4. Staff Report-Lofton Ave ImpSCANDIA
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: March 5, 2014
To: City Council
From: Kristina Handt, Administrator
Re: Lofton Ave/TH97 Improvements
Informational Only:
Washington County Engineers will be at the work session to have a discussion with the Council
about Lofton Ave and TH 97 improvements. The City first contacted the County with safety
concerns about the intersection in 2008. That year the County installed reflective triangular
lights on the southwest corner of Lofton Ave/TH97.
Last year, when Wayne Sandberg and Commissioner Fran Miron attended a Council meeting
there was some miscommunication about the possibility of a red flashing stop sign being
installed for those heading southbound on Lofton Ave toward TH 97. Given the recent grant
award from MNDOT, the County will look to address the safety issues with the project planned
for later this year.
Possible improvements may include:
1) Adding Turn Lanes on TH 97 to facilitate left turns
2) Improving the pavement condition on all of Lofton Avenue, from Th 97 to the County Line
3) Evaluating sight lines for the potential to remove brush and other obstacles to ensure adequate
sight distance
4) Evaluating overhead street lighting to emphasize the location of the intersection and improve
visibility
5) Evaluating other improvements such as a delineators, including the possibility of a flashing
stop sign
This is an opportunity for the Council to learn more about the improvements and provide
feedback to the County.