1993-07-13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Meeting Minutes July 13, 1993 Page 8 Council Business, continued Dan Soler, Ramsey County, said the MN/Dot study found the 85th percentile speed of the roadway is 44-45 mph and concluded the speed should remain at 40 mph. Because speed is of primary concern to the City and residents, measures such as the following can be taken: traffic signals be interconnected to optimize 35 mph flow; City and Council work to provide design elements which aid in speed enforcement; request MN/Dot to restudy the speeds after construction and signals are in place; and roadway design will minimize impacts to surrounding properties as a result of the vertical alignment changes from a 40 mph design speed. The County will continue to evaluate the signals at Windsor Lane S. and 3rd St. The County would not participate in the cost of installation and maintenance of unwarranted signals, but Soler does not feel this participation has been exhausted. It is anticipated the City will hire a consultant to perform the final design. The agreement identifies design responsibility and cost splits for the City and County. There will be a total of 9 signals from Silver Lane to Palmer Drive. Because of this number of signals, Soler proposes interconnected signals to minimize delays and control speed levels. Also, the County proposes the installation of traffic signs stating the signals are designed to maintain a certain speed for better traffic flow. Benke noted that all residents along Silver Lake Road will be asked to participate on a committee for landscaping ideas. Rebelein said the narrowing of the median between 5th and 7th St. would prevent left turns. Larson feels the median width should be controlled to prevent crossing over of two lanes of traffic. Rebelein feels this issue should be included in the Council motion. Rebelein requested the use of advisory speed signs be incorporated into the conditions of approval, and asked if the signals could be set at 30 mph. Benke said the City's consultant evaluated the speeds at 30, 35 and 40 mph and found that the time to enter Silver Lake Road was delayed further with the lower speeds. She asked if the speeds could be set at 30 mph, and then increased, if deemed necessary. Benke feels the signals should be set at 35 mph and then evaluated. Rebelein said the 85% percentile of 44-45 mph illustrates problems with enforcement of speed controls. She takes exception with MN/Dot's speed policy and suggests Council approve a resolution expressing its concern of the guidelines. She suggests Council approval of the plan with conditions set forth on the recommendation and the following conditions: posting of advisory signs, signals operated to promote a 30 mph operation speed, and installation of a narrow median between 5th and 7th St. Larson requested the retaining walls along 3rd and 5th St. be installed to minimize the raising of the road dip between 5th and 3rd St. Proper confirmed the grade will be held as close as practical to existing road grade. Council Business I Silver Lake Road Reconstruction Project Report 93-198 I I