Laserfiche WebLink
5. COMMITTEE BUSINESS <br />5.01: Discuss Potential Pedestrian Crossing at Hwy 47/142nd Avenue <br />City Engineer Westby reviewed the case and the staff recommendation to work with MnDOT in <br />2027 to explore safe alternatives for a pedestrian crossing in the area. <br />Councilmember Musgrove asked if there are trails planned through the parks department for that <br />area on that side of the street. <br />City Engineer Westby replied that there are no plans at this time. <br />Councilmember Woestehoff commented that it appears there is a section of sidewalk along 47 on <br />the west side but a segment appears to be missing that would provide connection to a controlled <br />intersection. <br />City Engineer Westby confirmed there is a segment missing and there are currently no plans to <br />make such connections. <br />Councilmember Musgrove referenced the undeveloped parcels and asked if there has been <br />discussion to improve the area where pedestrians have created a trail. She asked if there are plans <br />to improve that trail area. <br />City Engineer Westby replied that he is unsure and noted that they are attempting to wait for <br />development to bring that connection. <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan commented that the undeveloped parcel is City owned <br />and there had been discussion of the City putting in that trail segment, but it would be difficult to <br />predict what development would bring and what the trail segment would need to look like. <br />Chairperson Riley stated that this segment has been identified on the trail gap list for many years. <br />He stated that perhaps that segment should be pushed more. <br />Councilmember Musgrove stated that it would make sense to look into that option in working with <br />MnDOT, as students use that segment to get to the high school. She agreed that it would be worth <br />looking into because it has been discussed for a long time. <br />Councilmember Woestehoff stated that he would support the recommended motion to work with <br />MnDOT in 2027 but would also support that segment being working into the parks system <br />discussion for trail gaps. He did not however believe that striping and a flashing signal would <br />create a safe pedestrian crossing in that location. <br />City Engineer Westby confirmed that there is no immediate plan to push the improvement before <br />2027, but to think about that area as opportunities arise to fill the trail gaps. <br />Public Works Committee / October 19, 2021 <br />Page 2 of 18 <br />