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January 22. 1997 <br />Page 2 <br /> <br />Speed Limit on TH 169: We have studied both the 45 and 55 MPH zones along Trunk Highway 169 in <br />the City of Elk River. The study shows that over 90% of the vehicles traveling this section of road go <br />faster than 45 MPH. The question is should we lengthen the speed trap or acknowledge that this is <br />realistically a 50-55 MPH zone and deal with this fact. We believe it is safer to deal with reality than to <br />display a false sense of security. We will continue to monitor the speeds in this area as development <br />occurs. The yellow flashing lights are being studied and, although they are well received by the public, <br />there are drawbacks which are currently being weighed. <br /> <br />In response to public concerns, we have taken steps to improve the safety of the crossings along Trunk Highway <br />169. The actions include relocating the signal detectors farther from the intersection in efforts to provide more <br />stopping time for vehicles when the signals change. Time has been added to the yellow 'and all red periods on <br />Trunk Highway 169 to provide additional clearance time for vehicles before the cross street traffic is released. I <br />have also submitted the City of Elk River as a candidate for a federally sponsored educational program for <br />pedestrians and bicycles entitled "Pedestrian Road Show". This is a 4 hour program sponsored by the Federal <br />Highway Department for up to 25 people to champion this review effort. I would envision the group would <br />consist of City, school and local citizens if selected. <br /> <br />Let me close in saying that we continue to work with the City on these capital improvements and that we are <br />open to all concerns. Since the tragic pedestrian accident the City and MnDOT have been and continue to <br />work on safety improvements along TH 169. The City has taken the lead on these improvements and plans to <br />conduct a public involvement process for the capital improvements. If I can be of further assistance or if you <br />would like to discuss in person, please call me. Have a safe new year! <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br />Thomas L. Dumont <br />Assistant District Traffic Engineer <br /> <br />CC: <br />D. L. Raisanen/G. N. Kreutzer-Baxter <br />Rick Arnebeck/Craig Robinson-St. Cloud <br />Gary Dirlam-Baxter <br />Terry Maurer-City of Elk River <br />Pat Klares, City Administrator-Elk River <br />Dave Soisrud-St. Cloud <br /> <br />Enclosures <br /> <br /> <br />