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Northern Pines Townhomes petition for a stop sign <br />January 30, 2025 <br />Page 4 <br />C:\Users\michele.lindau\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Outlook\EXBG444I\125th stop sign <br />request.docx <br />This petition was discussed amongst City staff and was also forwarded to MNDOT and <br />Washington County (roadway to be “turned back” to Washington County in the future) for their <br />feedback due to its proximity to Highway 61. These discussions and feedback resulted in the <br />following conclusions: <br /> <br /> Inappropriate placement of stop signs has been problematic for agencies at other <br />locations where a vehicle platoon moving away from a traffic signal encounters a <br />downstream stop sign just a short distance away from the signal. In this case it would be <br />the southbound-to-eastbound left turn at a future signal at 61/125th decelerating for <br />proposed stop sign and potentially leaving some vehicles obstructing highway 61 or <br />being unable to clear during the available green time. <br /> <br /> The petition makes clear that the stop sign request is based on a desire for speed control <br />rather than lack of gaps to enter 125th as a vehicle or pedestrian. The Manual on Uniform <br />Traffic Control Devices clearly states that “stop signs shall not be used for speed <br />control”. <br /> <br /> Placement of signs or signals should meet warrants prior to placement. The warrant <br />analysis ensures a uniform policy for all traffic control devices on public roadways across <br />the state. These warrants related to crash history, vehicle and pedestrian volume, <br />vehicle delays, and vehicle speeds are not met at this location. Placement of signs <br />where warrants are not met can lead to voluntary non-compliance resulting in potential <br />pedestrian false sense of security. <br /> <br /> City Staff conducted a speed study that did not show speeding that was perceived by <br />residents <br /> <br /> A stop sign added at this location would only address speed at this location and not along <br />the entire length of 125th Street <br /> <br />City staff have met with a number of representatives from the Northern Pines Townhome <br />Association to thank them for bringing this concern forward and to discuss their request. We <br />shared our position as well as future trail plans identified in the comprehensive plan. This trail <br />connection would traditionally be completed and paid for as the adjacent properties are <br />developed. Staff informed the petitioner that this petition would be placed on a future City Council <br />agenda for council consideration. They have since been notified this is on the February 3rd City <br />Council agenda. The petitioner indicated they appreciated our thorough review and background <br />provided on the TH 61 vision as well. <br /> <br />Staff is recommending the stop signs on 125th Street not be added based on the conclusions <br />noted above. <br /> <br />If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 612-360-1278. <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br />WSB <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Mark Erichson <br />City Engineer <br />