Agenda - Public Works Committee - 04/21/2009

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CASE # Ie DISCUSS SCOPE OF DYSPROSIUM - FLINTWOOD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS By: Steven Jankowski, City Engineer Background: At the February 17, 2009 Public Works Committee meeting staff was directed to prepare a feasibility study for improvements to Dysprosium Street and ,the Flintwood Hills neighborhood that would. increase public safety in this area. Recall that during the discussion of the possible closuresof142~d Avenue between Argon Street and the TH47 frontage road, a number of safety issues and remedies were qfferedby the neighborhood residents. The purpose ofthis case is to receive direction regarding the scope of elements which should be considered in the preparation of that study. Attached to this case is a figure illustrating this area along with the most current traffic volumes. Note that traffic counts shown for 143rd Avenue, 142nd Avenue and 142nd Lane were counts taken on March 9, 2009. Staff has prepared a cost estimate for the reconstruction of Dysprosium Street between 140th Avenue and 143rd Avenue which would include the narrowing of the street pavement to 38 feet (allowing two travel and two parking lanes), and incorporating a five foot sidewalk on the west side of the street. The cost of this reconstruction is estimated to be $300,000. The problems pointed out at that meeting include the following: . Dysprosium inability to handle pedestrians and increasing traffic . Speed . Lack of street lighting . The tight curve on 143rd Avenue and Argon Street . Trees and other obstructions in the sight triangle . Safety of Argon Street pedestrians . Garbage trucks backing down Argon Street south of 142nd Avenue . Bus stop location . Possible solutions suggested at the February meeting included: . A three way stop at Argon Street . Speed tables (speed humps) . Sidewalks .Discussion: The problem of backing trucks on Argon Street south of 142nd Avenue is an existing condition which cannot be addressed without opening the gate at the south end of Argon Street or acquiring one or more properties to ~onstruct a permanent cuI de sac bulb at this location. Both of these solutions appear to have impacts which would eliminate them from further consideration. The installation of stop signs to control speed has largely been found to be 19