09-13-1993 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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f Mr. Ronald J. Moorse July 21. 1993 Page Two A lemporar) signal at the intersection of T.H. 12 and Willow Drive was discussed with our traffic section. .A temporar>- signal at this location would still require a considerable amount of temporary roadwork and the city was not willing to pay for the additional cost. Also, to complete the required geometric changes for the temporary signal, acquisition of right-of-way is necessary. By the time right-of-way could be acquired and the temporary signal constructed it would only be in place for six to twelve months before the permanent signal would be installed. Much of the temporary work would be reconstructed with the channelization project. The request to establish a left turn restriction at Willow Drive was also review-ed. Historically left turn restrictions have not been effective without physical barriers and a high level of enforcement. Also it appears that a left turn restriction would have negative impacts on the commercial area for which Willow Drive is the primary access. Our recommendation is that -f a restriction is desi.ed, the median should be completely closed, restricting all traffic to right-in, right-out movements at Willow Drive and encouraging higher use of the signalized intersections at Brown Road and Old Crvstal Bav Road.# We feel that technically, closing the median is the quickest, best, and safest solution until a permanent solution is built with the scheduled safety improvement project. However, this action is really a city decision. The cities must weigh the economic impacts on the local commercial area that would be affected. We will be happy to continue discussion of this alternative with both Long Lake and Orono if they feel it is a feasible short-term solution. Thank you for taking the time to write and express your concerns. If vou have any further questions regarding the signals or traffic questions, please contact Bob Vasek, Traffic Studies Engineer, a: 779-1128. If you have specific questions regarding the status of the safety improvement project, please contact Glen Ellis, Final Design Engineer, at 593-850^. Other cornments or questions regarding the T.H. 12 corridor can be directed tc Valerie Reinaas, Pre-Design Project Manager, at 582-1293, Sincerely, Richard Stehr Director, Office of Planning, Development and Traffic cc: Tod Olson, Mayor-City of Long Lake Dave Peterson