Agenda - Public Works Committee - 08/21/2018

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MNDOT. Anoka County owns and operates Ramsey Boulevard/CSAH 56 so they are required to submit the Speed Study request to MnDOT. Based on the speed study results, which often take in excess of a year to receive, MnDOT may authorize the local road authority to post the road with new speed limits. However, it is important to note 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. In this case, Staff would not expect the speed limit to increase given the functional classification of the road and the properties it serves. Additional information regarding speed limits is available on MnDOT's web site at http://www.dot.state.mn.us/speed/index.html. Timeframe: Staff estimates 15 minutes will be required to present and discuss this case. Observations/Alternatives: Observations: Staff does not recommend requesting a speed study from MnDOT. Based on the functional classification of the road and the properties it serves, staff believes the lowest posted speed MnDOT would authorize would be 30 mph. As such, Staff recommends either leaving this segment of Quicksilver Street as is with no posted speed limit, or posting this segment of Quicksilver Street at 30 mph. Staff does not support posting an advisory speed of something less than 30 mph. In any scenario, the Police Department can only enforce a 30 mph speed limit. As always, it is best to maintain uniform speed limits along roadway corridors where the functional classification does not vary to meet driver expectation. The applicant intends to attend the Public Works Committee meeting to explain their concerns in detail. Alternatives: Alternative # 1 — Motion to leave the segment of Quicksilver Street between 167th Avenue and Elmcrest Park unposted as to the speed limit, and to direct staff to place the speed trailer along this street segment when the trailer is available. Alternative #2 — Motion directing Staff to furnish and install two 30 mph speed limit signs along the segment of Quicksilver Street between 167th Avenue and Elmcrest, one at each end in the direction of travel, and to direct staff to place the speed trailer along this street segment when the trailer is available. Funding Source: No costs are anticipated if alternative #1 is selected. If alternative #2 is selected, each speed limit sign would cost roughly $300 to furnish and install. Recommendation: Staff recommends alternative # 1, but would support alternative #2. If the Committee selects alternative #2, Staff recommends installing two speed limit signs, one in each direction of travel. Staff also recommends placing the speed trailer along this segment of Quicksilver Street to help deter speeding as soon as the trailer is available. Action: Motion to leave the segment of Quicksilver Street between 167th Avenue and Elmcrest Park unposted as to the speed limit, and to direct staff to place the speed trailer along this street segment when the trailer is available.