Traffic Control at Downtown Plaza Intersection
Traffic control at the Downtown Plaza intersection is just one component of the project to improve safety on Lake Avenue/Blue Earth Avenue. The road will be reduced from four to three lanes, which will:
- Improve conditions for turning traffic
- Slow vehicle speeds along the corridor
- Reduce the number of vehicle lanes that pedestrians must cross
- Allow wider sidewalk/trail on the west/south side of the corridor to improve the bicyclist and pedestrian experience.
The ultimate goal for the Downtown Plaza intersection is to provide a safe intersection for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Below is a table that compares the different traffic control options along with their impact on safety, delay, and project cost.
For more information:
- See the Presentation to City Council on July 22, 2019
- View the preferred option for Lake Avenue Improvements
- Read the Lake Avenue Corridor Study
Comparison Matrix of Intersection Control Options for Downtown Plaza/Blue Earth Avenue
Open a PDF version of the Intersection Control Options Matrix
How does a semi-truck or other large vehicle use a roundabout?
Many roundabouts are designed to accommodate large trucks. The videos below show a roundabout with a center island and medians designed to provide extra space for vehicles that need to make wide turns. Watch the videos below to see how a semi-truck makes both a left and right turn in a single-lane roundabout.
Left turn
Right turn
Check out these references for more information
- The Effects of Roundabouts on Pedestrian Safety (National Association of City Transportation Officials – NACTO)
- What is the Harm in Installing an Unwarranted Traffic Control Device? (U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration FAQ #15)
- Navigating a roundabout: What drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists need to know. (MnDOT)
- How does a roundabout work? (MNDOT)
- A study of the traffic safety at Roundabouts in Minnesota 2017 (MnDOT)
- Addendum regarding pedestrian and bicycle safety at Roundabouts (MnDOT)
- Proven Safety Counter Measure – Roundabouts (U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration)
- Watch some roundabout videos: