Minutes - Council - 02/13/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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intersection carries three to four times the traffic than C.R. #116 at this location. In fact, this location has nearly twice the number of accidents as the intersection itself that can'ies more than donble the traffic volume. A second issue associated with this access point is that it provides an opportunity for traffic to avoid the traffic lights on T.H. #47, particularly for southbound traffic coming fi'om the neighborhoods south of 153ra Avenue NW and east of T.H. #47. As a result, Waco Street NW functions as a reliever for T.H. #47, when just the opposite is desired. A visual observation during the early morning peak traffic period was made by City staff at the intersections of 153''d Avenue NW and 149t~' Avenue NW with Waco Street NW. Specifically, an observation was made of the number of vehicles at each intersection which turned or continued southbound on Waco Street NW as opposed to turning or continuing westbound to T.H. #47. The results of this observation showed that before the traffic signals became operational, 7 percent (5 of 69 vehicle) turned south onto Waco Street NW rather than continuing on westbound on 153~d Avenue NW. After the traffic lights became operational this percentage reduced to zero (0 of 62 vehicles). At the intersection of 149'h Avenue NW and Waco Street NW similar observations showed 23 percent (6 of 26 vehicles, and 8 of 36 vehicles on two separate observations) continues southbound rather than turn east onto T.H. #47. Following the activation of the signals on T.H. #47 this percentage was reduced to 17 percent (9 of 52 vehicles). The supposition that these vehicles may be using the access as an alternative for eastbound traffic was confirmed by observing traffic through the River's Bend Plaza during an early morning period. During a one hour, 15 minute period, a total of 25 vehicles traveled eastbound on C.R. #116 by traveling through the shopping center without stopping. Citizen Input Councilmember Hendriksen inquired as to what turning operations are precluded for the apartment complex if the median is extended. City Engineer Jankowski explained that presently the only access is northbound on T.H. #47 to the complex, but some residents do cross through the Texaco Station fi'om C.R. #116. Carol Shwagner, 13929 St. Francis Boulevard NW, #208, Ramsey, stated that she is the manager of the apartment complex and is concerned because they only have one access into their apartment complex. She stated that if the owners of the Texaco choose to stop residents from crossing their lot then there will only be one way in and one way out of the apartment. Her largest concern has to do with safety pertaining to fire, police, and medical. City Administrator Norman inquired if the apartment building has a legal easement to use the Texaco Station. Julio of Hot Stop, stated that he was not sure if there was an easement on the property. He noted that he purchased property a couple of years ago. A1 Kempf, 15220 St. Francis Boulevard NW, Ramsey, stated that he had arguments for and against the extension of the median. A reason for the extension, he explained, was because in City Council/February 13, 2001 Page 8 of 28