Agenda - Council - 12/10/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I I Intersections where traffic signals are warranted and urgently needed. The multiway stop is a permissible interim measure while arrangements are being made for signal installation. An accident pt~oblem, as indicated by five or more accidents of a type susceptible to correction by a multiway stop ~in a twelve month period. Minimum traffic volumes as follows: a) The total yehicular volume entering the intersection from all approaches must average 500 vehicles p~.r hour for any eight hours of an average day. b) The combination of vehicular and pedestrian volume from the minor street must average 200 units per hbur for the same eight hours, with an average delay to the minor street of at least 3 0 seconds per vehicle during the maximum hours, but; c) When the 85th percentile approach speed of the major street exceeds 40 mph, the minimum vehicular volume warrant is 70 percent of the above requirement. Request for Yield _Signs A "YIELD" sign assigns right-of-way to traffic on certain approaches to an intersection. Vehicles controlled by a yield sign need stop only when necessary to avoid interference with other traffic that is given the right-of-Way. Yield signs shall be placed in accordance with warrants outlined in the MN HUTCD which incli~des the following: I. At the entrance[ to an intersection where it is necessary to assign the right-of-way and where safe approach speed .'_.on the entrance exceeds 10 mph. 2. Where there is a separate or channelized right-turn lane without an adequate acceleration lane. 3. At intersections~where a special problem to be susceptible to correction by use of a yield sign. Requests for Speedi_Limit Signs and Lower Speed Limits It shall be the policy of the City to post speed limit signs where required by law, notably at points of change from one sp~ed limit to another. Additionally, residential speed limit (30 mph) signs shall be posted on major subdivision streets near intersections with county or state highways. It should be noted that Minnesota State Laws allow municipalities to post speed limits of 30 mph in an urban district (define~l as areas having dwellings spaced at intervals of less than 100 feet for a distance of one-quarter mile) an{t other streets at 55 mph. Speed limits under 30 mph are allowed in special zones · such as school zonesI and alleyways. Other speed limits may be posted in 5 mph increments only upon the determination of the Commissioner of Transportation subsequent to an engineering and traffic investigation. It shall be the policy of the City to petition the Commissioner of Transportation, for an engineering and traffic investigation study, when presented with a citizen request for such a study. Request for Watch for Children Signs. ALTERNATIVE/41: (Current Policy and Staff Recommendation) The request for watch for children and similar signs generally stem from parents' concern for their children's safety in lhe streets and near their house. Unfortunately, the request is based on the widespread but false belief that traffic signs provide protection. There is no indication that signs of this type achieve the de~-ired safety results. Since children live in virtually every neighborhood, and neighborhoods can chjange dramatically in child population in relatively short time spans, signs could be posted on virtually e~ery residential block. In addition, if parents become less vigilant as a result of these signs being post_ed, they may actually be doing a disservice to children's protection. It is therefore the policy of the City to refrain from the posting of this type of sign.