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Council Meeting Minutes May 10, 1994 Page 4 SDecial Order of Business. continued . \"~ Larson and former Councilmember Dana Rebelein originally supported the median in an effort to save the front yards of those persons living on the west side and to address the safety issue. However, it sounds like the residents on the westside would not mind if that road is 10ft. further towards their front door. He said that this resident preference was not expressed at previous meetings. Benke noted that the petition supports the painted design, and not the wider five lane design. Larson does not feel the striped area provides for safe left turning movements. Benke questioned whether the risk of accidents associated with left turning warrants prohibiting those left turns given the inconveniences imposed upon these residents. ,,- s Leonard would not recommend the removal of the median. Removing the median would only affect about 4 or 5 homes in the middle of the block; the construction of a left turn lane would affect about 4 homes at the block ends. Bob Langley, 658 Silver Lake Road, has lived on the wests ide for many years and recalls only two mid block accidents, and feels most accidents occur at the 7th St. stoplight. He said the residents need that left turn access and debates the issue that this turn movement is dangerous. He added that the median will increase speed levels. Benke confirmed that most accidents occurred at the intersection. Williams asked if data supports that a median increases speed levels. Leonard's personal observation is that a driver would be less opt to speed with a median. One resident (name inaudible) does not support the median and feels it would increase speed levels. Ex-resident of Silver Lake Road (did not give name) feels the median's landscaping would not survive the winter or road conditions; and asked that the speed levels be slowed to 35 mph. She feels that U-turns are not safer than left turn movements. Proper showed a transparency of the area, and confirmed that the turn lane pocket's length is determined by turning movement counts. Dan Soler, Ramsey County, said the length of those turn lanes were calculated by SRF and the length was based on the volumes and required ROW tapers associated with 40 mph speed levels. !"'IIi. Leonard noted that the road. narrows in the middle in order to keep the through traffic from running into the left turn pOcket traffic. Williams asked why is concrete needed at both ends if a contiit.uous left turn lane is installed. Leonard said those sections are merely a traffic control device to force cars to line up in their proper lane and prevent vehicles from cutting comers at intersections. Williams confirmed that the concrete sections could be shortened. Samuelson asked if these islands are mandated by the government. Leonard said the medians are not mandated, but in terms of traffic control and efficient operation at the intersection it is good practice. Soler noted that Minnesota weather is not kind to painted road areas and that medians help guide vehicles. Gunderman questioned whether the five lane option would prevent access to two homes on either end. Leonard said that one home on the southend of the east side could be accommodated. Soler noted that one of those homes may have a driveway access off Forestdale Road. Special Order of Business I Silver Lake Road Raised Median Report 94-103 I I