Agenda - Council - 02/24/1981 - Laserfiche WebLink

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lack of adequate traffic signal coordination, which sometimes results in trapping motorists between the crossing gates when a train is approaching. The improvements to be implemented in Elk River will increase intersection capacity within the existing right of way. On-street parking will be removed, allowing turning lanes to be established. The loss of on-street parking will be partially offset through redesign of an off-street parking lot adjacent to the intersection. An improved signal system will be installed to improve the flow of traffic through the intersection and to resolve the 'trapped motorists" problem. These improvements will cost about $25,000 and will reduce vehicle delay at the intersection by 15 to 40 percent. Safety conditions also will improve. In Sauk Rapids, major improvements to the primary intersection in the city are scheduled for implementation. This action was decided. independent of and prior to this study. The improvements include widening streets in all directions, changing traffic channelization, introducing a new traffic signalization system and installing grade crossing predictors at the main line crossing just west of the intersections. No estimate of reduction in delay that will result from the improvements has been made. Alteration of main line sidings will be performed in two case study com~,nities, Beach and Hebron. In Beach, if funding can be devel- oped, siding modifications will include replacement of manual switches with power switches on each end of the siding (with installation of centralized traffic control by Burlington Northern). Operatingpractices will generally restrict the use of the siding to one train at a time. This latter action ia made possible by the scheduled lengthening of sidings east 19