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I I I Council Meeting Minutes April 27, 1993 Page 4 Council Business, continued As an interim, the signal could be modified to operate as one intersection. The modification woulct involve signal poles, vehicle indications for Forestdale and distance limited signal heads on Silver lake Road. Because this signal is in coordination with the 1-694 and Palmer Drive signals, new timing plans are needed. Estimated costs would be $87,500 plus engineering fees. This option is considered temporary until the Forestdale realignment. There will be an attempt to reuse the equipment. The advantage of these modifications is full access to Forestdale. Disadvantages include: longer cycle length, the 1.694 and Palmer Drive signals are affected, and increased delays to the entire system. This intersection experiences a substantial accident rate and the addition of vehicle conflicts, inadequate vehicle storage and non-standards will add to accident potential. Gunderman suggested the center island be moved back and installation of signal arms on the current post. Because of the short duration, this may be viable and less costly than the County plan. Mr. Soler said the County plan does not include expensive extras, but with Silver Lake Road's heavy volumes the signal poles are not the best option. The cost estimate includes: poles, loop detectors, conduit, wiring, median removal and restriping. The majority of costs involve revising the signal. Gunderman asked the accident count of the area. Mr. Soler said the location experiences greater than 5 accidents per year and is identified as an important intersection in the reconstruction plan. It is difficult to project an accident rate, but he feels there would an increase. Williams asked when the Silver Lake Road project will begin. Mr. Soler said the County goal is to develop plans in 1993 and 1994 and begin reconstruction in 1995. It is not know which end will be started first. Williams asked if the stringing of temporary signal lights with temporary poles is viable and less costly. Mr. Soler said this may be possible, but the County has not considered this option. Williams would like some consideration of what the savings would be for overhead signals. Larson feels that for 18 months the City could forego left turns on Forestdale and likes the idea of temporary lights. Mr. Soler said a "No Left Turn" sign is not enough to prevent drivers from making left turns and a physical barrier is needed. Larson feels there are too many potential problems involved with allowing the left turn. Rebelein asked when the temporary solutions will no longer be needed after the reconstruction has begun. Mr. Soler said the reconstruction is a major project and will take at least two years. Rebelein asked if the equipment could be reused. Mr. Soler said the equipment will be reused and about $20,000 could be recovered. Council Business Redwood Lane Traffic Issue Report 93-119