Adopt Resolution #17-04-088 Authorizing Speed Zone Study for Sunfish Lake Boulevard between Bunker Lake Boulevard and Nowthen Boulevard

On Monday, March 13th, the Anoka County Highway Department received a call from a resident that lives on Sunfish Lake Boulevard in the area of 155th Avenue with a complaint about excessive speeds on Sunfish Lake Boulevard. The posted speed limit on Sunfish Lake Boulevard in this area is 55 mph, which was set in 1975 by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) based on the results of a Speed Zone Study.  Since it has been more than 40 years since the last Speed Zone Study was completed, and since development in this area of the City has increased significantly since then, staff from Anoka County asked City staff whether the City would be interested in requesting a new Speed Zone Study be performed on Sunfish Lake Boulevard.

According to Anoka County, MnDOT requires that Speed Zone Studies be performed on segments of roads not less than one-mile in length, and that reasonable study limits be used such as between intersecting streets. City staff therefore recommends that the study limits be located between Bunker Lake Boulevard/CSAH 116 on the south end and Nowthen Boulevard/CSAH 5 to the north where Sunfish Lake Boulevard terminates.  This segment of Sunfish Lake Boulevard totals slightly more than 2 miles in length.  And since the posted speed is 55 mph throughout this corridor (the posted speed limit changes to 45 mph south of Bunker Lake Boulevard/CSAH 116) there is no risk of the study resulting in an increased posted speed limit.

In order to potentially change the speed limit on Sunfish Lake Boulevard, a traffic and engineering investigation known as a Speed Zone Study must be completed by MnDOT. Speed Zone Studies consider such factors as roadway types and conditions, locations and types of access points, types of development along the route, existing traffic control devices, crash histories, existing traffic volumes, and available sight distance along the route, along with radar speed samples from traffic traveling on the route during various times of the day. Using engineering judgment, MnDOT evaluates these factors and determines the 85th percentile speed (the point at which 85% of the drivers on the route are driving under). Experience has shown that a posted speed limit near this 85% value is the speed limit that a roadway should be signed at. Once a Speed Zone Study has been completed, it is then formally authorized by the State Commissioner of Transportation.  Once authorized, the road authority implements the new speed zone by installing new speed limit signs.

Attached is a brochure produced by MnDOT that explains how speed limits are set.

No notifications are required.

Observations:
The Ramsey Police Department is responsible for enforcing speeds on Sunfish Lake Boulevard so the City must provide a written request for the Speed Zone Study to the Anoka County Highway Department, the local road authority, who then contacts MnDOT to request the study.  Speed Zone Studies often take a year or more to complete.
 
On March 21th the Public Works Committee recommended Council approval of the study as noted in the Committee minutes which Council is asked to ratify this evening.  Upon Council approval, City staff will submit a Speed Zone Study request to Anoka County Highway Department staff.  While the Speed Zone Study is being conducted, Ramsey Police Department proposes to increase enforcement of posted speeds in this area.

Alternatives:
Alternative #1 – Motion to adopt Resolution #17-04-088 authorizing Speed Zone Study for Sunfish Lake Boulevard between Bunker Lake Boulevard and Nowthen Boulevard.

There is no cost to the City associated with this request, other than a few hours of Staff time.

City staff recommends conducting a new Speed Zone Study for Sunfish Lake Boulevard between Bunker Lake Boulevard and Nowthen Boulevard.

Authorize request for MnDOT to complete a Speed Zone Study for Sunfish Lake Boulevard between Bunker Lake Boulevard/CSAH 116 and Nowthen Boulevard/CSAH 5.