Minutes - Public Works Committee - 05/16/2017

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5. COMMITTEE BUSINESS st 5.01: Review Pedestrian Safety Concerns at Variolite Street and 161 Avenue PW Superintendent Riemer reviewed the Staff Report, and explained that the Public Works Committee, at their April 18, 2017, meeting, directed City Staff to gather traffic data and other st information regarding pedestrian safety at the intersection of Variolite Street and 161 Avenue, that included traffic counts, speed data, level of service ratings, stopping sight distances for vehicles, pedestrian sight distances, and accident reports. Variolite Street has a posted speed limit of 50 miles per hour (mph), with a restricted sight line st view to the north of 161 Avenue because of a hill. Additional information gathered from the police speed trailer over a two-day period shows that 85% of traffic at this intersection have an average speed of 65 mph. Visibility to the south is clear, but the sightline to the north is only 330 feet, which creates safety concerns for pedestrians. The trial camera showed only 8 pedestrians crossing the intersection over a 3-day period so the intersection does not meet Minnesota Department of Transportation Engineering studies that found that crosswalks in uncontrolled intersections are not recommended unless speed can be reduced to 40 mph and a refuge median installed. A Hawk system, or pedestrian stop light, is a possible solution. A Hawk system has a traffic stop light that is activated when the pedestrian pushes a button. This type of system has an estimated cost of $75,000-120,000. City Staff recommends no action be considered until 2021, when Variolite Street is scheduled for reconstruction. Possible roadway improvements can be considered at that time. It is also recommended that speed enforcement should be increased at this location. Matt Westerhof, 16078 Uranimite Street NW, Ramsey, thanked the Public Works Committee and City Staff for doing this study. He stated his wife petitioned the neighborhood and got 56 signatures requesting that the City consider some type of speed control at this intersection. He added he is a member of the Comprehensive Plan Committee, and pedestrian access is an important aspect of the continued development of the City of Ramsey. Mr. Westerhof stated he and his family like to walk through their neighborhood, meet their neighbors, and enjoy their community. He added there are new homes being constructed in this neighborhood, and Ramsey Central Park is nearby, and the lack of pedestrian safety at this intersection must be addressed. Mr. Westerhof stated he reviewed the Minnesota Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and certain criteria in this document indicates that this intersection could qualify for a stop sign. Public Works Committee / May 16, 2017 Page 2 of 8