9. Speed limit on MN 97
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: September 5, 2018
To: City Council
From: Neil Soltis, Administrator
Re: Speed limit on MN 97
Background: Based on public comments Mayor Maefsky has requested a discussion of speeds on
MN 97 past the Village Center. The concerns voiced include: asking for another speed study, asking
about making the crosswalk at Oakhill more functional, installing electronic speed tracking devices
coming from both (or one?) directions, and installing slow down signs.
City Engineer Ryan Goodman has highly recommended that the City do their own investigation first
to gauge what speed is actually occurring on this stretch of roadway (speed trailer or County Deputy
with radar) before requesting the MnDOT perform a speed study since such a study is based on the
average speed and can result in an increase to the speed limit.
The Cities of Marine and Stillwater have installed electronic speed signs recently along MN 95. Ryan
has provided the information on the signs that were installed in Marine.
All work was 100% local cost, and had to be approved through MnDOT prior to installation.
Marine’s construction cost was approximately $35K and included speed limit indicator signs
(x2), advance flasher signs, and 1.5” conduit for power service to the speed limit indicator
signs as solar power in this area doesn’t work well because of the trees/valley.
New project costs that could be expected:
• Speed Indicator Sign – $4,000-$5,000
• Source of Power (Only need solar or hard wire, not both)
o Solar Package - $2,000
o Hard wired - $7,000 see below
• Service Cabinet - $4,000
• Cabinet foundation - $1,300
• Handhole (x1) - $700
• Conduit & wiring (estimate) - $1,000
Prices for the sign and solar package are materials only. Ryan found a recent bid for a hard
wired speed indicator sign in Prior Lake, the bid price was $12,000