Consider Speed Study Request for Ramsey Boulevard between Bunker Lake Boulevard and Sunwood Drive

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to consider a request to perform a Speed Study on Ramsey Boulevard between Bunker Lake Boulevard and Sunwood Drive.
 
Background:
Staff received a request from a former PACT Charter School bus driver who resides in Nowthen (applicant) to reduce the speed limit on Ramsey Boulevard between Bunker Lake Boulevard and Sunwood Drive.  The applicant feels the existing pedestrian crossings for Ramsey Boulevard are unsafe for children who walk to PACT Charter School due to the existing posted speed limit of 55 mph.
 
This segment of Ramsey Boulevard has two controlled pedestrian crossings, one at Bunker Lake Boulevard and one at Sunwood Drive.  The controlled crossings consist of marked crosswalks with pedestrian actuated signals at each of the signalized intersections.  The applicant is concerned that if a child crosses against a red light that vehicles will not be able to react in time to avoid hitting the child, and that a slower speed limit will provide more reaction time for drivers to help them avoid hitting the child.  The applicant plans to attend the Public Works Committee meeting to explain their concerns in detail.  
 
Minnesota Statute 169.14 establishes statutory speed limits on most typical roadways under ideal conditions. All other speed limits are set by the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) based upon an engineering and traffic investigation (speed study) in which the following factors are considered:

• Road type and condition
• Location and type of access points (intersections, entrances, etc.)
• Sufficient length of roadway (1/4 mile minimum)
• Existing traffic control devices (sign, signals, etc.)
• Crash history traffic volume sight distances (curve, hill, etc.)
• Test drive results

 
The most common speed limits observed throughout Minnesota are:

• 10 mph in alleys
• 30 mph on streets in urban districts
• 55 mph on other roads
• 65 mph on expressways
• 65 mph on urban interstate highways
• 70 mph on rural interstate highways

Where speed limits are not posted, these are considered the default speed limits.

Local road authorities (cities, townships, and counties) can determine advisory speeds for local roads and post the roads with advisory speed signs without authorization from the MnDOT Commissioner.
 
Local road authorities can also pass a resolution requesting a speed study investigation by MnDOT.  The local road authority that owns and operates the segment of road to be studied is responsible for submitting the request to MNDOT.  Anoka County owns and operates Ramsey Boulevard/CSAH 56 so they are required to submit the Speed Study request to MnDOT.
 
Based on the study results, which often take in excess of one-year to receive, MnDOT may authorize the local road authority to post the road with new speed limits.  However, it is important to note that the study could find that the new speed limit should be greater than the existing speed limit, which is typically contrary to the desired outcome.  In this case, Staff would not expect the speed limit to increase given the current posted speed and the functional classification of the road.
 
Additional information regarding speed limits is available on MnDOT’s web site at http://www.dot.state.mn.us/speed/index.html.
 

Staff estimates this case will take approximately 15 minutes to present and discuss.

Observations:
Staff does not believe that a Speed Study will result in a reduced speed limit on Ramsey Boulevard based on the criteria used to perform speed studies.
 
Staff did not reach out to PACT Charter School to discuss this issue, but if the Committee believes this request should be pursued Staff will meet with School officials to discuss this issue in detail, including obtaining information on bus/walking zones.
 
Staff did not reach out to the Anoka County Highway Department to discuss this issue, but if the Committee believes this request should be pursued Staff will meet with Anoka County Highway Department Staff to discuss this issue in detail, including obtaining information on planned improvements for this corridor.
 
It is typically best to maintain uniform speed limits along roadway corridors where the functional classification does not vary to meet driver expectations.
 
Because Anoka County owns and operates this segment of Ramsey Boulevard, the City must submit a speed study request to Anoka County, who must then submit a formal speed study request to MnDOT. Anoka County and MnDOT must then ultimately make the final decision on whether this request moves forward.
 
Alternatives:
Alternative #1 – Motion of denial to file a request with Anoka County to perform a Speed Study on Ramsey Boulevard between Bunker Lake Boulevard and Sunwood Drive.
 
Alternative #2 – Motion of other.

No costs are anticipated as a result of this request, other than Staff’s time.

Staff recommends alternative #1.

 

If the Committee selects alternate #2, Staff will meet with PACT Charter School officials and Anoka County Highway Department Staff to discuss this issue in greater detail, and to bring a case back to the July 17th Public Works Committee meeting for further discussion.

Motion of denial to file a request with Anoka County to perform a Speed Study on Ramsey Boulevard between Bunker Lake Boulevard and Sunwood Drive.