01-11-1999 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC STUDY FOR A SCHOOL ZONE SPEED LIMIT ON OLD CRYSTAL BAY ROAD NORTH Prepared by Gregory A Gappa P.i:. City of Orono Director of Public Services INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study is investigate the need for a school zone speed limit along Old Crystal Bay Road North, between T.H. 12 and County Highway 6. Old Crystal Bay Road North is a two lane collector road that provides for major north-south traffic movement through central Orono. The existing average daily traffic volurues on this road range from 4,200 vehicles per day (vpd) just north of the T.H. 12 intersection to 1,800 vpd just south of the County Highway 6 intersection. The speed limit is 40 mph. This road provides access to Orono Middle School, High School, Elementary School, and Student Center, Orono City Hall, Police Department and Public Works Facility, Orono Ice Arena, and the Lee Carlson Ballfields. The Middle School, High School and Elementary School are located on the west side of Old Crystal Bay Road North and the Early Childhood Education and Student Center are located on the east side of Old Crystal Bay Road North. A new middle school will be constructed on the east side of the road in 1999/2000. This will increase the number of pedestrian crossings of Old Crystal Bay Road North. Old Crystal Bay Road North divides the school campus into two sections requiring numerous pedestrian crossings to access school facilities. The high traffic volumes and large numbers of turning movements required for vehicles to enter and exit school facilities increases the accident potential. High turning movements can distract drivers resulting in traffic accidents and can also obscure visibility of pedestrians. Pedestrian crossing can also be difficult with the number of turning vehicles and uncertainty of vehicle movements. RECOMMENDATION Based on a study of the existing conditions of, a school campus split by a high traffic volume collector road, the potential for numerous pedestrian crossings, the large number of vehicle turning movements, and the existing ' 0 mph speed limit; my professional engineering recommendation is that of a 25 mph school speed limit be established on Old Crystal Bay Road North in the vicinity of the Orono School District facilities. The City of Orono has the authority to establish a school zone speed limit under Section 169.14, Subdivision 5a, Minnesota State Statues. CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that his report was prepared by me and that I am a duly registered Professional Engineer under the Laws of the State of Minnesota. Date ^Gregory Reg. No. ppa, PE 85