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Wolf Lake Elementary School
SCHOOL ROUTE PLAN
For
WOLF LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
LOCATION 56 ORANGE COUNTY
Prepared for:
ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS
Traffic Engineering Division 4200 South John Young Parkway
Orlando, Florida 32839
Contract No.: Y4-903B
HNTB No. 42268-PL-003
Prepared by:
Lake Mary, Florida
August 13, 2007
Professional Engineer: Luis Diaz, P.E.
P.E. No. 43263
School Route Plan-Wolf Lake Elementary School
TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.............................................................................................................. 1 1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 2 2. EXISTING CONDITIONS.......................................................................................................... 4 3. QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT ................................................................................................. 7 4. RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................................................................... 18 APPENDIX
FIGURES, EXHIBITS, and TABLES
FIGURES Figure 1 - Project Location Map ................................................................................................. 3 Figure 2 – School Boundary Map ............................................................................................... 8 Figure 3 – School Route Plan Map ............................................................................................. 9 Figure 4 – Condition Diagram: W. Ponkan Road at School Loop ............................................. 12 Figure 5 – Condition Diagram: W. Ponkan Road at Jason Dwelley Parkway ........................... 13 Figure 6 - Conceptual Diagram: W. Ponkan Road at School Loop........................................... 19 Figure 7- Conceptual Diagram: W. Ponkan Road at Jason Dwelley Parkway.......................... 20 EXHIBITS Exhibit 1- W. Ponkan Road at Eastern School Loop Entrance ................................................. 14 Exhibit 2- W. Ponkan Road at Eastern School Loop Entrance................................................. 15 Exhibit 3- W. Ponkan Road at Jason Dwelley Parkway ........................................................... 16 Exhibit 4- W. Ponkan Road at Jason Dwelley Parkway ........................................................... 17 TABLES Table 1-Field Inventory .............................................................................................................. 4 Table 2-Summary of Vehicular Volumes................................................................................... 5 Table 3-Summary of Pedestrian & Bicycle Volumes ................................................................. 6
School Route Plan- Wolf Lake Elementary School
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY HNTB Corporation was retained by Orange County Public Works to conduct a School Route Plan Study for Wolf Lake Elementary School located at 1771 W. Ponkan Road, Orange County, Florida. This study is being performed as a part of the County’s School Assessment Program to identify safe routes for children to walk and bicycle to school. Based on the results of the analysis, field observations and engineering judgment, the following recommendations and conclusions were developed:
1. Pedestrian and bicycle access to the school is safe and efficient.
2. The existing sign assembly on the south side of W. Ponkan Road should be replaced with School Advance Warning sign (S1-1) and reutilize the “AHEAD” panel (W16-9p). It should be relocated 200’ from the western loop entrance/exit.
3. The existing sign assembly on the north side of W. Ponkan Road should be replaced
with a School Advance Warning sign (S1-1) and reutilize the “AHEAD” (W16-9p) panel.
4. A STOP sign should be added to the exit approach of the Bus Loop to the semi-circular road serving the school.
5. The pedestrian signal heads at W. Ponkan Road and Jason Dwelley Parkway should be
updated to countdown heads.
6. At the intersection of W. Ponkan Road and Jason Dwelley Parkway, School Crossing Warning (S1-1) signs with down arrow placards (W16-7p) should be installed on the north approach. School Advance Warning sign (S1-1) with an “AHEAD” (W16-9p) panel, should be placed 200’ prior to the intersection. A “SCHOOL” pavement marking should be added to the southbound lane adjacent to the sign assembly.
School Route Plan- Wolf Lake Elementary School
2
1. INTRODUCTION HNTB Corporation was retained by Orange County Public Works to conduct a School Route Plan Study for Wolf Lake Elementary School located at 1771 W. Ponkan Road, Orange County, Florida. The purpose of this study is to identify safe routes for children to walk and bicycle to school. The analysis methods used in conducting this study are consistent with those set forth in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD 2003), the Manual on Uniform Traffic Studies (MUTS), and Orange County guidelines and procedures. Figure 1 shows the location of Wolf Lake Elementary School.
School Route Plan- Wolf Lake Elementary School
3
Figure 1 - Project Location Map
School Route Plan- Wolf Lake Elementary School
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2. EXISTING CONDITIONS Wolf Lake Elementary School is located in north west Orange County on West Ponkan Road approximately 3.5 miles east of US 441. Significant features for the study location are summarized below in Table 1.
Table 1-Field Inventory
Feature Description School Name Wolf Lake Elementary School Address 1771 W. Ponkan Road
Apopka, FL 32712 407-858-2230
School Hours 8:45 AM- 3:00 PM (2:00 PM Wednesday) Student Enrollment 907 Primary Roadway Access West Ponkan Rd
• Two-lane primary access road with left turn lanes at the driveways into the school loop
• Posted speed limit: 35 mph • Sidewalks: north side of roadway • No conventional lighting provided Vick Road • Two-lane primary access road with left turn lanes at the
intersection with Ponkan Road • Posted speed limit: 45 mph • Sidewalks: west side of roadway • No conventional lighting provided • Bike lanes provided on both sides of roadway
Pedestrian and Bicycle Access to School
• Sidewalk on west side and bike lane on both sides of Vick Road Drive
• Sidewalk on north side of W. Ponkan Road Carpool Access to School Separate entrances give access to Carpool and Buses. Carpool
vehicles enter and turn left towards the designated drop-off/pickup areas on the south side of the school.
Bus Access Bus traffic enters the school via the designated bus entrance to the east of the school.
Guarded School Crossings West Ponkan Road at Jason Dwelley Parkway • Controlled by traffic signal • Pedestrian indications, crosswalks and pushbuttons • Crossing guard provided on north approach during school times West Ponkan Road at Ponkan Summit Drive/N. Ponkan Pines Road • Pedestrian indications and crosswalks • School crossing warning signs on east and west approaches • Crossing guard provided on east side of Ponkan Road during
school times Other Facilities Sidewalks are provided along most roadways in adjacent
neighborhoods within the walk zone. A connector sidewalk is provided along the joint driveway from the Wolf Lake Elementary to access Wolf Lake Middle School to the east.
Reduced Speed School Zones Reduced speed school zone signs, with flashing beacons and pole mounted “Your Speed” dynamic message signs, are provided east and west of the intersection of West Ponkan Road at Ponkan Summit Drive/N. Ponkan Pines Road
School Route Plan- Wolf Lake Elementary School
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Vehicular, Pedestrian, and Bicycle Volumes Two-hour turning movement counts were conducted at the intersections of W. Ponkan Road with the School Entrance Loop and W. Ponkan Road at Jason Dwelley Parkway. The counts were conducted from 8:00 to 9:00 AM and 2:30 to 3:30 PM to coincide with the morning arrival time and afternoon departure time of students at the school. Pedestrian, bicycle, automobile and bus traffic were recorded separately for this count. Tables 2 and 3 summarize the results of these counts:
Table 2-Summary of Vehicular Volumes
Approaches
Direction
Movement L T R TOT L T R TOT L T R TOT L T R TOT
Morning Arrival: 800 to 900
Vehicles 0 0 0 0 56 0 10 66 22 188 0 210 0 127 166 293
Busses 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 7 0 3 0 3 0 0 9 9
Total 0 0 0 0 63 0 10 73 22 191 0 213 0 127 175 302
Afternoon Departure: 1430 to 1530
Vehicles 0 0 0 0 71 0 45 116 40 93 0 133 0 96 28 124
Busses 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 4 5 0 0 5 0 1 0 1
Total 0 0 0 0 71 0 49 120 45 93 0 138 0 97 28 125
School Entrance at Ponkan RoadSchool Entrance Ponkan Road
Northbound Southbound Eastbound Westbound
Approaches
Direction
Movement L T R TOT L T R TOT L T R TOT L T R TOT
Morning Arrival: 800 to 900
Vehicles 0 0 0 0 5 0 3 8 3 247 0 250 0 295 11 306
Busses 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 10 0 Pa 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0 5 0 3 8 3 257 0 260 0 295 11 306
Afternoon Departure: 1430 to 1530
Vehicles 0 0 0 0 12 0 5 17 5 186 0 191 0 172 9 181
Busses 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 12 0 11 0 11
Total 0 0 0 0 12 0 5 17 5 198 0 203 0 183 9 192
Jason Dwelley Parkway at Ponkan RoadJason Dwelley Parkway Ponkan Road
Northbound Southbound Eastbound Westbound
School Route Plan- Wolf Lake Elementary School
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Table 3-Summary of Pedestrian & Bicycle Volumes
W. Ponkan Road at Eastern School Loop Total 8:00 8:15 8:30 8:45 Total 2:30 2:45 3:00 3:15
2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 Total 0
8:00 0 0 8:00 0 0
8:15 0 0 8:15 0 0
8:30 0 0 8:30 0 0
8:45 0 0 8:45 0 0
Total 0 0 Total 0 0
2:30 0 0 2:30 0 0
2:45 0 0 2:45 0 0
3:00 0 0 3:00 0 0
3:15 0 0 3:15 0 0
Total 0 Total 0
Total 8:00 8:15 8:30 8:45 Total 2:30 2:45 3:00 3:15
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
N/A
School Entrance
Po
nka
n R
oad
Po
nka
n R
oad
PM
AM PM
AM
AM PM
AM
PM
AM
AM
PM
PM
AM
PMAM
PM
W. Ponkan Road at Jason Dwelley Parkway Total 8:00 8:15 8:30 8:45 Total 2:30 2:45 3:00 3:15
2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 Total 0
8:00 0 0 8:00 0 0
8:15 0 0 8:15 0 0
8:30 0 0 8:30 0 0
8:45 0 0 8:45 0 0
Total 0 0 Total 0 0
2:30 0 0 2:30 0 0
2:45 0 0 2:45 0 0
3:00 0 0 3:00 0 0
3:15 0 0 3:15 0 0
Total 0 Total 0
Total 8:00 8:15 8:30 8:45 Total 2:30 2:45 3:00 3:15
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
N/A
Jason Dwelley Parkway
Po
nka
n R
oad
Po
nka
n R
oad
PM
AM PM
AM
AM PM
AM
PM
AM
AM
PM
PM
AM
PMAM
PM
School Route Plan- Wolf Lake Elementary School
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3. QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT Wolf Lake Elementary School is located on W. Ponkan Road, approximately 3.5 miles east of US 441. The school serves children who live in adjacent neighborhoods to the north and south of W. Ponkan Road. A portion of the school zone does not fall within the two mile walk zone of the school. Orange County currently provides bus service for almost all children attending Wolf Lake Elementary School. Figure 2 illustrates the school zone boundaries and two-mile walk radius. Existing bus stops for Wolf Lake Elementary School were not available at the time this report was completed. Figure 3 is a School Route Plan map of the area within the two-mile walk limit where school bus service is not provided. This area is the focus of the qualitative assessment. The school route plan area was reviewed by a registered professional engineer to evaluate vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle flow patterns to determine what improvements are necessary, if any, to improve the safety and efficiency of the children traveling to and from school. The assessment is provided for the school entrances and the intersection of Jason Dwelley Parkway and Ponkan Summit Drive/N. Ponkan Pines Road with W. Ponkan Road. General Vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle access to the school are safe and efficient. Some of the existing school warning signs, specified later in this report, do not meet current MUTCD standards. They should be replaced or updated as necessary. Sidewalk is provided along the north side of W. Ponkan Road to the east and west of the school loop. The small number of children that were observed to walk or bicycle to the school come from adjacent neighborhoods located to the east and west of the school and access the school via W. Ponkan Road. Wolf Lake Elementary School and Wolf Lake Middle School are accessed via a two lane loop. W. Ponkan Road at Eastern School Loop Entrance/Exit The majority of the students arrive to school via bus or private vehicles. Bus service is provided for the residential areas east of the school and west of Rock Springs Road, therefore minimal pedestrian and bicycle traffic occurs east of Jason Dwelley Parkway along W. Ponkan Road. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic to and from the school predominantly occurs from the west using the sidewalk along the north side of Ponkan Road. A majority of the few pedestrians and bicyclists were observed to be accompanied by parents. Overall pedestrian and bicycle access to the school is generally safe and efficient. The entrances to Wolf Lake Elementary were observed during the morning and afternoon school hours. The following observations were made:
• The driveway and loop into the school is well-designed for the volume of vehicular traffic it serves. The parent drop off/pick up area is located along the south side of the school and the queue extends along the west driveway back towards W. Ponkan Road. There is adequate storage for the drop off/pick up queue on the school property and there are minimal opportunities for vehicle/pedestrian conflicts.
Wolf LakeElementary School
Figure 2School Boundary MapSchool Zone Boundary
2 Mile Walk ZoneSchool Bus StopSchool
Traffic Signal
Legend
8
N
Legend
YIELD
STOP
Figure 3School Route Plan MapPedestrian Route
Bike Lane
G
Stop Sign
Yield Sign
Signalized
Intersection
School
Crossing
School Bus Stops
Crossing Guard
Wolf LakeElementary School
9
N
Crosswalk
ST
OP
STOPSTOP
ST
OP
STOP
STOP
ST
OP
ST
OP
ST
OP
ST
OP
ST
OP
ST
OP
STOP
ST
OP
ST
OP
Wolf Lake
Elementary
ST
OP
ST
OP
STOP
ST
OP
ST
OP
ST
OP
ST
OP
ST
OP
ST
OP
ST
OP
ST
OP
STO
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STO
P
STO
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STO
P
STOP
STOP
ST
OP
ST
OP
ST
OP
STOP
ST
OP
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OP
ST
OP
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OP
ST
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STOP
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STOPSTOP
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OP
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STOPG
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School Route Plan- Wolf Lake Elementary School
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• School Ahead Warning signs along W. Ponkan Road in the vicinity of the school are not properly located and do not meet current MUTCD standards.
o The existing sign assembly on the south side of W. Ponkan Road should be
replaced with School Advance Warning sign (S1-1) and reuse the “AHEAD” panel (W16-9p). It should also be located 200’ from the western loop entrance/exit.
o The existing sign assembly on the north side of W. Ponkan Road should be
replaced with a School Advance Warning sign (S1-1) and reutilize the “AHEAD” (W16-9p) panel.
• The bus drop off/pick up area is located along the east
side of the school building. There is sufficient storage capacity, efficient circulation and minimal conflicts with pedestrians or other vehicles. A STOP sign should be added to the exit approach of the Bus Loop to the semi-circular road serving the school.
• The western loop entrance/exit onto W. Ponkan Road
operates efficiently.
• The current pavement markings on the school property are in good condition. W. Ponkan Road at Jason Dwelley Parkway The intersection of W. Ponkan Road at Jason Dwelley Parkway was observed during the morning and afternoon school hours. One crossing guard is stationed at the intersection of W. Ponkan Road at Jason Dwelley Parkway to accommodate the school children and bicycles across the north approach of Jason Dwelley Parkway. The following observations were made: • Traffic on W. Ponkan Road is traveling at or above the posted 35 mph speed limit. Traffic
volumes are moderate. There were no negative effects observed due to the posted speed limit.
• The traffic signal timings accommodate each of the movements at the intersection
without phase failures. The intersection was observed to operate efficiently with minimal queuing or delay during the morning and afternoon school periods.
• School children cross the north approach to the intersection and are protected by a
crossing guard. • Traditional pedestrian signals are provided for crossing this approach of the intersection.
The pedestrian signal heads should be updated to countdown heads. • The markings are in fair condition at the intersection, but the signs do not meet current
MUTCD standards.
o At this intersection School Crossing Warning (S1-1) signs with down arrow placards (W16-7p) should be installed on the north approach.
Add stop sign
School Route Plan- Wolf Lake Elementary School
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o A School Advance Warning sign (S1-1) with an “AHEAD” (W16-9p) panel, should
be placed 200’ prior to the intersection. A “SCHOOL” pavement marking should be added in the southbound lane adjacent to the sign assembly.
• An overhead blank out “No Right Turn” sign is in place for the westbound approaching
vehicles. W. Ponkan Road at Ponkan Summit Drive/N. Ponkan Pines Road The intersection of W. Ponkan Road at Ponkan Summit Drive/N. Ponkan Pines Road was observed during the morning and afternoon school hours. One crossing guard is stationed at this intersection to accommodate the school children and bicycles across the east approach of the intersection. The following observations were made:
• The intersection is under stop control for the side streets. • No crossing guard was observed at the intersection during either peak school periods.
School children cross the east and north approaches of the intersection. • A reduced speed school zone from 35 mph to 20 mph on W. Ponkan Road which is
activated by the guards from 8:00 to 9:00 AM and 2:45 to 3:45 PM (1:45 to 2:45 PM on Wednesday), combined with pole mounted “Your Speed” dynamic message signs are provided.
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the existing conditions of W. Ponkan Road at the School Loop and at John Dwelley Parkway. Photographs of W. Ponkan Road at the eastern side of the school loop and at Jason Dwelley Parkway are included in Exhibits 1 to 4.
Update pedestrian signal heads. Add school signs to intersection
12
N
Figure 4Condition Diagram
STOP
STOP
STOP
WOLF LAKE MIDDLE
SCHOOL
WOLF LAKE
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
W Ponkan Road
Bus L
oop
STOP
Car p
ark
ing/
Poolin
g
SP
EE
DL
IMIT
35
AH
EA
D
SP
EE
DL
IMIT
35
School Loop
STOP
W. Ponkan Road at School Loop
13
N
Jason D
well
y P
kw
y
W Ponkan Road
9’
9’
9’
9’
9’
9’
12’ 12’ 14’
9’
25
SPEED
LIMIT
AH
EA
D
BLANK OUT OVERHEAD SIGN
Figure 5Condition Diagram
W. Ponkan Road atJason Dwelley Parkway
School Route Plan- Wolf Lake Elementary School
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Exhibit 1- W. Ponkan Road at Eastern School Loop Entrance
Looking west along W. Ponkan Road from intersection
Looking east along W. Ponkan Road from intersection
School Route Plan- Wolf Lake Elementary School
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Exhibit 2- W. Ponkan Road at Eastern School Loop Entrance
Looking south along Eastern School Loop Entrance onto W. Ponkan Road
Looking north along Eastern School Loop Entrance from W. Ponkan Road
School Route Plan- Wolf Lake Elementary School
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Exhibit 3- W. Ponkan Road at Jason Dwelley Parkway
Looking west along W. Ponkan Road into intersection
Looking east along W. Ponkan Road into intersection
School Route Plan- Wolf Lake Elementary School
17
Exhibit 4- W. Ponkan Road at Jason Dwelley Parkway
Looking south along Jason Dwelley Parkway into W. Ponkan Road
Looking north along Jason Dwelley Parkway from W. Ponkan Road
School Route Plan- Wolf Lake Elementary School
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4. RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the results of the analysis, the field observations and engineering judgment, the following improvements are proposed:
1. Pedestrian and bicycle access to the school is safe and efficient.
2. The existing sign assembly on the south side of W. Ponkan Road should be replaced with School Advance Warning sign (S1-1) and reutilize the “AHEAD” panel (W16-9p). It should be relocated 200’ from the western loop entrance/exit.
3. The existing sign assembly on the north side of W. Ponkan Road should be replaced
with a School Advance Warning sign (S1-1) and reutilize the “AHEAD” (W16-9p) panel.
4. A STOP sign should be added to the exit approach of the Bus Loop to the semi-
circular road serving the school.
5. The pedestrian signal heads at W. Ponkan Road and Jason Dwelley Parkway should be updated to countdown heads.
6. At the intersection of W. Ponkan Road and Jason Dwelley Parkway, School
Crossing Warning (S1-1) signs with down arrow placards (W16-7p) should be installed on the north approach. School Advance Warning sign (S1-1) with an “AHEAD” (W16-9p) panel, should be placed 200’ prior to the intersection. A “SCHOOL” pavement marking should be added to the southbound lane adjacent to the sign assembly.
Figures 6 and 7 have been included on the following page to illustrate these recommendations.
19
N
STOP
STOP
STOP
WOLF LAKE MIDDLE
SCHOOL
WOLF LAKE
ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
W Ponkan Road
Bus L
oop
STOP
Car p
ark
ing/
Poolin
g
SP
EE
DL
IMIT
35
SP
EE
DL
IMIT
35
Figure 6Conceptual Diagram
AH
EA
D
STOP
Install Sign
1 of 2W. Ponkan Road at School Loop
STOP
Update and Relocate200’ West of School Loop
School Loop
Install Sign200’ West of School Loop
AH
EA
D
20
N
Jason D
well
y P
kw
y
W Ponkan Road
9’
9’
9’
9’
9’
9’
12’ 12’ 14’
9’
25
SPEED
LIMIT
AH
EA
D
2 of 2
AHEAD
Upgrade Pedestrian Headsto Count-Down Heads
Install SignAssembly
Install Sign Assemblywith Pavement Markings
Figure 7Conceptual Diagram
Replace with SchoolAdvance Warning (S1-1)
W. Ponkan Road atJason Dwelley Parkway
School Route Plan- Wolf Lake Elementary School
APPENDIX
