Adopt Resolution #18-091 Authorizing Speed Study Request for Bunker Lake Boulevard/CSAH 116 between Armstrong Boulevard/CSAH 83 and Sunfish Lake Boulevard/CSAH 57

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to adopt Resolution #18-091 authorizing submittal of a speed study request to Anoka County for the segment of 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

 
These are the de facto speed limits where speed limits are not posted.

Local road 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 typically take a year or more to receive, MnDOT may authorize the local road authority to post new speed limits.
 
It is important to remember that speed study results may determine that the new speed limit should be greater than the existing speed limit, which is typically contrary to the desired outcome.  But in this instance, the existing posted speed limit is 55 mph which is the maximum speed limit defined for this type of road in Minnesota Statute 169.14.

Additional information regarding speed limits is available on MnDOT’s web site at http://www.dot.state.mn.us/speed/index.html.

No notifications are required for this case.

Observations:
Staff from various departments reviewed and discussed the developer’s request in April.  It is the consensus of Staff that there is no harm in requesting the speed study since the posted speed limit is 55 mph, which again is the maximum speed limit defined for this type of road in Minnesota Statute 169.14.  However, Staff feels 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 posted speed limit is 55 mph throughout.

Because Anoka County owns and operates this segment of Bunker Lake Boulevard, the City must submit its request to Anoka County, who will then consider submitting a formal speed study request to MnDOT.  Anoka County will then ultimately make the decision on whether this request moves forward to MnDOT.

Alternatives:
Alternative #1 – Motion to adopt Resolution #18-091 authorizing submittal of a speed study request to Anoka County for the segment of Bunker Lake Boulevard/CSAH 116 between Armstrong Boulevard/CSAH 83 and Sunfish Lake Boulevard/CSAH 57.

Alternative #2 – Motion to deny adoption of Resolution #18-091 at this time.

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

On April 18, 2018, the Public Works Committee passed a motion by a 2 to 1 vote to recommend that the City Council authorize submitting a request to Anoka County for MnDOT to conduct a speed study on Bunker Lake Boulevard/CSAH 116 between Armstrong Boulevard/CSAH 83 and Sunfish Lake Boulevard/CSAH 57.
 
Staff supports the Public Works Committee’s recommendation.

Motion to adopt Resolution #18-091 authorizing submittal of a speed study request to Anoka County for the segment of Bunker Lake Boulevard/CSAH 116 between Armstrong Boulevard/CSAH 83 and Sunfish Lake Boulevard/CSAH 57.