8.1 SR 10-18-2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Manage Street Networks Congestion problems on local roads, often related to difficulties crossing Highway 169, Highway 10, or the BNSF railroad tracks, can create secondary challenges that need to be managed. Entering the downtown at Jackson Avenue and the BNSF railroad crossing is an essential example of this. Most notably when congestion is at high levels, motor- ists maybe incentivized to take alternate routes through the city to reach their destination. In the case of downtown, CSAH 42/Parrish Avenue offers an option for crossing the Mississippi River. People taking this route create new congestion in downtown. Similarly, a location like Line Avenue can serve as a "short cut" between Main Street and Twin Lakes Road during peak hours, causing higher levels of traffic than desirable for the residential portions of this corridor. Prioritize Downtown for a Detailed Traffic Study To keep traffic aligned with the road types they are intended for, an analysis of Elk River's local street system connections and opportunities is recommended. This could be in the form of detailed traffic studies that eval- uate existing and future traffic and serve as the basis for changes such as access modification, lane closures, or possible conversion to one-way streets at select locations where that is feasible. An August 2021 study initiated by the Elk River Housing Authority did just that for a portion of downtown. The study determined that conversion of Jackson Street to a one-way road, despite gaining addi- tional parking spaces, would result in other negative impacts to traffic circulation especially on Main Street. This study will support the creation of a Downtown Master Plan, further discussed is in the Economic Development Plan chapter. Additional studies maybe necessary to coordi- nate transportation improvements with other envisioned downtown plans or projects. Studies like the recommended analysis of downtown and the Highway 10 corridor east of the Highway 101/10/169 interchange, as shown in the Potential Studies map, will help address access concerns and manage the network so that traffic patterns are in alignment with the intended users. The potential realignment of or creation of new roadway corridors in Elk River, as shown in the Roadway Realignment map on page 83, could also require analysis for changes in travel patterns. Future design studies for new or realigned corridors should include traffic analysis so that design features can be incorporated to manage traffic movements as necessary. Study the Potential Impact of "Curbside" Delivery Transportation planners are noting the emergence of a wide variety of options for delivery and the movement of goods from business to business and, increasingly, directly from business to the end user. The changing landscape of shipment is placing new stresses on local transportation systems. For instance, "curbside demand" is becoming an issue for both businesses and residences as short-term parking space is needed to complete delivery of goods. At the same time, there are also demands by other users for additional roadway space dedicated to uses such as long-term destination parking and bicycle lanes. These changing demands can occur over the course of a single day (e.g. morning demands versus nighttime demands) or with the change of a season (summertime public space versus winter snow management). As part of a future study for downtown Elk River traffic congestion and parking capacity, the city should consider and incorporate policies around the use of curbside space that provides direction for allowed uses while also recognizing varied needs at the curb. 0 Potential Studies Currently Being Studied Corridor for Potential Study 10 .r 86 Transportation & Mobility Plan • Elk River Comprehensive Plan I01A-11aa9i1M0:LV/l: LVAN0101VA