Agenda - Council - 09/11/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Create another median opening with signals in front of Rivers Bend Plaza. ~,~odification would need to be undertaken by MnDOT since T.H. #47 is under their juri,sdiE~ .~,~. _MnDOT would be strongly opposed to this modification. This modification may be unO, meet geometric standards scheduled by MnDOT. ~,,t' -'~ The representative from Rivers Bend Plaza suggested working with experts to come Ulgwith alternatives to the closure proposal. Mr. Len Currie, representing Rivers Bend Plaza, indicated that he would like to hire traffic consultants to analyze the problem. Staff contacted Mr. Currie in late April 2001, and sent him a list of consultants specializing in transportation issues. Staff had not received any communication from Mr. Currie as to the status of his proposal. Mr. Currie was invited to attend this meeting. Staff recommended petitioning the State Commissioner of Transportation' to perform a speed limit study on the C.R. #116 east of T.H. #47. Staff also recommended requesting Anoka County to either extend the C.R. #116 median eastward to the bridge or place signage restricting left turns during the peak a.m. and p.m. periods, with the condition that accident rates must decrease to an acceptable rate within a three-year monitoring period. Staff also recommended including the area in the C.R. #116 traffic study. Len Currie, Rivers Bend Plaza, stated that the median would be a big problem for their center, but would also impact an apartment building as well as the residents north and east of their center. T.H. #47 is so busy that residents have to use the access to get onto C.R. #116. He stated that they are happy to work with whatever is decided, but did not feel that they were in the position to lead what happens, but would like to be part of the process. Councilmember Anderson stated that the signlization of 142''d Avenue seems to be the only sensible solution. Councilmember Zimmerman suggested having a consultant look at the problems in the area. Councilmember Anderson inquired if MnDOT could be included in the discussions. Councilmember Zimmerman replied yes, as well as the County. Councilmember Anderson stated that she did not know that posting signs and preventing turns during peak hours would be beneficial. Dr. David Silverman, Animal Hospital, suggested posting "do not block intersection signs" in the intersections. He stated that he knows that in the last six months there have been at least three serious accidents up by the high school. Traffic is going to fast in the area. Councilmember Zimmerman stated that they should hold off on posting any signs until the study is completed. Public Works Committee/July 16, 2001 Page 11 of 13 -21-