REPORT TO MAYOR AND COUNCIL NO: 07- 030

February 13, 2007

SUBJECT: Installation of an All-Way Stop Sign Control at Wright Avenue

and Helena Drive

REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff received a request from a neighborhood resident to study the intersection
of Wright Avenue at Helena Drive for the possible installation of All-Way Stop
control signs. The intersection is located in a residential neighborhood with
single family homes and a school nearby. An All-Way Stop sign control
warrant study was conducted and the intersection does meet the minimum
requirements needed for installation of All-Way Stop sign control. Staff
recommends that City Council approve the installation of an All-Way Stop sign
control for this intersection.

BACKGROUND
City staff received a request from a neighborhood resident to study the
intersection of Wright Avenue at Helena Drive for the possible installation of an
All-Way Stop sign control in September of 2006. The intersection of Wright
Avenue at Helena Drive is a four-legged intersection which is currently
controlled by Two-Way Stop signs. Stop controls are configured so that
eastbound and westbound Helena Drive traffic stops for northbound and
southbound Wright Avenue traffic. The current land uses in the vicinity of the
intersection are primarily residential single family homes. Cupertino Middle
School is located two blocks to the east of this intersection. There is also a
crossing guard stationed at this intersection to help cross students during the
start and end times of the school day. This item needs to be brought to City
Council for decision because the Sunnyvale Municipal Code Section 10.08.190
requires that City Council approve by resolution all installations of three or
four-way (Multi-Way) Stop sign controls.

EXISTING POLICY
Land Use and Transportation Element C3, Attain a transportation system that
is effective, safe, pleasant and convenient.

Land Use and Transportation Element C3.1.4, Study and implement physical
and operational improvements to optimize roadway and intersection capacities.

Issued by the City Manager

Revised 04-12-2004
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February 13, 2007
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Land Use and Transportation Element C3.4.7. Conduct periodic analyses of

roadway facilities and collision data in order to assure traffic safety.

DISCUSSION
In September 2006, staff received a request from a neighborhood resident to
study the intersection of Wright Avenue at Helena Drive for the possible
installation of All-Way Stop sign controls. As a result of this request, staff
conducted a residential All-Way Stop Analysis; this study conforms to the State
of California and Federal government requirements for All-Way Stop sign
controls. The analysis takes into consideration land use, street
classifications/designations, collision history, traffic volume, schools, and any
unusual conditions/engineering judgment.

Wright Avenue is classified as a neighborhood residential street that runs

north/south connecting Fremont Avenue to Homestead Road. Helena Drive is
classified as a neighborhood residential street and runs east/west connecting
Bernardo Avenue and Lewiston Drive. Both streets have residential homes that
front the roadway, with Cupertino Middle School located two blocks to the west
and a church located five blocks to the north. Review of the collision history
showed that there was one collision in 2006 that would have been correctable
by the installation of All-way Stop signs. 24-hour traffic volumes indicate that
Wright Avenue carries approximately 2,800 vehicles per day and Helena Drive
carries approximately 2,400 vehicles per day. Based on the data gathered and
engineering analysis, the intersection scored 20 points with a minimum of 20
points needed to qualify for installation of an All-Way Stop sign control.

FISCAL IMPACT
Fiscal impact will be minor if City Council decides to install the All-Way Stop
sign control. There are sufficient funds in the operating budget to install the
new Stop signs, All-Way Stop tabs, warning signs and legends.

CONCLUSION
As a result of a public request, staff conducted a Residential All-Way Stop
Analysis at the intersection of Wright Avenue at Helena Drive. This study
conforms to State and Federal requirements for data and information to be
gathered and analyzed. The results of the All-Way Stop Analysis showed that
the intersection does meet the minimum requirement for installation of All-Way
Stop sign control.

PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City’s
official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City’s web
page, and the availability of the report in the Library and the City Clerk’s
 Installation of an All-Way Stop Sign Control at Wright Avenue at Helena Drive
February 13, 2007
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Office. In addition, notifications of this item were mailed to all residents and
schools within 300 feet of the intersection on Wright Avenue and Helena Drive
and to the neighborhood association group.

ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve the attached resolution to convert the intersection of Wright Avenue
at Helena Drive from Two-Way Stop sign control to All-Way Stop sign
control.
2. Do not approve the resolution to convert the intersection of Wright Avenue
at Helena Drive from Two-Way Stop sign control to All-Way Stop sign
control.
 Installation of an All-Way Stop Sign Control at Wright Avenue at Helena Drive
February 13, 2007
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Alternative #1: Approve the attached resolution to convert
the intersection of Wright Avenue at Helena Drive from Two-Way Stop sign
control to All-Way Stop sign control.

This intersection has met the necessary requirements for installation of All-
Way Stop sign control as specified in the City’s All-Way Stop warrant study.

Reviewed by:

Marvin A. Rose, Director, Public Works

Prepared by: Dennis Ng, Senior Engineer

Approved by:

Amy Chan
City Manager

Attachments
A. Aerial Photo of Existing Conditions
B. Residential All-Way Stop Sign Warrant Study
C. Resolution
Attachment B
 ATTACHMENT C

RESOLUTION NO. _______

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

SUNNYVALE AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 203-95 TO
AUTHORIZE A FOUR-WAY STOP INTERSECTION AT
WRIGHT AVENUE AND HELENA DRIVE

WHEREAS, Title 10 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code provides that designation of

multi-way stops are to be accomplished by the City Council by resolution.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE

CITY OF SUNNYVALE THAT it has been determined it is necessary to amend the list of
“Multi-Way Stop Intersections” originally established by Resolution No. 203-95 by adding
thereto:

II. Three or Four-Way (Multi-Way) Stop Intersections Pursuant to Municipal

Code Section 10.32.020.

Wright Avenue and Helena Drive

Adopted by the City Council at a regular meeting held on ___________, 2007, by the
following vote:

AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:

ATTEST: APPROVED:

_____________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
(SEAL)

APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:

______________________________________
David E. Kahn, City Attorney

Resolutions\2007\Multi-Stop Wright-Helena