by Dennis Dalman
The Sartell City Council decided not to endorse a speed study proposed to be done on CR 120 from Hwy. 15 to CR 4.
The study would be undertaken by the Minnesota Department of Transportation at the request of Stearns County. There would be no cost to Sartell.
Currently, the speed on that roadway is 45 mph.
All four members of the Sartell City Council (member David Peterson was absent) took issue with a need for the study. They also wanted to know if MnDOT decides the speed there should be decreased or maybe even increased, will the City of Sartell have to accede to that decision.
Sartell City Engineer Jon Halter said he would have to check to be sure but that he is fairly certain a decision by MnDOT and/or the county would be the final say-so.
All council members wondered aloud why a study there is necessary at all because all said they believe 45 mph is a reasonable and safe speed, especially with the roundabouts there that have the effect of slowing traffic down and discouraging speeding.
Council member Pat Lynch said besides the roundabout there are not a lot of entrances or exits along CR 120, which tends to make the road even safer.
Mayor Sarah Jane Nicoll agreed, saying why should a study be done when all agree 45 mph is reasonable and safe.
After further discussion, the council failed to approve a motion to endorse the speed-study proposal. The vote was 4-0 against the study.
