10.05 - Request to MnDOT Regarding Speed Reduction

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Police City Of Pequot City Hall 218-568-8111 Lakes 218-568-5222 Fax 218-568-5647 Fax 218-568-5860 1 d@ e uotlakes-mn. = - p ov 4638 County Road 11 p P q g Pequot Lakes,MN 56472 cityhall @pequotlakes-mn.gov www.pequodakes-mn.gov October 10,2007 Minnesota Department of Transportation Tim Bray 7694 Industrial Park Road Baxter, MN 56425 Dear Tim: At the December 4, 2006, and October 2, 2007, Council meetings,the Council discussed a concern regarding safety on a section of Highway 371 in the City of Pequot Lakes. The issue relates to safety concerns in the area of Pillsbury Street. The speed limit at that area is posted at 55 miles per hour and is reduced to 35 miles per hour about one third of a mile north. Within this one-third mile there are four business accesses and two street accesses. The Council noted that the traffic flow at Pillsbury Street has drastically increased over the past couple of years. The Council requested Staff to look into a right turn lane at Pillsbury to address the safety issue. Upon reviewing this request it was determined that a right turn lane would cross the access of several businesses which would also create safety issues. It was also determined that the cost for the construction of a right turn lane would be about $20,000 to $30,000. The Council felt that reducing the speed limit about 2,000 feet south of the existing speed reduction would be a sensible alternative to resolving this issue at a fraction of the cost. The City of Pequot Lakes is requesting MnDOT to extend the reduced(45 mph) speed limit further south on Highway 371,at least as far as Pillsbury Street. The Council has specifically stated that it is not seeking a speed study to establish the speed for this area. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Sincerely, Aw- Cathy alecha Mayor `., City of Pequot Lakes