City Council Meeting Date: March 21, 2017
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: David E. Bennett, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Title
Consideration to Accept Trunk Highway 246 and Jefferson Parkway Intersection Control Initial Findings Report.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council approves the Resolution accepting the TH 246 and Jefferson Parkway Intersection Control Evaluation Report and Traffic Impact Analysis Report.
Summary Report:
In the spring of 2016, the City initiated the Intersection Control Evaluation study at the intersection of Trunk Highway (TH) 246 and Jefferson Parkway. The goal and objectives of the intersection study were as follows:
Identify improvements that alleviate peak hour congestion, improve pedestrian and bike access, improve school ingress/egress, improve safety and understand adjacent intersection operation impacts.
The City, MnDOT, and School District have been working with SEH Inc., the consultant performing the study since that time. A summary of the project timeline is below.
• Collect traffic data in the spring of 2016 while school was in session
• Public open house June 15, 2016
• Preliminary findings presented to Council July 12, 2016
• Final Draft of study complete December 2016
• December 21, 2016 - Open house and presentation of study findings
• February 14, 2017 - Presentation of Final Draft for Council Input
• March 21, 2017 - Council Accept Report and Finding
The study, with guidance from the stakeholders, identified five improvements in the area. Those improvements include the following.
1. Install a roundabout at Jefferson Parkway and TH 246 with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at pedestrian crossings.
2. Trail Underpass across Trunk Highway 246 with the extension of the Mill Towns Trail through this area.
3. Sidewalk and marked crossing on the east side of TH 246 by the High School.
4. Modify the pickup and drop off at Bridgewater Elementary due to vehicles backing out onto Jefferson Parkway during afternoon school pickup. Vehicles would now enter off Trunk Highway 246 and exit on to Jefferson Parkway.
5. Extend left turn lane onto Raider Drive on Jefferson Parkway.
The recommendations have been shared with both the public and Council and feedback has been given. The next steps are for Council to consider accepting the reports and planning for implementation. The implementation actions are summarized below and are also included in the resolution.
Improvement 1 - Roundabout at Jefferson Parkway and TH 246 with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at pedestrian crossings.
Council requests MnDot consider adding the Roundabout to their Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) in the year 2021 or as funding allows within their municipal agreement program. Also, that MnDot reviews other options for funding this improvement, including an advanced construction agreement with the City of Northfield.
Improvement 2 - Trail Underpass across Trunk Highway 246 with the extension of the Mill Towns Trail through this area.
The development of Mill Towns State Trail through the City will provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the City. Therefore continued trail development planning including the alignment through the City should occur in coordination with the MnDNR.
Improvement 3 - Sidewalk and marked crossing on the east side of TH 246 by the High School.
Council supports pursuing capital Safe Route to School Grants or other funding mechanism for the sidewalk along the east side of TH 246 and Crosswalk at the high school.
Council supports a safe walkable City, and pursuing a Safe Route to School Planning Grant in partnership with the School District will continue to foster the City’s desire to improve alternative modes of travel to Schools.
Improvement 4 - Modify the pickup and drop off at Bridgewater Elementary due to vehicles backing out onto Jefferson Parkway during afternoon school pickup. Vehicles would now enter off Trunk Highway 246 and exit on to Jefferson Parkway
The School District considers modifying the traffic flow for the pickup and drop-off at Bridgewater Elementary to alleviate peak hour backup issues on Jefferson Parkway.
Improvement 5 - Extend left turn lane onto Raider Drive on Jefferson Parkway.
The turn lane modification at Jefferson Parkway and Raider Drive be programmed into the City’s 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Plan and coordinated with another State-Aid project.
Alternative Options:
None at this time
Financial Impacts:
The costs of the improvements are identified in the report.