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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9B - Wilderness Ponds STAFF AGENDA REPORT AGENDA ITEM: MAY 4,1998 9B GREG ILKKA, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER CONSIDER APPROVAL OF PETITION FOR THE INSTALLATION OF STOP SIGNS ON BLIND LAKE TRAIL AT THE INTERSECTION OF BLIND LAKE TRAIL AND LEXINGTON COURTIWILDERNESS TRAIL IN THE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF WILDERNESS PONDS. MEETING DATE: AGENDA #: PREPARED BY: DISCUSSION: HISTORY The City has received a petition, copy enclosed, for the placement of stop signs at an intersection in a residential neighborhood. The attached location map shows the location of the intersection in question. CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES Residents of the area presented the petition to the City Council at the April 6, 1998, Open Forum. They indicated they feel it is a dangerous intersection because of the large number of children in the neighborhood, and their perception that there was a high volume of traffic on Blind Lake Trail speeding through the neighborhood. Staff has conducted traffic counts and a sight distance investigation. The traffic counts were conducted the week of April 13-17 and are shown on the attached map. The results of the site distance investigation indicated that the only obstruction currently is a sign in the northwest quadrant of the intersection that is advertising lots for sale in the development. The developer has been requested to find a better location for this sign. The Police Department placed their portable radar message machine in the neighborhood to help drivers acknowledge their speed. Unfortunately they 162~U>~~~ Creek Ave. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER were not able to conduct speed surveys during the "rush hour" periods because these are their busiest times of day. There have been no recorded accidents at this location. ISSUES The use and placement of regulatory traffic signs is governed by the Minnesota Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, MnMUTCD for short. The manual is the Minnesota version of the National MUTCD which establishes standards for the usage of all traffic control devices. By establishing national and state standards road authorities have a guide for consistent usage and application of signage and drivers have become accustomed to these consistencies. Enclosed are copies of the pertinent pages of the MnMUTCD which address the use of stop signs. Based on the data gathered, the intersection does not meet warrants for stop signs as provided in the MnMUTCD. The petition requests that the stop signs be placed on Blind Lake Trail. This would be contrary to the purpose of the stop sign which is to establish right-of-way. Considering the traffic volumes on the four legs of the intersection, the right- of-way should be given to traffic on Blind Lake Trail. For this reason, yield signs should not be contemplated for installation on Blind Lake Trail either. Installation of yield signs on the Wilderness Trail and Lexington Court legs of the intersection may be appropriate but would be inconsistent with similar intersections in the City. While the intersection does not meet the warrants for stop signs, there may be other issues the Council would like considered. If so, the Council may wish to appoint a sub- committee of Council members, citizens, and staff members to formulate and recommend a comprehensive residential traffic control sign policy to the City Council. The assistance of a traffic consultant would be highly recommended in this endeavor despite the increased cost. Such a policy could provide criteria that would be consistently applied to evaluate the need for traffic control signs within residential areas of the City. STOPWP.DOC FISCAL IMPACT: ALTERNATIVES: RECOMMENDED MOTION: REVIEWED BY: STOPWP.DOC Also enclosed as supplementary information are two articles written by Twin Cities area Traffic Engineers discussing stop sign usage. CONCLUSION The location does not meet warrants for stop signs. From an engineering perspective, stop signs would not be recommended for speed control, they are to be used to establish right-of-way. Installation of stop signs would be inconsistent with the MnMUTCD and installation of stop signs could lead to a more dangerous intersection. It is staffs recommendation to deny the petitioners' request. If Council chooses they can appoint a sub-committee to recommend a comprehensive residential traffic contol sign policy to the City Council. City cost to install stop signs would be approximately $400 plus eternal maintenance. To formulate a comprehensive residential traffic control sign policy would require the assistance of a traffic consultant at a cost of approximately $5,000-$8,000. The alternatives for the Council to consider are: 1. Deny the installation of stop signs on Blind Lake Trail at Lexington CourtlWilderness Trail. 2. Table action on the request until a comprehensive residential stop sign policy is adopted and then review the request under the policy guidelines. 3. Approve the request of the petitioners and direct the staff to install stop signs at the requested location. 4. Table this item and provide staff with direction. A motion and second to deny the installation of stop signs on Blind Lake Trail at Lexington CourtlWilderness Trail. Staff recommends e preparation of a policy since these types of requ ts . accelerate as the community develops. r.w,} We, the undersigned residents of Prior Lake, hereby request stop signs to be placed on .Blind Lake Trail at the ,1 ntersectioll__o_L BUnduL9-.ke . TC9-.fI, LexingConC~-;.--~ind wITderness--TLaLl~;-" located in th-e -resTcrenETal develoPfr,ent 'wTIcferneS';:."p.o nds in Pr i or l_i3 ke, jvl(~. NAME: ADDRESS: it OF CHILDREN, , 1. \f\,~" (h'IT' ~)19l ( 1_<-' ,,-.vJ-\1n~( + ,C-E -L '2-:-'0'"''' ~~PII) S ,9LP L~)(l"it C\- cst J , . 3. L{)R.J Sev/o{ ct. 5230 Lexlneifurl Cf SE 0' , 4. ~t LJ "'eel, Ie. ('" ';',1- S 71 c L<< y '!J; ~ Cf JE f1' , , t-:~~, C~/J: ~, Y~~9f<- ~(tt~:Qtt0f/~ , 6. X.j.:~/J -/d;/7_J._V1 I U__LI / _Lie " l:JlLR ) , 7. ?{ti{u-12nj~ If/r/9-'! tU;/doHISJ 71-- 6l , (3 . "1f1/;)k,, oj) ~ i,~~{;b,i.._,,,\t-> ' tJe((JeS5 Tr d. ') .,iJiUJ.ltA_ILlLLfJJl .._ ....... !~0L}7 Ll~.Ll{lIYYh 1r 3 '::~1:;7, :--~- /0~l(3-."~- ""s< 7f --3"_ /~q~-'-" t..LUu ~, , 12 ...~~~i~:~.{ l~~/~_..lbCf.L:Ll,_...."0..~:~~c(J_,,y~e5...?'\ \r ~~, . 13. 7'd(JY\^~LU;a",,=X ~litS \ WU&W\ G&"'IJV 'Y - 14. LL~L~,(\G.L\Ll~llo(l'] 7, l, tLclQV\JA6 \ '( ;r 15>>.:'~ ~~\^ lj6," d- 1~~~ L~2JJLaL-ddvcN>> / K: -1-./ 1/. ~ !(~,(,/-'.1Il.r. /J (. . l,UA . _^_ !&:/q<f/r' {,0 .\..-1') s-A-i\l G-j/ fA 18. . \~ ~ ~____c.,_. J_(::...1-dLj':..''/..JcL?..-''e~) -l/~ J 1~~r-___ ILK-7~LM,s1T<, jJ 20 . ~ ''1-'--1M//jIL.t.l//erW)<LIZ. (/, /L q'- ~,... r~ ,;;, S~C..-r - ~L/ 7.- sr;, ~8 .) TU'e..t'\. (y We, the undersi9ned residents of Prior lake, hereby request stop signs to be placed on Blind Lake Trail at the intersection of Blind lake Trail, Lexington Ct., and Wilderness Trail, l()cated in the I'esidential development L.Jildenless Ponds in Prior Lake, t'1f\l. , 4 ._-/tl1t!Y.k.. .../tbt.r)/ ) j,'Lj'Z3 L:'y /n.. s i..., {P:'vYf- .., /] ~1 , 5 'J'ilLL!::LjA..-~Lv,,')-r)r;t JiIC(r; LLkt'41~)M G/-. , (:,. J.h}""<. v II :~'trt'<~. ) Sf 1 ~r ~ . 7:&~ffv 'j1fL Ib1'1r(ir/lt/1sc.,\ C'+ -; . ::ni'''f~'~ ^~~~~:~~ -Ci""~~--::C;- 1--..4~VJ yt_ . -. __~ @ 1 () .:E.,~J.L vi- :[~_ItJ.~~:"Zt}:< / _if_~ 9'~; C._/ t pJ( ~',"' /; 0 t. /.?[... . .' 'lLJ~l~iL(~~/':/~~[-=....,,_,,__. 11r~ 7/~) ..fl"l'ztl L cc/:.6 .J>tL~ _? ...@? J J'.'. -1' -L.~ . '::7lJ;rf1l;~~i',;- /t~7- !furi:/;Zs;q 1 o ._....-~_.......... ______tZE__.____.."._...__. _ l45:t;~2~.~.. ". ~L.Lo le..r.L'Aj.h arE ::~t~~ 5/70 ~2Y::f;~ ~: 'i~\, < 1 7. 1--1'\:--- }~.;..-... r^-.... 'j - 1 eJ~_ki(l;uq ~ h-.~1)tv . 1 0 4 &c( :Jltv. ff.-- . j. .--.-+'>-- ' \ . !) . 20 -~-f~~~- ------- /;;'!13 (,J...Jk"i (IT(.; I -s,C ( ./ tit\tl!;.:... ADDRESS: 1 ~:'(r(' ~^/5 (if IC S fC( 1 (FiC.''''" ~., (("..>._.~ ..-J ") ..,...... G.~ "" ~ . ..l~b~~~ . t.'"... "-<- r 3 . \....,:\~Gr., Go" f'\t(' ~/ r.;,""'".......... c...,.....a. \ \:,'\0\ C"!'f'.Io(" ~c..,\\ v.rL)Cl!.;.-f;-)-7 'Il2.r:-.h.-- Lf~13 ~'l eL~~ it S[ \. @ tt OF CHILDREN ~ I J ~ ..3 g ~. / , ~ o -~ ~ ~.. ~. We, the undersigned residents ()f F'rior Lake, her'eby request stop signs to be placed 011 Blind Lake Trail at the intersection of Blind Lake Trail, Lexington Ct., and Wilderness Trail, located in the residential development Wilderness Ponds in Prior Lake, MN. NAME: ;-( fin _ 1.~.. Ii" ~l_ ~r.-i/~ , 2d~oJP~ . 3.~.4'AJ9W , 4. . d-/1 If:~ ~. ct \ 5. -1.h.f\)J),_~~ 6 ._\ ~~'~ ~,\,~ \, ~\~"'n5!____ (I~ Q ( \' i I. 7 . 1,u,. \J..r l-( '. ," . 8" ,_; 4 ,1,; ,~:, A . S-fr ff../~"5' 5, J( ,,_. ~ /)l . ') .~; :tJl.\.. . f1ik~:/~c. ."'. 10. Uf1d~ ~_ 11. L? 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. ~ ADQRESS: it OF CHILDREN '2- S-I ') t3 Lex,\' t'}~ r;/, ./ 5-L.1.1,,_~UlPit Vl (l-J . JL,~~7 ~Z~-7cJ GT' r _/ (17 f6R.JL}~b~. h j \I.()C\ 0 ~jJ)~'~ I>\P f:1f)f v .S.clllj.L_~X':L(\~-\.~ ("'\ c::.-\-- 5~L!::Lj,~.:..:t....LL."_+i' i J <-_' ,,/ (. ~ c,~5' wi 'l.~ <.v 11~:>TVA-: I Si,. _.J:L.<.~...__~ ~ Jjt5 5 'I....lf/~ ~0JJ -1fl5Q.~L~lJcl4.dt . ~ o 62...~ 1 .J::J__ a '3 ~(/ ~ :;:1'U -. ..,. . It! NE r ~ . i ~ @ 26 ~ 6 7 8 9' 10 L 11 .- ;"_.;;,'.[c''!:< N 12 13 14 15 '\ >J<~ 12 16 17 18 19 J K L M N o T o o o "<t o o o It) o o o <0 o o o I'"- A '/E-1l-Ar; ~ D A f I, Y -TIlA-FFf'-" AVERAGE DAIL Y TRAFFIC = 227 AVERAGE DAIL Y TRAFFIC = 151 AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC = 138 AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC = 437 i N Cf ~ '-:::::l 2: c.=- ~ STOP 'Em~ ALL WAY Rl-3 12" x 6" RI-4 18" x 6" Rl-l 30" x 30" 2B-4 Stop Sign (Rl-l) STOP signs are intended for use where traffic is required to stop. The STOP sign shall be an octagon with white message and border on a red background. The standard size shall be 30 x 30 inches. Where greater emphasis or visibility is required, a larger size is recommended. On low- volume local streets and secondary roads with low approach speeds, a 24 x 24 inch size may be used. At a multi way stop intersection (sec. 2B-6), a supplementary plate (RI-3) should be mounted just below each STOP sign. If the number of approach legs to the intersection is three or more, the numeral on the supplementary plate shall correspond to the actual number of legs, or the legend ALL-WAY (RI-4) may be used. The supplementary plate shall have white letters on a red background and shall have a standard size of 12 x 6 inches (RI-3) or 18 x 6 inches (RI-4). A STOP sign beacon or beacons may be used in conjunction with a STOP sign as described in section 4E-4. Secondary messages shall not be used on STOP sign faces. \ 2B-5 Warrants for Stop Sign...1 Hecause the STOP sign causes a substantial inconvenience to motorists, it should be used only where warranted. A STOP sign may be warranted at an intersection where one or more of the follow!"!!: cOQditions exist: V 1. Intersection of a less important road with a main road where application of the normal right-of-way rule is unduly hazardous. " 2. Street entering a through highway or street. V 3. Unsignalized intersection in a signalized area. " 4. Other intersections where a combination of high speed, restricted view, and serious accident record indicates a need for control by the STOP sign. Prior to the application of these warrants, consideration should be given to less restrictive measures, such as the YIELD sign (2B-7) where a full Rev. 9/84 28-2 11-40,_1 Rev. 3 ,top is not necessary at all times. Periodic reviews of existing installations lay be desirable to determine whether, because of changed conditions, the use of less restrictive control or no control could accommodate traffic demands safely and more effectively. STOP signs should never be used on the through roadways of expressways. Properly designed expressway interchanges provide for the ;ontinuous flow of traffic, making STOP signs unnessary even on the entering roadways. Where at-grade intersections are temporarily justified for local traffic in sparsely populated areas, STOP signs should be used on :he entering roadways to protect the through traffic. STOP signs may also t>e required at the end of diverging roadways at the intersection with other lighways not designed as expressways. In most of these cases. the speeds ,vill not warrant any great increase in the sign sizes. STOP signs shall not be erected at intersections where traffic control dgnals are operating. The conflicting commands of two types of control ievices are confusing. If traffic is required to stop when the operation of :he stop-and-go signals is not warranted, the signals should be put on lashing operation with the red flashing light facing the traffic that must itop. Where two main highways intersect, the STOP sign or signs should lOrmally be posted on the minor street to stop the lesser flow of traffic. rraffic engineering studies, however, may justify a decision to install a TOP sign or signs on the major street, as at a three-way intersection vhere safety considerations may justify stopping the greater flow of raffic to permit a left-turning movement. STOP signs may be used at selected railroad-highway grade crossings mly after their need has been determined by a detailed traffic engi,neering tudy. Use of the STOP sign at railroad-highway grade crossings is lescribed in Section 8B-9. Portable or part-time STOP signs shall not be used except for mergency purposes. Also, STOP signs should not be used for speed ontrol. 11-48 (e) Rev. 3 VIII-5 Ie) Rev. 2 ~B-6 Multiway Stop Signs The "Multiway Stop" installation is useful as a safety measure at some ocations. It should ordinarily be used only where the volume of traffic on he intersecting roads is approximately equal. A traffic control signal is [lore satisfactory for an intersection with a heavy volume of traffic. Any of the following conditions may warrant a multi way STOP sign lstallation (sec. 2B-4): 1. Where traffic signals are warranted and urgently needed, the lUltiway stop is an interim measure that can be installed quickly to mtrol traffic while arrangements are being made for the signal lstallation. 28-3 Rev. 9/84 Q .J \- "".:l 2. An accident problem, as indicated by five or more reported accidents of a type susceptible of correction by a multi way stop installation in a 12-month period. Such accidents include right- and left-turn collisions as well as right-angle collisions. 3. Minimum traffic volumes: (a) The total vehicular volume entering the intersection from all approaches must average at least 500 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours of an average day, and (b) The combined vehicular and pedestrian volume from the minor street or highway must average at least 200 units per hour for the same 8 hours, with an average delay to minor street vehicular traffic of at least 30 seconds per vehicle during the maximum hour, but (c) When the 85-percentile approach speed of the major street traffic exceeds 40 miles per hour, the minimum vehicular volume warrant is 70 percent of the above requirements. 2- ~ ~ 2B-7 Yield Sign (Rl-2) The YIELD sign assigns right-of-way to traffic on certain approaches to an intersection. Vehicles controlled by a YIELD sign need s~op only when necessary to avoid interference with other traffic that is given the right-of- way. The YIELD sign shall be a downward pointing, equilateral triangle having a red border band and a white interior and the word YIELD in red inside the border band. The standard size shall be 36 x 36 x 36 inches. 9 2B-8 Warrants for Yield Signs The YIELD sign may be warranted: 1. At the entrance to an intersection where it is necessary to assign right-of-way and where the safe approach speed on the entrance exceeds 10 miles per hour. 2. On the entrance ramp to an expressway where an acceleration lane is not provided. 26-4 11-37 (e) Rev. 5 J:Z) ~v 0':': .'le ~ An informational Ft~1:. :&'00 . < If;( 1~'y I' publication from RLK-Kuusisto, Ltd. 3 ea.. e n November 1997 Vol. 1, No.1 Responding to Requests for Stop Signs Welcome to Off the Beaten Path, a technical publication designed to provide you with new ideas, to let you know about things you might not be aware of, and to keep you informed on issues related to civil engineering. One of the most common highway- related requests I """,;ved by City, County, and Township officials is for the installation of stop signs. This bulletin offers suggestions on how to respond to these requests as well as information to be considered in determining whether or not to install a stop sign at a particular location. Whv Not Just Give Them What Thev Want? When you consider that the average cost to install a stop sign is less than $200, it seems difficult to believe that any stop sign request is ever turned down. The cost of installation, however, is rarely a major factor in . considering such a request. The true cost of a stop sign includes not only installation, but also highway users costs, such as excess vehicle vl'"...tion costs, lost time, and increased pollution. Individually, highway user costs for each stop are minimal~ however, when the costs are added together for all users over a one year period, they are substantial (see below). Annual Highway User Costs (per 1,000 vehicles stopping at stop sign on a 35 mile per hour street) $18,000 in excess vehicle operation costs 1,400 hours oflost time 3,800 gallons of extra fuel 8,400 pounds of carbon monoxide emissions 600 pounds of hydrocarbon enusslOns 600 pounds of nitrogen oxide emissions More than cost. the primary consideration in approving a stop sign request is to make sure that a stop sign is the most appropriate and effective solution to the problem. Stop signs do not necessarily make an intersection safer. Studies of low volume intersections with less than one accident per year have shown that adding stop signs does not reduce the accident rate; this is "-"l'",,;al1y true in cases where unnecessary multi-way stops are created. Determine the Problem When a request for a stop sign is made, be sure the reason for the request is clear. The main pu..rpose of a stop sign is to assign right-of-way at an intersection. If the problem to be addressed is not related to right-of-way, then a stop sign is not the answer. In many cases, stop signs are requested to curb speeding on a street Numerous studies have been conducted e,,~mining the effect of stop signs on speeding. These studies have consistently shown that stop signs are poor speed control devices. Stop signs do reduce speeds at the point of installation, but the effect of this speed reduction is gone in a very short distance (in less than 200 feet). Conduct Studies Once you have determined there is a potential problem that may be corrected by a stop sign. the next step is to conduct studies to document the problem. Generally, these studies involve one or more of the following: 1. Traffic accident studv - Traffic accident reports are reviewed and analyzed. It is a good idea to look at reports for several years (at least the Page 2 .~.. >~ llist three) to make sure you are getting a reasonable picture of the area. Local police departments, county highway departments, and/or the department of transportation are the usual sources for accident data. 2. Traffic volume studv - Traffic count data is collected and analyzed by putting traffic count machines on each approach to an intersection for a 48 hour period during the week (Monday- Friday). 3. Sil!:ht distance studv - Sight lines for traffic approaching the intersection are reviewed and analyzed using field measurements. Determine the Solution After conducting the appropriate studies, you may find the following: 1. You could not verify the problem or the problem is not significant enough to justify any action. 2. There is a problem, but there are more effective solutions than the installation of a stop sign. 3. The requested stop sign is an effective solution to the problem. If the problem is not significant enough to warrant a stop sign. explain this to the person requesting the sign. Assure them that the situation will be reviewed on a periodic basis and action will be taken should the situation change. If more effective solutions to the problem exist, explain the alternatives and what action will be taken to cou",,~ the problem. If a stop sign is the best solution to the problem, give the person requ€<sting the sign an accurate estimate on how long it will take before the sign is in place. Usually stop signs must be approved by the local commission, council, or board, which may meet only once or twice a month. Where to use a stop sign: . Intersections with a demonstrated accident problem involving right-angle turn and left-turn accidents. . Intersections with sight obstructions on the approaches that restrict sight lines of conflicting traffic. Keeo Good Records All requests for stop signs should be documented, whether or not they result in the installation of a stop sign. These records are useful for future inquiries about why there is or is not a stop sign at a particular location. Keeping good records (and simply having a good record system) is a key factor in successfully defending your agency in any legal action that may arise. . Uncontrolled intersections with much heavier traffic on one street than on the other. . Intersections with heavy traffic on conflicting approaches. Problems that cannot be addressed with stop signs: Prepared by George Calebaugh, P.E., Senior Transportation Engineer with RLK-Kuusisto, Ltd. · Reducing .;l'....king. · Eliminating cut- through traffic on residential .;l......~. For more information., contact one of our four offices: Minnetonka St Paul Ribbing Twin Ports . Providing a safer environment for pedestrians. (612) 933-0972 (612) 645-0393 (218) 262-5528 (218) 720-6219 ~ RLK. , .K-U~~J~ L-.-U .. ~ The Science of Stop Sign Placement \\110 needs an engineer to put up a stop sign? You just dig a hole in the ground, stick in a post and bolt a sign to it Not true, according to \VSB traf- fic engineer. Chuck Rickart. A poorly placed or unwarranted stop sign can create more traffic hazards than it solves. According to Chuck, drivers in unfamiliar areas drive on instinct They subconsciously evaluate their surroundings to decide if the ap- proaching intersection should or should not have a stop or yield sign. A sign that goes against drivers ex- pectations can create confusion and accidents. Anytime a vehicle stops on a roadway, it creates an accident potential. \Vell engineered traffic controls improve the orderly flow of traf- fic, can calm traffic in residential neighborhoods, and may improve safety. A variety of factors determine the correct control for an intersection. Obviously, traffic conditions such as the speed and volume of traftic approaching the intersection play a major role. Traffic control deci- sions should also consider other factors such as the number of turn- ing vehicles, the types of vehicles, and the intersection's accident his- tory. Topographic conditions, such as the grade of each approaching roadway, the angle of the intersec- tion, adjacent structures, and the number of lanes also factor in. Finally, traffic control decisions should ev-dluate human factors such as the age of the driver. \VSB has worked these factors into an analy- sis procedure that expands on dle I\finnesota I\Ianual for Uniform Traffic Control. This procedure provides a consistent way for city staff to evaluate stop sign installa- tion requests. Studies for the Cit- ies of Shako pee and Monticello are putting these analysis procedures into effect For more infoffilation on these procedures, call Charles Rickart at (612) 541-4800.