HomeMy WebLinkAboutTASK FORCE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS, 2003City of Edina
Local Traffic Task Force
Findings and Recommendations
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May 6, 2003
Edina City Council action taken on May 6th, 2003:
• Accepted Report.
• Adopted Frame Work for looking at issues.
• Requested staff to suggest composition of
potential adhoc committee.
Note: Council has not adopted Issue Areas
Contents
Contents................................................................................................................. i
ExecutiveSummary ............................................................................................... 1
EdinaStreet System.............................................................................................. 5
A Framework for Traffic Issues.............................................................................. 7
Area- Northeast Edina........................................................................................ 12
Area- Northwest Edina........................................................................................ 15
Area - Edina High School and Valley View Middle School ................................... 17
Area - Edina Community Center Area.................................................................. 19
Area- West 70th Street........................................................................................ 21
Area- France Avenue.......................................................................................... 23
Appendix A — Task Force Handouts.................................................................... 26
Executive Summary
Residents in Edina regard their quality of life as very high. Many factors contribute to this
opinion, including safe streets.
Challenges to the traffic needs of the community are created by policies and public habits that
are systemic and drive demand. More vehicles per household and more trip destinations,
such as: employment, commercial, entertainment, and recreational, cause more trips per
household and thus more demands on the system. A growing metropolitan area and a
regional roadway system that has not kept pace with this growth further complicates the
demands of more trips. Edina is no longer an outer -ring suburb that generates traffic to and
from a city center. Our City has become more of a destination and cut -through for non-
residents as well as our own residents.
The Local Traffic Task Force was created by the Edina City Council to provide criteria for
analyzing traffic on our local roadways and also institute a toolbox to creatively mitigate
traffic issues, such as speed and volume as they pertain to local streets. This document
contains the findings and recommendations of the Task Force.
Membership
Ten Edina residents served as members of the Local Traffic Task Force:
Bernie Beaver
Bill Crawford
Michael Fischer
Jennifer Janovy
Jay Lindgren
John Lonsbury (Chair)
Nels Nelson
Eileen Supple
Marie Thorpe
Jim Welna
The City Engineer/Director of Public Works, Wayne Houle, provided staff support and
technical assistance to the Task Force. Rusty Fifield of Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. was
retained by the City to facilitate the efforts of the Task Force.
Edina Local Traffic Tack Force Page 1
Fin&n
,gs and Recommendation (May 6, 2003)
Study Approach
The Task Force studied local traffic issues over an eight-month period from June 2002 to
February 2003. The search for understanding and solutions has gathered upon the unique
knowledge and experience of the citizen representatives of the Task Force and the technical
expertise of City Staff.
The work of the Task Force consisted of the following four elements:
1. Study the local traffic system. The initial efforts of the Task Force focused on the
review and discussion of the local traffic system. This review looked not only at local
streets, but also at traffic systems and development patterns around Edina that affect
the local system. The objective of this step was to establish an understanding of
intended operations, deficiencies, and pressures on the system. A listing of the
information reviewed during the study process appears in Appendix A.
2. Identify issues. The Task Force identified issues facing the local street system in
Edina. For the purposes of the Task Force's investigations, an "issue area" is a
location where the operation of the system results in traffic volumes or congestion
that exceed resident expectations. After identifying issue areas throughout Edina, the
Task Force found six priority areas for additional study. These areas are discussed
later in this report. It must be noted that the six areas do not represent the only parts
of the local street system with perceived traffic problems. The six areas chosen by the
Task Force were seen as being good case studies. By examining the issues and the
potential solutions in these areas the Task Force could provide the City Council with
guidance in applying the recommendations of the Task Force on future traffic issues.
3. Studying specific issues area. In examining the traffic issues in the six identified areas,
the Task Force used the following questions as a framework:
• What conditions make traffic in this area an issue?
• What are the known or suspected causes?
• What steps can be taken to address these conditions?
4. Prepare findings and recommendations. The Task Force was created to provide the
City Council with guidance on addressing both immediate and future traffic issues.
The final step in the study process was to report the key points learned from the Task
Force's explorations and its recommendations for improving the operation of the
local street system. While this report offers some specific solutions to the areas
selected for analysis and recommendations, the list of solutions is not intended to be
exhaustive of all possible solutions. Different traffic issues may require other
solutions.
Vision for Street System
Part of Edina's 20/20 Vision is to "be the preeminent place for living, learning, raising
families and doing business distinguished by a livable environment."
Edina Local Traffic Task Force
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
Page 2
The Task Force believes that the local street system in an important part of a livable
environment. The Task Force proposes a "vision" for the local street system to provide the
context for decision-making by describing the expectations and qualities desired by the
community. The vision of the Task Force for local streets includes the following elements:
• Local streets are defining elements of the community. They are both parts of
neighborhood and of a broader community street system.
• The primary purpose of local streets is to provide safe and efficient access to and
from homes. The foremost criteria for operation of local streets should be the needs
of Edina residents.
• Streets are more than ribbons of asphalt. The "street" includes sidewalks, trees,
lighting and signage. Streets should draw us out of our homes and into the
community.
• Local streets must be compatible with all forms of movement. Pedestrians, bicycles
and skaters, as well as motorized vehicles move along and across the streets.
• The design, operation and maintenance of local streets should seek to achieve this
vision.
• The vision for local streets is tied to a broader transportation system. Community
street corridors are needed to collect traffic from neighborhoods and allow people to
move within and out of the community. The failure to provide an adequate and
functional transportation system shifts traffic onto local streets and impairs Edina's
ability to realize this vision. Buses and other forms of mass transit are essential parts
of this transportation system.
Findings and Recommendations
During the course of the study process, the Task Force reviewed an extensive range of
studies, plans and information. Staff compiled this information into a notebook to serve as a
resource for future traffic management and planning. A list of the resource materials
provided to the Task Force appears in Appendix A.
Based on its review of information and investigation of local traffic issues, the Task Force
offers the following findings and recommendations:
1. The operation of the regional highway system plays an integral role in all local traffic
issues considered by the Task Force. Congestion on regional highways encourages
drivers to use Edina streets. Edina's unique location allows local streets to receive
this form of traffic from four regional highways. The layout of Edina's local street
system does not allow easy movement through the City.
2. The functional classification of Edina streets plays an essential role in managing local
traffic. This system provides streets that are intended to move traffic within and
through Edina. Similar to the highway system, deficiencies in the form and capacity
of the designated collectors and arterials shifts more traffic onto local (neighborhood)
Edina Local Traffic Task Force Page 3
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
streets. The lack of designated collectors in some neighborhoods creates issues on
the adjacent local street system.
3. Understanding issues and finding solutions requires a view not only within Edina, but
beyond Edina. Traffic comes from development inside and outside of Edina.
Examples of developments within Edina include Edinborough and Centennial Lakes,
and the recent Grandview Square. Examples of outside developments that currently
or will impact the local street systems include the Best Buy complex (Richfield), Opus
office park (Minnetonka), Golden Triangle (Eden Prairie), and Excelsior Boulevard
(St. Louis Park). It is also important to coordinate street systems with adjacent cities
to reduce opportunities for unwanted traffic in neighborhoods.
4. Solving local traffic issues must involve an educational component. Residents should
have a better understanding of the intended design and operation of the local street
system. Education will help to minimize issues stemming from unrealistic
expectations and misunderstandings.
5. This report looks in detail at six traffic "issue areas" identified by the Task Force.
The discussion of each area contains recommended actions to address the identified
traffic problems. This discussion also demonstrates the application of the problem
solving approach used by the Task Force. It is the hope of the Task Force that this
guidance will be useful in facing both immediate and future issues.
6. The Task Force does not attempt to solve every local traffic issue facing Edina.
Instead, the Task Force proposes a framework that can be used to understand and
address future issues. In that regard, the Task Force proposes the creation of an "ad
hoc" committee to review and study traffic issues on an as needed basis.
Edina Local Traffic Task Force Page 4
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
Edina Street System
In practical terms, the Edina street system consists of two tiers: local streets and streets
designated as primary movement corridors within the community. These designated
corridors are often referred to as the "functional" system. The elements of Edina's street
system are:
• Local streets. Local streets provide the linkages between land uses in residential
neighborhoods and commercial districts. The transportation objective of the streets
is to provide access to property, not meet community mobility needs. Local streets
are designed to support short trips and lower speeds.
• Collector. Collector streets link neighborhoods (and commercial districts) with
transportation corridors. As suggested by the name, these streets are intended to
collect traffic from local streets. Collector streets connect with the arterial system and
facilitate trips within the city. With increased emphasis on movement, collectors
accommodate slightly higher speeds than local streets. The ideal placement of
collector streets is at '/a to 3/a of mile spacing.
• Minor Arterials. Arterials are the primary transportation corridors in Edina. Minor
arterials serve several functions. Minor arterials provide access to major centers of
commerce and employment. These streets connect other segments of the local street
system including other minor arterials and the regional highways (principal arterials).
Minor arterials also connect with streets in adjacent cities to provide movement
through Edina. Transportation planning seeks to have a minor arterial every 1/2mile.
With minor arterials, the transportation objectives are safe and efficient movement.
• Principal Arterial. Principal arterials in Edina are all elements of the regional highway
system. All of these roads are under State jurisdiction and beyond the scope of local
transportation planning.
The streets designated as collectors and arterials appear in map contained in Figure 1 on the
next page.
The functional elements are the first parts of understanding the local street system. In
concept, a properly designed and operating system collector and arterial streets minimizes the
potential for excessive volumes on local streets.
Edina Local Traffic Task Force Page S
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
rzgure i
Functional Classification of Edina Street System
Edina Local Traffic Task Force
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
Page 6
A Framework for Traffic Issues
One of the objectives of the Task Force study process is to define a framework for
understanding local traffic that can be used to address issues. Every problem does not
require a detailed engineering study. Instead, a practical, common sense approach can be
used to explore traffic issues. The Task Force found that seeking the answers to the
following three questions served as a useful framework for the study of issues facing the local
street system:
• What is the nature of the problem?
• What are the likely causes of the problem?
• What solutions are available?
These elements of a framework for examining traffic issues on local streets are discussed in
the following section.
Problems
In the broadest sense, a problem begins as a perception. Someone perceives that the
operation of a street fails to meet expectations. Through its examination of the local street
system, the Task Force found that the failure to meet expectations fell into four basic
categories:
• Volume
• Speed
• Safety
• Access
To understand the problem and find solutions, the nature of the problem needs to be
examined in greater detail. A concern about traffic volumes in a particular neighborhood
only identifies an issue. As the Task Force went through a process of exploring local traffic
issues, the following questions helped to explain the perceived problems:
• What are the expectations?
• Are the expectations reasonable?
• What data or information exists to support the perception?
• How does the street fail to meet expectations?
• What factors cause the situation?
The answers to these questions provide the guidance needed to find and implement solutions.
Edina Local Traffic Task Force Page 7
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
I
Perceived Issues Functional Classification
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Figure 2: Task Force Issues Identification
To focus its efforts, the Task Force went through a process of identifying problems for the
local street system. Task Force members were asked to describe perceived traffic problems
by location and type of problem. Each of these "issue areas" was located on a map. The
Edina Local Traffic Task Force
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
11
Page 8
issue areas identified by the Task Force were supplemented by staff based on their evaluation
and other public input. The results of the issue identification process appear in Figure 2.
The Task Force used the issues map to identify specific areas for further investigation. The
areas selected by the Task Force illustrate a variety of settings, perceived problems and
potential solutions. Through the investigation of these areas the Task Force hoped to
provide the City Council with broad guidance on approaches for managing the local street
and addressing future traffic issues. A discussion of issues, causes and recommendations for
six specific issue areas appears later in this report.
Causes
Finding the solution to a local traffic problem means looking for the factors that create the
problem. The Task Force found several factors at the core of most problems:
• Congestion of designated movement corridors (collectors, minor and principal
arterials. When primary movement corridors become congested, traffic shifts onto
local streets. These local streets are not intended to accommodate this increased
volume. The cut -through nature of the movement may lead to higher speeds. Speed,
volume and inadequate street design produce safety concerns.
• Missing elements of local street system. It is helpful to view traffic as a flow of water.
Unless you provide an adequate channel, water will carve its own route. Traffic works
in much the same way. One objective of the functional system is to provide the right
location of collectors and arterials to keep traffic off of local streets. In some cases,
traffic patterns illustrate deficiencies in the overall functional system.
• Street design. A wide range of design issues influence both actual and perceived
operations of local streets. Narrow streets conflict with increased volumes. Wider
streets can encourage higher speeds. Lack of sidewalks brings pedestrians and
vehicles into the same space. Parked vehicles further narrow the driving area. These
are just a few of the design issues that affect local traffic.
• Changing land use. The local street system was built around a specific land use
pattern. Redevelopment changes that pattern and affects traffic. Typically,
redevelopment intensifies land use. Redevelopment may also change the nature of
the land use. For example, employment uses have different traffic impacts than
residential uses. These changes occur both within and outside of Edina.
• Expectations. Edina residents have expectations of how the street system should
meet their needs and how traffic should affect residential neighborhoods. These
expectations are generally, but not always, well founded. There is a problem if the
operation of the street system does not meet those expectations. The City must
evaluate those expectations, educate residents about the street system and traffic
issues, and tell residents when there are no feasible solutions to the problems
(whether real or perceived).
Edina Local Traffic Task Force Page 9
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
Solutions
Every problem has a unique set of potential solutions. Some solutions are practical and
within the grasp of a citizen task force. Other solutions are more technical and require
engineering expertise. The key to every solution is that it must be connected to the problem
and its cause. It is beyond the scope of the Task Force to compile an inventory of potential
solutions. This step is best taken as part of the investigation of specific issues or problems.
It is appropriate, however, to comment on certain aspects of solving local traffic problems.
Transit Options
As traffic demand increases to the point of creating unacceptable volume and
congestion, the most common solutions are (1) more roads (including improvements in
existing roads to accommodate higher volume) and (2) less traffic. Acceptable transit
options must also be part of the solution. Edina should have a strong commitment to
alternative forms of transportation including mass transit and pedestrian/bicycle options.
Volume
Many local traffic issues are connected to volume. For this reason, volume needs to be
put into perspective. Without changes in land use, local decisions will do little to reduce
traffic volumes. Managing local traffic involves the location of traffic. The city seeks to
provide a street system that encourages traffic to follow designated routes. In designing
solutions, it is important to recognize that a solution to reduce traffic in one area simply
moves the traffic to another place. The solution will be effective only if the new location
is intended to handle the traffic.
Traffic Mitigation / Traffic Calming
The City Council charged the Task Force with examining traffic mitigation as a tool for
solving problems on local streets. Traffic mitigation involves changes in the character of
the street and behavior of drivers that are primarily intended to reduce speed. With cut -
through traffic, such changes provide a disincentive to use a particular street. Traffic
mitigation is achieved by incorporating both physical and visual features. Traffic
mitigation treatments can be categorized into volume control and speed control
measures as shown in Figure 3.
Traffic calming on an individual street only relocates the traffic to other local streets.
Traffic calming can also affect operations and response time of both the emergency
service providers and maintenance providers. Traffic calming should always be
implemented as part of an overall neighborhood comprehensive plan.
Edina Local Traffsc Task Force Page 10
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
TRAFFIC MITIGATION
TRAFFIC CALMING
VOLUME CONTROL
SPEED
MEASURES
CONTROL
Roundabouts
MEASURES
Full &Partial Closures
Chicanes
D i venters
Raised Intersections
Median Barriers
Chokers
Forced Turn Islands
Realigned Intersection
ACTIVE
SPEED CONTROL
MEASURES
'4rdoal04flootionmo swres
Hohxontal Deflection Measures
Constrictions
Speed Humps / Tables
Roundabouts
Curb Extensions
Raised Crosswalks
Chicanes
Neckdowns
Raised Intersections
Alternate SideParling
Chokers
Speed Cushions
Realigned Intersection
Slow Points
Center Island Medians
Gateways
Ped Retuge Islands
Figure 3: Traffic Calming Measures
PASSIVE
SPEED CONTROL
MEASURES
On -street Parking
Bicycle Lanes
Narrowed Lanes
Streetscaping
Speed Gun wl VMS
Special Signs
Forced Perspective
Rumble Strips
Rumble Stripes
Color Pavement
Textured Pavement
Textured Markings
Edina Local Traf c Task Force Page 11
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
Area - Northeast Edina
The Northeast Edina issue area includes a combination of residential neighborhoods and
commercial districts.
• Edina -Morningside Area
• Edina Country Club Area
• White -Oaks / Maple Road Area
• 44th & France Business Area
• 50th & France Business Area
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Edina Local Traffic Task Force Page 12
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
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Principal Arterial "B" Minor Arterial
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Edina Local Traffic Task Force Page 12
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
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Principal Arterial "B" Minor Arterial
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Edina Local Traffic Task Force Page 12
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
Issues
The Task Force identified the following traffic problems in the Northeast Edina Area:
• Unacceptable speeds and volumes on local streets in the Country Club and
Morningside neighborhoods, particularly during PM peak periods.
• Narrow street widths and amount of on -street parking impair traffic flow and
compound safety concerns with increased volume.
• Potential for additional traffic from redevelopment along Excelsior Boulevard (St.
Louis Park) to further deteriorate current conditions.
Suggested Causes
The Task Force believes that the traffic issues in this area stem from the design and operation
of the overall street system. Wooddale Avenue south of 50`h Street is a "B" Minor Arterial.
This classification means that Wooddale is designed as a primary movement/ traffic corridor
in Edina. When Wooddale crosses 50`' Street and enters the Country Club neighborhood its
status changes to a local street. In St. Louis Park, Wooddale changes to a collector street.
With this design, the street system seeks to route north -south traffic around these
neighborhoods using France Avenue or Highway 100.
A similar situation exists with east -west movement. West 50`h Street and West 44`h Street
provide significant movement corridors in and out of southwest Minneapolis. Once entering
Edina, north -south movement is intended to occur on France Avenue or Highway 100.
The volumes along France Avenue and Highway 100 combined with congestion in the 50`h
and France area impede the intended function of the street system. Drivers find it more
convenient to "cut through" the Country Club and Morningside neighborhoods rather than
follow designated arterials.
The Task Force is concerned that the redevelopment along Excelsior Boulevard in St. Louis
Park will contribute to this traffic pattern. The Excelsior and Grand project will bring a new
residential element to this area. This population is likely to use the goods and services in the
50`h and France and Southdale areas. Edina residents may also be drawn to the new retail
along Excelsior Boulevard.
Increased volume on local streets has several by-products:
• The nature of the traffic volume encourages higher speeds. The increased traffic does
not seek a destination in this area. Instead, it seeks to move through this area as
quickly and efficiently as possible. The result is a generally higher speed than locally
oriented traffic.
• Many of the streets in these neighborhoods are not designed to accommodate
through traffic. For example, Drexel Avenue has a 24 -foot street (curb to curb) as
compared to 40 feet for 50' Street.
• These factors combine to reduce safety for pedestrian and other non -vehicular travel.
Edina Local Traffic Task Force Page 13
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
• Increased traffic on local streets has a negative effect on neighborhood quality of life.
Recommendations
The Task Force believes that the only viable alternative to the current situation is the creation
of a collector street in the Northeast Edina area. The factors supporting this
recommendation include:
• The City cannot reduce the overall volume of traffic. The City can, however,
influence the pattern of movement.
• It is unlikely that sufficient improvement can be made on the existing functional
system (France and Highway 100) to encourage increase use of these routes.
• Traffic calming on an individual street only relocates the traffic to other local streets.
Any traffic calming must be implemented as part of an overall comprehensive traffic
plan.
• It is unlikely that traffic calming on all streets in these neighborhoods would eliminate
the underlying problem of cut -through traffic. The nature of the traffic calming
would need to be of such magnitude and breadth that the designated arterials become
more acceptable. Such a degree of change risks impairing the basic functions of local
streets.
• The creation of a collector street provides the movement corridor sought by traffic.
The effect should be to siphon the traffic off of other neighborhood streets.
In considering the options for a collector street, Wooddale Avenue appears to be the best
choice for the collector street. It is the direct extension of the arterial route south of 50th
Street and connects with a collector street in St. Louis Park. Traffic should naturally follow
this route.
This change requires more than simply "naming" Wooddale Avenue as a collector street.
Physical improvements will be needed to encourage the use of this street. The nature of such
improvements lies beyond the expertise of the Task Force. However, in making changes, the
Task Force recommends improvements that will help to mitigate the impacts of added traffic
on the collector street.
The creation of a collector street is not the only action needed to improve traffic in the
Northeast Edina area. The Task Force also recommends:
• Reduce the incentive for cut -through traffic by improving intersection operations at
Vernon Avenue and Interlachen Boulevard, France Avenue and West 50th Street
Area, and West 44th Street and France Avenue.
• Evaluate the potential for limitations of access to Browndale Avenue from West 50`h
Street.
Edina Local Traffic Task Force Page 14
Findings and Recommendations (May G, 2003)
Area - Northwest Edina
The Northwest Edina area lies north of the Crosstown and west of Blake Road. It includes:
• Parkwood Knolls Area
• Artic Way / Tamarac Avenue Area
• Lincoln / Vernon Drive Area
Legend : FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATIONS
Principal Arterial "B" Minor Arterial
Principal Arterial -Ramp Collector
"A" Minor Arterial -Reliever Local Street
"A" Minor Arterial -Aug menter
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Edina Local Traffic Task Farce Page 15
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
Issues
The Task Force identified the following traffic problems in the Northwest Edina Area:
• Unacceptable volumes on local streets, particularly during PM peak periods.
• Reduced pedestrian safety due to increased volumes and a lack of sidewalks.
• Potential for increased speed on View Lane.
• Congestion at the Blake Road/Interlachen Boulevard intersection.
Suggested Causes
There is no north -south corridor west of Blake Road other than Highway 169. When the
Highway is congested, traffic seeks alternatives on local streets.
The investigations of the Task Force suggest that the traffic problem in this area comes from
cut -through traffic during the afternoon peak periods. Employment centers west of Highway
169 access the highway system at the Londonderry Road interchange. To avoid delays in
access due to traffic volume and ramp meter timing, some drivers use local streets to reach
the interchange at 7`h Street.
Historically, some additional eastbound cut -through traffic may use local streets to reach
Vernon Avenue. Staff feels that recent improvements to Lincoln Drive provide enhanced
access to Vernon Drive.
View Lane receives some cut -through traffic seeking access to Vernon Avenue. This
additional traffic may move at higher speeds due to wider street corridors that contain very
little adjacent vegetative development.
Recommendations
A potential solution identified by the Task Force is the use of southbound one-way "portal'
at the intersection of Parkwood Road and Parkwood Lane. This approach should discourage
cut -through traffic without significantly impeding the street system for neighborhood
residents.
The City should continue to encourage use of Vernon Avenue "ring road". Potential actions
could include:
• Improve intersections of Vernon Avenue and Artic Way, and Lincoln Drive and
Londonderry Road.
• Monitor and adjust phasing of new traffic signal at Vernon Avenue and Gleason
Road.
Northwest Edina may provide a good candidate for testing the implications of traffic calming.
The improvements could include reduced roadway width, increased vegetation along the
street and the construction of sidewalks within boulevard areas.
Edina Local Traffic Task Force Page 16
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
Area - Edina High School and Valley View Middle School
This issue area focuses on Valley View Road from Gleason Road to Tracy Avenue.
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FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATIONS
TGRRAG as Principal Arterial
Principal Arterial -Ramp
-- "A" Minor Arterial -Reliever
"A" Minor Arterial-Augmenter
"B" Minor Arterial
Collector
Local Street ;
Issues
The Task Force identified the following traffic problems in the Edina Senior High School
and Valley View Middle School Area:
• Volume and driver behavior during AM & PM school peak hours.
• Volume of vehicles during normal PM peak hour (cut -through traffic).
• Lack of sidewalks on roadways adjacent to Valley View Road.
Suggested Causes
Traffic issues in this area relate to both the land uses and the street system.
The road system in this area contains several important traffic corridors. Gleason Road and
Tracy Avenue have interchanges with the Crosstown. Valley View Road connects with
Edina Local Traffic Task Force Page 17
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
Highway 169 on the west and 66`h Street on the east. Antrim Road connects Valley View
Road with West 70`h Street. All of these streets are designed to collect and carry traffic
through this section of Edina.
The presence of two schools and the flow of traffic around the schools impacts overall
conditions:
• In general, these destinations attract additional traffic into the area.
• A portion of the additional traffic comes in the form of inexperienced drivers.
• The overall on-site traffic flow around school area should be improved. In particular,
there is a lack of drop-off and pickup space from Valley View Road at Valley View
Middle School..
These traffic conditions heighten the safety issues from a lack of sidewalks along south side
of Valley View Road and west side of Antrim Road.
Recommendations
This situation provides a good example of the distinction between identifying potential
solutions but not final actions. While the Task Force was able to identify the broad aspect of
a solution, the specific course of action requires engineering expertise and additional study.
Improvements in traffic conditions in this area begin with the operation of the Valley View
Road /Gleason Road intersection. The function of this intersection influences both traffic
flow and safety. Staff does not believe that the intersection currently meets the criteria
(warrants) for a traffic signal. The City should investigate improvements that will enhance
operation, including changes in layout and turn restrictions.
Changes related to the schools must be collaborative efforts of the City and the School
District. It is likely the solutions will involve a combination of physical improvements and
education. An option identified by the Task Force is to create better access to Valley View
Road by rerouting the school ring road.
Sidewalks should be added along Valley View Road and Antrim Road to improved pedestrian
safety and crossings.
Edina Local Traffic Task Force Page 18
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
Area - Edina Community Center Area
The issue area around the Community Center includes Southview Lane (from Normandale
Road to Concord Avenue) and Concord Avenue (from Southview Lane to Valley View
Road).
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Edina Local Traf c Tack Force PnBe 19
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
Issues
The Task Force identified the following traffic problems in the Edina Community Center
Area:
• Volume and speed of vehicles along Concord Avenue around Community Center
Area.
• Lack of sidewalks in area.
Suggested Causes
The Community Center area provides another example of destination- related traffic issues.
The local street system is affected by pickup and drop-off traffic at four facilities: Concord
Elementary School, Southview Middle School, Normandale Elementary School, and Edina
Community Center.
There is no designated collector east of school property from West 58th Street to Valley View
Road.
Recommendations
There is little ability to change the overall traffic pattern in this area. The sources of traffic in
peak periods (buses and student pick up/drop off) will continue into the future. The City
and the School District should work to maximize efficiency of traffic flow within area.
The City should designate Concord Avenue a collector roadway south of West 58th Street to
Valley View Road. This portion of Concord Avenue is already included in the City's state aid
street system. This designation will lead to future improvements to bring Concord Avenue
into compliance with applicable state aid standards. These standards are suited to the
functions of a collector street.
The combination of traffic and youth -oriented destinations requires an on-going focus on
pedestrian safety. The City should consider locations for the additions of sidewalks and
improved pedestrian crossings.
Edina Local Traffic Task Force Page 20
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
Area - West 70th Street
This area includes West 70th Street from Highway 100 to France Avenue and the residential
neighborhoods south of 70th Street.
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Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
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Issues
The Task Force identified the following traffic problems in the West 70th Street Area:
• Current and future traffic volumes on 70th Street.
• Access onto 70th Street from adjacent properties, roadways and neighborhoods.
• Cut -through traffic north of West 70th Street.
• Speed on West Shore Drive south of West 70`h Street.
Suggested Causes
West 70`h Street provides an example of a street trying to serve two perceived functions.
From a city perspective, the street is an important transportation corridor. This street
provides access to Highway 100 and to the Southdale area. As a `B" Minor Arterial, it is
intended to carry traffic volumes of 14,000 to 18,000 vehicles per day.
The physical design of the street provides part of the problem. At current levels, West 70`h
Street is over capacity. Growth in volume will compound existing congestion and access
issues. Congestion on West 70`h Street shifts more traffic on to West 66th Street.
The operation of the street conflicts with adjacent residential uses. Traffic volumes make it
difficult to access the street from adjacent homes and neighborhoods. This issue is
compounded by the limited number of access points for the neighborhoods south of 70t'
Street. During peak periods, it is very difficult to leave this neighborhood and travel west to
Highway 100. Much of the traffic is channeled onto West Shore Drive. This street is not
designed or designated as a collector street.
Recommendations
The potential solutions for West 70`h Street illustrate a situation linking streets and land use.
The greater public good is the safe and efficient operation of this street as a movement
corridor. It is likely that this objective cannot be met without physical improvements
including the widening of the street. These actions may require the redevelopment of
properties adjacent to the roadway.
It is beyond the ability of the Task Force to address this issue in greater detail. The City
Council is encouraged to include the West 70th Street Corridor as part of any future
redevelopment planning for the Southdale/France Avenue area.
As interim action, the City should:
• Investigate improvements to the France Avenue & West 70th Street intersection.
• Improve access point of West Shore Drive and West 70th Street and investigate
related improvements on West Shore Drive.
• Improve access to frontage road system at TH100 to encourage West 66th Street
destined vehicles.
Edina Local Traffic Task Force Page 22
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
Area - France Avenue
The area includes area between the Crosstown and Interstate 494 bounded by France Avenue
and York Avenue.
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Edina Local Traf c Task Force Page 23
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
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Edina Local Traf c Task Force Page 23
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
Issues
Several factors shape the traffic issues in the France Avenue area:
• France Avenue provides the primary local north -south movement corridor.
• France Avenue provides key points of access to regional road system.
• France Avenue is the gateway to important "attractions" in Edina; Southdale Medical
Area, Greater Southdale retail area, Centennial Lakes Office area, to southeast Edina
residential area.
The Task Force identified the following traffic issues in the France Avenue Area:
• Difficulty in crossing France Avenue due to design, operation and traffic volumes.
• Lack of improvements to allow pedestrian and other forms of non -vehicular
movement.
• Lack of integration with adjacent land uses and neighborhood.
Suggested Causes
France Avenue is unique to the other streets studied by the Task Force. France Avenue does
not fit the criteria of a local street. It is a commercial area and transportation corridor. In
' addition, France Avenue is a county road. The design and improvement of the roadway is
under the jurisdiction of Hennepin County.
From a local traffic perspective, the current timing of traffic signals adds impediments to
traffic flow along France Avenue.
' The lack of sidewalks is a barrier to non -vehicular forms of transportation and a barrier to the
use of mass transit.
Recommendations
To address these issues, the Task Force recommends the following actions:
• Work with the County to coordinate signals along France Avenue; and integrate an
adaptive signal system.
• Traffic and transit issues in the France Avenue area should be included in any further
redevelopment planning.
• Existing and future traffic implications of future redevelopment need to be addressed
before and during redevelopment.
Edina Local Traffic Task Farce Page 24
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
Addressing Future Traffic Issues
As noted earlier, the Task Force hopes that its efforts provide the city with a model that can
be used to consider future traffic issues on the local street system. Two other aspects of
implementing this approach merit additional discussion.
Ad Hoc Committee
The City Council should establish an ad hoc committee on local streets. This committee
would be as needed to examine issues related to the operation of the local street system. This
committee could apply the framework presented in the report to analyze and develop
recommendations for identified issues. The Committee could also incorporate community
standards to apply typical traffic calming measures within these areas. Committee
membership should include the City Engineer, City Planner, a representative from the Police
Department, a Planning Commission member, a City Council member and two residents.
Issue Identification
Issues should be referred to the Ad Hoc Committee by the City Council. It is anticipated that
the identification of issues and accompanying request for investigation may come from
residents, staff, Planning Commission or City Council. Every request should be accompanied
by an explanation of the issue:
• Location - Streets subject to the concern.
• Description of the issue - Explanation of why traffic fails to meet expectations.
• Timing - Is issue consistent or does it occur at specific times (i.e. - rush hour)?
Edina Local Traffic Task Force Page 25
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
Appendix A— Task Force Handouts
The following handouts were part of the task force notebooks as distributed throughout the
study.
Local Traffic Overview
Edina Land Use Plan — Discussed residential portions of the City versus commercial and
high-density housing.
Residential History Map of Edina — Discussed how the City was constructed from before the
1940's to present day.
Traffic Analysis Zones — Reviewed how this map is used for traffic forecasting and local trips
are assigned to each zone based on demographics for that particular zone.
Functional Classification Map — Discussed how the functional classification of a roadway
relates to a hierarchy of roadways that collects and distributes traffic throughout the
metropolitan area. Discussed the Metropolitan Council's Functional Classification Criteria.
Average Daily Trip generation — Discussed how many trips a typical household generates and
how many trips an average block will generate.
MSAS Traffic Volume Map — Reviewed the municipal state -aid street traffic volumes from
1972, 1981, 1991, and 2001. Concluded that overall the system increased in traffic.
Average Daily Traffic Counts 2001 — Reviewed local traffic counts throughout Edina.
85% Average Speed Map — Discussed what the 85% average speed is and reviewed speeds on
the local roadway system.
Regional Traffic Review
Existing Southwest Highway Region — Discussed major roadways as they exist today.
1974 Southwest Highway Region — Discussed the 1974 roadway system.
1940's Landuse Map — Discussed how the region grew.
Metropolitan Council New Development Map for 2020 — Discussed areas of new "fringe:
development.
Transportation's challenge to support regional livability, economic competiveness and smart
Growth — Executive Summary. Discussed how alternative modes of transportation will play
a role in the future. Summary also discussed the unfunded highway needs of the future.
2025 Transit way Map — Discussed proposed Transit ways in the region: bus ways, trains, and
unknown technology.
Sub -Regional Average Daily Traffic — Reviewed the highway traffic volumes from 1974, 1988,
2000, and forecasted 2020.
Planned Construction — Reviewed the planned construction of I-494 and how this will affect
the level of service in the subregion. Also reviewed the proposed TH169 and I494
Edina Local Traffic Task Force Page 26
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)
11
Intersection Improvements, Cross-town Commons Construction, and bottleneck removals
on TH100.
' Discussed development issues in the sub -region such as proposed Best Buy at I494 and Penn
Avenue, changes within the Golden Triangle located at TH169 / I494 / TH212, and existing
Opus Development area located in the northwest quadrant of TH169 and TH62.
Local Traffic Review
Wayne reviewed the following handouts from the MTC Sector 5 Study:
• 2000 Census Estimates of People and Jobs
• Shopping Center locations
• School Enrollments - Age 5 to 17
• Population Aged +65
• Ridership and Service of MTC
• Edina Property Parcel Map — Discussed size of single-family home parcels and how
that affects different densities of neighborhoods in Edina.
Wayne reviewed the following handouts:
• Potential Redevelopment Sites at a subregional level.
• Forecasted 2020 Daily Traffic Volume Percent Change from 1999 within Edina.
• Speed Limits within the City of Edina.
• Traffic Calming — Volume Control and Speed Control Measures
Edina Local Traffic Task Force Page 27
Findings and Recommendations (May 6, 2003)