RES 2021-64 Otsego Crosswalk policyCITY OF OTSEGO
COUNTY OF WRIGHT
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO: 2021-64
ESTABLISHING A CROSSWALK POLICY
WHEREAS, the City has adopted a Transportation Plan that establishes a functional classification system for
public streets; and,
WHEREAS, the functional classification system provides for a network of local, collector, and arterial streets
to provide for movement within the City; and,
WHEREAS, sidewalks and trails for non -motorized vehicles or pedestrians may be constructed adjacent to
or intersecting streets; and,
WHEREAS, crossing of streets at controlled intersections for connections between sidewalks and trail is not
always practical; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council finds it is necessary to establish a policy regarding installation of crosswalks at
uncontrolled intersections.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OTSEGO, MINNESOTA:
That the Crosswalk Policy as attached hereto as Exhibit A is hereby adopted effective immediately.
ADOPTED by the Otsego City Council this 23rd day of August, 2021.
MOTION BY: STOCKAMP
SECONDED BY: DAHL
IN FAVOR: STOCKAMP, DARKENWALD, GOEDE, MOORES, DAHL
OPPOSED: NONE
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CROSSWALK POLICY
ADOPTED: Draft XX, 2021
A. Purpose
This policy establishes guidelines and a consistent, uniform approach for improving pedestrian safety at
uncontrolled intersections using best management practices. Crossings at controlled intersections will be
provided in accordance with the Engineering Manual and Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices (MN MUTCD) guidelines. A successful pedestrian crossing policy has a positive impact to
multimodal transportation comfort and safety and creates crossing locations accessible to all ages and
abilities. This policy represents a shared understanding between the City Council, City Staff and residents
of:
■ Commitment to safe pedestrian crossings
■ Proven safety strategies
■ Factors considered, and
■ Implementation based on engineering review and supported through ongoing education and
enforcement efforts.
B. State Statutes
Crosswalk. "Crosswalk" means (1) that portion of a roadway ordinarily included with the prolongation or
connection of the lateral lines of sidewalks (or trails) at intersections; (2) any portion of a roadway
distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface. (§. 169.011 Subd.
20)
Rights in absence of signal. (a) Where traffic -control signals are not in place or in operation, the driver of
a vehicle shall stop to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked
crosswalk or at an intersection with no marked crosswalk. The driver must remain stopped until the
pedestrian has passed the lane in which the vehicle is stopped. No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb
or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for
the driver to yield. (§169.21 Subd. 2)
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Crossing between intersections. (a) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within
a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with no marked crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to all
vehicles upon the roadway. (§169.21 Subd. 3)
C. Authority
This policy is based on administrative implementation of policy and Minnesota State Statute 169 to be
administered under the direction of the Public Works Department and applies to roadways under the
City's jurisdiction. Crossings of County highways are under Wright County's jurisdiction and based on
principles/policies of the Wright County's Transportation Plan or other policies. The City will work with
Wright County to improve the safety of crossing County highways, and to request implementation of
strategies at locations supported by studies, demand and need.
D. Background
Uncontrolled crossing locations occur where sidewalks/trails intersect roadways where no traffic control
(i.e., traffic signal, STOP sign, or roundabout) exists. Examples include intersections (crossings may be
marked or unmarked) and midblock locations (crossings must be marked). Factors such as traffic volume
and the number of lanes can create challenges and impair the ability to accurately judge vehicle speed
and traffic gaps. Not all intersections are suitable for crossing infrastructure. Identifying effective and
prioritized crossing locations and appropriate best management practices maximizes driver/pedestrian
compliance and improves pedestrian safety.
E. Evaluation
The Public Works Department will be responsible for installing crosswalks at locations within the City right-
of-way and City -owned property and maintenance of crosswalk elements. Infrastructure installation will
be based on Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MN MUTCD) guidelines and be
maintained in a high state of visibility that complies with reflectivity standards.
When evaluating crosswalk requests, City staff will utilize this policy, guidance from the Federal Highway
Administration and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and other sources. The use of crossing
treatments is not mandated or required and shall be based on engineering judgment. Further analysis
and monitoring may also be required, including preparation of a traffic engineering study. The level of
detail required for a traffic engineering study will vary by location. The City may require the cost of
preparing a traffic study to be paid by the requesting party.
Engineering studies will remain in effect until conditions change and a new and/or updated study is
warranted. Examples of changed conditions that may warrant a new and/or updated study may include:
new land development; roadway improvement projects; at the discretion of the City Engineer or Street
Operations Managerwhen traffic conditions (i.e., change in traffic/pedestrian counts) and/or safety issues
(i.e., crash data) exists.
F. Criteria
Crosswalks will only be designated with pavement markings, signage, or other improvements in
accordance with Section G of this policy at uncontrolled intersections where the crossing is needed to
connect sidewalks or trails on opposite sides of a collector street. Crosswalks at uncontrolled intersections
on streets with a speed limit greater than 40 miles per hour or at mid -block locations are not to be allowed
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and crossings at three-way intersections are to be discouraged. Requests for crossing locations shall be
evaluated based upon, but not limited to the following criteria:
■ Safety Data:
- Crash Reports
- Written Concerns
■ Existing Field Conditions:
- Lighting conditions
- Parking
- Street design (number of travel lanes/shoulders and width)
- Stopping site distance
G. Best Management Practices
Speed Limit
<30mph
35mph
40 mph
2 Lanes
D
D
A -B -C -D -E
A
A
B -C
B -C -E
3 Lanes
D
D
A -B -C -D -E
With
A
A
Raised
88=C
B -C -E
Median
3 Lanes
A -D
A -D
A -B -C -D -E
No Median
F
F
F
B -C
B -C -E
4+ Lanes
A -D
A -D
A -B -D -G -E
Raised
F
F
F
Median
BB=C
B -C -E
4+ Lanes
A -B -C -D
A -D
A -B -C -D -H
No
E -F
F
F
Median
B -C -E
Notes: Matrix references posted speed limits.
A = Advance Stop Here for Pedestrians Sign and Stop Line
B = Crosswalk pavement markings
C = Crosswalk warning signs
D = Parking restrictions on crosswalk approach
E = Pedestrian hybrid beacon (activated cross -walk signage)
F = 4 to 3 lane conversion
BOLD = Always consider
Italics = Also consider
Underline = Use only with other crossing treatments
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