Agenda - Public Works Committee - 11/15/2016

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Public Works Committee 6. 1. Meeting Date: 11/15/2016 By: Bruce Westby, Engineering/Public Works Title: Update on Anoka County Highway Department Flashing Yellow Arrow Signal System Improvement Projects Purpose/Background: Purpose: The purpose of this case is to update the Public Works Committee on Anoka County Highway Department's plans to modify three existing signal systems within the City of Ramsey by adding flashing yellow left-turn arrows, and to discuss whether the City should consider studying the City-owned signal system at the intersection of Armstrong Boulevard/CSAH 83 & Sunwood Drive/147h Avenue for potential flashing yellow arrow modifications. Background: Flashing yellow arrows are gaining momentum as an alternative to a simple green light for left-turning motorists. They signal to the motorist that it is safe to turn left so long as they yield to oncoming vehicles,which have the right of way. These permitted left turns are unlike protected left turns,where the left-turning motorist does not need to consider opposing traffic because those vehicles have a red light. Attached is the cover sheet from Anoka County Highway Department's plans for Project No. 16-25-00 as received by the City on October 24, 2016. These plans detail flashing yellow arrow modifications to signal systems at eight different intersections across Anoka County. Three of the signal systems are located within the City of Ramsey along Bunker Lake Boulevard/CSAH 116 where it intersects with Dysprosium Street/Thurston Avenue, Sunfish Lake Boulevard/CSAH 57, and Ramsey Boulevard/CSAH 56. The proposed signal system modifications include replacing the existing 3-section left-turn signal heads with 4-section left-turn signal heads which include a flashing yellow left-turn arrow. The flashing yellow left-turn arrows will be operational during different times of the day at different intersections. Anoka County budgets approximately$100,000 annually to convert 4 to 10 of their 200 signal systems to flashing yellow arrow operations. They have experienced costs to convert signal systems to incorporate flashing yellow arrows from $0 to $28,500 per signal system. Anoka County utilizes SEH, Inc.to study a certain number of their signal systems annually for flashing yellow arrow conversions. If the City of Ramsey wishes to start taking steps to convert the City-owned signal system at the intersection of Armstrong Boulevard/CSAH 83 & Sunwood Drive/147th Avenue to include flashing yellow arrows,Anoka County requests that we employ SEH, Inc.to complete the required analysis. This will ensure that the evaluations are performed consistently County-wide for safety and liability purposes. Once this analysis is complete,plans would need to be prepared to allow for construction of the flashing yellow left-turn arrows. Timeframe: Approximately 10 minutes for presentation and discussion. Observations/Alternatives: N/A Funding Source: