Agenda - Council - 05/12/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CASE # ~j CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR THE COUNTY TO INSTALL A CROSSWALK ,/ AT THE INTERSECTION OF 161ST AND ARMSTRONG By: Steven Jankowski, Assistant City Engineer Background: Staff has been contacted by Mr. Pat Surma who resides at 7930 161St Lane who expressed concern over the safety of the intersection of 161St Lane and Armstrong Boulevard. Mr. Surma had a number of suggestions for improving the safety including the following: 1. Place a crosswalk across Armstrong Boulevard -The sight distances are very good to both the north and south on Armstrong Boulevard. Although there is currently no connecting trail system on the west side of Armstrong Boulevard, there is a significant residential neighborhood which would benefit from a cross walk to travel to Central Park. 2. Add a second Stop sign on the west leg of this intersection - At the present time there are two Stop signs posted on the east leg of this intersection; an oversized 48. inch stop sign - on the. right hand side of the roadway and a standard 36 inch auxiliary stop sign„located on the left hand side. This same stop sign treatment is being sought for the west leg of the intersection as well. 3. Clear brush on the west leg of the intersection to improve visibility of the existing stop signs- Currently tree growth within the right of way of 161St Lane (particularly on the west side of Armstrong Boulevard) is beginning to impair the visibility of the stop sign. 4. Place a flashing yellow light at the requested crosswalk to add extra emphasis for it. - This can be requested, however, Armstrong Boulevard is within the. jurisdiction of .Anoka County Highway department and subject to their established policies. Staff is reviewing the accident history at this intersection and will present its findings at-the Committee meeting. Recommendation: Staff is in agreement that all of the above suggestions are reasonable and prudent safety requests. The proximity of this intersection to Central Park makes it an excellent crosswalk candidate location. Since 161St Lane is within the jurisdiction of the City, brush clearing on the approaches to Armstrong Boulevard will be scheduled at the earliest opportunity by our Public Works .Department. The remaining requested items 1, 3 and 4 are all within the discretion of the Anoka County Highway Department as they have jurisdiction over Armstrong Boulevard. Staff recommends that it be directed to make a written request to Anoka County Highway Department requesting these improvements including the flashing warning Light if this is consistent with County policy. -~39-