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After a crash, Isanti committee explores traffic-calming and temporary speed data on Whiskey Road
Summary
Following a recent crash at Whiskey Road and South Passage, the committee asked staff to request permission to place temporary speed-display signs, explore traffic-calming designs and gather traffic data from the county and MnDOT before pursuing any speed-limit changes; resident testimony described the stretch as frequently used as a drag strip.
A recent crash at the intersection of Whiskey Road and South Passage prompted the Isanti Committee of the Whole to revisit speed limits, sidewalk gaps and traffic-calming options on Whiskey Road.
Staff told the committee that MnDOT must perform formal speed studies and that speed posting decisions rely heavily on an 85th-percentile calculation. "MnDOT are the only authority that can do the speed study," staff said, adding that county staff would have to work with MnDOT and that a study might not result in a lowered limit unless measured driver speeds were already below design criteria.
Staff recommended the city pursue traffic-calming alternatives it can evaluate, such as pedestrian bump-outs, islands, narrowed lane striping and push-button crossings, and to seek county permission to install a temporary speed-display sign to collect baseline speeds. Council members approved exploring those options and improving outreach to residents about proposed changes.
Resident Jason Phillips (808 Cedar Street SW) told the committee he helped originate social-media posts about the crash and that neighbors report the stretch is often used "as a drag strip very often" when police are not present. "I think the only thing that's gonna stop very dangerous accidents are preventing drunk driving in some way there," Phillips said, and he urged data collection and enforcement to reduce speeds.
Police staff said officers run radar and that enforcement is discretionary depending on staffing and call volume; enforcement staff suggested perception of enforcement (officer presence) can be more effective than occasional citations. Council asked staff to pursue temporary signage, gather traffic-count and speed data, consider the Cambridge agreement model for maintenance cooperation, and examine line-painting and lane-narrowing as lower-cost traffic-calming measures.
Sidewalk completion remains complicated by property-owner refusal at two key parcels and county concerns about ditch slope and stormwater; staff said constructing the walk along the county edge would aggravate embankment slopes and that an alignment behind the ditch would require easements from private property owners. Council asked staff to continue outreach and return with cost and feasibility estimates.
