Multi-Lane Roundabout Gets Lakeville City Council's OK

Lakeville drivers will have a until 2014 to get up to speed on a new roundabout that got approval to move forward at the July 18 City Council meeting.

That’s when the estimated $3.5 million project will begin construction at the intersection of Kenwood Trail (CSAH 50) and 185th Street (CSAH 60) in a joint effort with Dakota County.

A redesign of the current light-controlled method for the intersection was estimated at $8.3 million.

City and county officials have been examining the need for improved traffic flow at the intersection and have already noticed “operational difficulties”. According to a study performed by Mankato-based engineering firm Bolton & Menk, the current intersection is operating at near capacity and daily traffic counts are expected to more than double over the next 20 years.

Kristi Sebastian, a transportation engineer with Dakota County, went over the proposal with the council prior to getting the go ahead for the project. Sebastian highlighted costs, safety and a steadier flow of traffic as the reasons a roundabout would be the best option for one of the main cross-section arteries in the city.

Not only would there be significant savings, said Sebastian, but roundabouts have shown to significantly reduce serious accidents, injuries and fatalities due to the decreased speed of the traffic flowing through the intersection. Roundabouts also significantly reduce delay or wait times for vehicles.

The county held an open house in March for nearby residents and businesses and the issue of safety was raised at that time.

“One concern was that a roundabout in general was fairly new to the U.S. and how would people know how to traverse it.”

Sebastian said a heavy educational component will be included in the project so residents can get a head start on navigating the new design.

Unlike other area single-lane roundabouts, the proposed project would be a full dual-lane roundabout and the majority of the project costs would come from widening the surrounding approaches to four lanes.

Sebastian said an increase in minor accidents is expected initially, but that overall safety would improve over the long term versus other options.

“There are thirty-two points where traffic conflicts on a signal-controlled intersection,” said Sebastian. “With a dual-lane roundabout, there are only ten points and vehicles will be travelling at a lesser speed.”

Keith Nelson, Lakeville’s city engineer, said the city would only be liable for a portion of the $3.5 million project. The project received $1.6 million in federal funding through a grant.

“The remaining costs would be shared based on County policy,” said Nelson.

That policy would leave Lakeville with an approximate $855,000 tab for the project. Those funds would come from the city’s Improvement Construction Fund.

The study did take into consideration future plans for a possible Kenrick Avenue extension, but found that would not significantly alter traffic patterns.

Other Business

The council also voted to move forward with an agreement for the preparation of an Economic Development Marketing Strategy by South Carolina-based Arnett Muldrow & Associates. The firm specializes in marketing and branding for municipalities and has previously worked with West Des Moines, IA and Anoka in helping those cities better position themselves for economic development.

Lakeville Economic Development director Dave Olson said community block grants would fund the project and a report should be ready by the end of October.