Independent Assessment Completed For Settlers Ridge Parkway Intersection In Woodbury

Press release from the City of Woodbury:

June 5, 2021

Based on information made available and data collected for review, the design of Settlers Ridge Parkway and the Sundance Way intersection meets all state design standards and guidelines, according to an independent engineering assessment.

SRF Consulting Group Inc., a well-respected, independent consulting firm, completed an engineering assessment of the Settlers Ridge Parkway and Sundance Way intersection in May. The study looked at the intersection’s design, conditions, and usage, including traffic volume, speeds and accident history, as well as an evaluation of converting the intersection into a roundabout. The report includes three considerations for optional, minor improvements:

• The roadway’s current design meets professional standards, as crowns in all roadways are necessary to move stormwater drainage to curbs and drains. Consideration could be made to improve the northbound Settlers Ridge Parkway ride quality by smoothing out the pavement on a small segment in the northbound lane of Settlers Ridge Parkway at Sundance Way. The ride quality over this particular crown – or bump – varies based on driver behavior, vehicle speed, where the bump is crossed, and vehicle type and suspension.
• Ensure the plantings and landscaping are maintained by the homeowners association in the Settlers Ridge Parkway median near the intersection to not impact sightlines.
• Adjust the pedestrian crosswalk to run through the Settlers Ridge Parkway median at Sundance Way (extend median or pull back crosswalk) with a future roadway project or reconstruction.

The report also indicated the existing two-way stop sign at the intersection is sufficient traffic control for the area. Converting the intersection to a roundabout is not recommended. Average vehicle speeds on Settlers Ridge Parkway at the intersection were observed at 38 mph for northbound traffic and 35 mph for southbound traffic, indicating the majority of drivers traveling at or below the posted speed limit of 40 mph.

“It’s important to remember that the cause of the March 13 crash in this area remains under investigation,” explained Woodbury Mayor Anne Burt. “The intent of the independent engineering assessment was to determine if immediate roadway improvements are necessary. While the report indicates only minor, optional improvements could be considered, additional information for intersection improvements may be considered following the availability of the crash investigation data.”

The city is evaluating the considerations in conjunction with its roadway maintenance program.

View the complete engineering assessment report

Crash investigation continuesWoodbury Police Department detectives are investigating the cause of the March 13 crash near the intersection, gathering evidence and information, and conducting interviews. As part of the investigation, the Minnesota State Patrol is reconstructing the crash. This work is expected to take many months, but is important in determining if speed and driving behavior were factors in the crash and if criminal charges will be filed against the driver. The March 13 crash was the second accident at the intersection since 2011, with the first incident resulting in property damage only.

This press release was produced by the City of Woodbury. The views expressed here are the author’s own.