Minutes - Public Works Committee - 04/18/2018

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City Engineer Westby stated that the most common speed limits observed throughout Minnesota are: 10 mph in alleys 30 mph on streets in urban districts 55 mph on other roads 65 mph on expressways 65 mph on urban interstate highways 70 mph on rural interstate highways City Engineer Westby stated that if speed limits are not posted, these are to be considered the default speed limits. He noted that local road authorities can determine advisory speeds for local roads and post the roads with advisory speed signs without authorization from the MnDOT Commissioner. He stated that local road authorities can also pass a resolution requesting a speed study investigation by MnDOT. He noted that the local road authority that owns and operates the segment of road to be studied is responsible for submitting the request to MnDOT and based upon the study results, which often take in excess of one year to receive, MnDOT may then authorize the local road authority to post the road with new speed limits. He noted that it is important to state that the study could find that the new speed limit should be greater than the existing speed limit, which is typically contrary to the desired outcome. He noted that staff from th there is no harm in requesting the speed study because the posted speed limit is 55 mph, which is considered the maximum speed limit for this type of road. He noted that staff commented that it would be best from a driver expectation point of view to keep speed limits as uniform as possible on Bunker Lake Boulevard throughout the City limits. He stated that staff therefore recommends specifying the scope of the speed study from Armstrong Boulevard to Sunfish Lake Boulevard, where the speed limit is consistently 55 mph. He stated that because Anoka County owns and operates this segment of Bunker Lake Boulevard, the City would request Anoka County to submit a formal speed study request to MnDOT and Anoka County would then make the decision on whether this request moves forward. He recommended that the Public Works Committee recommend that the City Council authorize to request a Speed Study on Bunker Lake Boulevard/CSAH 116 between Armstrong Boulevard/CSAH 83 and Sunfish Lake who will then consider forwarding the request to the MnDOT Commissioner. Councilmember Kuzma asked if there is a cost for the study. City Engineer Westby replied that there is no cost to the City for the study. Councilmember Johns asked the plan for that section of roadway, specifically if there are plans for a traffic signal in the future at Center Street. She stated that she would rather see the speed reduced over an additional traffic signal. City Engineer Westby replied that Bunker Lake Boulevard will eventually be reconstructed and that a traffic signal will be added at Center Street, including controlled pedestrian crossings. He stated that the improvements have not been requested by Anoka County yet. Public Works Committee / April 18, 2018 Page 4 of 6