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�,,pNNESpT'yp� Minnesota Department of Transporhation <br /> OF", District 313 -Traffic Office Telephone: 320-223-6540 <br /> 372512"'Street North FAX Number. 320-223-6581 <br /> St. Cloud, MN 56303 <br /> October 15, 2007 <br /> Cathy Malecha—Mayor <br /> 4638 County Road 11 <br /> Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 <br /> Subject: State Highway (S.H.) 371 Speeds <br /> C.S. 1810 <br /> Dear Cathy: <br /> Tim Bray from our Baxter office forwarded your letter to me requesting the department <br /> reduce the speed limit to 35 mph on State Highway 371 near Pillsbury Street without <br /> a speed study. <br /> The department is required by law to conduct speed studies to make changes to the <br /> authorized speed limits. As part of this study we will gather a speed check on S.H. <br /> 371 near Pillsbury Street to see if requested changes are justified. At this time we do <br /> not intend to study the existing 35 mph zone. <br /> extending an unjustified zone gives a false sense of security as few vehicles would <br /> comply. It is also highly likely the variation of driven speeds would increase making it <br /> harder to judge vehicle gaps while accessing S.H. 371. Enforcement would also be <br /> difficult as most drivers would be in noncompliance. <br /> If the study shows speed changes are not justified there are several other safety <br /> possibilities for the intersesction; the state could replace the existing "Reduced <br /> Speed Ahead" sign for S.H. 371 northbound with the black on yellow sign that shows <br /> the 35 mph number with an ahead arrow. Although the regulatory limit would not <br /> change the new sign does give a 35 mph warning message near the Pillsbury Street <br /> location. The other possibility is to allow the city to install two street lights on state <br /> right-of-way to help identify the intersection location and provide some light for night <br /> time safety. This could be done through our permits office. <br /> We hope to have a study completed within the next week and will contact you with our <br /> results. In the meanwhile please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or <br /> concerns. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Thomas L. Dumont <br /> �.. District Traffic Engineer <br /> An equal opportunity employer <br />