HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-07-22 Meeting PacketAGENDA
Regular Meeting of the
Edina Transportation Commission
6:00 PM, Thursday, July 22, 2004
Edina City Hall
4801 West 50th Street
Community Room
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I. Approve Minutes from June 26, 2004.
II. Presentation and Review of Transportation Commission Policy (Revisions)
a. Policy Revisions*
b. Appendix B — Traffic Management Devices/Measures*
c. Appendix C — Application Request
d. Appendix D — Petition-to-Study
III. Handout — Examples of Traffic Calming in Minnesota*
IV. Review/Discussion/Recommendations of Transportation Commission Policy
(continued from previous meeting)
a. Title Sheet
b. Table of Contents
c. Introduction
d. Policy Framework
e. Plan Implementation
f. Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan
g. Appendix A — Definitions
h. Appendix B — Traffic Management Devices/Measures
V. Other Governmental Activities
VI. Adjournment
* Note: Attachment included.
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AGENDA
Regular Meeting of the
Edina Transportation Commission
6:00 PM, Thursday, July 22, 2004
Edina City Hall
4801 West 50th Street
Community Room
I. Approve Minutes from June 24, 2004.
II. Presentation and Review of Transportation Commission Policy (Revisions)
a. Policy Revisions*
b. Appendix B — Traffic Management Devices/Measures*
c. Appendix C — Application Request
d. Appendix D — Petition-to-Study
III. Handout — Examples of Traffic Calming in Minnesota*
IV. Review/Discussion/Recommendations of Transportation Commission Policy
(continued from previous meeting)
a. Title Sheet
b. Table of Contents
c. Introduction
d. Policy Framework
e. Plan Implementation
f. Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan
g. Appendix A — Definitions
h. Appendix B — Traffic Management Devices/Measures
V. Other Governmental Activities
VI. Adjournment
* Note: Attachment included.
Proposed Changes to Edina Transportation Commission Policy (Draft)
Joni Kelly Bennett
July 22, 2004
I. INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
Sustaining, improving and operating a sound street and transportation system are
integral parts of the long-term vision of the City. [Ceasistent_w_ith_the--Transpertatien
Plan.] Congestion on the regional roadway system and the failure of that system to
accommodate the continued growth in traffic volumes has created and exacerbated
traffic volumes, speed and congestion on local streets. [As such-these-de-ficiencies
-afe] These conditions adversely affect[ifig] the quality of life of the City's residents
and the activities of the businesses located in the City. (Edina City Code, Section
1225.01)
The Edina City Council in December 2003 established the Transportation
Commission to address these issues and to work to improve the local transportation
system, [to-stayl consistent with the City Comprehensive Plan and Vision 20/20.
PURPOSE
The Edina Transportation Commission (ETC) was established to advise[gj the
Council on matters relating to the operation of the local street system with respect to
traffic volumes, congestion, and functional classification, but not maintenance
activities, of the City; [The-ETC--wilifto review and comment on plans to enhance
mass transit opportunities in the City; [T-he-E-T-C—wi41-to evaluate methods for traffic
calming and other speed and volume mitigation measures and to recommend their
implementation where appropriate; and [T-he-E-T-e-will] to review the findings of the
local Traffic Task Force (2002-2003) and offer recommendations for
implementation. (Edina City Code, Section 1225.02)
VISION
Edina ishaltrwill maintain a [stFeet± transportation system that will accommodate
the efficient movement of people and goods throughout the City while [-itittervatively--
-Gyeating-a-preeminent-plaee-of] fostering safe and livable neighborhoods connected
by aesthetically beautiful, I-beautified] pedestrian and bicycle friendly streets and
pathways.
Edina Transportation Commission Meeting
July 22, 2004
To: ETC Members and Staff
From: Les Wanninger
Subject: Comments on Draft Transportation Commission Policy
I thought it might help move the meeting along if I summarize some of my comments
about the draft Policy and suggested changes by Commissioners Bennett and White.
Some overall thoughts:
1. I think it essential that we have such a Policy to help guide our future discussions
and actions. It is important to have principles and guidelines in place so that
when we say "no" to a request or proposal (as we will often need to do) we have
a consistent basis for doing so. I believe the Draft Policy is a very good starting
point, and after discussion among the Commissioners we ought to be able to
come to consensus on any changes and then adopt it. It will never be perfect,
but as we learn over time if we see need for modifications we can address them.
2. It seems to me that one of our challenges is to affect the overall attitude about
driving, bicycling and walking. Drivers more and more seem to be ignoring stop
signs and lights, speeding and trying to intimidate other drivers, bicyclists and
pedestrians. Whether this is partly out of frustration with traffic congestion, more
pressure on the job after downsizing, an attitude of "my rights" as opposed to "my
responsibilities", it is certainly a major change in public attitude from a generation
ago. Bicyclists, while wary of automobiles, routinely ignore stop signs, pass cars
stuck in traffic, and cause problems for pedestrians. Pedestrians ignore
crosswalks and stop signs. I suggest the ETC consider sponsoring a public
relations program to help change attitudes of our residents (and those who drive
through) to one of respecting and accepting individual responsibilities about
driving, bicycling and walking.
3. Facts, emotions and perceptions. I remember street cars (light rail). They were
great when the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area was much smaller, walking
to a street car and the grocery was the norm and people set their work and
personal travel schedules according to street car time tables. Then came the
campaign to get rid of street cars and replace them with much more flexible and
air conditioned buses. Emotion and perceptions guided that change,
accompanied by the explosion in automobile ownership after WWII. I suggest
that one of the challenges and responsibilities of the ETC will be to gather facts
from Edina residents relative to various transportation and public transit
alternatives to help us balance the emotions and perceptions for or against public
transit and the tradeoffs that would occur.
Specific comments on the Draft Policy:
1. Page 2, Design item 4. I agree with Comm. White relative to including design of
arterials in the ETC domain, but suggest some wording to separate the aspect of
through traffic (arterials are intended for that) from the local calming aspects. For
example, France Avenue.
2. Page 3, Function item 9. As above, I suggest education become an ETC activity.
3. Page 4, Maintenance/Operation item 2. I would add similar items on other
frontage roads, e.g. Braemar/Hwy 169 that interacts with Eden Prairie,
Bloomington and Hopkins.
4. Page 4, Maintenance/Operation item 5. I support Comm. White's suggestion.
5. Page 4, Transit Item 7. See above comments regarding gathering facts.
6. Page 5, Parking item 3. I think that prior to recommending specific Park and
Ride sites, we should determine a policy about such locations, e.g. in a
commercial or industrial area and not in a park, residential area or school.
Further, we need to gather facts — who would a Park and Ride support (who
would use it, when, and to/from where), what effect would it have on local and
cut-through traffic in that area, etc.
7. Page 5, Parking item 4 and 5. I agree with Comm. White's suggestions.
8. Page 5, Pedestrian items 1 and 2. I agree with Comm. White's suggestions.
9. Page 5, Pedestrian. I suggest adding a point 6 along the lines of "Promote safe
walking, bicycling and driving, with car driver respect for bicycles and
pedestrians, and with bicycle and pedestrian observance of signs and designated
paths".
10. Page 5, Funding item 1. I believe that transit should be one important
component of the transportation funding picture, but that it should not be singled
out for funding. One of the major reasons for the financial crisis in California is
that many initiatives were given dedicated funding without tying that into the
overall budget and economic picture.
11. Page 5, Funding. Is there a small budget to support studies the ETC might
decide to pursue, such as traffic calming experiments, a public relations program
on citizen attitudes about traffic responsibility, etc.?
12. Page 8, Neighborhood Plan. I agree with Comm. Bennett's addition.
13. Page 15, Removal. It is not clear which residents are to be the ones charged for
calming devices and removal — just those who petition for it, or those who want it
removed, or everyone in the affected area (I assume it is the latter).
14. I appreciate Appendices A and B on Definitions and Calming Devices.
CITY OF EDINA
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION POLICY
July 2004
Contributors:
Transportation Commission
Joni Bennett it I Dean DoVolis
Warren Plante
Fred Richards (Chair)
William Skallerud
Marie Thorpe
Les Wanninger
Jean White
Steven L. Lillehaug, RE., Traffic Engineer/Assistant Engineer
Wayne D. Houle, P.E., Public Works Director/City Engineer
City of Edina Engineering
City of Edina Transportation Policy i July 2004
I. INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
Sustaining, improving and operating a sound street and transportation system are integral
parts of the long-term vision of the City consi ten ith e ransp rta on Plan.
Congestion on the regional roadway system and t e allure of t at system to
accommodate the continued growth in traffic volumes has created and exacerbated traffic
volumes, speed and congestion on local streets. As such, these deficiencies are adversely
affecting the quality of life of the City's residents and businesses located in the City.
The Edina City Council in December 2003 established the Transportation Commission to
address these issues and improve the local transportation system to stay consistent with
the Comprehensive Plan and Vision 20/20.
PURPOSE
The Edina Transportation Commission (ETC) advises the Council on matters relating to
the operation of the local street system with respect to traffic volumes, congestion, and
functional classification, but not maintenance activities, of the City. The ETC will review
and comment on plans to enhance mass transit opportunities in the City. The ETC will
evaluate methods for traffic calming and other speed and volume mitigation measures and
recommend their implementation where appropriate. The ETC will review the findings
of the Local Traffic Task Force and offer recommendations for implementation.
VISION
Edina shall maintain a street system that will accommodate the efficient movement of
people and goods throughout the City while innovatively creating a preeminent place of
safe and livable neighborhoods, beautified pedestrian and bicycle friendly streets and
pathways.
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City of Edina Transportation Policy 1 July 2004
II. POLICY FRAMEWORK
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The Edina Transportation Commission Policy was developed as a s plement to the City
of Edina Transportation Plan (March 1999). The purpose of this policy is to guide the
ETC in the identification and evaluation of traffic and transportation issues in the
community and the prioritization of projects and improvements to the transportation
system.
CITY OF EDINA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION POLICY
The City of Edina Transportation Commission Policy implements the purposes and
objectives of the ETC as provided in Section 1225 of the City Code (Transportation
Commission). The Policy also supplements the amended policies of the Transportation
Plan as follows:
Roadway Design
1. Design roadway facilities constructed in conjunction with new developments
according to the intended function.
2. Upgrade existing roadways when warranted by demonstrated volume, safety or
functional needs, taking into consideration environmental limitations.
3. Emphasize improvements to management, maintenance and utilization of the
existing street and highway system.
4. Design residential street systems to discourage through traffic and to be compatible
with other transportation modes including transit, bicycle and walking, including
-2kt- traffic calming measures on local streets and, in some cases, collector streets. Also
AftP) include arte ials (White) rzA e'e.k4
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Use adequate transitions and buffers including but not limited to earth berms, walls, '-j!,--ick.e 4
landscaping and distance to mitigate the undesirable impact of high volume
roadways.
INTRODUCTION
6. Promote use of sound mitigating features (noise walls) and aesthetic barriers along
residential development adjacent to high volume roadways, and, where economically
feasible, make property owners and land developers responsible for noise attenuation
at new developments near high volume roadways.
7. Encourage beautification of local corridors such as planting boulevard trees,
decorative street lighting, monuments and other amenities (where appropriate).
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City of Edina Transportation Policy 2 July 2004
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Roadway Function and Access
1. Review and update regional and local functional street classification and coordinate
with adjacent cities and Hennepin County. Establish subcategory classifications and
criteria for local streets if warranted. Revise local roadway classifications when
warranted.
2. Provide logical street networks to connect residential areas to the regional highway
system and local activity centers.
3. Adequately control access points to the regional roadway system (including minor
arterials) in terms of driveway openings and side street intersections.
4. Provide access to the local street system (including collector and local streets) in a
manner that balances the need to safely and efficiently operate the street system with
the need for access to land.
Review and monitor citywide traffic volumes, congestion, existing traffic calming
devices, accident history, vehicle violation history, speed limits and enforcement
annually.
(8t7t Educate public on vphicle operations., _
- . CLM•PAw
Review and recommelia—tratfic calming policies and consider traffic calming
implementation where requested by residents.
Implement measures to reduce non-local, cut-through traffic in cooperation with
County and State efforts by developing a local traffic calming policy to mitigate the
effects of cut-through traffic. Identify the origin and destination of cut-through
traffic. 2
12. When requested by the Planning Commission, review landuse that may impact traffic
implementations. Continue to monitor adjacent community redevelopment and
activity that impact the City of Edina.
5.
6.
7.
8.
10.
11.
Encourage intra-area trips on minor arterials rather than the principal arterial system,
and promote serving regional trips on the metropolitan highway system.
Separate, to the extent possible, conflicting uses on the public street system in order
to minimize safety problems. Give special attention to pedestrian and bicycle routes.
Provide access to redeveloping sites using current functional classification and
standards rather than the existing access at the sites.
4
City of Edina Transportation Policy 3 July 2004
III. PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
This section provides the steps necessary to implement the transportation policies and
discusses a general strategy for carrying out the policies.
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION POLICY ADOPTION
By adopting the Transportation Commission Policy, the City Council will establish the
guidelines by which decisions regarding transportation facilities will be made in Edina. It
should be revised as necessary to respond to changing conditions and needs, both locally
and regionally.
The policy should be circulated widely so that residents and the business community are
aware of the opportunities and limitations that the policy provides, thus enabling all
interested parties to voice their concerns and issues with full knowledge.
ACTION PLAN
Short Term (Immediate):
• Review and approve Transportation Commission Policy:
o Review and identify problems and causes of Edina traffic issues
(determine what's fact versus perception).
o Establish Review volume and speed criteria.
o Present Draft Policy to Council.
o Open public comment period.
o Recommend to Council for approval.
• Review Local Traffic Task Force Findings and Recommendations as it reflects the
adoptive policies and procedures. Rank the six identified traffic "issue areas" and
review and recommend action for them as Neighborhood Traffic Management
Projects to the City Council.
• Review and approve a Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan (NTMP).
• Publicize transportation issues to be studied by ETC.
• Establish a means for public communication for transportation issues:
o City of Edina Web site ,-(occd-P Scivya
o About Town (Jul boidCpct( '
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o Public Access Station 16 CAAP o Edina Sun Newspaper
• Create a citizen's guide to transportation issues
City of Edina Transportation Policy 6 July 2004
Repo 1999-01
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• Effective Traffic Calming
111 Applications and Implementation
Minnesota Local Road
Research Board
EXAMPLES OF TRAFFIC CALMING IN MINNESOTA
Examples of what various cities in Minnesota are implementing in terms of traffic calming are included on
the following pages. Located on local, collector, and arterial roadways, these projects are intended to serve
as a reference for municipalities who are considering the installation of a traffic calming device. Some of
the projects were failures, some successes, but all should prove to be an excellent learning tool. Most of
the information was provided by SRF Consulting Group, Inc. and was obtained through the survey
conducted in early 1997. These projects were not cited in the "Traffic Calming Activity in Minnesota"
report since that report focused mainly on higher functioning roads. Residents' reactions to the traffic
calming devices are summarized in the table as positive (+), negative (-), or neutral (N). If the reaction is
that of an adjacent business owner, the symbol is followed by an asterisk.
35
ON
Traffic Calming Summary Data
City Project Location Project Description Date Road
Class
Reasons for
Project
Actual/Perceived
Outcomes
Negative
Impacts
Resident
Reaction
Contact Person &
Other Comments
Andover Narcissus St.
between Bunker Lake
Blvd. and Round
Lake Blvd.
Temporary speed
humps; Street closure;
Increased police
patrols; Extensive
neighborhood
participation.
Aug,
1996
Cut-through traffic Scott Erickson:
(612) 755-5100
Temporary speed
bumps removed after
2 weeks at the
request of the
neighborhood.
Chuck Lenthe:
(612) 785-6188
Partially funded by
develoyer.
Chuck Lenthe:
(612) 785-6188
Example of
unwarranted stop
sign installation that
seems to have
corrected a problem.
BlaMe 129th Ave. between
Isanti Rd. and
Radisson Rd.
Median island; Street
narrowing; One-way
streets,
Fall,
1996
Local
Street
Proposed development
included traffic
calming measures.
Blaine Jefferson St. between
120th Lane and
Madison St.
Temporary street
closure (since
removed); Stop signs.
May,
1991
Local
Street
Accident experience;
Resident
dissatisfaction with
street environment.
Improved safety for
non-motorized
users;
Change the
psychological feel
of the street.
N
Brooklyn
Center
Indiana Avenue and
71st Avenue North
Traffic Circle 1983 Local
Street
Organize traffic
entering and exiting
St. Alphonsus
Catholic Church
Campus on Sundays.
Neighborhood
meetings were held
to decide what device
to implement.
Brooklyn
Center
Unity Avenue Speed humps 1993 Local
Street
Reduce speeding and
cut-through-traffic in a
multi-family
residential
neighborhood.
Residents felt the
additional signage
required and
painting were
"unsightly."
Speed humps were
installed according to
the ITE template.
Brooklyn
Park
West River Rd. and
Riverdale Dr.
between 73 Ave.
and Brookdale Dr.
Street closures Aug,
1992
Local
Street
Cut-through traffic
(diverting from
TH252);
High vehicular speeds;
High traffic volumes.
Reduction of cut-
through traffic;
Reduction in
vehicle speeds;
Reduction in traffic
volumes.
More difficult
access for
emergency vehicles
and transit.
+
Bumsville Knox Dr. between
Burnsville Parkway
and 136th St.
Speed humps Aug,
1996
Local
Street
Resident
dissatisfaction with
street environment;
Cut-through traffic;
Perception of high
vehicle speeds or
traffic volumes,
Reduction of cut-
through traffic;
Maintenance of
neighborhood
character,
Reduction in
vehicle speeds.
More difficult
access for
emergency,
maintenance, snow
removal vehicles;
Poor drainage in
winter.
+ Chuck Ahl:
(612) 895-4544
.11111111 JUN .111111111 .1111111 ..111111 ...1111111 imalli.J11111.1.11111111W.11111...111111.AMB .J11111
Traffic Calming Summary Data
City Project Location Project Description Date Road
Class
Reasons for
Project
Actual/Perceived
Outcomes
Negative
Impacts
Resident
Reaction
Contact Person &
Other Comments
Duluth Jefferson St. at 17th
Ave. E.
36' diameter traffic
circle; Speed hump.
Aug,
1995
Local
Street
,
High vehicular speeds;
Cut-through traffic;
Resident
dissatisfaction with
street environment;
Perception of high
vehicle speeds or
traffic volumes.
Reduction in
vehicle speeds,
traffic volumes,
collisions, and cut-
through traffic;
Additional
gxeenety, Improved
safet .
More difficult
access for
maintenance and
snow removal;
Snow storage
impacts.
+ Bob McCubbin:
(218) 723-3347
Community is
planting flowers in
the circle.
Eagan Deerwood Drive
•
•
Converging chevron
pavement markings,
"30 mph" pavement
message, high
visiblility "wind
spinners" on existing
speed limit signs, and
installation of a
pedestrian crosswalk
using pavement
markings.
1997 Minor
Collector
Residents petitioned
for a stop sign to be
installed. in the
neighborhood to slow
traffic down. Since
the stop sign did not
meet any warrants for
installation in the
MUTCD, other
methods were used to
reduce traffic speeds.
Before/after speed
studies indicated
that the 85th
percentile speed
limits were reduced
by 5-7 mph. 83% of
the residents felt
that the pavement
markings were the
most effective.
Pre and post
improvement surveys
were mailed out to
access the residential
perception and
inform them of the
proposed
improvements.
Eden Prairie Homeward Hills Rd.
between Sunnybrook
Rd and Anderson
Lakes Pkwy.
Prohibition of
northbound right turns
during peak AM hour.
Major
Collector
Cut-through traffic;
High traffic volumes;
Traffic management
Reduction in cut-
through traffic;
Reduction in traffic
volumes,
+ Alan Gray:
(612) 949-8320
Considered an
effective means of
curtailing cut-
through traffic.
Eden Prairie Dell Rd. at Evener
Way
Creation of right-
in/right-out situation
at intersection using
turn restrictions and a
trumpet island,
Minor
Collector
Cut-through traffic;
High traffic volumes;
Traffic management.
Reduction of cut-
through traffic;
Reduction in traffic
volumes,
More difficult
access for
emergency,
maintenance, and
left turning
vehicles.
N Alan Gray:
(612) 949-8320
Recent survey
indicates area
residents prefer
removal.
Farmington 187th St. between
Pilot Knob and
English Ave.
Median island;
Landscaping.
Local
Street
Requested by
developers of new
housing subdivision.
Reduction in
vehicle speeds;
Additional
greenery.
Increased
maintenance costs.
+
Hopkins Main Street Choker; Protected
parking bays;
Streetscape materials.
1991 Business
dissatisfaction with
street environment;
Desire to increase on-
street parking.
Additional
greenery;
Increased parking.
+*
,
Traffic Calming Summary Data
City Project Location Project Description Date Road
Class
Reasons for
Project
Actual/Perceived
Outcomes
Negative
Impacts
Resident
Reaction
Contact Person &
Other Comments
Minneapolis Lowry Hill East
Neighborhood
Installation of 15
chokers and 6 speed
humps as part of
neighborhood
r - s avin ! I ro. ect.
Oct,
1996
Minor
Collector
Resident
dissatisfaction with
street environment;
Traffic management.
None + Bill Bruneau:
(612) 673-5750
Minneapolis Intersections of W.
43rd St. and
Washburn Ave. S.
and W. 43rd St. and
Vincent Ave. S.
Traffic circles at both
intersections.
Sept,
1996
Local
Street
Perception of high
vehicle speeds or
traffic volumes;
Cut-through traffic;
Resident
dissatisfaction with
street environment.
Reduction in
vehicle speeds;
Reduction in traffic
volumes;
Reduction of cut-
through traffic.
None
,
+ Jim Daire:
(612) 673-3244
Funded by
neighborhood.
Plymouth South Shore Dr.
between 10th Ave.
and 13th Ave.
5 speed humps Jun,
1995
Minor
Collector
Resident
dissatisfaction with
street environment;
High vehicular speeds;
Traffic creates a
barrier to
pedestrian/bike
movement.
Reduction in
vehicle speeds;
Change the
psychological feel
of the street;
Increased
community life and
vitality.
Dissatisfied
residents routinely
honk horns to
protest.
+ Fred Moore:
(612) 509-5501
Plymouth Peony Lane and 19th
Ave. between CR 6
and 200 Ave.
2 speed humps
•
Sept,
1996
Minor
Collector
Resident
dissatisfaction with
street environment;
High vehicular speeds;
Traffic creates a
barrier to
pedestrian/bike
movement.
Reduction in
vehicle speeds;
Improved safety for
non-motorized
users;
Increased
community life and
vitality.
Increased noise at
one of the speed
humps.
4- Fred Moore:
(612) 509-5501
Seen as a test project
for typical residential
minor collector
streets.
Prior Lake Coachman Lane
between CSAH 21
and Carriage Hills
Parkway
Colored concrete
median islands;
Street narrowing;
Landscaping.
1992-
1996
Local
Street
New development;
Cut-through traffic;
Perception of high
vehicle speeds or
traffic volumes,
Reduction in
vehicle speeds;
Change the
psychological feel
of the street;
Additional
greenery.
Snow storage
impacts;
Right-in/right-out
access to
driveways.
N Jeffery Evens:
(612) 4474230
Funded by developer.
Richfield W. 70th St between
Penn Ave. and
Xerxes Ave.
Strategies to minimize
cut-through traffic on
W. 70th St.: Stop
signs; Yield signs;
Left turn arrow at
70th/York signal.
Nov,
1996
Local
Street
Cut-through traffic;
High traffic volumes;
Accident experience,
Reduced collision
frequency and
severity,
Reduction in
through traffic.
Unwarranted stop
signs and traffic
diversion;
Opposition from
residents on
diversion routes.
+ _ Tom Foley:
(612) 861-9791
Traffic Calming Summary Data _
City Project Location
—..,
26`" St NE at Viola
Heights Dr.
,—,_
Project Description
Semi-diverter
Date
Jun,
1996
Road
Class
Local
Street
Reasons for
Project
Resident
dissatisfaction with
street environment;
High vehicular speeds;
High traffic volumes.
Actual/Perceived
Outcomes
Maintenance of
neighborhood
character,
Reduction of cut-
throughtraffic;
Reduction in traffic
volumes.
Negative
Im acts
More difficult
access for public
transit; No
alternative route
was provided.
Resident
Reaction
+
Contact Person &
Other Comments
David Rossman:
(507) 281-6194
Partially funded by
developer.
Rochester
Rochester l" Ave. SE/NE from
1" St. SE to I" St
NE
On street angle
parking
1993 Local
Street
Need for increased
parking;
Business
dissatisfaction with
street environment;
Land use or zoning
changes.
Increased parking;
Additional
greenery.
Snow storage
impacts.
* David Rossman:
(507) 281-6194
St. Cloud 25th Ave. N. (1" St.
to I2th St); 33rd Ave.
N. (8th St to 12th St)
Delineation of parking
lanes with paint
Jul,
1995
Use of parking lanes
as driving lanes, thus
turning a
2-lane roadway into a
4-lane roadway.
Steve Gaetz:
(320) 255-7241
St. Louis
Park
Excelsior Blvd.
between France Ave.
and TH 100
Street narrowing;
Choker, Landscaping;
Turn restrictions;
Median island;
Marked crosswalks;
Protected parking
bays. ,
Jun,
1994
Minor
Arterial
Land use or zoning
changes;
Resident
dissatisfaction with
street environment;
Traffic creates barrier
to pedestrian/bike
movement.
Change the
psychological feel
of the street;
Increase in
pedestrian, bike,
&/or transit use;
Additional
greenery.
+ Mike Rardin:
(612) 924-2555
St Louis
Park
W. 381 St between
France Ave. and
Excelsior Blvd.
Strategies to minimize
cut-through traffic on
W. 381 St.: Diagonal
diverter, Stop signs.
Trumpet island; Turn
restrictions (only
right-in/right-out from
31" to Louisiana Ave.)
Jun,
1993
Minor
Collector
Local
Street
Resident
dissatisfaction with
street environment;
Perception of high
vehicle speeds or
traffic volumes;
Cut-through traffic.
Accident experience;
Traffic management.
Reduction of cut-
through traffic;
Reduction in traffic
volumes;
Reduction in
vehicle speeds.
Reduction in traffic
volumes;
Reduced collision
frequency and
severity.
Stop sign
noncompliance has
increased.
+ Mike Rardin:
(612) 924-2555
Mike Rardin:
(612) 924-2555
St Louis
Park
31" St. at Louisiana
Ave.
...
Traffic Calming Summary Data _
City Project Location Project Description Date Road
Class '
Reasons for
Project
Actual/Perceived
Outcomes
Negative
Impacts
Resident
Reaction
Contact Person &
Other Comments
St Paul Summit Ave. at
Ramsey Hill
Median island
Elimination of one
traffic lane.
.
-
Minor .
Arterial
' -
Perception of high
vehicle speeds or •
traffic volumeS;
Resident ,
dissatisfaction with
street environment
Traffiernanagement
Increase in
pedestrian, bike,
&tor transit use;
Reduction in traffic
volumes; '
Reduction ofcut-
throught-affic. -
. + Tom Staciskiev:
(651) 266-6217
St Paul
.
Highland Parkway at
Woodlawn Ave.
Median islands;
Marked crosswalks;
Choker.
Aug,
1996
.
Major' ' '
Collector
Perception of high_
vehicle speeds or '
traffic Volumes; . ''''
Traffic management -
Resident
dissatisfaction with
street environment.
.
Increase in '
pedestrian; bike,
bior transit use;
Maintenance of .
neighborhood
character,
Change the
psychological feel
of the street.
+
•
Tom Stadsklev:
(651) 266-6217
St. Paul Wabasha St. between
Kellogg Blvd. and 7th
St.
Reduction in number
of through lanes;
Addition of on-street
parking; Striped bike
lane; Choker (paint);
Marked crosswalks. '
Jul,
1996
'
Minor
Collector
Business '
dissatisfaction with
street environment
New development '
Traffic creates a
barrier to
pedestrian/bike
movement.
Change theT
psychological feel
of the street;
Increased
community life and
vitality,
Increase in
pedestrian, bike,
or transit use.
None 4-* Tom Eggum:
(651) 266-6099
St Paul Victoria at Goodrich
Ave. and Fairmount
Ave.
Chokers Aug,
1994
Minor
Collector
High vehicular speeds;
High traffic volumes;
Traffic management
,
Reduction in
vehicle speeds;
Reduction in traffic
• volumes;
Reduction of cut-
through traffic.
Complaints of
unsightly chevron
signs.
-
+ Tom Stadsklev:
(651)266-6217
St Paul Residential streets
throughout city
Basket weave stop
signs.
.
_
1983
-
1993
Local
Street
Perception of high
vehicle speeds or
traffic volumes; '
Accident experience; ,
High traffic volumes.
Reduced collision
severity and
frequency;
-Improved safety for
non-motorized
users;
Reduction in '
vehicle speeds. ' '
+
.
Bill Hagland:
(651) 266-6206
•
Traffic Calming Summary Data
Reasons for
Project .
Perception of high
vehicle speeds or
traffic volumes;
Resident
dissatisfaction with
street environment;
Traffic management.
Contact Person &
Other Comments
Tom Stadsklev:
(651) 266-6217
High vehicular speeds;
High traffic volumes;
Resident
dissatisfaction with
street environment.
Perception of high
vehicle speeds or
traffic volumes;
Safety concerns due to
nearby school and
playground;
Business
dissatisfaction with
street environment
Accident experience;
Traffic management;
High traffic volumes.
City Project Location Project Description Date Road
Class
St. Paul Shields Ave. and
Aldine St.
Chokers Aug,
1992
Local
Street
St. Paul Shields Ave. at Fry
St.
12' Traffic circle Aug,
1992
Local
Street
St. Paul Hillcrest Ave.
between Cleveland
Ave. and Kenneth St.
Choker; Street
narrowing; One-way
street.
Aug,
1995
Local
Street
White Bear Bald Eagle Ave. and Street closure of Bald 1996 Local
Lake Lincoln Ave. west of Eagle Ave. and Street
TH 96/TH 61
intersection
Lincoln Ave., which
were close to major
TH intersection;
Landscaping.
Actual/Perceived
Outcomes
Improved safety for
non-motorized
users;
Change the
psychological feel
of the street;
Reduction in
vehicle speeds.
Reduction in
vehicle speeds;
Reduction in traffic
volumes;
Change the
psychological feel
of the street.
Reduction in
vehicle speeds;
Increase in
pedestrian, bike,
&/or transit use;
Reduction in traffic
volumes.
Reduced collision
frequency and
severity,
Reduction in traffic
volumes;
Improved safety for
non-motorized
users.
Negative
Impacts
Resident
Reaction
Tom Stadsklev:
(651) 266-6217
+* Tom Stadsklev:
(651) 266-6217
Included on-street
bus-parking in
protected bay.
More difficult
access for
emergency vehicles
and transit
Mark Burch:
(651) 429-8563
CONCLUSION
Although every road authority will approach traffic calming in their own unique way, the manner in which
they go about implementing traffic calming will be of utmost importance. The Ottawa process provides an
excellent example of how traffic calming can be implemented successfully, but what works for one agency
may not work for another. Engineers must consider the uniqueness of their community, along with any past
experiences with traffic-related problems. Since residents' reactions will most often be the deciding factor
in whether a project is perceived as a success or failure, engineers must involve the community in the
decision making process. It will also be crucial to project success that the entire street network be
considered to assure that the traffic problem is not simply shifted to another street or neighborhood.
Success also depends on choosing the most appropriate traffic calming application. Despite the increasing
number of traffic calming projects, it was concluded in the initial study done by SRF Consulting Group,
Inc. that there is little hard data to determine the effectiveness of individual traffic calming devices or
techniques. Since the future of traffic calming depends largely on those implementing it today, the manner
in which future research is conducted is crucial to the development of these standards. Agencies must be
sure to collect and record before and after data such as ADT, 85th percentile speed, accident experience,
and residents' reactions, as well as such things as roadway classification, funding resources, and service
provider impacts so that others may benefit from what they have learned.
SRF Consulting Group, Inc., along with the Human Factors Research Laboratory at the University of
Minnesota, will be using the laboratory's wrap-around driving simulator to evaluate driver response to a
select number of traffic calming measures. Before and after data will also be collected on actual projects to
evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented devices at achieving their intended purpose. Final results
from these studies are expected by the Spring of 2000. It is the hope that with increased knowledge, traffic
calming will become an easier, more effective way of making our neighborhoods an enjoyable place to live.
43
From: Fred Richards [fsrichards@earthlink.net]
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2004 11:01 AM
To: Steve Lillehaug; Jmawhite@aol.com; Wayne Houle
Subject: RE: 494 Commission Guest
Good suggestions for this update. Jim Hovland, our councilmember and
person running for mayor, is also on this committee. We might check
with both these people to invite both and/or ask them who would be best
to update our Commission on the 494 Task Force. August or September
would be good time for this report. Fred
Original Message
From: Steve Lillehaug [mailto:slillehaug@ci.edina.mn.us]
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 4:50 PM
To: Jmawhite@aol.com; Wayne Houle
Cc: Fred Richards (E-mail); Steve Lillehaug
Subject: RE: 494 Commission Guest
Good afternoon Jean.
Thank you for your e-mail. I have passed this e-mail on to Fred via cc
of this e-mail.
It would be good to put this on the commission's agenda in the future.
I think it would best for the next month or two to concentrate efforts
on the policy and its revisions/approval. If OK with you, lets discuss
this a little more and possibly schedule this for September's meeting.
Additionally, Thursday night's (July) agenda has been distributed and is
pretty full - so August at the earliest if September doesn't work for
you.
Thanks. Steve.
Original Message
From: Jmawhite@aol.com [mailto:Jmawhite@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 3:25 PM
To: Wayne Houle; Steve Lillehaug
Subject: 494 Commission Guest
Wayne and Steve,
Could you forward to Fred Richard's this message? Thanks.
David Van Hattum from the 494 Corridor Commission would be happy to
speak
briefly about the work they are doing in Edina. He stated he could come
over at
the start of a meeting (on his way home from his office located within
walking
distance to City Hall).
Should I try to have him come to the July or August meeting?
Jean White
RQ
6-51 A)
et1 4^41,' ( 531 ar‘ aeroel=f
CORRECTIONS to the MINU'l ES
Of the Regular Meeting of the Edina Transportation Commission
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Before the Commission review ed the Transportation Commission Policy
Appendices, Bennett expressed some concerns regarding the draft policy
being developed and the timeframe in which it is being done. Bennett stated
that over the last month she researched other cities' transportation plans, and
found the City of Bloomington's plan, on which Steve Lillehaug had said he
modeled the draft Edina policy, to be very [>ilifwell organized. She stated
that Edina's draft planIL-,..,seigles] incorporates much of the Bloomington
plan, but with fairly significant alterations. ci es sy
rtrraraTT-e Bennett stated that the most significant difference was the
process by which Bloomington's Traffic and Transportation Advisory
Committee (TTAC) developed its plan. Bloomington's [I'latf] TTAC is well
established (20 years old). [;,et-T In 1997
fevise-their_golicy] the TTAC reviewed and revised the draft Bloomington
Transportation Policy, which then was adopted by the Bloomington City
Council. After working within the guidelines and framework of the
Transportation Policy for six years, the TTAC in 2003 undertook a year-long
review of traffic calming and the development of a Traffic Calming Policy.
The planning process includedk..(] twice a monthXmeetings, tours of
traffic calming devices in other cities, and {-siftutiaticnr with-I-a-demonstration
of the ability of a fire truck, emergency response vehicle, and articulated bus
to travel over and around traffic calming devices simulated with traffic cones
on a Bloomington residential street. She stated that Bloomington's
Commission members received information from Bloomington staff in 'bite-
sized chunks' so that they could absorb and assimilate the information. Staff
then prepared the draft of a plan that was finally adopted.
Bennett feels that Edina staff has given this commission a significant amount
of information that is new to her and that has been presented without a chance
for the Commission members to fully digest, understand, and give feedback
on such information. She believes some of the information is irrelevant and
not [4ucletteirial] useful to the Commission, while important information is
missing.
Bennett stated further, that in an attempt to fully understand what it is that the
Commission is trying to address, she sent questions to staff two weeks prior to
the regular scheduled monthly meeting, but [J.: . - •
g] was told in an e-mail from Steve
Lillehaug that Commission chairman Fred Richards had instructed Lillehaug
not to answer the questions pending the "collective judgment of the
commission". CA copy of the e-mails from Bennett to Lillehaug, Lillehaug to
Richards. Richards to Lillehaug, and Lillehaug to Bennett is attached.)
I - 9Y ,
.a I" • 11.1 011 ••-•
rou s ed to tether for scorin are all
responded that unless the streets
art of the stud area for notice comment
• •
Bennett stated that it is her hope that Edina would do the same as
Bloomington and take e he time necessary to
develop a fair and workable plan that would serve the community.
-[ After first moving to the agenda without
response, Richards stated that generally Edina does not compare itself to other
communities. He also [r_ginitidgYtold Bennett that at the first meeting all
Commission members agreed that individual Commission members would not
go to staff and request information on their own and if information was
requested, it would be decided upon by the Commission itself and then shared
with the entire Commission.
Subsection b. Appendix B — Traffic Management Devices/ Measures
Paragraph 3 Bennett stated she does not think the Commission should [
list rev,p;ye ih<.1g] all possible measures without
regard to or knowing how well different options work.
111. Review of Transportation Commission Policy (continued from previous
meeting)
a. Option B — Scoring for Ranking
Bennett asked staff to explain how multiple streets will be [ha ed] scored
according to newly-proposed scoring items seven (Average Daily Traffic
Volumes) and eight (Percent over speed limit). Each states that "for
intersection, street segments of multiple streets, use higher volume
street/street with higher speeds." Lillehaug said if five petitions are received
for a neighborhood, they will not be studied individually because the streets'
traffic volume may be linked together. Bennett [
• 9 -- VT •
and petition, it could give one area or neighborhood unfair advantage in
scoring for ranking over others. Her concern is that Edina's draft policy calls
for a much Usxwernarrower notice area, whereas Bloomington has a much
[1.>ii.g1T61 broader notice area.
b. Option B — Process and Schedule
ow w a e cu I - ecause t ey ye
the Commission does not know what the
current volume is of requests for traffic calming because it has not been given
that information, despite her request for it.
Bennett said " it $
Page 1 of 2
Pat Bennett
From: "Steve Lillehaug" <slillehaug@ci.edina.mn.us>
To: "Joni Bennet (E-mail)" <pbennett@mn.rr.com>
Cc: "Wayne Houle" <VVHoule@ci.edina.mn.us>; "Steve Lillehaug" <slillehaug@ci.edina.mn.us>
Sent: Tuesday, June 15, 2004 8:16 AM
Subject: FW: Questions re: traffic studies
Good morning Joni.
I am forwarding you an e-mail from Fred Richards regarding the information you requested.
You raised very good questions that would take a few full days of research to answer (some more difficult than others).
A few answers that you are looking for may be found in the Transportation Plan.
We will be sending out the agenda/packet for the June 24 Transportation Commission meeting today. As Chairman
Richards indicated, please bring your questions and comments in front of the Commission during the meeting ("Other
Governmental Activities" agenda item) so the commission may collectively review and recommend the issues that you
want staff to research.
Thank you. Steve Lillehaug
Original Message
From: Fred Richards [mailto:fsrichards@earthlink.net]
Sent: Monday, June 14, 2004 5:47 PM
To: Steve Lillehaug
Subject: RE: Questions re: traffic studies
Steve—in response to Commissioner Bennett's e-mail to you of June 11, it seems that that type of discussion should
occur at our open commission meetings where all commissioners can discuss in public those issues. I would hold off
staff input until our commissions can formulate its collective judgment on how we will proceed on substantive issues the
commission wishes to engage in. Please let Ms. Bennett know about these thoughts and have her give me a call if
she has any questions about proceeding in this fashion. Fred Richards
Original Message
From: Steve Lillehaug [mailto:slillehaug@ci.edina.mn.us]
Sent: Friday, June 11, 2004 12:29 PM
To: Fred Richards (E-mail)
Cc: Wayne Houle
Subject: FW: Questions re: traffic studies
Good afternoon Fred.
I am forwarding you an e-mail received from Commissioner Bennett. Please review and contact me to discuss
her request.
Thank you. Steve
Steven L. Lillehaug, P.E.
Edina Traffic Engineer/Assistant Engineer
Engineering Department
952-826-0445
slillehaug@ci.edina.mn.us
6/24/2004
Page 2 of 2
Original Message
From: Pat Bennett [mailto:PBENNETT@mn.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, June 11, 2004 1:50 AM
To: Steve Lillehaug
Subject: Questions re: traffic studies
Hello Steve—
To assist me in preparing for the next Transportation Commission meeting, would you please send me your
responses to the following questions?
1. For each of the past five years, how many neighborhood traffic studies have been requested?
2. For each of the past five years, how many neighborhood traffic studies have been conducted, even in part?
3. For each traffic study conducted: Who or what body requested the study? What was the subject and
location of the study? What public process (e.g., notice, questionnaire, neighborhood meeting(s),
neighborhood committee, etc.) was employed or facilitated? What measures were recommended? What
measures were adopted? What was the cost of the study?
4. When was 44th Street first designated a collector street?
5. Who or what entity requested the designation?
6. Does any other collector street in Edina run within a single neighborhood (as does 44th Street from France
Avenue to Wooddale Avenue) rather than between two neighborhoods? Where?
7. What is the official width of 44th Street?
8. What information was given to the Metropolitan Council by the City of Edina to serve as a basis for the Met
Council's traffic increase projections for the year 2020? I am interested most in information regarding northeast
Edina.
9. In the traffic study conducted in the Country Club neighborhood in the years 2000 and 2001, what was the
increase in daily traffic volume projected to take place on 44th Street with the closing of Sunnyside Road west
of Grimes Avenue and the creation of "one-way portals"?
With the Commission's next meeting scheduled for June 24th, I would appreciate receiving your response by
the end of next week. Thank you.
Joni Kelly Bennett
4003 Lynn Avenue
Edina MN 55416
pbennett@mn.rr.com
(952) 927-0661
6/24/2004