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Council adopts updated crosswalk policy, authorizes design work for three 2026 crossings
Summary
Lake Elmo adopted a revised crosswalk policy that sets criteria for rapid-flashing beacons (RFBs), approves marking and ADA improvements at three crossings, and authorized design engineering for construction-phase work (estimated design fee $18,000).
The Lake Elmo City Council on a voice vote adopted a revised crosswalk policy and authorized design and construction-phase engineering services for 2026 crosswalk improvements, advancing several park-adjacent crossing upgrades without installing rapid-flashing beacons (RFBs) immediately.
SRF consultant Chris Brown presented the updated policy and case studies for three crossings: two on Fifth Street adjacent to parks and one on Village Parkway near a private park. "On average, for a basic crossing with RFBs, it's about $40,000 per crossing," Brown said while reviewing costs, effectiveness and guidance from statewide practice. He and staff recommended a phased approach: mark the crosswalks, add ADA curb ramps and consider additional infrastructure such as curb extensions or medians before pursuing RFBs if demand and engineering thresholds are later met.
The updated policy establishes criteria for RFB consideration, including minimum spacing from existing RFBs, documented pedestrian demand (industry benchmarks such as 20 crossings per peak hour), and whether roadway speed and lane configuration make an RFB an effective solution. For two higher-demand park-adjacent crossings staff recommended pavement markings, signage and curb-ramp upgrades now, and a queue for RFB evaluation in the future as development increases the pedestrian volumes.
Council debated engineering trade-offs (lane reductions, curb extensions and speed-treatment effectiveness) and the need to coordinate any changes with long-term street design. The council then voted to adopt the revised crosswalk policy and to authorize design services for the 2026 crosswalk improvements, including option one for Village Parkway and lower 31st Street, with an estimated design cost of $18,000.
Staff said construction timing will depend on budget availability and further cost estimates; if funding is not available in 2026 the city will carry the design into the 2027 CIP process.
