Workshop Item: 2 - Robert Therres, Public Services Manager
Title
MNDOT TRUNK HIGHWAY 65 TRAFFIC SIGNAL STUDY
Background
On October 4, 2012, Council passed a Resolution asking MnDOT to analyze traffic signal timing on TH 65. In response, MnDOT's Signal Optimization Engineer Kevin Schwartz responded that MnDOT had just completed a TH 65 Optimization Report from Fridley to East Bethel in June of 2012 and had implemented the signal timing recommendations last summer. The Executive Summary of the Report is attached.
Mr. Schwartz stated that MnDOT has optimized the TH 65 signal timing for the over-capacity intersections in Blaine to the best of their ability. He said there is not enough green time to go around to serve all vehicles that want to use the signals. Mr. Schwartz stated that MnDOT expects this problem to get worse as traffic volumes continue to increase in the City of Blaine and the capacity of the signals stay the same. He said construction of future interchanges in the long term solution.
Mr. Schwartz said that MnDOT has installed cameras on TH 65 and this will help them better monitor and fine-tune traffic signal timing. He encouraged the City to continue to forward resident concerns to him as it is helpful to get feedback from motorists that use their traffic signals on a regular basis. The cameras give MnDOT a 360 degree view of the signalized intersections and from their offices, they can observe a situation if they have details of the residents' concerns.
Wayne Norris, North Area Manager and Paul Jung, North Area Engineer for MnDOT are available to answer questions on the TH 65 Signal Optimization Project and also provide information on future TH 65 projects including flashing yellow arrow installation and minor intersection improvements.