Receive Presentation on CSAH 5 (Nowthen Boulevard) Corridor Traffic Study

In 2021, Anoka County enlisted the services of SRF Consulting Group to complete a corridor traffic study for County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 5 (Nowthen Boulevard) between State Highway 47 and CSAH 64 (181st Avenue) through the City of Ramsey.

In 2022, SRF Consulting Group completed the CSAH 5 (Nowthen Boulevard) Corridor Traffic Study, which is attached for review and reference.

Jack Forslund, Transportation Planner for the Anoka County Highway Department, will attend the February Public Works Committee meeting to present the highlights, results and findings of the attached study.  

Staff anticipates 20 minutes will be necessary to present the final study and respond to questions.  

Based on the results of the existing and future year condition analysis which was completed for the CSAH 5 Corridor Traffic Study, four intersections along the CSAH 5 corridor were reviewed for capacity and safety performance. These intersections include:
· CSAH 5 and CSAH 63 (Green Valley Road and 175th Avenue)
· CASH 5 and 167th Avenue
· CSAH 5 and CSAH 56 (Ramsey Boulevard)
· CSAH 5 and Sunwood Drive

The following key findings and recommendations for each of the four intersections along CSAH 5 were developed as a result of the analysis. In general, opportunities for additional pedestrian accommodations and creating a cohesive roadside environment should be sought throughout the corridor.

CSAH 5 and CSAH 63 (175th Avenue West of CSAH 5 / Green Valley Road East of CSAH 5)
An elevated crash history was observed at both the east and west intersections of CSAH 5 and CSAH 63. Traffic volumes are anticipated to increase at this intersection as the surrounding area develops. Additional turn lanes will reduce the conflicts and crash risks under future year conditions. Furthermore, the installation of lighting will help alert drivers to the intersections at night. The marginal costs of the proposed improvements at this intersection would potentially decrease if the improvements are coordinated with future corridor investments.
Recommendation: Implement turn lane improvements and lighting as part of the next preservation investment to improve safety and modernize intersections to support future growth.

CSAH 5 and 167th Avenue NW
167th Avenue NW functions as an east-west roadway. Higher crash rates were observed at the CSAH 5 and 167th Avenue NW intersection compared to the majority of the intersections along the CSAH 5 corridor. The roundabout concept was found to be the most cost-effective improvement for this intersection with a 12-year return on investment.
Recommendation: Implement a roundabout as part of the next preservation investment to improve safety and serve the function of 167th Avenue as an east-west corridor.

CSAH 5 and CASH 56 (Ramsey Boulevard)
An elevated crash history was observed at the CSAH 56 (Ramsey Boulevard) intersection, including injury crashes. The traffic volume from northbound CSAH 56 to northbound CSAH 5 is expected to increase with the completion of the interchanges on US Highway 10. Turn lane and roundabout concepts were considered for this location; both concepts have a similar construction cost, approximately $3,000,000, and impacts. The roundabout concept provides more effective safety and traffic benefits compared to the turn lane concept. Additionally, the roundabout concept will allow the CSAH 56 intersection to function as a node between similar volume roadways and offers some reserve capacity for future traffic growth.
Recommendation: Implement a roundabout before completion of the US Highway 10 grade separation to accommodate the anticipated traffic shift.

CSAH 5 and Sunwood Drive
An elevated crash history was observed at the Sunwood Drive intersection, including injury crashes. It was determined that a roundabout concept can help slow traffic through this area and improve access to/from the side street. Additionally, the roundabout concept can project safer pedestrian and bike crossings with the trail connections at this location.
Recommendation: Implement a roundabout as soon as funding and planning allows, including opportunities for improved trail crossings.

City State Aid Funds are proposed to fund the majority of the City's share of each of the proposed improvements, as needed.  Stormwater Funds could also be used to fund required storm sewer improvements. Other funding sources may be explored and used for off-roadway improvements at the time each project is implemented.  

N/A

No action is required or requested at this time.