Consider Recommendation to City Council Authorizing Speed Study on Bunker Lake Boulevard

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to consider providing a recommendation to the City Council to authorize a Speed Study on Bunker Lake Boulevard/CSAH 116 between Armstrong Boulevard/CSAH 83 and Sunfish Lake Boulevard/CSAH 57.
 
Background:
Staff received a request from a developer to reduce the speed limit on Bunker Lake Boulevard/CASH 116 from 55 mph to 45 mph, on the north side of The COR.  Recent development of the “triangle” and “U-shape” parcels in Ramsey Town Center 8^th Addition added 26 new single-family homes immediately north of this segment of Bunker Lake Boulevard.  The developer of the “U-shape” parcel, which includes 12 of the 26 single-family lots, feels the posted speed of 55 mph presents an immediate danger to current and future residents of these homes.
 
The City of Ramsey owns and operates Bunker Lake Boulevard west of Armstrong Boulevard/CSAH 83.  Anoka County owns and operates Bunker Lake Boulevard/CSAH 116 between Armstrong Boulevard/CSAH 83 and the east City limits.
 
Posted speeds are currently 40 mph west of Armstrong Boulevard, 55 mph between Armstrong Boulevard/CSAH 83 and Sunfish Lake Boulevard/CSAH 57, and 50 mph east of Sunfish Lake Boulevard.

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

If speed limits are not posted, these are to be 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.  Based upon the study results, which often take in excess of one-year to receive, MnDOT may then 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.
 
Additional information regarding speed limits is available on MnDOT’s web site at http://www.dot.state.mn.us/speed/index.html.

Staff anticipates approximately 10 minutes will be required to present and discuss this case. 

Observations:
Staff from various departments discussed the developer’s request on April 10th.  Staff’s opinion is that there is no harm in requesting the speed study since the posted speed limit is 55 mph, which is considered the maximum speed limit for this type of road.  However, Staff commented that it would be best from a driver expectation point of view to keep speed limits as uniform as possible on Bunker Lake Boulevard throughout the City limits.  Staff therefore recommends specifying the scope of the speed study from Armstrong Boulevard/ CSAH 83 to Sunfish Lake Boulevard/CSAH 57 where the speed limit is a consistent 55 mph.  
 
Because Anoka County owns and operates this segment of Bunker Lake Boulevard, the City would request Anoka County to submit a formal speed study request to MnDOT. Anoka County (and MnDOT) would then ultimately make the decision on whether this request moves forward.
 
Alternatives:
Alternative #1 – Motion recommending City Council authorization to request a Speed Study on Bunker Lake Boulevard/CSAH 116 between Armstrong Boulevard/CSAH 83 and Sunfish Lake Boulevard/CSAH 57.
 
Alternative #2 – Motion of other.

No costs are anticipated as a result of this request.  If the study reveals a new speed limit is warranted, Anoka County would install the new speed limit signs.

Staff recommends that the Public Works Committee recommend City Council authorization to request a Speed Study on Bunker Lake Boulevard/CSAH 116 between Armstrong Boulevard/CSAH 83 and Sunfish Lake Boulevard/CSAH 57.  The City’s request will be submitted to Anoka County, who will then consider forwarding the request to the MnDOT Commissioner.
 

Motion recommending City Council authorization to request a Speed Study on Bunker Lake Boulevard/CSAH 116 between Armstrong Boulevard/CSAH 83 and Sunfish Lake Boulevard/CSAH 57.