Motorists driving along Fair Oaks Avenue and Java Drive will need to slow it down with the upcoming installation of new speed limit signs.
The former 45 mph signs will be reduced down to 40 mph because of an increase in pedestrians following a land use change in the area along Fair Oaks Avenue. The area is now zoned for residential/commercial use instead of industrial/business.
The change will affect Java Drive between Mathilda Avenue and Highway 237 and Fair Oaks Avenue between Highways 101 and 237.
“The city periodically confirms that posted speed limits are consistent with state guidelines,” Sunnyvale communications officer Jennifer Garnett said. “The changes in speed limit at this particular location were part of a routine update and not caused by any incident.”
According to city staff, an engineering and traffic survey was conducted to gather the speeds of 50 vehicles for each direction of travel during the off-peak hours. The 85th percentile speed per the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices was then calculated.
Other factors can also be taken into account when determining the appropriate speed for a street such as collisions and the surrounding land use.
The 85th percentile for Java Drive is 41 mph, thus necessitating a decrease in speed.
While the average speed limit for Fair Oaks Avenue was 43.7 mph, which would mean maintaining the 45 mph speed limit, city staff recommended lowering it. There is also a major transit stop at Fair Oaks Avenue and Tasman Drive that draws a significant amount of pedestrians.
“Pedestrian access to other transit stops on Java Drive will benefit from the reduction in speed,” city staff reported.
The estimated cost of the sign and legend changes is $1,020. According to staff, there are enough funds in the operating budget to complete the project.
