Agenda - Public Works Committee - 02/21/2023

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Public Works Committee 5. 1. Meeting Date: 02/21/2023 By: Bruce Westby, Engineering/Public Works Title: Receive Presentation on CSAH 5 (Nowthen Boulevard) Corridor Traffic Study Purpose/Background: In 2021, Anoka County enlisted the services of SRF Consulting Group to complete a corridor traffic study for County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 5 (Nowthen Boulevard) between State Highway 47 and CSAH 64 (181st Avenue) through the City of Ramsey. In 2022, SRF Consulting Group completed the CSAH 5 (Nowthen Boulevard) Corridor Traffic Study, which is attached for review and reference. Jack Forslund, Transportation Planner for the Anoka County Highway Department, will attend the February Public Works Committee meeting to present the highlights, results and findings of the attached study. Timeframe: Staff anticipates 20 minutes will be necessary to present the final study and respond to questions. Observations/Alternatives: Based on the results of the existing and future year condition analysis which was completed for the CSAH 5 Corridor Traffic Study, four intersections along the CSAH 5 corridor were reviewed for capacity and safety performance. These intersections include: • CSAH 5 and CSAH 63 (Green Valley Road and 175th Avenue) • CASH 5 and 167th Avenue • CSAH 5 and CSAH 56 (Ramsey Boulevard) • CSAH 5 and Sunwood Drive The following key findings and recommendations for each of the four intersections along CSAH 5 were developed as a result of the analysis. In general, opportunities for additional pedestrian accommodations and creating a cohesive roadside environment should be sought throughout the corridor. CSAH 5 and CSAH 63 (175th Avenue West of CSAH 5 / Green Valley Road East of CSAH 5) An elevated crash history was observed at both the east and west intersections of CSAH 5 and CSAH 63. Traffic volumes are anticipated to increase at this intersection as the surrounding area develops. Additional turn lanes will reduce the conflicts and crash risks under future year conditions. Furthermore, the installation of lighting will help alert drivers to the intersections at night. The marginal costs of the proposed improvements at this intersection would potentially decrease if the improvements are coordinated with future corridor investments. Recommendation: Implement turn lane improvements and lighting as part of the next preservation investment to improve safety and modernize intersections to support future growth. CSAH 5 and 167th Avenue NW 167th Avenue NW functions as an east -west roadway. Higher crash rates were observed at the CSAH 5 and 167th Avenue NW intersection compared to the majority of the intersections along the CSAH 5 corridor. The roundabout concept was found to be the most cost-effective improvement for this intersection with a 12-year return on investment. Recommendation: Implement a roundabout as part of the next preservation investment to improve safety and serve the function of 167th Avenue as an east -west corridor.