1f. Signal justification for Hwy 101, north leg i
CITYOF -
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\ i CHANHASSEN
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690 COULTER DRIVE • • P.O. BOX 147 • • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
1 (612) 937 -1900 • FAX (612) 937 -5739
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MEMORANDUM d"
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Date � r 17 - 1 Z
111 TO: Don Ashworth, City Manager Date Submitted to Commissialt
FROM: Charles Fo :h, City Engineer Dee Submlttod to Council
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DATE: June 17, 1992
1 SUBJ: Approve Signal Justification Report for Trunk Highway 101 North Leg
Project No. 88 -22B
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As a part of the project design and approval process for the Trunk Highway 101 North Le
P P J g PP P g Y Leg
I Improvement Project No. 88 -22B, a separate approval process related to the installation of a
traffic signal system at the new intersection must be administrated. Therefore, a signal
justification report has been prepared in accordance with the project guidelines for both City and
I State approval. The traffic signal system is a part of the overall improvements to Trunk Highway
101 north of Trunk Highway 5 previously committed to be constructed within the Modified
Development District No. 1 and TIF District No. 2 as approved March 12, 1990.
1 Justification for the installation of a traffic signal is guided by analyzing 12 warrant criteria as
specified in the Minnesota Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MMUTCD). The
I majority of these warrant criteria involve existing traffic volumes. This proposed Trunk Highway
101/West 78th Street intersection is not yet open for traffic. Therefore, it was necessary to
estimate post - construction traffic demands based on redistribution of traffic from the three
I existing intersections to the proposed Trunk Highway 101/West 78th Street Intersection. The
traffic was distributed by assigning volumes to movements consistent with the existing traffic
patterns. Based on the warrant study conducted, it is predicted that at least 3 of the 12 warrants
I for a traffic signal will be met post - construction of the improvement project. In addition, 2 other
warrants are expected to be close to meeting the minimum criteria.
I At least one warrant should be met when considering the installation of a traffic signal.
However, it should be predetermined that traffic safety and operation will be improved when
I considering the installation of a signal. In the case of Trunk Highway 101/West 78th Street,
operation is expected to be improved as this traffic signal will be interconnected with the traffic
signal at Trunk Highway 5 and Dakota Avenue allowing the opportunity to provide more
I continuous flow intervals of traffic. Safety of the intersection is also expected to be improved
Is
I tl, PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
1
Don Ashworth 1
June 17, 1992
Page 2 1
specifically as it relates to the dual -leg crossing of the Twin City and Western Railroad track.
It is proposed that the traffic signal would be interconnected with a pre- emption device along the
tracks both east and west of the intersection which would control the traffic signals to insure that
vehicles are cleared and prohibited from being in the railroad crossing way. 1
Staff has met with MnDOT traffic representatives following preliminary review of this signal
justification report. MnDOT acknowledges the predicted warrant satisfaction; however, their only
financial contribution will involve a share of the cost for the installation of the interconnecting
lines between this signal and the signal at Trunk Highway 5 and Dakota Avenue.
It is believed that the installation of this traffic signal is a vital element of the overall Trunk
Highway 101 North Leg Improvement Project for which the amended Development District No.
1 and TIF District No. 2 have been committed. The estimated cost of the traffic signal is
$120,000. It is also important to note that in order to encourage motorists to make use of the
new Trunk Highway 101 alignment, it is important to provide safe, efficient transportation
movements through the area which is greatly enhanced with the traffic signal installation. It is 1
therefore recommended that the signal justification report for the installation of a traffic signal
at the proposed Trunk Highway 101 and West 78th Street intersection, Project No. 88 -22B, be
approved. 1
ktm
Attachments: 1. Signal Justification Report.
c: Dave Hempel, Sr. Engineering Technician 1
Jon Horn, BRW, Inc.
Howard Preston, BRW, Inc.
Elliott Ruhland, MnDOT
Robert Vasek, MnDOT
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