Agenda - Planning Commission - 05/04/2017 - Special

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Executive Summary Background: The Pearson Farms Development is proposed for construction on the vacant land bounded by Puma Street, Alpine Drive, Trunk Highway (TH) 10, and Links at Northfork Golf Course in Ramsey, Minnesota. This development will include 344 total residential units (98 townhomes and 246 single family homes). The purpose of this study is to determine the traffic impacts associated with the build out of the proposed development on the study intersections. Results: The principal findings of this traffic study are: • The proposed expansion is expected to generate approximately 2,912 new trips during an average weekday (1,456 entering and 1,456 exiting), approximately 227 new trips during the a.m. peak hour (53 entering and 174 exiting) and approximately 297 new trips during the p.m. peak hour (189 entering and 108 exiting). • The existing study intersections operate with acceptable delays and vehicle queues today. • The study intersections are expected to operate acceptably during the 2040 no - build and build scenarios. • Left turn lanes are not warranted based on the expected 2040 build year volumes and mainline speeds. • Right turn lane warrants are not fulfilled due to the mainline speeds remaining below 45 MPH, which is consistent for neighborhood streets, however, the right turn lane volume thresholds were reached by the estimated 2040 Build volumes. Recommendations: The following items are recommended based on the analyses contained in this study: • No additional intersection mitigation is required to help improve capacity. • If the speed limits along Puma Street or Alpine Drive are increased to 45 MPH or higher, re-evaluate the Turn -Lane Warrants. • Construct a new sidewalk/trail along the southern edge of Alpine Drive connecting the proposed access to the existing Alpine Drive/Puma Street intersection. The addition of a north/south crosswalk should also be considered at this intersection to help promote safe crossing to the existing northern sidewalk/trail. • Ensure the proposed internal sidewalks connect to the external sidewalk/trail system. • Work with Metro Transit or their affiliates to improve transit options within the project area as the closest existing transit is located roughly 1.5 miles away at Ramsey Station and Platform. This study is based upon a concept plan from January 6, 2017. Assuming the general characteristics of the proposed development remain approximately the same as documented, minor changes in the final design are not expected to alter the results or recommendations of this study. Traffic Impact Study Pearson Farm Residential Development CONSULTING