4.3.A. SR 02-14-2011Item # 4.3.A.
River
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
MEMORANDUM
Mayor and City Council
Justin Femrite, P.E., City Engineer
February 14, 201 I
193'd Avenue and Xavier Street Intersection Traffic Control
On May 17, 2010, John Stewart from BDM presented a Traffic Study, prepared by the
former interim City Engineer John Anderson, along the 193' Avenue corridor. More
specifically, the study included analysis of potential traffic control modifications to the
intersections of 193 Avenue at Tyler Street and Xavier Street. At the recommendation of
BDM, the City Council approved signing and striping for a pedestrian crossing at Xavier
Street but no change in the intersection control at either intersection. Direction was given at
the May 17, 2010 meeting to continue to review the traffic levels at the intersections and any
change in the future would be made based on additional information ox increase in traffic
volumes to support a traffic control change.
We continue to receive calls with concerns about the poor sight distance and unsafe
conditions at the intersection of 193`d Avenue and Xavier Street. The latest concern we
addressed was regarding the snow piles west of the intersection that further reduced the
sight distance for motorists traveling north on Xavier Street trying to enter 193` Avenue.
Upon hearing this concern, I reviewed the intersection in the field and directed the street
department to remove some of the snow that was being stored along the boulevard. While
the snow storage issue is a common situation at a number of our intersections during the
winter months, the sight distance at this intersection was particularly poor. Before the crews
removed the snow, drivers trying to enter 193`d Avenue northbound on Xavier Street needed
to pull up to the east bound lane edge to obtain about 100-feet of sight distance to the west.
With the immediate concern improved, I further reviewed the design and sight distances at
the intersection. The MnDOT Road Design Manual identifies a minimum sight distance for
a driver that stops at a stop sign to safely make a left hand turn onto a roadway not
controlled by a stop sign as 400-feet. This is the required sight distance for northbound
motorists on Xavier Street who are trying to make a left turn to go west on 193`d Avenue.
The Road Design Manual further states that "In addition to intersection characteristics such
as skew and grade, designers should consider the effects of parked cars, guardrail locations,
snow storage, signs, or any other roadside appurtenances that might restrict the line of
sight.".
N:\Public Bodies\Ciry Council\Council RCA\Agenda Packet\02-142011\Engineering Update.docx
The attached figure shows the existing sight distances for drivers on Xavier Street who are
attempting to make a left turn to go west on 193` Avenue. The red line identifies the
current (1 /31 /11, after snow was removed) sight distances for both a driver stopped at the
stop bar and a driver who pulls ahead to the edge of the traveled lane. Similarly, the blue
lines identify the sight distance during the summer, when there is no snow limiting the line
of sight. In all cases the sight distance is less than the required 400-feet for this intersection.
The Minnesota Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devises (MMUTCD) provides
`Guidance' and `Options' for the use of a 4-way stop to control intersections. The traffic
levels and vehicle speed have remained nearly the same now as they were during the traffic
study completed in May 2010, thus, not meeting the warrants according to the `Guidance' of
the manual. The `Options" described in the MMUTCD allow for the installation of a 4-way
stop if there is:
A) The need to control left-turn conflicts;
B) The need to control vehicle/pedestrian conflicts near locations that generate
high pedestrian volumes;
C) Locations where a road user, after stopping, cannot see conflicting traffic and
is not able to reasonably safely negotiate the intersection unless conflicting
cross traffic is also required to stop; and/or
D) An intersection of two residential neighborhood collector (through) streets
of similar design and operating characteristics where Multi-way stop control
would improve traffic operational characteristics of the intersection.
Based on this review, both Options A and C support the installation of a 4-way stop at this
intersection. I recommend the traffic control at this intersection be changed to a 4-way stop
condition in accordance with the standards set forth by the MMUTCD and the MnDOT
Road Design Manual.
Being this intersection is on the State Aid system and was installed using State Aid funds, I
have discussed this potential modification with the District State Aid Engineer. The State
does not have any objections with the installation of a 4-way stop in this location.
In discussing this change with the street department, the sign modifications can be
completed by city staff. The changes would include the removal of the pedestrian crossing
signage and replacement with stop and stop ahead signs placed in accordance with
MMUTCD layouts. The street department will remove and inventory the pedestrian
crossing signs for reuse elsewhere on the system in the future. The costs associated with the
signing modifications will be $451 and come from the street maintenance sign budget.
In addition to the new signage at and in advance of the intersection, temporary `traffic
control change ahead' signs will be placed to warn motorists of the change. These signs will
be left in place for a few months or until motorists get used to the change. The police
department will also be asked to spend some time near the intersection to help raise
awareness of the traffic control change.
N:\Public Bodies\City Council\Council RCA\Agenda Packet\02-142011\Engineering Update.docx
If the Council supports the proposed change, I will place this item on the February 22, 2011,
agenda for the adoption of a formal resolution directing the installation of a 4-way stop
condition at the intersection of 193`d Avenue and Xavier Street.
I will be at the February 14, 2011 City Council workshop to answer any questions you may
have on this item.
N:\Public Bodies\City Council\Council RCA\Agenda Packet\02-142011\Engineering Update.docx
Intersection Photo 1/31/11
Xavier St. at 193rd Ave.
Stopped at stop baron Xavier
Street looking west at an eye
height of 3.5-feet.
Sight Distance = 115-feet
Intersection Photo 1/31/11
Xavier St. at 193rd Ave.
Stopped on Xavier Street at edge of
traffic lane looking west at an eye
height of 3.5-feet.
Sight Distance = 190-feet
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Intersection Photo 1/31/11
Looking east along 193rd Ave. 400-
feet west of Xavier Street at an
object height of 4.25-feet
Intersection Photo 1/31/11
Looking east along 193rd Ave. 400-
feet west of Xavier Street at an
object height of 4.25-feet
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