Minutes - Public Works Committee - 10/16/2001

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ranged fi:om 25 to 28 mph. The traffic conditions at this intersection do not meet wan-ants for 3- way stop signs and they should not be installed. Studies have shown that stop signs that do not meet warrants are basically ignored and result in higher mid block speeds as well as creating a false sense of security for those entering the intersection. As a result unwarranted stop signs can make a street less safe. The City also takes increased liability upon itself when it installs unwarranted stop signs. Based on the absence of sight restrictions, volume and speeds of the vehicles travelling through this intersection, staff recommended that stop signs not be placed at the 145th Lane NW and Tungsten Way intersection. Councihnember Zimmerman inquired if the speed study was done during a typical time of year. City Engineer Olson replied yes and noted that the study was done in three different locations along the street. In all three instances the speeds were reliable. Motion by Mayor Gamec, seconded by Councilmember Hendriksen, to recommend that stop signs not be placed at the 145th Lane NW and Tungsten Way intersection. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec and Councilmembers Hendriksen, Anderson, Kurak, and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. COMMITTEE INPUT 1) Inconsistency of Speed Limits Along Sunwood Drive and Alpine Drive City Engineer Olson stated that the Police Department and staff have been talking about the different speeds along Sunwood Drive and Alpine Drive. The Police Department has expressed concern that it is difficult to tell what the speed limit is because the speed limits change along Sunwood Drive and Alpine Drive several times. Staff requested authorization to complete an analysis of the speeds on the two streets to determine where the speed limits should be changed. Motion by Mayor Gamec, seconded by Councilmember Anderson, to authorize a speed study along Sunwood Drive and Alpine Drive. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec and Councilmembers Anderson, Hendriksen, Kurak, and Zimmenaan. Voting No: None. 2) Right-Turn Lanes Councilmember Zimmerrnan requested that staff look into the possibility of placing a right-turn lane in fi'ont of the fire station, at 155th Avenue NW and Variolite, at the intersection of Armstrong Boulevard and Alpine Drive, and Alpine Drive and Variolite. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that the intersection of Armstrong Boulevard and Alpine Drive should be added to the 2001 Priority Street Light program. Public Works Committee/October 16, 2001 Page 4 of 5