10 Pleasant View Road TrafficMEMORANDUM
CITYOF
~ CenterDdve, PO Box 147
~hassen, Minnesota 55317
Phone 612.937.1900
~eral Fax 612. 93 7. 5739
~eering Fax 612.937.9152
: Safffy Fax 612.934.2524
wwm ci. dJa,hassen. ,tn. ,s
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUB J:
Scott A. Botcher, City Manager
Anita L. Benson, City Engineer
June 23, 1999
Pleasant View Road Traffic Issues
File No. PW086-B
A discussion of Pleasant View Road traffic issues has been requested by Ms.
Patricia Recupero in a letter dated June 10, 1999 to the Mayor and members of the
City Council. Due to concerns regarding speed of traffic on Pleasant View Road
and safety, Ms. Recupero has requested the following:
1. Enforce the speed limit and have a squad car set up with radar a minimum of
three times a month.
2. Stripe the road.
3. Install raised reflective markers in the middle of the double (stripes around the
curves).
4. Install road signs that will warn drivers to watch out for pedestrians.
5. Do not allow the road extension from Peaceful Lane onto Pleasant View Road.
Speed Limit Enforcement
The speed limit on Pleasant View Road was changed in 1983 due to a speed
zoning study which was requested by the Chanhassen City Council. Based on this
speed study, MnDOT recommended authorization of a 25 MPH speed limit
between Powers Boulevard and a point approximately 800 feet west of Pleasant
View Lane.
The results of speed surveys conducted by the Public Safety Department are as
follows:
Date Speed Limit Average Highest
(MPH) Speed Speed
6/9/99 25 29 42
6/13/99 25 24 39
6/15/99 25 29 33
6/15/99 25 31 39
6/16/99 25 31 41
6/16/99 30 29 30
6/19/99 25 32 39
6/20/99 25 27 32
6/21/99 30 28 40
, ofChanhassen. A growing communiO, with clean lakes, qua/lo, schods, a charmin~ downtown, thrivin~ businesses, and beautifulparks. A treat p/ace to live, work, and play.
Scott Botcher
June 23, 1999
Page 2
Additionally, enforcement efforts have resulted in several citations being written to
residents that live either on or near Pleasant View Road as noted in the attached
memo from Bob Zydowsky, Chief Law Enforcement Officer.
Roadway Characteristics
Pleasant View Road has been described as a "beautiful, narrow, curved road that
wraps around Lotus Lake".
Pleasant View Road is a Municipal State Aid Route and serves as the only east-
west connection between Powers Boulevard and TH 101 in northern Chanhassen.
Additionally, Pleasant View Road is designated as a Class II (minor collector)
roadway in the Chanhassen Comprehensive Plan. Class II collectors focus on inter
and intra-neighborhood connections.
The challenges posed by the geometrics of Pleasant View Road are not new. The
Chanhassen Comprehensive Plan identifies the existing roadway alignment as
inadequate in several areas. The characteristics which make Pleasant View Road
"beautiful" such as sharp curves, vegetation, garages located at the right-of-way
line, hidden driveways, and frequent vistas of Lotus Lake all combine to create
traffic safety concerns. Inadequacies of this road will continue to intensify as
traffic volumes increase.
Average daily traffic (ADT) data for Pleasant View Road is as follows:
Location 1995 1997 1999
Between Powers Boulevard 1513 ADT 1603 ADT 2504 ADT
and Pleasant View Court
Between TH 101 and Near N/A 3295 ADT 3466 ADT
Mountain Boulevard
West of Fox Path and Ridge 1165 ADT 1369 ADT 1767 ADT
Road
Due to deterioration of the pavement on Pleasant View Road, the City of
Chanhassen completed a maintenance bituminous overlay project in 1998. The
overlay project reinstalled bituminous curbs and widened the roadway where
practical in an effort to address drainage issues and improve upon the narrow
width of the roadway. Currently, the road width varies from 21 to 30 feet. Even
with the widening done with the overlay project, the roadway width is not
sufficient to provide a safe designated on-road bike or pedestrian trail.
Scott Botcher
June 23, 1999
Page 3
Traffic Control Device Issues
Due to the increased traffic levels on Pleasant View Road over the past four years
and the slight widening of the road in 1998, it is now appropriate to install double
yellow, no passing zone striping the entire length of Pleasant View Road.
However, the installation of raised pavement markers on the curves is not
necessary or practical as they would be removed by snowplowing operations.
The installation of signage to warn of pedestrians on Pleasant View Road is
inappropriate based on the Minnesota Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Signage to inform motorists of high concentration of pedestrians are used in
situations such as trail crossings, schools and parks.. If petitioned by the majority
of property owners and neighborhoods directly accessing Pleasant View Road, a
feasibility study could be prepared for the construction of a pedestrian trail at the
direction of the City Council.
Nez Perce Drive Extension
The Nez Perce Drive connection with Pleasant View Road has been a point of
contention for 10 years. The extension of Nez Perce Drive has been planned by
the City since 1989 when the Vineland Forest plat was approved. The connection
was identified to improve access .needed for local trips and to insure the adequate
provisions for emergency services and future development of the adjacent parcels.
City staff, Planning Commission and City Council reviewed numerous alternative
access concepts for serving the surrounding parcels. The City approved the plat
for Mr. Beddor's development called Troendle Addition in 1991. Both Vineland
Forest and Troendle Addition were developed consistent with the plan to
ultimately extend Nez Perce Drive to Pleasant View Drive. Mr. Beddor purchased
a portion of the parcel west of Troendle Addition in 1992. A developer purchased
the southerly portion of the property. The City Council reaffirmed its decision to
extend Nez Perce Drive to Pleasant View Road and initiated condemnation
proceedings to acquire the right-of-way for Nez Perce Drive to Pleasant View
Road in May of 1993.
The City was named defendant in a law suit brought by some of the neighbors
along Pleasant View Road and Nez Perce Drive in 1993 and 1994 who were
opposed to having Nez Perce Drive extended to Pleasant View Road. The courts
denied the neighbors' lawsuit against the City and a settlement agreement was
reached. The City was conveyed the street right-of-way for the extension of Nez
Perce Drive out to Peaceful Lane with the stipulation that Nez Perce Drive would
not be constructed until after September, 1998. Nez Perce Drive is identified in
the Comprehensive Plan as a recommended local street improvement.
Scott Botcher
June 23, 1999
Page 4
Recommendations
1. Provide enforcement of the 25 MPH speed limit recognizing other areas of the
city require speed enforcement.
2. Install double yellow, no passing zone striping the entire length of Pleasant
View Road.
If petitioned by at least 50% of property owners and neighborhoods directly
accessing Pleasant View Road, conduct feasibility study for construction of a
trail along Pleasant View Road.
4. Construct the Nez Perce Drive neighborhood connection to Peaceful Lane.
Attachments:
1. Memo from Bob Zydowsky dated June 22, 1999.
2. Letter from Patricia Recupero dated June 10, 1999.
C:
Dave Hempel, Assistant City Engineer
Charles Folch, Director of Public Works Operations
Bob Zydowsky, Chief Law Enforcement Officer
g:~ngXanita'~cXpleasant view roM.doc
CITYOF
CHANHASSEN
MEMORANDUM
G{y Center Drive, PO Box 147 TO:
5anhassen, Minnesota 55317
Phone 612.937.1900 FROM:
5eneral Fax 612.93Z5739
DATE:
dineering Fax 612.937.9152
blic Safe~ Fax 612.934.2524 SUB J:
'eh www. ci. chanhassen, mn. us
Anita Benson, City Engineer
Bob Zydowsky, Chief Law Enforcement Officer
June 22,1999
Pleasant View Road Issues
To date, we have completed ten formal speed surveys for the Pleasant View Road
speed concerns. Of the ten surveys completed we had an average speed of 28 miles
per hour. This does not necessarily mean that all vehicles are going 28 mile per
hour. We have had a high speed of 47 mile per hour, and have stopped a
considerable amount of vehicles that were not part of a formal speed survey.
The majority of the tickets written for speeding have taken place on the eastern
portion of Pleasant View Road, by the North Lotus Park. Most of the citations
written, were residents that either live on the road or near Pleasant View Road.
My plan is to continue our efforts on Pleasant View Road, recognizing that other
areas of the city are in need of speed enforcement also. We have been able to utilize
the "speed trailer" that Carver County has as a way of educating residents about
there driving habits. If there is anything else I can be of assistance, please don't
hesitate to let me know.
, Cit~ oflChfmhasse,. A growing commumN with clean lakes, guali~, schoo& a charmin~ downtown, thrivine businesses, and beautiful oarks. A ereat olace to live, work, and
CHANHASSEN PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT
SPECIAL RADAR / TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT
DATE / TIME ASSIGNED:
LOCATION:
PURPOSE OF SURVEY:
OFFICER ASSIGNED:
e~ stop sign other:
Io: 2
START TIME: [0 '.1'7 END TIME:
CITATIONS ISSUED: . '_/~ '
WRITTEN WARNINGS: ~/~"
SPEED LIMIT: ~-~ POSTED: ~ NO
AVENGE SPEED OF ALL VEHICLES: ~ HIGHEST SPEED ~CO~ED:
SPECIAL RADAR/TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT
SUPERVISOR:
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: '~~
TICKETS ISSUED:
ESTIMATE OF TOTAL VEHICLES THROUGH LOCATION: ~"~.,~
POSTED: YES,.. ~ NO
RADAR UNIT:
RADAR OFFICER
REVIEWING SUPERVISOR
SEND COPY TO:
REQUESTED BY:
CHANHASSEN PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT
SPECIAL RADAR / TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT
DATE / TIME ASSIGNED:
LOCATION:
PURPOSE OF SURVEY:
OFFICER ASSIGNED:
stop sign other:
START TIME: ~.1~ .'
CITATIONS ISSUED:
WRITTEN WARNINGS:
END TIME:
TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES THROU6H LOCATION: I ]
SPEED LIMIT: ~--"~ POSTED: ~ NO
AVERAGE SPEED OF ALL VEHICLES: ~q' HIGHEST SPEED RECORDED:
RADAR UNIT: '~'--.. i-~3 ,_~.j¥_'~..~O, QC~ .0~_ ~..~
~DAR OFFICER: ~~ RE~EWING S~ERVISOR:
RECORDED SPEEDS:
..Z
CHANHASSEN PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT
SPECIAL RADAR/TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT
TE/TIME ASSIGNED:
EATION: ~ ceo
,.POSE OF SURVEY:
7- speed ,stop sign
~CER ASSIGNED:
~AL INSTRUCTIONS:
.,other(explain)
RT TIM~: x ~ 7o END TIME:
a. TIONS ISSUED:
TTEN WARNINGS ~SSUED:
2v[ATE OF TOTAL VEHICLES THROUGH LOCATION:
ED LIMIT: ~ POSTED: '~- .YES
NO
RAGE SPEED OF ALL VEHICLES: ~c~,-I
HIGHEST SPEED RECORDED:
OFFICER
REVIEWING SUPERVISOR
, COPY TO:
rESTED BY:
CHANHASSEN PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT
SPECIAL RADAR / TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT
DATE / TIME ASSIGNED:
LOCATION:
PURPOSE OF SURVEY:
OFFICER ASSIGNED:
stop sign other:
START TIME: /~--~ ,,._~ ~') END TIME:
CITATIONS ISSUED: ~
1
WRITTENW. ARNINGS: ~;f~'~'~
TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES THROU6H LOCATION:
SPEED LIMIT: POSTED: ~ NO
AVENGE SPEED OF ALL VEHICLES: '~ lot[
39'
HIGHEST SPEED RECORDED:
Y/
RADAR UNIT: K~ {'-,.~"
REVIEWING SUPERVISOR:
CHANHASSEN PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT
SPECIAL RADAR/TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT
TE/I'IME ASSIGNED:
~ATION: ~ Q ~
.POSE OF SURVEY:
'ICER ASSIGNED:
,stop sign
L'IAL INSTRUCTIONS:
other(explain)
RT TIM~: I61 <;
NO
HIGHEST SPEED RECORDED:
· ::ONS ZSSUED:.
I'TEN WARNINGS ISSUED:
MATE OF TOTAL VEHICLES THROUGH LOCATION:
:D LIMIT: :~o POSTED: ~'/ .YES
?.AGE SPEED OF ALL VEHICLES:
REVIEW~G SUPERVISOR
COPY TO:
ESTED BY:
CHANHASSEN PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT
SPECIAL RADAR / TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT
I~ATE / TIME ASSIGNED:
LOCATION:
PURPOSE OF SURVEY:
OFFICER ASSIGNED:
(~ stop sign other:
STARTTIME: I,~~, ]._~" ENDTIME: /'~'""-~ 0
CITATIONS ISSUED: .~
WRITTEN WARNINGS: ~
TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES THROUGH LOCATION: / ~
SPEED LIMIT: ~'.~"'/~/P~/ POSTED: NO
AVERAGE SPEED OF ALL VEHICLES: ~ /. ~ HIGHEST SPEED RECORDE~ ~
RADAR UNIT: ~ ~ /~ ~'
CHANHASSEN PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT
SPECIAL RADAR / TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT
DATE / TIME ASSIGNED:
LOCATION:
PURPOSE OF SURVEY:
OFFICER ASSIGNED:
stop sign other:
START TIME: ///O~_.~ END TIME:
CITATIONS ISSUED: ~
WRITTEN WARNINGS: ~
TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES THROUGH LOCATION:
SPEED LIMIT: POSTED: /VESJ NO
AVERAGE SPEED OF ALL VEHICLES: ~_~~ HIGHEST SPEED RECORDED:
~DAR OFFICER~. ~ RENEWING SUPERVISOR:
SPECIAL RADAR/TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT
SUPERVISOR:
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: _
TICKETS ISSUED:
x,, ~ .-,.~
ESTIMATE OF TOTAL VEHICLES THROUGH LOCATION:
POSTED: YES / NO
RADAR UNIT :__ O~t~fOL"~'//~
RADAR OFFICER
REVIEWING SUPERVISOR
SEND COPY TO:
REQUESTED BY:
~un 10 88 07:26a Tonu Recupero 817 5?7-8885
June 10, 1999
Dem' Mayor and Members of the C~ty Council.,
1 mn writing to you about a grave concern I have al~ot~t the speed Of the traffic on Plea~rmt View
Road. I live in a small neighborhood offPI.easm~t View Road. Pleasant View is abeautiful,
lmrrow, curved road that wraps around Lotus Lake.
Many people use Pleasant View road. Motorists use it as a shortcut to highways 101 and 62,
Walkers, runners, and bicyclists use it as a scenic route to their desired destinations. I have seen
the Mim~etonka High $c1~ooI track team framing dovat tile ~.tracl. I routinely see bicycle clubs with
15 plus cyclists peddling by.
Most of Pteasm~t View road's speed limit is 25 mph. If one drives too much over the ,i~.e.d limit
they am forced to drive into ~he other lane of trfffic. Uafortunatel,~5 it happens often. I see a lot of
ne~ misses with innocent walkers, rutmers and bicyclists. I have had vehicles make a &mg~rous
p~s in front of my car because I am driving thc speed limit. I really lmve to hold my breath if 1
have to pa~s a parked vehicle. I am always afraid I am going to have a head on collision with a
speeding car as i make the pass. We have to do sometimes about tiffs road.
.My neighbors m~d I have called the SheriWs Department mm~.y times. They are oxfly able to patrol
a fractioa to tile time needed to insure the safety of our many residents that use th.is roar[ They are
vet5' a~vare of tiffs txoblcnl and probably can share many stories of various 'vehicle acciden.ts that
have occurred. But, routine radar stuveillance is only one piece of the puzzle.
Thi.~ is wily I alU. urgiltg you to n~ake a commiunent to your 'fellow residents of Ctumfllassen to
solve this serious problem. Sunm~er is arotmd the comer. Our children will be out on tim road
walking, bicycling or maybe even drivin~ A group of us will be attending the June 28* city
cmmcil meeting. I am proposing the following commitments to elxsure the safety of Pleasant
Viexv Road:
month,
2.
3.
4~
5,
Enforce the speed limit, Have a squacl car set up with tad~u- a rni~fimum of tlxr~ times a
Stripe the road,
Install raised rellect~ve markers in the miclglle of' tim (double) stripe,q around the
Install road sigus that will warn ch'ivers to watch out for pedestrians.
Do not allow the mad extension from Peaceful Lane onto Pleas-m~t View Road.
I look forward to meeting with you on June 28. If you any questions, please feel free to call me at
401-9627.
'"iSatricia Recupero ~ '