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/~) CASE # <br />REPORT ON TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CIRCLE FOR 149TH AVENUE <br /> By: Steve Jankowski, City Engineer <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />At the August 5, 1997 Road and Bridge Committee meeting, the Committee and residents <br />discussed the attempts to deal with the speeding problem that has been occurring on 149th <br />Avenue. The direction of the Road and Bridge Committee was to report back on the feasibility <br />of installing a traffic circle to slow traffic. It was the desire that the installation be temporary in <br />nature so that there would be an opportunity to gauge its acceptability, and also that the <br />installation be completed before winter. <br /> <br />I contacted the City of Minneapolis for technical specifications since the installation of traffic <br />circles is one of the traffic calming techniques used in their residential neighborhoods. The City <br />of Minneapolis' policy for such installations requires temporary placement prior to a permanent <br />installation and also assesses the cost of permanent installation to the adjacent property owners. <br />In speaking with Mr. Pat Grant of the Minneapolis Traffic Engineering Department, he advised <br />that the majority of temporary traffic circles are not installed on a permanent basis. Attached is a <br />news article which illustrates a typical installation as well as the controversy associated with it. <br /> <br />In accordance with the Committee directive, I am attaching to this case a sketch of the proposed <br />traffic circle which could be installed at the intersection of 149th Avenue and Peridot Street. It <br />would consist of a 19 foot diameter circle formed by pieces of interlocking pre-formed concrete <br />curb which are nailed into the pavement. The area behind the curb would be back-filled with <br />wood chips. Three decorative planters would provide a base for reflective warning signs. <br />Additional reflective buttons should be placed on the curb sections to enhance night-time <br />visibility. Special warning signs identifying the traffic circle would be posted in advance of the <br />circle in all three directions. The City would need to purchase the concrete curbing, planters and <br />signs at an approximate cost of $1,600. The delivery time for the concrete curbing and signs is <br />thirty days. It is anticipated it would take one to two days for our public works crew to install. <br /> <br />Committee Action: <br /> <br />Motion to recommend City Council regarding the temporary installation of a traffic circle at <br />149th Avenue and Peridot Street. <br /> <br />Reviewed by: <br /> <br />Copies also distributed to: <br /> <br />City Engineer <br /> <br />City Administrator <br />Administrative Services Manager <br />Finance Officer <br />Public Works Supervisor <br />Police Chief <br /> <br />RB: 9/9/97 <br />~jo/council&/road&bri/1997/septembe/tra fcirl.do¢ <br /> <br /> <br />