City Council Meeting Date: May 16, 2023
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: David E. Bennett, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Title
Consider Resolution of Support for Post Holdings Inc Pedestrian Crossing Improvements on Trunk Highway (TH) 19.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council approves the Resolution of Support for Post Holdings Inc Pedestrian Crossing Improvements on Trunk Highway (TH) 19.
Summary Report:
MnDOT is currently completing a scoping study for the 2027 TH 19 (Lonsdale to Northfield) TH 3 improvement project. This project was originally programmed in 2025, however, the City and other stakeholders worked with MnDOT to complete a more thorough scoping study to identify the needs along the corridor.
Post Holdings owns the two Pedestrian Crossing Flashers on TH 19 that provide access for their employees that park on the north side of TH 19 to access their plant. The two crossing flashers also serve the public to cross TH 19. With the current system the flashing lights are always on and numerous safety concerns and near misses have occurred.
Due to the TH-19 project continued to be pushed back, Post Holding has been working with WSB and MnDOT on looking at different options to implement the crossing improvement sooner.
Northfield Transportation Advisory Committee on April 19, 2023 recommend that Council pass along a resolution of support for the improved crossings.
The report recommended moving to a rectangular rapid flashing beacon RRFB system along with the following:
• Extend the sidewalk on the north side of TH 19 about 120’ west of Odd Fellows Lane.
• Provide ADA compliant pedestrian facilities for a crossing at this location.
• Remove the in-place crossing and pavement markings at the Odd Fellows Lane intersection. This includes the pedestrian ramp on the northeast quadrant for crossing TH 19, the flashing beacon enhancements, and the pavement markings. Full removal is recommended because the south side of this current crossing lands in a vehicular driveway.
• Remove the in-place enhanced crossing at Orchard Street.
• Provide a new mast-arm mounted RRFB System at both the new western crossing and the Orchard Street intersection. The enhancements should include:
o Accessible pedestrian push-button pedestal stations located on both sides of TH 19.
o Back-to-back mast-arm mounted RRFBs and signage so that each approach sees three RRFBs.
o Overhead lighting on the mast-arm signal poles (where overhead wire conflicts are not present) with potential for mast arm mounted LED lights similar to what is currently in place.
• The potential for incorporating curb extensions to shorten the pedestrian crossing distance, particularly at the new western crossing since it is not adjacent to an intersection.
Staff is recommending that Council approve the support resolution.
Alternative Options:
N/A
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
Post Holdings may implement the crossing improvement in 2023 or 2024.