Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutTraffic Safety Commission 07-20-11NOTICE OF MEETING AND AGENDA ST. CROIX COUNTY TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION July 20, 2011, 10: 00 A.M. Training Room —St. Croix County Sheriff's Office CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING DATE OF NEXT MEETING — October 19, 2011 OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS 1. Preview of 2012 State Highway construction projects 2. CTH F / CTH MM / Glenmont Road Intersection 3. STH 65 & CTH G Intersection COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS ADJOURN (Items may be taken in different order) * * Additions /Changes /Corrections OFFICIAL MINUTES ST. CROIX COUNTY TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION MINUTES The St. Croix County Traffic Safety Commission Meeting was held on July 20, 2011, in the Sheriffs Office Training Room of the Government Center in Hudson. The meeting was called to order by Captain Jeff Klatt at 10:02 a.m. ROLL CALL Members Present Captain Klatt, Dennis Johnson, Miles Wittig, Sergeant Brian Erickson, Greg Helgeson, Tim Ramberg, Jeff Durkee, SCC Highway Engineer, William Peavey, Roger Rebholz, Brian Hurtgen, Doris Peterson and Kelli Calleja. Others Present Tom Belongia. The previous minutes were reviewed by each party individually and William Peavey advised that a correction was needed on NEW BUSINESS - # 2: Previous wording: There is an emergency paving project ( patch/repair j ob) on CTH BB (West of STH 128) g oing east almost to Menomonie that is expected to start sometime in mid May, 2011 and to be completed around July 1, 2011. This work will be performed at night, during off peak hours. Traffic will be cut down to one lane when the work is being performed. Corrected wording: There is an emergency paving project (patch/repair job) on I -94, east of CTH BB (west of STH 128) going east, almost to Menomonie in Dunn County that is expected to start sometime in mid May, 2011 and to be completed around July 1, 2011. This work will be performed at night, during off peak hours. Traffic will be cut down to one lane when the work is being performed. Motion was made by William Peavey to approve the April 20, 2011 Amended Minutes, and the motion was seconded by Greg Helgeson. Motion carried. NEXT MEETING DATE is Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in the Sheriff s Office Training Room of the Government Center in Hudson. OLD BUSINESS Nothing to discuss. NEW BUSINESS 2011 Highway Safety Improvement Project Greg Helgeson advised that the 2011 Bridge Work Project — Hwy 128 Bridge (just north of USH 12) will start next week (after the SCC Fair has finished). The detour will be from Glenwood City, east on STH 170, down to Boyceville and south on STH 79, and back again on USH 12. 2012 Highway Safety Improvement Projects There are a number of projects planned for 2012: Roundabouts — There will be a total of seven roundabouts going in. 1) I -94 — the STH 65 interchange in Roberts will be reconstructed. This will include replacing bridge, ramps, etc. This project will include two roundabouts. Traffic will be down to two lanes on the interstate during off peak hours, with intermittent lane closures. 2) STH 65 — Intersection improvements / Roundabouts — one at the CTH TT / STH 65 & USH 12 on west side; one on the east side; one at CTH G — south of New Richmond; and one at Four Corners, USH 63 /STH 64 /STH 46. 3) There is a Pavement Replacement Project planned on STH 64 East, between USH 63 South and USH 63 North; with resurfacing on STH 64 from USH 63 North to the Dunn County line. There will also be left turn lane improvements on STH 64 and USH 63 North. 4) I -94 — Bridge replacement at CTH B in Woodville. During this project, there will be temporary traffic signals at the bridge. This project is expected to start in the spring and last for probably four months (expected to completed in the early fall). 5) The emergency paving project (patch/repair job) on I -94 east of CTH BB (west of STH 128) going east almost to Menomonie in Dunn County that was discussed at our last meeting was completed around July 1, 2011. This was a temporary fix; a regular resurfacing project is scheduled to take place during 2012. This work will be performed at night, during off peak hours. Traffic will be cut down to one lane when the work is being performed. Doris advised that she has three family members who drive semi trucks, and they have commented to her that roundabouts are a hassle for semi trucks. She discussed a specific incident in which one of her family members could not get onto the roundabout in a timely manner and had to wait quite some time; she advised that this incident took place somewhere in the cities. Greg advised that when constructing our roundabouts, we are making the truck aprons wider, to make it easier for trucks to get onto. Tim then asked Greg about the cable barriers that were installed last year. Greg advised that there is a stretch just east of Carmichael Road which continues on through exit #4; a 2 two and one half mile stretch by Hammond; as well as a five mile stretch in Dunn County. The purpose of the cable barriers is to help alleviate cross -over crashes. Tim voiced that he had some concerns with motorcycles and the possibility of decapitation. Greg advised that he has not heard of that happening to date. William Peavey questioned how wide the lanes would be during the bridge rebuild on CTH B. His concern is with farm machinery getting through that area during the construction. Greg advised that the lanes will be rather narrow during the first stage of construction; maybe 10 feet wide. William said that if the machinery had to go to CTH BB that would be a long way to go around. Greg advised that he would check into it. Captain Klatt then invited Tom Belongia to address the committee. Tom wanted to discuss his concerns with the CTH F / CTH MM / Glenmont Road intersection. Tom advised that he is a resident of Glen Road, and has been so for 25 years. He advised that 50 -55 residents in his area access this intersection daily. He and his neighbors have had discussions regarding this intersection, and the residents agree and are asking for a turn lane to be added, to help them get out of the way of traffic that is coming up the hill. They feel that they need a turn lane to make it safer to take the right turn onto Glenmont Road off of CTH F. The posted speed is 55; however, residents believe that people are driving 55 -60, or even faster. Tom advised that he puts his right turn signal on at the top of the hill, to advise other drivers that he is going to be taking the right turn. He advised that vehicles almost get rear ended when taking that turn. Tom advised that there is a substantial amount of traffic that travels that road both from Minnesota and Wisconsin. There is an influx of traffic using CTH F from Prescott to the Hudson area and vice versa. This is the new shortcut from Minnesota due to the changes that were made on Minnesota Highway 95. Tim and Jeff (Durkee) advised that two years ago (2009), there was a reconstruction project that repaved and widened that intersection. Also, curbs and gutters were added to that area to make drivers uncomfortable; in hopes that they would slow down. At that same time, the hill was cut down to allow more visibility and improve the safety off the intersection. Tom advised that during the winter months, the St. Croix County Highway Department/Town of Troy maintenance workers don't want to hit the curbs with their plows; therefore, they tend to stay a ways away from the curbs, which makes the lanes narrower. Captain Klatt provided some crash data, as to the number of accidents that have taken place at that specific intersection since 2000: There were quite a few accidents in that area; however, most of those involved vehicle vs. deer. The others include: one in 2005; one in 2008, one in 2009 and one that took 3 place approximately two months ago. This reflects that there have only been two accidents at that intersection since the improvement project that took place in 2009. One accident involved a vehicle that was going south and pulled out in front of another vehicle. Another happened with a vehicle that was making a u -turn. Tim advised that according to the last traffic count conducted by the State of Wisconsin, the numbers of vehicles going through this intersection are going down: 2004 2006 2009 CTH F — 5500 4800 4500 CTH MM — 1000 Not Conducted 680 Glenmont Road — 360 Not Conducted 300 Tim mentioned that the highway department did get a request to add a blow -by lane at that intersection; however, SCC Highway Department does not design these. Jeff (Durkee) cautioned that a right hand turn lane would more than likely create a nuisance and an even greater danger to the possibility of rear end accidents. Due to the number of left hand turns that are taken onto CTH MM off of CTH F, he believes people would use that right hand turn lane as a blow -by lane. Further discussion ensued. Tom informed the committee members that due to the weight limitation on the bridge in the state park area, semi truck traffic has cut down significantly; there are almost no semis, just more and more vehicles and motorcycles. He also told the group that traffic is very heavy during morning and afternoon /evening rush hours (sometimes until 7:30 p.m.). Also, on the weekends the traffic is bad because there are a lot of motorcycles. Tim suggested that it is a speed control issue and a driver's behavior when behind the wheel. Greg suggested that perhaps a minor enhancement could be made with some new signage. It was Jeff's (Durkee) opinion that this is an "uncomfortable intersection ". Miles Wittig informed the members that he agrees with putting a right hand turn lane in. Jeff (Durkee) instructed the group that he feels that would cause catastrophic accidents with injuries and possible fatalities. Tim then addressed the question to Roger (Transportation Committee), if there could be continued discussions on this topic /intersection, because there is no funding available at in this time. The previous funding was removed from the six year planning when the improvements were done in 2009. At this point, it would have to be put back on the six year planning list. Roger advised that it would be fine for the discussion to continue with the Transportation Committee; there is no current traffic data available; however, with Tom's input, we now have a resident's view of it. It was Miles' opinion that perhaps it should be the goal of the SCC Highway Department, to purchase more land, to possibly add lanes, etc. to this particular intersection. Tim advised that it would have to be evaluated and approved by the Transportation Committee. Miles then suggested that we move on to the next topic; Tom Belongia exited the meeting at 10:45 a.m. Captain Klatt noted that the next item on the agenda was the STH 65 / CTH G intersection. Greg drew a sketch of the intersection for members to view, and he advised that construction of the roundabout at that intersection will be starting in April 2012 and should be finished up by the summer months. Captain Klatt provided the committee with some specifics of the motorcycle vs. truck accident that took place on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at approximately 5:00 p.m. He advised that there were three southbound vehicles that were stopped at the intersection, waiting to make a left hand turn onto CTH G east. A motorcycle that was behind the three vehicles, entered the right turn lane and was attempting to go through the intersection, when it hit a northbound pickup truck that was making a left turn onto CTH G west. Jeff advised that in reviewing the crash history for that intersection for the past five years, there have been no other crashes like this one, that have taken place there; typically they are rear end crashes. This is not the trend for accidents at that intersection. Greg informed the group that citizens have called in, asking to have that lane marked as a "right turn only" lane. Greg proceeded to read statute #346.08 to the group and members discussed their interpretation of that statute. The lane in question is called a "right turn lane ", but there is no sign indicating that. If the driver can "safely" pass on the right, it is lawful. If we do not allow that lane to be used for passing on the right, the traffic will just gridlock and continue to stack up behind each other at that intersection. Greg told the committee that it is the state's position that since the reconstruction of that intersection will take place next year (eight to nine months from now); they will not make changes to that intersection at this time. The roundabout should alleviate this issue. Miles asked who was at fault in this particular truck vs. motorcycle accident that took place on 7/07/11. Jeff advised that our office was informed that the motorcyclist was observed being "less than safe" when going by the Wal -Mart in New Richmond. Captain 5 Klatt left the meeting and asked Lieutenant Dan VanSomeren to come in and discuss some of the details of the accident. Lieutenant VanSomeren joined the meeting at 11:00 a.m. and gave some information about the crash. He advised that the motorcyclist was cited for Improper/ Unsafe Passing at an Intersection. A discussion then began about statute #346.08 and the changes that took place on 1 /10 /10. Greg informed the group that the only thing that changed was pertaining to u- turns at controlled intersections. However, wording was added to the statute that covers passing on a paved shoulder. It is permitted to pass on a paved shoulder, but the passing motorist must be passing a vehicle that is turning left. Lieutenant VanSomeren informed the committee that this case has been submitted to the District Attorney's Office for an opinion /determination on whether or not the driver should be charged criminally. He then exited the meeting at 11:07 a.m. Trooper Erickson advised that there is a 2001 Attorney General Decision regarding this issue, and advised that he would send a copy of that decision to Captain Klatt. Greg informed that the statute was changed after that decision was handed down. The meeting was then turned over to Dennis Johnson. Dennis handed out the State Patrol Laws of the Month pamphlet. July — Drunken Drivers Face Court- Ordered Installation of Ignition Interlock Devices; August — Intersection Crashes can be Prevented by Obeying Traffic Signals; and September — Drivers Must be Even More Vigilant When School Starts. Dennis reminded the committee that when school starts, we all must pay more attention and be alert to the school buses and students walking and biking to and from school. Dennis advised that all drivers should be aware and be cautious around slow moving farm equipment at this time of the year. So far in 2011, there have been three fatalities in the State of Wisconsin; normally the person who hits the farm machinery dies. Dennis informed the committee that the number of fatalities in the state is down; so far there have been 265 fatalities this year, compared to 280 at this same time last year. In St. Croix County, we have had 5 fatalities this year, which is higher than this same time last year. Our five year average is 11, and last year we were well below that with a total of 6 fatalities for the entire year. Prior to that, we were in the double digits for the past few years. He also advised that April 2011 was the third safest since World War 11; and May 2011 was the safest since World War 11. Dennis contributes this to more motorists using their seat belts, and the awareness of drunk driving. There was then a short discussion on underage drinking. 31 LEGISLATIVE REPORT Dennis educated the committee on Bills of Interest to the Wisconsin Traffic Safety Community: Act 14 (regarding mandatory auto insurance) was enacted into law and becomes effective on November 1, 2011. Senate Bill -15 (passed in Both Houses) /Assembly Bill -18 (Passed in Committee in the 1 st House) (regarding the repeal of the Traffic Stop Racial Data Collection) has passed in both houses, and sounds like it will go through. Senate Bill -76 /Assembly Bill -108 (regarding OWI Costs pertaining to blood draws and testing) was introduced. Assembly Bill -131 (regarding banning school bus drivers from using cell phones) has also been introduced. Lastly, Dennis reminded the group that if they have any highway safety plan suggestions, they can submit them to him and he will forward on to Madison. Captain Klatt informed the committee that out of the five fatalities that we have had so far this year, the last two involved motorcycle vs. deer crashes. OPEN DISCUSSION Tim advised that the highway department has limited mowing now. Due to budget constraints, they are typically only allowed to mow two times a year. On a related topic, the SCC Highway Department has been advised that there are 30 -40 different types of invasive species that they need to be aware of and take precautions with. At this time, they are in the process of checking to see if these even exist in our county. If they are found to be present in our area, highway staff may have to mow in a different manner in those areas. Example: They may only be allowed to clip off the tops of weeds, and then be required to clean off the mower before moving to the next area. This is a State DNR related issue. Miles questioned if they would be cutting the weeds all the way down, late in the fall. Tim advised that due to the budget, they will probably not be doing a final cut in the fall. Greg informed the committee that the construction project on STH 35 and CTH V is completed, and he asked the group what their opinions were regarding the changes that were made; there was a short discussion with input from a number of members of the group. 7 Motion was made by Sergeant Brian Erickson to adjourn the meeting, and this was seconded by Tim Ramberg. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 11:23 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Kelli J. Callej a Law Enforcement Secretary