City Council Meeting Date: February 14, 2017
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: David E. Bennett, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Title
TH 246 and Jefferson Parkway Intersection Control Initial Findings.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council is requested to provide comments on the recommended improvements identified in the study.
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
The study, with guidance from the stakeholders, has 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 Parkw...
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