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

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In order to test the Task Force assumption and to determine the proper speed, the Task Force suggested, and Mn/DOT conducted, a number of speed studies on representative Rural Residential District roadways, The individual roadway studies exhibited a broad range of average and 8Sth percentile speeds.. These data were further examined with the understanding that for the sake of uniformity the intent was to establish a single statutory speed for the entire categoiy of rural residential roads. Also, a major consideration was that the selected speed be appropriate and safe in the densest of the rural residential areas. Based an these analyses, the recommended statutory speed limit for all rural residential roadways should be 3S MPH. As with other roadway types, if that statutory speed does not appear reasonable for a specific condition, the-road authority may request a speed study. If the 3S MPH Rural Residential speed limit were to be adopted, it was the view of the Task Force that it would need to be signed. Since it is a different value than the Urban District speed limit, it could not be covered in a blanket statement addressing all statutory 30 MPH zones. Similarly, it was thought that it would not be practical to expect motorists to distinguish a Rural Residential zone, end to know that the statutory speed limit is 3S, if sigaauig of the 3S MPH area were not provided. Aii option was considered that required the road authority to adopt the 35 MPH zone for the Rural Residential District (and post appropriate signing). In this option,~a Rural Residential District road would have to be adopted by a formal process, so only roads that really needed the speed control could be selected. If not selected, a road would remain at a statutory SS MPH limit or could be addressed through a speed zoning study request. Task Force members felt strongly that this option deviated from the core principle of uniformity and consistency statewide.. Placing an optional decision in the authority of the local governments suggests that interpretation and application of the Rural Residential District could vary from city to city. This option did not advance'beyond initial discussions within the Task Force. 4.2.2 Recommended Statute Text The Task Force recommends adding provision Subd. 2(a)(8) to the speed limit statute: ($) 3S miles per houx in a Rural Residential District and speed limit signs shall be erected upon entering the Rural Residential District. Page 23 -178-