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• The total crash rate at this intersection is 0.27 crashes per million entering <br /> vehicles which is consistent with the statewide average of 0.26. <br /> • Risk factors at this intersection include on/near curve, distance from <br /> previous stop, and volume cross product. <br /> • The minimum required stopping sight distance for a 65 mph roadway is 645 <br /> feet. Northbound Highway 371 measured at 800 feet and southbound <br /> Highway 371 measured at 1,500 feet. <br /> • The Paul Bunyan pedestrian bridge does create a blind spot for both <br /> northbound Highway 371 drivers and westbound Wildemess Road drivers in <br /> two locations. <br /> Council Member Swanson questioned if the railing on the pedestrian bridge <br /> can be lowered and would this help with the blind spot issues. <br /> Mr. Hansen noted the bridge does block the northbound Highway 371 cars <br /> in spots but their policies protocol on how they design these types of <br /> projects is based on mathematical analysis. <br /> Council Member Pederson noted that nothing identifies pedestrians crossing <br /> and this intersection was built as unusable for pedestrians as it is not safe. <br /> He further noted this is only intersection of its kind from Brainerd to Jenkins. <br /> Mr. Hansen explained the lakes, roadway curve, Paul Bunyan Trail, and the <br /> pedestrian bridge created a design challenge. <br /> Council Member Pederson questioned if MnDOT is looking at altemative <br /> options. <br /> Mr. Hansen stated that MnDOT does not want to see anyone get hurt. Any <br /> intersection on a four-lane highway will be dangerous to cross and <br /> pedestrians may feel exposed even with reasonable buffer and tum lane <br /> spacing. <br /> Darren Nelson explained that high speed expressways are not designed as <br /> pedestrian friendly. He noted that a local initiated trail to a more favorable <br /> crossing area may need to be considered. <br /> Council Member Pederson questioned if flashing lights noting pedestrians <br /> crossing could be installed. <br /> Mr. Hansen noted that you need enough sight distance to allow motorists <br /> time to stop once the lights flash and it would be difficult to do as timing <br /> would be an issue. These types of devices are usually installed in <br /> downtown and lower traffic areas. <br /> Council Member Pederson questioned if a pedestrian crossing sign could be <br /> installed. <br /> February 2i, 2oi9 Staff Report Page 2 <br />