Title
REVIEW TRAFFIC CONTROL AT INTERSECTIONS OF ULYSSES STREET AND PAUL PARKWAY, ULYSSES STREET AND 117TH AVENUE, POLK STREET AND 99TH AVENUE
Background
There are several intersections that are nearing a need for a change in traffic control. With continued development within the city and the density of development on certain corridors, there are several key intersections that need to be evaluated. Three of these intersections are Ulysses Street at Paul Parkway, Ulysses Street at 117th Avenue and Polk Street at 99th Avenue.
The intersection of Ulysses Street and Paul Parkway has seen several large changes over the past several years including an overpass at TH65, a newly constructed park-n-ride, and several new businesses on either end of Ulysses Street. Staff is starting to receive complaints that the intersection is not functioning safely.
Staff has been periodically collecting traffic counts at Ulysses Street and 117th Avenue over the past four years. This was a result in all of the new commercial activity at or near the intersection. There are also several new projects that will be constructed during the 2019 season that will add additional traffic to the intersection, including an apartment complex and gas/convenience store. The counts have increased to the numbers where a formal intersection study needs to be prepared to determine if it will meet warrants for a traffic signal.
The intersection of Polk Street and 99th Avenue had a traffic study completed several years ago. This study showed that the intersection was close to meeting warrants for a traffic signal. As it has now been several years since the last study, it would be timely to have it restudied.
Recommendation
Have staff prepare an item for city council requesting three intersection studies to evaluate the proper traffic control and to evaluate if any or all meet warrants for signalization.