No Round-A-Bout Recommended For Settlers Ridge After Assessment

WOODBURY, MN— The independent assessment of Settlers Ridge Parkway — ordered after a deadly March crash that killed a teen and injured three others — has been completed, the city of Woodbury announced.

The March 13 crash on the road killed 17-year-old Garrett Bumgarner and injured three others.

The experts were hired to assess the road after a petition was created to turn the intersection of the Settlers Ridge Parkway and Sundance Way into a round-a-bout.

The experts do not recommend turning the intersection into a round-a-bout, the city said.

The assessment determined that the intersection meets all state design standards and guidelines, the city said. The assessment also said the two-way stop sign is sufficient traffic control for the intersection and that most vehicles drive below the speed limit of 40 mph, the city said.

“It’s important to remember that the cause of the March 13 crash in this area remains under investigation,” Woodbury Mayor Anne Burt said. “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.”

There was also speculation that a bump in the road could have caused the March 13 accident.

"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," the city said.

The minor improvements recommended include smoothing the pavement, ensuring landscaping is maintained by the local homeowners association and adjusting the crosswalk, the city said.

The March 13 crash is the second crash at this intersection since 2011, with the first crash only causing property damage.

You can read the study here.