Laserfiche WebLink
<br />WS – Item 4 <br />WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT <br />Work Session Item No. 4 <br /> <br /> <br />Date: June 1, 2020 <br /> <br />To: City Council <br /> <br />From: Michael Grochala, Community Development Director <br /> <br />Re: Birch Street (CSAH 34) proposed improvements <br /> <br />Background <br /> <br />The City Council approved the Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka County on April 13, <br />2020. The JPA included two items for additional consideration: <br /> <br />1) Installation of Pedestrian Flasher System <br />2) Roundabout Landscaping <br /> <br />Pedestrian Crosswalks/Safety <br /> <br />The City Council has repressed concerns regarding pedestrian safety at the roundabout <br />crossings. As provided for in the JPA, Anoka County completed a Pedestrian Crossings <br />Review and Analysis. The study analyzed crossing at the two roundabouts and the grade <br />separated crossing (tunnel). The roundabout crossing at Tomahawk Trail was of specific <br />concern for the City Council because of potential safety concerns related to the <br />Elementary School. As noted in the report roundabouts can improve pedestrian safety if <br />designed correctly. The four main reasons provided include: <br /> <br />1. Reduction of conflict points <br />2. Crossing one direction of traffic at a time <br />3. Shorter crossing distance <br />4. Driver multi-stage recognition. <br /> <br />The design of each roundabout has been completed based on MnDOT and Anoka County <br />standards and guidelines. The reports states that each of the crossings would be a two- <br />stage crossing with pedestrians only crossing one lane (one direction ) approximately 20’ <br />to 22’ at a time with a 13’ to 18’refuge island. The crossing is located approximately 31’ <br />back from the roundabout yield bar. <br /> <br />Report includes a number of findings supporting the installation of crosswalks at the <br />proposed locations. However the MnDOT guidance does not recommend does not <br />recommend additional crossing treatments. Accordingly, the County will not install at <br />their cost. <br /> <br />The City may request the installation, but would be financially responsible. The cost is <br />estimated at $10,000 to $20,000. Staff is expecting a more refined cost from the County.