11-25-2013 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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Joelllanson September 23, 2013 Page 3 Intersection sight distance for a vehicle entering an intersection and turning left without being overtaken by a 35 mph through vehicle, is 500 feet. This distance translates to a gap in traffic of 9.7 seconds. This is met at both intersections except for traffic (hat will be turning left from the new Pinetree Court. The sight distance available to the west for this movement is 382 feet, as measured to sight restrictions adjacent to the new development. This distance translates to a gap in 35 mph traffic of7.4 seconds. While this is less than desired, it is common for metro area drivers to access 7 second gaps in traffic. It is evident from aerial photography, that sight distance for the Pinetree Court access prior to (he construction of the new development was very limited by vegetation in both directions. 'I'o maintain the sight distance gained by the removal of this vegetation, it is important that any new development signing or vegetation be kept out of the available line of sight. The minimum safe standard for roadways is stopping sight distance. The required stopping sight distance for 35 mph is 250 ft and for 45 mph is 360 ft. Therefore the stopping sight distance for Lahore Road traffic approaching this intersection is more than adequate. Because of adequate stopping sight distance, fimctional intersection sight distance, and the small volume of traffic that will be making a left turn from Pinetree Court onto Lahore Road, we do not consider this intersection to be unsafe. Intersection Control Warrant Analysis Intersection control warrant analysis takes into account traffic volumes, frequency of crashes, and approach speed of major street traffic and compares it to values that are established in the MN MUI'CD. An all -way stop warrant analysis was conducted for both intersections. For an all -way stop installation to be warranted, minimum traffic volume thresholds must be net for 8 hours of an average day, and /o' 5 or more vehicle crashes in a 12 month period that are susceptible to correction with intersection control. The traffic volume thresholds were not net for any hours at either intersection. Likewise, the number of vehicle crashes required for intersection control was not met at either intersection. Therefore an all -way stop is not warranted at either intersection. Traffic Calming As requested, we also considered traffic cal ring measures (hat could be considered on Labore Road. Traffic calming techniques considered are as follows: o Center medians to control vehicle paths at intersections. While this may impact driver behavior, the continued accommodation of pedestrians and bicyclists would require additional roadway right -of -way and create driver maneuvers at Ole transition areas, which could pose a hazard to the pedestrians and bicyclists. o 'Traffic lane narrowing. The Lahore Road traffic lanes are currently 11 feet wide, which is the minimum allowed for State Aid roadways. o Traffic circle. A traffic circle is less impacting than a roundabout, but dots not fit in this location due again to pedestrians /bicyclists, the volume of traffic, and in particular the volume of turning traffic. o Permanent variable speed display. We understand that portable speed displays have been used in this area. A permanent installation would serve as a constant reminder of vehicle speed. 4