The city received a complaint about speeding along Preserve Trail. To address the complaint, staff completed a speed study on Preserve Trail between County Road 18 and the Municipal Boundary. From the speed study it was found that the 85th percentile speed is 44 mph while the posted speed is 30 mph. 

The land use adjacent to Preserve Trail between County Road 18 and the municipal boundary is a factor in the observed speeds. In accordance with State Statute, this roadway section meets the definition of a Rural Residential District as housing density is sparse and only one driveway connects to Preserve Trail. As such drivers are comfortable at higher speeds. 

The administrative Traffic Safety Committee reviewed the complaint and the data from the speed study. After reviewing Minnesota statutory requirements, it was determined that the speed limit should be addressed. Increasing the speed limit to 35 mph will keep the city in conformance with Minnesota State Statutes that set the speed limit for Rural Residential Districts at 35 mph. Increasing the speed limit will also reduce the speed gap observed on Preserve Trail and improve safety.