File #: 19-0647R    Name:
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 9/12/2019 In control: Public Works and Utilities
On agenda: 9/23/2019 Final action: 9/23/2019
Title: RESOLUTION TO RESCIND THE DESIGNATION AND ESTABLISHMENT AS A ONE-WAY STREET FOR THAT PART OF THE SEGMENT OF WEST FIRST STREET BETWEEN 22nd AVENUE WEST AND 30th AVENUE WEST.
Attachments: 1. 19-0674R Map

Title

RESOLUTION TO RESCIND THE DESIGNATION AND ESTABLISHMENT AS A ONE-WAY STREET FOR THAT PART OF THE SEGMENT OF WEST FIRST STREET BETWEEN 22nd AVENUE WEST AND 30th AVENUE WEST.

 

Body

CITY PROPOSAL:

RESOLVED, that in accordance with the provisions of Section 33-17 of the Duluth City Code, 1959, as amended, the segment of West First Street between 22nd Avenue West and 30th Avenue West is no longer a one-way street. This resolution will become effective only after said street segment has been posted with proper signage and striping, indicating the change in designation.

 

Statement of Purpose

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:  The city of Duluth has been converting one-way street pairs to two-way traffic over recent years in an effort to improve traffic circulation.  Michigan Street and West First Street were established as one-way pairs and were designated as Trunk Highway 23 in 1972. That designation no longer applies, and the prior conversion of West Michigan Street to a two-way street eliminates the necessity of this one-way designation (West First Street no longer has its pair). West First Street east of 22nd Ave West has already been converted to two- way traffic eastward to 6th Avenue West.

The Engineering and Planning Divisions reviewed the eight blocks to see if the conversion was feasible. The existing roadway width meets State Aid Standards for a two-way State Aid roadway, while maintaining the existing parking configuration, between 22nd Avenue West and 27th Avenue West. Between 27th Avenue West and 30th Avenue West, the existing roadway width meets City Engineering Standards for a two-way residential roadway, while maintaining the existing parking configuration. There will be no changes to on street parking. Based upon low traffic volumes along this section, existing intersection controls are appropriate. The conversion would only consist of minor changes to signage along the entire segment and the addition of a double yellow centerline between 22nd Avenue West and 27th Avenue West (State Aid portion).

A survey was sent to property owners along this segment of roadway to gather their input on the conversion. 21 responses were received out of 75 letters mailed. The input was split evenly. The people that were in opposition had a few common concerns, which were narrow street width (see above - meets standards), parking impacts (see above - none), and snow plowing (street maintenance is aware of adjustments needed for two way traffic).  The Police and Fire Departments were both notified and no opposition was received.

A two-way street will improve the neighborhood safety, livability, and accessibility along this corridor by eliminating wrong way drivers, providing slower speeds, providing better circulation, allowing for quicker emergency response, and improving flexibility for transit and truck routes.

If approved, the property owners would be notified again prior to the conversion, which would take place this fall (2019) pending weather conditions.