made up of the cost to supply, install, and maintain two no u-turn signs.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that City Council adopt Ordinance 22-D-38 U-turns Prohibited on Schertz Parkway at Prairie Lane.

Attachments
Ordinance No. 22-D-38
Exhibit