HomeMy WebLinkAbout9D - Report Regarding TH 13 & CR 21 Intersection
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4646 Dakota Street S.E.
Prior Lake, MN 55372-1714
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
APRIL 7,2008
9D
STEVE ALBRECHT, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A REPORT REGARDING THE TH 13 AND CR 12
INTERSECTION
Introduction
The purpose of this agenda is to address questions regarding the final design of
the TH 13 and CR 12 (170th Street)lntersection
Historv
The new TH 13/CR 12 Intersection was opened last fall. The new intersection
serves about 4,000 trips per day on the CR 12 leg and 8,100 on the TH 13 leg.
The existing intersection was realigned to the south and turn lane improvements
were made to TH 13 as part of the reconstruction/safety improvement project.
The right hand turn lane on to CR 12 was retained however the intersection was
reconfigured to provide a 90 degree approach to TH 13 which is considered
safer than the previous configuration.
Councilor Erickson contacted City Staff in late February and expressed a
concern regarding the location of the stop sign and sight issues with the new
intersection. At the March 3rd City Council Meeting Staff was directed to report
back to the City Council on the following issues:
1) Is there a safety issue at the intersection?
2) Is the stop sign located properly?
3) Should the stop sign be moved and the median extended to improve
safety?
Current Circumstances
City Staff consulted County Staff and the Prior Lake Police Department to
determine whether there are safety issues present that should be addressed
prior to the final paving of the intersection.
1) Intersection Safety
The Scott County Engineer and Traffic Engineer have visited the
intersection several times and reviewed the project plans. They have
indicated that they do not believe the intersection configuration or stop
sign placement create a safety hazard. Since substantial construction
was completed last August/September (6 months ago) only one accident
has been reported by public safety agencies (City & County). This
accident occurred in December and was not attributed to an intersection
design. Rather it is City Staff's understanding that mitigating
circumstances contributed to this accident. The intersection design and
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stop sign placement meet State Aid safety criteria and has been
approved by MnDOT.
Since the completion of construction staff has received one complaint
about intersection safety. Staff has received calls from some residents
wishing that more improvements could have been done on TH 13 and
calls from others disagreeing with the project in general.
2) Stop Sign Location
The current stop sign location meets State Aid Sign location criteria and
has been approved by MnDOT. This is the only unsignalized
County/State Highway intersection between the south limit of Prior Lake
and TH 101 in Savage. Looking at roads with similar traffic volumes and
design age the stop sign location is not abnormal. Many of the stop signs
located along TH 13 cross streets were installed under previous
standards and thus were installed closer to TH 13.
3) Design Alterations
Moving the stop sign to the shoulder of the south bound travel land and
extending the median would not meet safety design standards. It would
eliminate the recovery zone for vehicles in the turn lane. Additionally it
would put vehicles on CR 12 in a location that would increase the
likelihood of broadside accidents due to cars in the turn lane sliding. The
extension of curb would only increase the likelihood of vehicles being
launched into those waiting to turn as the curb is not designed to stop
vehicles hitting it at a perpendicular direction.
Conclusion
Based on the above information staff does not believe the intersection warrants
further analysis or alteration and should remain as built.
ISSUES:
Like all intersections this one does have some sight issues but they are within
the safety parameters as allowed by MnDOT. It is anticipated that at some date
in the future this road will eventually meet "warrants" for a traffic signal. This will
be dependent on growth in the area and will be monitored by the County.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Accept the report.
2. Deny this agenda item for a specific reason and provide staff with direction
RECOMMENDED
MOTION:
Alternatives No. 1
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Reports\04 07 D8\TH13-CR12 Intersection ReportDOC