Minutes - Public Works Committee - 09/19/2006

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COMMITTEE BUSINESS Case #1: Review Speed Limits on City MSA Streets City Engineer Jankowski explained several of the City's collector streets, notably Alpine Drive and Sunwood Drive, have been extended under several separate projects to where they now span the width of the city. Often the speed limits for these various segments were set many years ago when that particular segment of roadway was constructed. As a result, both Alpine Drive and Sunfish Lake Boulevard each have three different speed limits which change three or four times along their length. The variation of the speed limits is confusing to citizens and law enforcement officials alike. In addition, the development which has occurred recently would suggest that these limits should be reviewed for their current appropriateness. Attached to this case is a figure illustrating the speed limits on all City streets which are in excess of 30 miles per hour. Mr. Jankowski indicated staff has reviewed these speed limits and would recommend the following speed limits as desirable: Alpine Drive -Staff would recommend a single speed limit of 40 miles per hour from Highway 10 to Roanoke Street. This would effect the following changes; (a) a reduction of 10 mph between Armstrong and Variolite Street; (b) an increase of 5 mph from 35 to 40 mph between Variolite Street and Alpine Park, the curves would still be posted with 35 mph advisory signs; and (c) a decrease of 10 mph between Alpine Park and TH 47. Sunwood Drive -Staff would recommend a single speed limit of 30 mph. This would effect the following changes; (a) a decrease of 10 mph between Ramsey Boulevard and Bunker Lake Boulevard; and (b) a decrease of 5 miles per hour between Bunker Lake Boulevard and Nowthen Boulevard. Variolite Street -Staff would recommend no changes to the existing 50 mph speed limit. 167`h Avenue -Staff would recommend no change from the existing 50 mph speed limit. Riverdale Drive -This segment was evaluated by the Commissioner of Transportation in November 2005 to determine the appropriate speed limit. As a result the appropriate speed for the segment between Feldspar and Tungsten was determined to be 35 mph. While this limit is appropriate at this time, consideration for lowering the limit to 30 mph should be made when development occurs along this segment. City Engineer Jankowski explained speed limits other than 30 mph in an urban area must be authorized by the Commissioner of Transportation following an engineering study. Therefore the next step toward achieving these desired limits would be to request that MnDOT perform a study to determine appropriate speed limits. Staff recommends that the City request speed studies be conducted on the following street segments: (a) Alpine Drive from Armstrong Boulevard to TH 47; and (b) Sunwood Drive from Ramsey Boulevard to Nowthen Boulevard. Chairperson Elvig noted the speed limit on Riverdale Drive was just raised from 30 mph to 35 mph near Highway 10. Public Works Committee /September 19, 2006 Page 2 of 9