Minutes - Public Works Committee - 03/18/2003

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COMMITTEE BUSINESS Case #1: Consider Extension of C.R. #116 Median East of T.H. #47 City Engineer Jankowski stated that the access to the Rivers Bend plaza from CR 116 east of TH 47 has been the site of a large number of accidents since this segment of CR 116 was constructed in 1990. A report has been prepared by Anoka County Highway Department, which deals exclusively with this high accident location. The recommendation of the County's report calls for the extension of the highway median to eliminate left turning movements into and out of this access point. Previously, the City of Ramsey had requested that the County not install a divided median at this location. The County is prepared to take action to extend this median this summer, however it does not wish to violate the City's standing request on this issue. The County is requesting that the City rescind its earlier request against this median extension. A represcntative of Anoka County will be on hand at the meeting to present the report. The representatives of Rivers Bend Plaza, Rivers Bend Apartments and Hot Stop gas station have also been notified that this topic will be on the agenda. Staff recommended that the City rescind its earlier position opposing an extension of the CR 116 median east of CR 116. Councilmember Elvig stated that there is more traffic on C.R. #116 now than there has ever been in the past. City Engineer Jankowski noted that the C.R. #116 corridor study has predicted traffic levels to double along C.R. #116 over the next 20 years. Councihnember Elvig stated that the reason he mentioned the traffic issue was he was questioning if they were sure that the turning activity is causing the accidents or is it the increase in traffic. Kate Garwood, Anoka County Highway Department, reviewed the accident history in the area. Councilmember Cook inquired if they were to close the median will it increase accidents in other areas along C.R. #116. Principal City Engineer O lson replied t hat h e d id not believe t hat would be the case because vehicles would be able to make a protected u-turn. Steve Dombrowski, Rivers Ben Plaza, stated that the facts are is that they have a high school just down the road and the speed limit is at 55 mph, as well as the fact there are no lights along T.H. #47 allowing for turns into the complex or allowing residents to leave their neighborhoods without cutting through the plaza. He questioned how many accidents might not have occurred if they did not have the drive through traffic and the speed limit was not 55 mph. Councihnember Zimmerman noted that the Council did try and get a signal at 142nd Avenue, but MnDOT declined the request. Public Works Committee/March 18, 2003 Page 2 of 10