Paul St Martin <<email obscured>> wrote: Mr. Fratto
In regard to your Phalen Boulevard Questions
As you observe, we are constructing a Traffic Signal at the Phalen Blvd Cayuga
intersection.
The plan for the I-35E reconstruction includes a new interchange at I-35E
Cayuga and removal of the I-35E/Phalen/Pennsylvania Interchange. This project
was originally planned to be constructed concurrently with Phalen Blvd but was
delayed to due to MnDOT's funding problems. The I-35E reconstruction is
currently programmed for 2013 or 2014. The long term plan for Phalen also
includes a new signal at Phalen/Cayuga.
With the completion of the development at the intersection, there is an
increased amount of traffic on Cayuga, and the Cayuga traffic that is entering
Phalen Blvd is having a difficult time finding a gap in Phalen Blvd traffic.
This leads to drivers taking more risks when entering Phalen which increases
potential for crashes. We have had requests for a traffic signal from various
stakeholders in the area. We completed an analysis and a traffic signal is
warranted based on the traffic counts in the area. Since long term plan calls
for traffic signal, we decided to move forward with signal construction this
year.
The signal at I-35E/Phalen/Mississippi is a temporary signal. We installed
this to try to better manage the traffic at this intersection as an interim
measure until the I-35E construction. We have been observing the operation of
the signal on a regular basis and adjust the timing as best we can, but the
delays and backups that happen at times can not be resolved by signal timing
alone. We look forward to the MnDOT I-35E project which will improve operations
in this area of St. Paul.