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Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - The Rochester Public Works Department is responding to neighbors in a northeast neighborhood who are apparently sick and tired of motorists who are using a road as a shortcut.

The residents have submitted a petition that asks the department to include the area in its Neighborhood Traffic Management Program.

The area of concern is the section of East River Rd NE from 24 St. NE to Broadway Ave.

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According to the department:

"The petition included concerns over cut-through traffic, vehicle speeds, poor sight lines and safety of pedestrians and cyclists due to the lack of sidewalks in the area.”

The department conducted a traffic study in 2019 that “confirmed high levels of traffic use this route as a shortcut between Broadway Avenue North and 37 Street NW. The study also confirmed that many of these vehicles are exceeding the posted speed limit.”

One option that was considered but later dropped:

Four 10-foot, precast concrete barriers would be placed diagonally across the intersection of East River Road NE and 24 Street NE. The barriers would direct southbound traffic on East River Road NE onto eastbound 24 Street NE. Northbound traffic on East River Road NE would be directed westbound onto Riverside Lane NE. Gaps between the barriers would allow for pedestrian and cyclists to pass through.

The department is now considering four so-called “traffic calming solutions” and will present them during a Virtual Open House planned for Thursday:

  • Attending a live virtual presentation with a question and answer session on April 29 at either noon or 6:00 p.m. Session information is available here and includes both a link to the meeting and a call-in number for audio only options.
  •  Visiting the project website and completing a survey. A recording of an April 29 presentation will be posted on the project website.

Feedback on the potential traffic calming solutions will be received through the end of the day on May 13.

Check here for more information about the project.

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