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City Council Minutes <br /> February 5,2019 <br /> Page 3 of 13 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> the intersection as five crashes included run off the road crashes <br /> more related to the curve and deer-vehicle incidents. <br /> • The total crash rate at this intersection is 0.27 crashes per million <br /> entering vehicles which is consistent with the statewide average of <br /> 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 <br /> roadway is 645 feet. Northbound Highway 371 measured at 800 <br /> feet and southbound Highway 371 measured at 1,500 feet. <br /> • The Paul Bunyan pedestrian bridge does create a blind spot for <br /> both northbound Highway 371 drivers and westbound Wildemess <br /> Road drivers in two locations. <br /> Council Member Swanson questioned if the railing on the pedestrian <br /> bridge 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 <br /> crossing and this intersection was built as unusable for pedestrians as it is <br /> not safe. He further noted this is only intersection of its kind from Brainerd <br /> to Jenkins. <br /> Mr. Hansen explained the lakes, roadway curve, Paul Bunyan Trail, and <br /> the 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. <br /> Any 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 <br /> as pedestrian friendly. He noted that a local initiated trail to a more <br /> favorable crossing area may need to be considered. <br /> Council Member Pederson questioned if flashing lights noting pedestrians <br /> crossing could be installed. <br />