5.8.
| CC Regular Session |
| Meeting Date: | 09/22/2026 |
| Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: | Improve the safety and mobility of transportation corridors. |
Title:
Adopt Resolution #26-213 Authorizing an Expanded Speed Study Request for Armstrong Boulevard / CSAH 83 between Highway 10 and Alpine Drive NW
Purpose/Background:
| Purpose: The purpose of this case is to adopt Resolution #26-213 authorizing an expanded speed study request for Armstrong Boulevard / CSAH 83 between Highway 10 and Alpine Drive NW, extending the northerly study limit previously approved under Resolution #25-009 between Highway 10 and Bunker Lake Boulevard / CSAH 116. Background: On January 14, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution #25-009 authorizing a speed study request for Armstrong Boulevard / CSAH 83 between Highway 10 and Bunker Lake Boulevard / CSAH 116. Anoka County submitted the speed study request to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Field data collection was delayed by an adjacent development project and later by the City's street reconstruction project of Bunker Lake Boulevard west of Armstrong Boulevard. Once that construction cleared, MnDOT proceeded with the study. In August 2026, MnDOT's Metro Traffic Engineering office recommended expanding the study's northerly limit from Bunker Lake Boulevard to Alpine Drive NW, to provide a consistent posted speed limit along the corridor rather than a change in limit at the Bunker Lake Boulevard intersection. Anoka County supports this expansion and requested the City's consent. City staff discussed the proposed change, including whether extending the study area could affect the outcome for the original Highway 10 to Bunker Lake Boulevard segment. Anoka County and MnDOT staff have indicated the anticipated 50 mph recommendation is expected to hold regardless of whether the study is limited to Bunker Lake Boulevard or extended to Alpine Drive NW. Posted speeds (black on white signs) on Armstrong Boulevard / CSAH 83 are currently 55 mph between Highway 10 and Alpine Drive NW. Advisory speeds (black on yellow signs) are posted at 40 mph between Highway 10 and Sunwood Drive / 147th Avenue due to the horizontal and vertical curvature of the highway. 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:
Unless otherwise posted, statutory (enforceable) speed limits observed throughout Minnesota are:
Local authorities (cities, townships, and counties) can post advisory speeds for local roads 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 road segment to be studied is responsible to submit the request to MNDOT. Based upon the study results, which can take a year or more to receive, MnDOT may authorize the local road authority to post new speed limits. It is important to understand that speed study results may determine that the speed limit should be higher than the existing posted speed limit, which may be contrary to the desired outcome. However, in this instance the existing posted speed limit is 55 mph, which is the maximum speed limit defined for this type of road per Minnesota Statute 169.14. More information regarding speed limits is available on MnDOT’s web site at http://www.dot.state.mn.us/speed/index.html. |
Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives:
Observations:
City and County staff agree there is minimal risk in expanding the study limits, since Anoka County and MnDOT staff have indicated the anticipated posted speed limit outcome (50 mph) is expected to apply regardless of whether the study extends to Alpine Drive NW.
Anoka County owns and operates this segment of Armstrong Boulevard / CSAH 83 so the City Council must approve submitting a speed study request to Anoka County, then the County Board must approve moving the request forward to MnDOT.
Alternatives:
Adopt Resolution #26-213 authorizing an expanded speed study request for Armstrong Boulevard / CSAH 83 between Highway 10 and Alpine Drive NW.
City and County staff agree there is minimal risk in expanding the study limits, since Anoka County and MnDOT staff have indicated the anticipated posted speed limit outcome (50 mph) is expected to apply regardless of whether the study extends to Alpine Drive NW.
Anoka County owns and operates this segment of Armstrong Boulevard / CSAH 83 so the City Council must approve submitting a speed study request to Anoka County, then the County Board must approve moving the request forward to MnDOT.
Alternatives:
Adopt Resolution #26-213 authorizing an expanded speed study request for Armstrong Boulevard / CSAH 83 between Highway 10 and Alpine Drive NW.
Funding Source:
No direct costs will be incurred by the City as a result of this request. If the speed study reveals a different posted speed limit is warranted, Anoka County will remove the old speed limit signs and install new speed limit signs.
Recommendation:
Staff recommend approving the expanded speed study request since Anoka County and MnDOT have indicated the anticipated speed limit outcome is not expected to change based on the study boundary, and extending the limits provides a consistent posted speed along the corridor without delaying MnDOT's timeline to complete the study.
Outcome/Action:
Motion to adopt Resolution #26-213 authorizing an expanded speed study request for Armstrong Boulevard / CSAH 83 between Highway 10 and Alpine Drive NW.
Attachments
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Hagen | Brian Hagen | 09/17/2026 09:51 AM |
- Form Started By:
- Hafedh Hlel
- Started On:
- 09/14/2026 08:36 AM
- Final Approval Date:
- 09/17/2026