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 Parkway.
5. Extend left turn lane onto Raider Drive on Jefferson Parkway.
The public comments received from the open house on December 21 are attached (Attachment 3). In addition to the open house comments, the recommendations were added to the City website and an opportunity through the website for community input. Those comments are also attached (Attachment 4).
In addition to the public input provided through the website, staff, along with Council, received a letter signed from 76 members of the public on the improvements (Attachment 5). Staff has reviewed the letter and believes that it is a call to do more in terms of a holistic approach to other modes of travel in the area and a look at enhancing the identified improvements.
The consultant will be at the meeting to present the study findings, and staff will discuss potential next steps. After Council discussion, if there are any recommended changes, staff will have the report updated and brought back for Council to receive the report.
Alternative Options:
None at this time
Financial Impacts:
The costs of the improvements are identified in the report.