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C. Traffic Signal Spacing <br /> <br />The spacing guideline for traffic signals on principal arterial roadways with 50 to <br />55 mph operating speeds is ½ mile. TH 47 is a minor arterial and the operating <br />speed in the vicinity of 142nd is 40 mph. Therefore, the resultant signal spacing of <br />¼ mile between CSAH 116, 142nd Avenue NW and CSAH 5 is not inappropriate <br />for this type of roadway whereas it would be on a trunk highway that is classified <br />as a principal arterial. <br /> <br />D. Street Network and Alternatives Routes <br /> <br />TH 47 through Ramsey has been designated as a "Preservation Route", This <br />designation means that there is no priority for funding from Mn/DOT for the <br />adding through lanes. The forecast volumes for the section of TH 47 north <br />through 149th Avenue indicate the need for an additional through lane in each <br />direction. The installation of a signal at 142nd Avenue allows Waco Street and <br />142no Avenue to become a dependable alternative route to serve the residential <br />area to the east of TH 47 and thereby reduce the volume of traffic that would <br />otherwise be on TH 47 between 142nd and 149th. <br /> <br />E. Pedestrian Activity <br /> <br />On the westside of TH 47 between County Road 116 and CSAH 5, a residential <br />neighborhood exists. Many of these residents cross TH 47 at 142nd Avenue to <br />access the businesses on the eastside of TH 47 and the park on the Rum River. <br />During the summer, this park has many athletic activities for youth organizations. <br />These residents will also cross at 142nd Avenue to access a trail, which traverses <br />on the westside of TH 47. The projected .through volume on TH 47 will not have <br />sufficient number of gaps for pedestrians to safely cross. <br /> <br />F. Alternative Analysis <br /> <br />Three alternatives were evaluated: I) Signals at both I42ndAvenue and <br />CSAH 5; 2) signal at CSAI-I 5, but not at 142nd Avenue, and 3) signals at both <br />142nd Avenue and CSAH 5, but CSAH 5 would remain as a three-legged <br />intersection. <br /> <br />The results of the analysis showed that the alternative where 142nd Avenue NW <br />was left unsignalized was only marginally better from the standpoknt of overall <br />system delay (a.m.; 23 seconds per vehicle versus 25 and p.m.; 15 seconds per <br />vehicle versus 2I) than with 142nd signalized. <br /> <br />7 <br /> <br />I <br /> <br /> <br />