In order for the Police Department to issue radar speeding citations, it is necessary to have a valid Engineering and Traffic Survey conducted every five, seven, or ten years as required by the California Vehicle Code (CVC), Section 40802.  The varying amount of years is based on the occurrence of any significant changes in roadway or traffic conditions. 

The City’s current survey was approved by City Council on December 14, 2014.

The City contracted with AGA Engineers to perform an Engineering and Traffic Survey in order for the Police Department to continue to enforce posted speed limits using radar.

One hundred-forty three (143) roadway segments were surveyed in the City.  Every segment was analyzed individually using speed surveys, traffic volumes, accident data, posted speed limits, and roadway conditions.  The Engineering and Traffic Survey was conducted in compliance with state requirements. The speed limit is determined by using the 85^th percentile speed rounded to the nearest 5 miles per hour (mph) increment. If there are sufficient conditions not readily apparent to the driver, the posted speed limit can be reduced by 5 mph.

All school zones with 25 mph posted speed limits when children are present will remain enforceable.

The attached ordinance shows the roadway segments surveyed with their respective speed limits.  Several segments saw a 5 mph increase from their current speed limit.  These segments include:

1.   Dale Street between Orangewood Avenue and Katella Street  - 35 mph to 40 mph

2.   Gilbert Street between Orangewood Avenue to Katella Street – 35 mph to 40 mph

3.   Harbor Boulevard between Chapman Avenue to Wilken Way (northerly City Limits) – 35 mph to 40 mph

4.   Magnolia Street between Trask Avenue to Garden Grove Boulevard – 35 mph to 40 mph

5.   Ninth Street between Chapman Avenue to Orangewood Avenue – 35 mph to  40 mph

6.   Springdale Street between Garden Grove Boulevard to Chapman Avenue – 35 mph to 40 mph

7.   West Street between Garden Grove Boulevard to Orangewood Avenue – 35 mph to 40 mph

8.   Orangewood Avenue between Magnolia Street to Gilbert Street – 35 mph to 40 mph

9.   Trask Avenue between Beach Boulevard to Newland Street – 35 mph to 40 mph

The survey also includes a current citywide traffic volume flow map and a citywide speed zone map.

There is no impact to the General Fund.

It is recommended that the City Council: 

• Approve the Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey; and 

• Introduce and conduct the first reading of the ordinance adjusting speed limits on twelve (12) roadway segments. 

By: Dai Vu, P.E., Traffic Engineer