WORKSHOP - Robert Therres, Public Services Manager
Title
DISCUSS ROAD ALIGNMENT OF WEST TH 65 SERVICE ROAD NORTH OF 125TH AVENUE
Background
At the June 5, 2014, Workshop, Council discussed the road alignment of West TH 65 Service Road north of 125th Avenue. Staff is asking Council for clarification on direction regarding this item.
Council directed staff to investigate the reconstruction of the two curves on the West TH 65 Service Road located just north of 125th Avenue as shown on the enclosed map (labeled as east and west curves). In particular, staff was directed to investigate if the curves could be reconstructed with a larger radius to increase visibility and safety.
This portion of the West TH 65 Service Road was recently reconstructed by MnDOT as a part of the interchange project. The existing curves do not meet MnDOT standards for a 30 mph road. The west curve meets MnDOT standards for a 25 mph design and the east curve meets the 20 mph design standard. There are two 15 mph advisory curve signs located prior to entering the set of curves, one for southbound traffic in advance of the east curve and one for northbound traffic in advance of the west curve.
The West TH 65 Service Road north of 125th Avenue contains six curves that are not built to a 30 mph standard, the curves in question and four others at 129th Avenue. The curves at 129th Avenue have approximately the same radius as the east curve.
Since the West Service Road is a State Aid route, if the curves were to be reconstructed, they would be recommended to be reconstructed to MnDOT State Aid standards for a 30 mph curve. This would require purchase of additional right of way from the adjacent property owners as shown on the enclosed map.
East Curve
In January of 2011, Council was presented with a report at workshop that discussed the realignment of the east curve. That report looked at the crash history on the curve and the costs to realign it. The crash history showed 3 accidents from 2008 through 2010.
For this report, additional crash history from 2011 to present was analyzed and an additional three accidents were found. Out of the 6 accidents since 2008, no injuries were reported. 4 of the 6 accidents occurred when vehicles slid on snow or ice when going around the curve, one slid on rain, and one was a distracted driver who was lost and said they didn't see the curve until too late. For comparison, from 2011 to present, there have been 5 accidents (no injuries reported) on the four curves located at 129th Avenue.
The east curve does have a hill and vegetation on the inside of the curve that restricts the motorist's ability to see through the curve to the other end as shown on the attached photos. While this, in and of itself, does not create a dangerous condition, removing the visual obstruction would likely help to give advanced warning to motorists that the curve is sharp, other vehicles may be approaching and care must be taken.
In order to reconstruct this curve to meet a 30 mph design standard it is estimated that approximately 11,000 square feet of land would be required to be obtained from the property on the west side of the curve as shown on the enclosed map. The current property owner is in the process of putting together a development plan for this land so the City would need to discuss with the owner what impacts this may have. The property owner has indicated to staff that they would be willing to discuss the removal of the hill and vegetation on the inside of the curve in order to increase visibility through the curve if the curve were to remain in its current location.
A preliminary estimate of the cost to reconstruct this curve, including purchasing right of way and rough estimates for survey work, legal and engineering is $170,000.
West Curve
There were no accidents that could be attributed to the curve alignment or sharpness of the curve in the accident reports from 2011 to present. The visibility around and through the west curve is not impeded like the east curve. While there is a slight hill on the inside of the curve, it is not tall enough to block visibility of oncoming vehicles across the curve and it will be removed upon development of the lot in the future.
The west curve poses significant challenges in order to reconstruct it to a 30 mph design standard. Because of its proximity to the intersection with 125th Avenue, discussion about the first two drive entrances north of the intersection would be required. In addition, a significant portion (8,735 square feet) of the undeveloped commercial lot would need to be acquired and the viability of the remaining parcel would need to be investigated. Finally the realigned curve may require the relocation of the trash enclosure area for the commercial building on the east side of the road.
A preliminary estimate of the cost to reconstruct this curve, including purchasing right of way and rough estimates for survey work, legal and engineering is $200,000 to $250,000.
Recommendation
At this time it is not recommended to reconstruct either of the curves. The cost to reconstruct one or both of the curves on a 6 year old section of roadway does not appear to justify the limited benefit of eliminating one or two of the six non-30 mph curves on this frontage road.
It is recommended that Council direct staff to work with the property owner adjacent to the east curve on getting the hill and vegetation removed to increase visibility across the curve. In addition it is recommended that Council direct staff to investigate the benefits of adding additional signage such as additional 15 mph advisory signs closer to each of the curves and chevron signs on the outside of the east curve.