10-25-2005 City Council Meeting Items

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Pequot Lakes -Hwy 371 North October 7, 2005 Page 11 of 15 Committee also recommended that the City and its P&Z take actions to identify and preserve a corridor along this general route for such a time when construction of this realignment is desired. 37. The speed limit of the highway through town is a very big concern. The present speed limit on TH 371 within a portion of the `urban core' is 35-mph. The City wants to keep this same speed via the use of curb and gutter sections,minimal shy distances to medians, shoulders of minimal yet safe width, lighting, aesthetics, and other means that still provide for a safe roadway. MnDOT has said they cannot promise that the speed limit would remain at 35-mph. MnDOT's process for setting the speed limit is to post an interim speed limit after construction is complete. After about 6 months to a year, MnDOT comes out and does a speed study. The final speed limit is then set based off the range of speeds observed (generally, the majority of people will travel only as fast as they feel comfortable). It was suggested that MnDOT extend the curb and gutter further south on both sides, out to match the limits of the concrete median. This will minimize sending a mixed message on the type of section(urban with concrete median in the middle but rural with ditch on the right) and give a more consistent urban feel throughout town. The Council feels strongly the speed limit through the urban core section of the City should be 30-35 mph, with design features corresponding to such. A design with features intended to accommodate traffic speeds greater than 45 mph is not favored. Feedback systems, such as permanent "Your Speed Is" traffic radar signs, to remind drivers to slow down in the urban core as apart of the project's design were suggested. 38. Safe pedestrian and school children crossing of the new four-lane highway with turn lanes is a very big concern. With only one traffic signal at CSAH 11/Main Street,this will be the only designated pedestrian crossing. The Council feels strongly that a slower "City street"speed limit through the urban core section of the City (30-35 mph) instead of a "Highway"speed limit (45 mph or greater) will help with pedestrian and school children safety. Considering the location of the school versus the signalized pedestrian crossing, as well as the separate location of the shopping area, one single pedestrian crosswalk at the one CAMy Documents\City Clerk\HIGHWAY 371\Meetings\102505 List of Issues for City MnDOT mtg-memo.doc