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CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. O-1213-43 UPON SECOND AND FINAL READING: AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, AMENDING ARTICLE V, CHAPTER 20 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF NORMAN BY AMENDING SECTION 20-541 WHICH CLARIFIES WHERE U-TURNS ARE ALLOWED; AND PROVIDING FOR THE SEVERABILITY THEREOF.
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BACKGROUND: The City of Norman currently, under Chapter 20, Section 20-541, allows U-turns at intersections not controlled by traffic control devices, so long as that turn does not interfere with other traffic. U-turns are prohibited in all other situations.
However, the intersection of Main Street and Hal Muldrow Drive is controlled by a traffic signal and is signed so as to allow a U-turn for traffic in each direction along Main Street. This contradiction in practice and in the Code of Ordinances came to light when a new business along Main Street requested that the Public Works Department consider installation of a flashing yellow arrow at the subject intersection.
DISCUSSION: The Public Works Department has reviewed the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and allowing U-turns at signalized intersections, when safe and permitted by appropriate signage, is consistent with the MUTCD. For that reason, the Public Works Department has prepared the subject Ordinance amendment.
Under the amended language, U-turns would continue to be permitted at intersections without traffic control devices so long as the U-turn does not interfere with other traffic. In addition, the amended language would allow U-turns at intersections controlled by traffic control devices, such as a traffic signal, where the U-turn is specifically permitted by sign.
The City Legal Department assisted staff is preparing this amendment.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: In order to resolve the discrepancy between the language of the Code of Ordinances and current operation of the intersection of Main Street and Hal Muldrow Drive, it is recommended that Council...
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