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Welcome
TO THE HIGHWAY 42 & COUNTY ROAD 73/AKRON AVENUE INTERSECTION AND MEDIAN MODIFICATION PROJECT
VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE
THE FOLLOWING SLIDES INCLUDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEED FOR THE PROJECT AND THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.
Introduction from the County Commissioner
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About this Virtual Open House
To navigate through the meeting, click on the arrows on the right and left side of your screen.
There will be an opportunity to provide your input at the end through an interactive feedback map and survey.
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What is the Highway 42 & County Road 73/Akron Avenue Intersection and Median Modification Project?
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL PROJECT LAYOUT
Dakota County, in collaboration with the City of Rosemount, is planning to make the following improvements at the intersection of Highway 42 and County Road 73/Akron Avenue:
install a traffic signal with overhead lighting
install a raised median
add turn lanes to improve mobility at the intersection
The County will also install a raised median on Highway 42 east of County Road 73/Akron Avenue. This change will promote safety by allowing left turns from Highway 42 and all right turn moves while restricting left turns from driveways, including the Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) driveways, onto County Highway 42.
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Reasons for the Project
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL ISSUES
Motorists on Highway 42 are having increased difficulty making left turns at the DCTC entrances and at the County Road 73/Akron Avenue intersection.
INCREASED TRAFFIC VOLUMES AS A RESULT OF FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
Existing delays at the Highway 42/County Road 73/Akron Avenue intersection are unacceptably high and are anticipated to increase with the expected growth in traffic along Highway 42 and County Road 73/Akron Avenue.
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Project Schedule
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Intersection Traffic Control
ALL-WAY STOPS
TRAFFIC SIGNALS
ROUNDABOUTS
USED FOR
Moderate traffic volumes
Balanced traffic
Speed limits of 40 mph or less
Consistently high volume of traffic
Collector or arterial corridor intersections
Moderate to high traffic volumes
Improving traffic flow
DRAWBACKS
Inefficient and cause delay
Multiple lanes can cause crash risk
Increased crash risk when disregarded
Constant stopping/acceleration is noisy
Introduces additional decision making
Increased crash risk when disregarded
Increased risk of fatal or serious injury crashes
Creates delay, particularly for higher volume movements
May have higher construction cost and right-of-way needs
Potential for more property damage crashes
Not suitable for six-lane or principal arterial highways
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Traffic Signals
TRAFFIC SIGNALS ARE EFFECTIVE BECAUSE THEY:
Manage high volumes of traffic conflicts
Provide crossing opportunities
Can improve intersection efficiency
NEW SIGNALS ARE ADDED WITH CAUTION BECAUSE:
Crashes often increase, especially rear-end crashes
Crashes at signals are typically more severe
Can increase delay and driver decision-making along Highway 42
THE DECISION TO INSTALL SIGNALS IS BASED ON:
Traffic volumes
Crash history
Vehicle delays
Anticipated crash rate
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Why a Traffic Signal
The number of lanes and vehicle volumes are too high at this intersection for stop signs to function safely and efficiently.
A roundabout was not selected based on the function of Highway 42, which is a principal arterial roadway designed for higher mobility.
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Access Management
DEFINITION:
The systematic control of the location, spacing, design, and operation of driveways, median openings, interchanges, and street connections to a roadway
Designates where and how vehicles enter and exit
Helps protect public investment in roadways and improve public safety
Preserves mobility
Reduces delay
Minimizes crash problems
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Thank you!
There are various ways to continue to engage with us:
Provide your feedback on the proposed improvements through an INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK MAP
Please take our ONLINE SURVEY
For more information about the project,
VISIT THE WEBSITE
Questions? Contact:
Kristi Sebastian, Traffic Engineer
kristi.sebastian@co.dakota.mn.us
952-891-7178FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROJECT VISIT THE WEBSITE
