11-13-2000 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Per the CUP resolution for the new middle school Condition No. 10, the school district is responsible for the installation costs for a flashing light warning system at the new crosswalk if deemed necessary by the City. The City would then be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the system. The 4-way stop sign and stop ahead signs have been inplace for seven weeks and visibility of the Old Crystal Bay Road stop signs has not been a problem. Our recommendation is to not install any Cashing red lights on the stop signs at this time. The City still retains the right to require future installation of warning lights if necessary. The length of Old Crystal Bay Road between Highway 12 and County Road 6 is only 3/4of a mile with stop conditions at both ends. The traffic signal at the Highway 12 intersection is red almost all of the time, so this can effectively be considered a stop condition. The location of a stop sign in the middle of this short segment of road with stop conditions at both ends is not a major inconvenience and based on the lack of complaints appears to be acceptable to motorists. Also, most drivers probably expect to see stop signs in school zones as this is typical in most areas. No Passenger Loading and Unloading Signs We are also recommending installation of "No Passenger Loading a.nd Unloading" signs in the no narking area along Old Crystal Bay Road in the vicinity of the Orono school ’s campus as there are numerous students being dropped off along the road shoulder. Parents are doing this to avoid the traffic queuing in the parking lots, at the designated drop off locations, in front of the schools. This is extremely hazardous as students are walking along the road shoulder and crossing Old Crystal Bay Road in numerous locations. Council approval for installation of these signs is required. Temporary Four Way Stop Sign At the previous Council meeting, there were concerns expressed about the installation of this Four-Way stop sign. The biggest issue was the installation of the stop sign to handle a situation that is only a problem for V6 hour in the mornings and afternoons on school days, and the remainder of the time motorists on Old Crystal Bay Road are stopping for no apparent reason. However, this stop sign does provide benefits other times. It allows for safer pedestrian crossings at all times, and enhances safety at other heavy traffic times such as evening school activities such as sporting events. The potential hazards at events when it is dark are greater, so the stop is necessary to increase safety. The suggestion that a temporary, Four-Way Stop sign only be used during peak traffic times was made. The use of temporary traffic control devices is not recommended except for emergency conditions. The installation of road signs and signals is governed by the "Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devises" as published by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Page 3 of 6