HomeMy WebLinkAbout5D - TH13 Signal Improvements
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA #
PREPARED BY:
AGENDA ITEM:
DISCUSSION:
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
February 3, 2003
5D
Bud Osmundson, P.E., Public Works Director
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF AUTHORIZATION OF A LUMP SUM
PAYMENT TO THE SCOTT COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
FOR LED SIGNAL LIGHT IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SCOTT
COUNTY HIGHWAY 21 I STATE TRUNK HIGHWAY 13
INTERSECTION SPLIT PHASING PROJECT
The purpose of this agenda item is to consider authorization for staff to make a
lump sum payment of $4,800 from the Collector Street Fund to Scott County
Highway Department (SCHD) for the installation of LED bulbs in the signal
light for the split phasing project at the State Trunk Highway 13 (TH 13) and
County State Aid Highway 21 (CSAH 21) intersection. In September 2002 the
City Council passed a resolution supporting short and long-term improvements
to the intersection of CSAH 21 and TH 13. The short term improvement was
split phasing and the long term solution, reconfiguration of the intersection to
better facilitate turning movements.
In review, a short-term improvement that is relatively inexpensive is to modify
the signal system to allow split phasing for the east-west CSAH 21 traffic. This
modification will provide the west bound traffic a green light, while it stays red
for a period of time for the east bound traffic. Then the signal changes to
provide east bound the green, with west bound on red. This would allow traffic
turning onto TH 13 safe passage. However, split phasing is not a good long-
term plan due to the length of time it takes to clear the entire intersection. It is a
good solution as it works well with small traffic volumes, but not with large
volumes.
As you are aware the County is moving ahead with the split-phasing project at
the TH 13 & CSAH 21 intersection. During the design process MnDOT
requested that the County relamp the lights with LED bulbs, rather than the
existing bulbs. The LED bulbs are also brighter than regular bulbs, which does
provide an improved safety factor when used. The County is responsible for
replacing bulbs at this intersection and the City is responsible for the power
costs. Using LED bulbs has financial savings in two areas: they last longer so
the replacement labor is less and the energy costs are substantially lower. The
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Agenda LED Payment 2-03
energy savings are anywhere from 60% to 70%. However, the LED bulbs are
more expensive initially.
Brian Sorenson from the SCHD requested that the City split the initial LED
installation with the County for the 21/13 project. The amount the City would
be responsible for is $4,800. The City's energy costs are about $1,500 per year
(see attached) for this signal, so the LED installation should save us a minimum
of $900 annually. The installation would have a maximum 5.33-year payback
($4,800 initial cost/$900 per year). We expect the split phasing to be in place at
least 5 years.
The LED lights are more expensive but we expect a return on our investment in
5.33 years. The lights are brighter which will improve visibility at this busy
intersection. Assuming responsibility for the lights is financially the right thing
to do and compliments our on-going partnership with the State and County to
improve our key intersections.
Budf!et Impact
Authorization of the use of funds from the Collector Street Fund must come
from the City Council. The use in this project is appropriate since CSAH 21 and
TH 13 are two of the major arterials in the City.
The alternatives are as follows:
I. Motion to authorize staff to make a lump sum payment to the Scott County
Highway Department for the installation of LED lights in the split phasing
improvements to the Scott County Highway 21 ! State Trunk Highway 13
intersection.
2. Table or deny this agenda item for a specific reason.
Staff recommends ternative number 1.
Manager