01-09-1995 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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NUNUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CFTY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 9, 1995 CITY ADNMISTRATOR'S REPORT ( #13) OLD BEACH ROAD THROUGH TRAFFIC PROBLEM Moorse reported that this issue relates to traffic problems on Old Beach Road. It has been found that a large number of vehicles, 3600 a day, are using this road as a shortcut between CoRds 15 and 19. Staff has had discussions with the residents on alternatives and is recommending restriction of the access to Old Beach Road. Staff is proposing to close the CoRd 19 end of Old Beach Road, thus eliminating it as a through road. Traffic will then need to go to the CoRd 15 and 19 intersection. Moorse has spoken with the county about left turn arrows at CoRds 15 and 19 to facilitate the traffic flow. Barricades are proposed to be used to temporarily close the road over the winter which will allow time to assess the closure. A possible cul -de -sac would be installed later. Barrett said a public hearing would be necessary before permanently closing off this access or neighbors may petition for a variance. In emergency situations, the City does have the authority to temporarily close a road without a public hearing. Kirk Sherman of 2505 Old Beach Road presented the neighbors concerns. The neighbors support the cul -de -sac option to satisfy the safety issue. The police department has estimated the speed of cars traveling on this road to be between 40 -50 mph but there is • no safe place to set up surveillance to monitor violations of the speed limit laws. There have been four school bus incidents where cars have driven around a bus which has had its stop sign extended and red flashers on. It was reported by Sherman and Council Member Hurr that the Minnetonka Beach Council is also looking into this issue. It was determined that a cul -de -sac would require a large enough turnaround for a bus or emergency vehicle. Discussion was held on how this would occur during the temporary closing. Staff will determine the costs involved for this change and discuss with the County the changes for the turn arrows prior to the public hearing meeting. Jim Krey of 2560 Old Beach Road owns the property where the turnaround would be placed. He is in favor of this action and sees it as the reasonable solution to the problem. It was his opinion that the short cut was only a perceived one. Hurr said that she could not support this closure until timed turn arrows were installed at CoRd 15 and 19 and the "no passing" sign west on CoRd 15 be removed. Moorse also said that the County could provide signs stipulating that this road will be closed to notify the public prior to its occurrence. is