Laserfiche WebLink
Ms. Michele McPherson <br />April 11, 2002 <br />Page Two <br /> <br />Orono Parkway and Joplin Street to Main Street. Current traffic counts taken in <br />1999 (additional counts are taken every four years and are scheduled for next <br />year) show a total average daily traffic of 850 vehicles on Orono Parkway. A 2- <br />lane, divided roadway with minimal turning movements such as Orono Parkway <br />can easily handle 7,000 to 10,000 vehicles per day before consideration should be <br />given to turning it into a 4-lane facility. Therefore, based on the relatively minor <br />volume of traffic currently on Orono Parkway, we see no reason to consider <br />expanding the number of lanes by narrowing the medians to provide two lanes of <br />traffic in each direction. <br /> <br />3. INTERSECTION OF ORONO PARKWAY AND JOPLIN STREET <br /> <br />With the elimination of Orono Road through the City Hall site, the intersection of <br />Orono Parkway and Joplin Street will likely see an increase in traffic. Currently, <br />that intersection has stop sign control on Orono Parkway with no traffic control for <br />vehicles traveling on Joplin Street. Consideration should be given to installing a 4- <br />way stop at this intersection to help facilitate the larger volume of traffic anticipated. <br />A 4-way stop sign is typically utilized at areas where the volume of traffic on each <br />road of the intersection is approximately the same. This will likely be the case at <br />this intersection, with the exception of Orono Parkway to the west, which <br />essentially serves only the townhouse development and Sandpiper Estates. <br /> <br />4. FIRE STATION WARNING DEVICE <br /> <br />Staff is currently reviewing the options available for warning the motoring public on <br />Orono Parkway of the presence of the fire station. Signing is the most typically <br />used type of warning device; however, staff is reviewing with Mn/DOT the <br />appropriateness of some type of flasher which potentially could be activated when <br />a fire vehicle is about to exit the building onto Orono Parkway. Staff will present <br />more information to the City Council on this issue when it becomes available. <br /> <br />5. ORONO PARKWAY IMPROVEMENTS <br /> <br />We are currently working on construction plans and specifications for the <br />necessary improvements to Orono Parkway. We will be bringing these forward to <br />the City Council for plan approval and authorization to advertise for bids in the near <br />future. The proposed improvements consist of closing median openings no longer <br />needed, creating new median openings to service the new City Hall expansion, <br />and modifications to the median. Currently, the median area is mounded earth that <br />is sodded. It is the intent of the plans and specifications to lower the median to the <br />curb height for the entire width of the median to improve visibility. Together with <br />this, the street lights will also need to be lowered. This lowering is planned for the <br />entire length of the median. An irrigation system will be installed. Currently, the <br />City Hall architects are reviewing plant treatment options for use in the median <br />area. <br /> <br /> Howard R, Green Company <br />Ltr 4-11-02 McPherson[1] CONSULTING ENGINEERS <br /> <br /> <br />