3. Staff Report- 240th St. traffic issues - Franconia Twp
Staff Report
Date of Meeting:
To: City Council
From: Neil Soltis, Administrator
Re: Discussion with Chisago Lake Town Board regarding Traffic on 240th St.
Background: Sherry Stirling, Chair of the Chisago Lake Town Board, contacted the City in last
December regarding concerns that were voiced by Chisago Lake residents regarding
construction traffic on 240th Street last summer. They have stated that it was particularly bad
in late fall as trucks were hauling from the Dresel pit to the Forest Lake airport. In her email she
noted that 240th Street is a jointly shared road between us. The Chisago Lake Town Board did
have a discussion with Josh Dresel at their November 15th Board meeting and he suggested
that we look at reducing the speed on that street, posting "hidden driveway" and "watch for
peds" signage. Below is an excerpt from their minutes regarding the issue:
Stirling asked if there was anyone present to discuss the 240 th Street Concerns, Kate
Willers, Emily Houle, and Wayne Houle, who all live on 240th Street, expressed their
concerns on how dangerous the road is with the truck traffic, the speed of the trucks,
along with the dust, blind intersections, and the wear and tear on the road. Josh Dresel,
owner of Dresel Contracting, understands the concerns of home owners and is willing to
work with the Township to help make the road safer, by trying to regulate the speed on
the road by adding more signage. Matt Wikelius also suggested having the traffic more
patrolled. After discussion Chairman Stirling concluded that we will try adding more
signage and see if the road can be patrolled more.
Minn. Statute 169.14 establishes statutory speed limits on most typical roadways under ideal
conditions. All other speed limits are set by the DOT Commissioner based upon an engineering
and traffic investigation. These 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 speed study
Minn Statute 169.14 Subd. 5. Zoning within local area.
When local authorities believe that the existing speed limit upon any street or highway,
or part thereof, within their respective jurisdictions and not a part of the trunk highway
system is greater or less than is reasonable or safe under existing conditions, they may
request the commissioner to authorize, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic
investigation, the erection of appropriate signs designating what speed is reasonable
and safe, and the commissioner may authorize the erection of appropriate signs
designating a reasonable and safe speed limit thereat, which speed limit shall be
effective when such signs are erected. Any speeds in excess of these speed limits shall
be prima facie evidence that the speed is not reasonable or prudent and that it is
unlawful; except that any speed limit within any municipality shall be a maximum limit
and any speed in excess thereof shall be unlawful. Alteration of speed limits on streets
and highways shall be made only upon authority of the commissioner except as
provided in subdivision 5a.
Issue:
Should action be taken by both governing bodies to request a speed study?
Are there options for adding signage to address the issue?
What parameters should be established for targeted enforcement?