Minutes - Public Works Committee - 07/16/2001

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City Engineer Jankowski stated that following the discussion at the November 21, 2000 Public Works Committee meeting, the City Council held a public hearing on February 13, 2001 for extending the median on C.R. #116. This proposal would eliminate left tums into the Rivers Bend Plaza shopping center and the Texaco Station from C.R. #116 and vice versa. The following is a summary of the comments and suggestions brought forth at the public hearing as well as staff comments on the feasibility or status of the suggestions: Modify the C.R. #116 access into Rivers Bend 3rd Addition such that it provides an ingress but not an egress. Staff felt that there is merit to this proposal, however approximately one- half of the accidents reviewed (year 2000 only) were rear-end collisions on eastbound C.R. #116. This movement would still be possible, and a reduction in this type of accident should not be anticipated. Signalization of 142',d Avenue NW and T.H. #47. MnDOT has .jurisdiction over T.H. #47 and the final decision to signalize rests with MnDOT. The City does have an agreement with MnDOT to signalize the intersection when it meets warrants, although the latest traffic study shows that the intersection currently does not meet these warrants. The extension of the median would increase the traffic at 142nd Avenue, which would increase the likelihood of meeting warrants. · Post left turn prohibiting during certain hours. Staff feels this proposal has merit. The accident history would need to be reviewed in depth. A review of the 2000 accidents shows that seven of eight accidents occurred between 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. This posting of restrictions would need to e done by Anoka County. Preliminary discussion with the County Highway Department indicated that the County would consider posting such restrictions, however, there might be some physical logistic problems to overcome with such a posting. · Post lower speed limits on T.H. #47 and C.R. #116 to slow down traffic. Currently the posting speed on T.H. #47, north of C.R. #116, is 45 mph. The speed limit on C.R. #116, east of T.H. #47, is 55 mph (since it is physically unposted, and posted at 50 mph to the west of T.H. #47). The Commissioner of Transportation can only alter the speed limits on these roadways after an engineering study is conducted. It is possible that the speed limits might be slightly lowered (particularly the 55 mph limit on the west leg of C.R. #116) however, a reduction of more than 5 or 10 mph is unlikely. Also, many of the accidents don't involve excessive speed, particularly the rear end accidents eastbound on C.R. #116. · Create another median opening with signals in front of Rivers Bend Plaza. This modification would need to be undertaken by MnDOT since T.H. #47 is under their jurisdiction. MnDOT would be strongly opposed to this modification. This modification may be unable to meet geometric standards scheduled by MnDOT. · The representative from Rivers Bend Plaza suggested working with experts to come up with alternatives to the closure proposal. Mr. Len Currie, representing Rivers Bend Plaza, indicated that he would like to hire traffic consultants to analyze the problem. Staff contacted Mr. Currie in late April 2001, and sent him a list of consultants specializing in transportation issues. Staff had not received any communication from Mr. Currie as to the status of his proposal. Mr. Currie was invited to attend this meeting. Public Works Committee/July 16, 2001 Page 10 of 13