05-24-1999 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Request for Council Action continued Page 3 May 21, 1999 Townlinc Road Options ____ Although a left turn is generally more difficult than a right turn, the level of traffic on County Road 6 is less than one-quarter of the level on Highway 12. The traffic moving east on Highway 12 during the morning peak hour is nearly continuous. The traffic moving east on County Road 6 in the morning peak hour has significant gaps, allowing access from Townline Road. The speed limit on County Road 6 at Townline Road is 40 mph but increases to 50 mph approximately 150 feet west of Townline Road. The speed limit on Highway 12 at Townline Road is 45 mph. Emergency Public Safety Access The Maple Plain Fire Department currently responds to Townline Road using Highway 12. If the access to Townline Road at Highway 12 was closed, the Fire Department would use County Road 83 to County Road 6 to Townline Road. This would add se\ eral minutes to the response time. Townline Road is 2700 feet in length north of Broadmoor Lane. There are currently 10 homes, and potentially an additional 17 homes, on this northerly section of Townline Road. With the closure of Townline Road at the north end, the only access to these homes is from the south. W'ith a lengtli of 2700 feet, there is concern about an obstruction across the road that would prevent access to the northerly portion of Townline Road. If there could be a secondary emergency access from the north, this concern would be addressed. Current Safety Issues vs. Long-Term Transportation Planning The traffic safety problem at the intersection of Highway 12 and County Road 29 is a serious current problem. Although closure of Townline Road would enable the current problem to be addressed quickly; because there has not been substantial long-term transportation planning related to County Road 6, County Road 19 and Highway 12, it is not clear whether the closure of Townline Road is the best long-term transportation solution. Traffic on County Road 6 and Highway 12 will continue to increase substantially. The County has discussed the need for a better north/south roadway in this area. It may be that the long-term solution to Highway 12 or a long-term solution related to a north/south roadway will make it desirable to reopen Townline Road at a future time. New Access Option for Properties with Access from Highway 12 Across the Railroad Tracks Several properties currently gain access to a public road through an at-grade crossing of the railroad tracks to Highway 12. This is a safety issue in relation to both Highway 12 and the railroad. The City of Medina has indicated that as part of the closure of Townline Road, and the subdivision of the approximately 15-acre parcel at the north end of Townline Road, a roadway would be provided i