06-25-1986 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. John Shardlow -4- May 13, 1986 With these low percentage relationships, it is expected that the right turn movements on this driveway would not significantly affect the traffic flow on Rice St. Under Scenario 3, the right turns to and from the site would be the same as under Scenario 2. In addition, the following left turn volumes would be projected: 37 left turn vehicles from the north on Rice Street into the site and 42 left turn vehicles from the site to the south on Rice Street. Given the lack of observed problems for left turns made from Woodbridge Street and given the limited volumes involved (about one vehicle every 181/2 minutes), it Is expected that these left turn maneuvers would be safely accommodated by the planned three lane operation on Rice Street. Regarding implications on Minnesota Avenue, the forecasts indicated a greater concentration of development traffic on Minnesota Avenue if no additional access is provided to Rice Street. Two potential difficulties due to this greater concentration of development traffic are: I) increased interference for the McDonald's drive- through exit and 2) increased delays for. eastbound motorists on Minnesota Ave. who have to wait for vehicles to turn left into the subject site. CONCLUSIONS Based on the foregoing analysis, we have concluded that it is feasible from a traffic standpoint to construct a new driveway on Rice Street at a location opposite Woodbridge Street. Considering the expected usage, such a driveway would not cause significant negative impacts on Rice Street. The driveway would be beneficial to terms of improved identity and accessibility for the two parcels served and would provide relief to traffic volumes that otherwise would use Minnesota Avenue and would increase the potential for delays on that roadway. We have reviewed the preliminary concept plan to light of these findings and to light of the comments expressed by Mn /DOT staff. As a result, we developed specific suggestions regarding the placement and layout of the driveway. These suggestions have been incorporated in the concept plan that presently is being proposed. As shown in the concept plan, it Is recommended that the entrance include a temporary, triangular island. This island, together with appropriate signage, would allow the driveway Just to serve right turns in and out only. When Rice Street would be upgraded to three lane operation and if authorized by Mn /DOT, the Island and the "no left turn" signage could be removed, allowing the entrance to serve full movements to and out. 43