Title
Amend Phoenix Municipal Code Section 31-200 Authority and Administration; Adoption of the Traffic Barricade Manual; Definitions (Ordinance G-6322)
Description
Staff requests City Council approve and adopt the 9th Edition of the Traffic Barricade Manual. Additionally, staff requests adoption of an ordinance to amend Phoenix Municipal Code Section 31-200.
Report
Summary
Traffic Barricade Manuals have been used by the City of Phoenix since 1961 to help ensure the safety of the thousands of people who must work in Phoenix's public right-of-way while managing traffic effectively when temporary barricades and signage are in place. It provides specific information on how to set up barricades and signs, how to become certified to provide barricades in the right-of-way, and what is required to work safely in the roadway and protect the traveling public. The manual also describes the City’s ordinances and permitting processes necessary for those wanting to work in the right-of-way so that construction work and events can be managed effectively and within a safe environment. Typical users of the manual include City crews, utility and barricade companies, landscapers, construction companies, and event coordinators.
The City’s Traffic Barricade Manual was last updated in 2008. To bring the City’s policies and procedures for temporary traffic control devices in line with current standards and practices, Street Transportation Department is proposing to update the manual. The main resources that the department has used for updating the City’s manual are the Federal Highway Administration’s 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the Arizona MUTCD Supplement. These Federal and State manuals provide primary guidance regarding temporary devices, and the City’s existing manual tailored these standards to urban city streets and intersections with limited right-of-way and heavy traffic conditions.
The new proposed Traffic Barricade Manual (9th Edition) provides additional guidance on important temporary traffic control measures that impact pedestrians, bicyclists, and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. New direction also has been added on items such as valet operations, special events, block parties, and school safety as it relates to roadway work zones.
Financial Impact
Staff anticipates a nominal financial impact to the City and outside stakeholders resulting from the adoption of the Traffic Barricade Manual (9th Edition). The manual includes few changes to temporary traffic control signage and plans for work in the right-of-way.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
On May 9, 2017, the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee recommended City Council approval of the adoption of the Traffic Barricade Manual - 9th Edition by a vote of 4-0.
Public Outreach
Staff has coordinated the proposed update to the Traffic Barricade Manual (9th Edition) with the affected stakeholders as part of the preliminary draft review process. These stakeholder groups include the American Traffic Safety Services Association - ATSSA (Arizona Chapter), Association of General Contractors - AGC (Arizona Chapter), Arizona Utility Contractors Associations - AZUCA, Arizona Department of Transportation, Development Review Boards, City Departments, utilities, and barricade companies.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Street Transportation Department.