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Highway 246 and Jefferson Parkway Intersection
**Feasibility Report Alternatives for City Council**
Final Plan Approval Presentation
Overview
In 2016, Northfield evaluated the intersection control and analyzed the traffic impact at the Trunk Highway 246 and Jefferson Parkway intersection. The Northfield City Council adopted a roundabout as the preferred option for the intersection. Currently, this is an all-way stop.
Improvements are needed at this intersection to alleviate lengthy peak-hour backups and delays, improve pedestrian and bicycle access, improve school ingress/egress and improve safety for all users.
Map
Alternative 1
This roundabout option includes a grade separated pedestrian underpass on the west side of the roundabout connecting the school campus, and an east-west pedestrian underpass for Mill Towns State Trail. The east side of the intersection and north would have at grade pedestrian crossings.
Alternative 2
The roundabout option includes grade separated pedestrian underpasses on all four legs of the intersection. In this scenario all pedestrian and bikes would be separated from vehicle traffic.
Alternative 3
The roundabout option includes grade separated pedestrian underpasses on all four legs of the intersection. Again, with this scenario all pedestrian and bikes would be separated from vehicle traffic. The underpass would end in the center of the roundabout creating a somewhat internal pedestrian-bike roundabout/intersection within the roundabout below grade.
Alternative 4
This roundabout option includes an at grade pedestrian crossing on the west side of the the roundabout connecting the school campus, and an east-west at grade crossing for the Mill Towns State Trail. It would be similar to the Alternative 1 design for the east side of the intersection and north would have at grade pedestrian crossings.
Costs (estimated)
| Alternative | Project cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,970,000 |
| 2 | $3,325,000 |
| 3 | $3,368,000 |
| 4 | $1,900,000 |
Project funding available
| Funding source | Funds |
|---|---|
| MnDOT’s Local Partnership Program | $483,480 |
| MnDOT’s Local Road Improvement Program | $900,000 |
| City Municipal State-Aid | $500,000 |
| Total | $1,883,480 |
Timeline
- August 21, 2019: open house and public input
- September 3: City Council approves preferred alternative
- September: MnDOT Level 1 Design approval
- November-December: final design
- January-February 2020: bidding
Why a roundabout?
Studies have shown roundabout are best for traffic flow. They operate at a higher level of service than a stop sign or signal. They reduce confusion that exists at all-way stops.
Vehicle safety
Roundabouts result is fewer vehicle crashes and they are less severe than other options. Compared to traffic signals:
- 78% reduction in severe crashes
- 48% reduction in overall crashes
Pedestrian and bicycle safety
Single lane is safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. Overall, in Minnesota no serious injuries or fatalities at any roundabout in the last 10 years.
Resources
Open House 8-21-19 Presentation Handouts
Background information for Council - July 16, 2019
Presentation to Council - July 16, 2019
Pedestrian, Bike and Trail System Report
TH 246 and Jefferson Parkway Intersection Control Evaluation Report