8.2. SR 05-19-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chapter 6: Transportation / 59 Elk River Comprehensive Plan bicycle facilities; however, the existing network is not connected to these improvements. There are seven locations on US 10 with trafﬁ c signals that provide accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross the highway. The seven signalized intersections include: 171st Avenue, Main Street, Jackson Avenue, Proctor Avenue, Upland Avenue, Joplin Street and Waco Street. There are no grade-separated crossings of US 10 today. It should also be noted that there are gaps at some of the intersections where a segment of sidewalk/trail is missing between the intersection with US 10 and the spot where the trail/sidewalks starts (sometimes the ﬁ rst cross street, sometimes after the ﬁ rst parcel, etc.). These gaps create problems for users – users ﬁ nd themselves trapped at the intersection. The Mississippi Connections redevelopment plan identiﬁ es the need for a grade separated crossing between downtown and the blocks to the north of the train tracks, in the area currently occupied by the American Legion. The proposed sidewalk and trail network map (Figure 6-6) shows these connections being addressed. The map also includes additional crossings on both US 10 and US 169. It should also be noted that the long-term plans to convert US 10 and US 169 to a freeway will include accommodations for both pedestrians and bicyclists at interchange and overpass locations. Because the future trail and sidewalk plan is very comprehensive, there are a number of proposed corridors throughout the city. The City should take the opportunity as part of its updates to the Transportation Plan and the Parks and Trails Plan to develop criteria that can be used to prioritize construction of trails/sidewalks in areas that are already developed (efforts for new trails/sidewalks should be included as a requirement for new development areas and for redevelopment sites). transportation corridors. Figure 6-7: Proposed Trails and Sidewalks shows the proposed trail/sidewalks. Along with facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists, transit is another opportunity to provide connections for those that cannot or choose not to drive. The City has been very supportive of Northstar Commuter Rail and has developed a station area that supports transit needs. Additional transit-supported development is expected in this area. As part of these efforts, there will be opportunities to include additional provisions for non-motorized trafﬁ c. Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossings (US 10 and US 169) The provision of safe and well-spaced crossings of US 10, US 169 and other high volume roadways for pedestrians and bicyclists is a concern for system users. Both US 10 and US 169 are larger transportation facilities that can be challenging for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross, especially during peak periods when trafﬁ c is congested. From a safety perspective, even though technically pedestrians have a right to cross the roadway at unmarked intersections, the true crossings on both US 10 and US 169 are at signalized intersections and on cross streets where there is a grade separation (interchange or overpass). Trafﬁ c signals play an important role in getting pedestrians and bicyclists across these busy roadways. They provide adequate gaps for both users to cross the roadway and they offer a controlled crossing that keeps their movement separated from motor vehicle movements. On US 169 there are six locations where there are facilities in place for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross the highway with the assistance of a trafﬁ c signal or a grade-separated (bridge, overpass or interchange) facility. Locations with trafﬁ c signals include: Main Street, School Street, Jackson/193rd, and 197th. There is a stand-alone pedestrian/bicycle bridge over US 169 between School Street and Jackson/193rd which connects to Freeport to the west of US 169 and to Dodge east of US 169. An interchange at 205th also includes pedestrian and