SRF Consulting Group Inc. To Conduct Engineering Assessment Of Crash Intersection In Woodbury

Press release from the City of Woodbury:

April 1, 2021

The City of Woodbury is hiring transportation experts to conduct an engineering assessment of the Settlers Ridge Parkway and Sundance Way intersection, the site of a March 13 fatal crash.

Woodbury Police Department detectives are investigating the cause of the crash, 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.

“It was our hope to first complete the investigation and reconstruction before deciding what, if any, action needs to occur next,” said Woodbury Mayor Anne Burt. “However, it’s now become clear that the investigation could take many months. At the urging of the victims’ families and the neighborhood, we feel that it’s appropriate to begin an engineering assessment of the area now so we have the information available once the crash investigation is complete.”

SRF Consulting Group Inc., a well-respected, independent consulting firm, will assess the intersection design, conditions and usage, including traffic volume, speeds and accident history, as well as an evaluation of converting the intersection into a roundabout. The March 13 crash was the second accident at the intersection since 2011, with the first incident resulting in only property damage.

The results of the assessment will be shared with the community when complete and are expected to be available in approximately eight weeks.

“We are shocked and saddened by this tragic crash and express our deepest condolences to everyone impacted,” Burt said. “We are just as anxious as members of the community to know all the facts and it’s critical we get it right.”

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