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Memorandum To: Streets and Utilities Committee Members From: Design Team Date:8/11/08 Re: Red Oak Drive (Long Lake Road to Hillview Road) Traffic Calming File No.: 435-08132-0 This memo is being submitted to the Streets and Utilities Committee to create discussion and ultimately a recommendation for traffic calming options along Red Oak Drive between Long Lake Road and Hillview Road. Traffic calming options were discussed briefly at the May 19 and July 21, 2008 committee meeting. Attached, for your reference, is a memo that was prepared for the May 19 meeting outlining the most common traffic calming techniques and options. For this memo, the Committee has asked the City to look more in-depth at using chokers along Red Oak Drive. A request was also made to look into the option of installing a “no right turn” sign on Long Lake Road, just west of Red Oak Drive, to restrict traffic on Red Oak Drive during certain times. A discussion on each topic follows. CHOKERS From our research, we developed a list of the advantages and disadvantages of chokers. They are listed below: Advantages: x Slows traffic by funneling it through a narrower street opening (minimal reductions of 1-2 mph) x Slows vehicles making a right turn by reducing the curb radius x Protects parked vehicles x Prevents illegal parking close to intersections x Improves pedestrian visibility x Minimizes pedestrian crossing distances x Provide a safe refuge for pedestrians when crossing the road Disadvantages: x Additional cost due to sidewalk construction (estimated at $3,000-$4,000 per choker) x Additional maintenance (nuisance for snowplows) x Most effective when used in conjunction with sharp vertical deflection elements (i.e. trees) x Experienced bicyclists may merge with traffic rather than use sidewalk x Drainage may become an issue x Turning movements for large vehicles may be hindered