Traffic Control

635816297030400000TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUESTS

Traffic control requests are considered monthly by the inter-departmental Traffic Control Committee and final approval of committee recommendations is by the City Manager. Please review the common requests listed below and then submit your request. Contact information is required so that staff can obtain follow-up information. Since Richfield receives many requests each year for all kinds of traffic control measures, the City cannot always investigate each request as quickly as it would like. The City will respond after carefully evaluating your request. Data collection and evaluation of the request usually takes about one to two months prior to consideration by the TCC. Once a decision is made, installation takes about one month. Requests approved during the winter may need to wait until spring for installation. We appreciate your patience and understanding.


COMMON REQUESTS

Speeding: Public Works receives many calls and emails indicating frequent speeding throughout the city. Perceived speeds are a combination of vehicle size, noise, and a person’s relative position to a vehicle, which can lead to perceptions that vehicle speed is faster than it actually is (See this video developed by the City of Crystal, MN). Public Works can place speed sensors to verify whether speeding is occurring. Most speed studies result in additional coordination with the Public Safety department to enforce infrequent violations of the speed limit. If the speed study indicates a significant number of speed limit violations, the Traffic Control Committee will consider recommending temporary infrastructure changes to the City Manager for approval. The City will not install stop signs to address speed concerns (see Stop Signs section below).

Speed Limits: Speed Limits are currently set by Minnesota State Statute (169.14). Unless signed otherwise, the speed limit on streets in Richfield is 30 MPH. Requests for speed limit reductions on individual streets will not be considered. The City Council approved a proposal to use their statutory authority to lower speed limits on municipal streets at their December 12, 2023 meeting. Effective in summer 2024, the speed limit on nearly all municipal streets will be 25 MPH unless signed otherwise (The speed limit on the four-lane 76th/77th Street corridor will be 30 MPH). More information will be forthcoming in early 2024.

Speed Bumps: While speed bumps can be effective in lowering vehicle speeds under certain conditions, the city does not install temporary or permanent speed bumps due to negative impacts for emergency vehicles, snow removal, and long term maintenance.

Stop Signs: Richfield installed stop signs citywide from 2008-2010 in consultation with residents in every area of the city, and developed a stop sign policy based on that project. Most intersections in Richfield are two-way stop controlled intersections. Stop signs are frequently requested to either deter speeding or deter “cut through” traffic in neighborhoods. National research and city data collection do not indicate that stop signs lower vehicle speeds or change traffic volumes at intersections where an all-way stop is installed. Stop sign requests will be considered based on reported crash history, total vehicle volumes, turning volumes, pedestrian and bicyclist crossings, and any other relevant factors at specific intersections. Please see the city's Stop Sign Policy for more information.

Crosswalks: Marked crosswalks are considered based on the context of a particular location. Factors include whether the intersection has sidewalks; proximity to parks, schools, or other destinations; pedestrian crossing volume; and vehicular volume. The city does not typically place crosswalks at intersections that do not have sidewalks.

Parking: Streets are for general public use, and the city does not provide designated parking for specific businesses or residences on city streets. In areas where there is heavy street parking for “destinations” (for example near a retail area or school), timed parking restrictions are used to create parking space throughout the day. To report a parking ordinance violation, please call the non-emergency Public Safety number at 612-861-9898. If you are seeing frequent violations at the same location, Public Works can place a monitoring camera for the Traffic Control Committee to determine if additional signage is warranted. If you would like to request an on-street space for vehicles with a disability parking permit, please submit your request via the online form or contact the Traffic Control Request Form.

Curb Painting: Public Works does not paint curbs to indicate parking restrictions.

If you have other questions or requests regarding traffic control, please contact:
Matt Hardegger
Transportation Engineer
612-861-9792