I have met with the Minnesota Department of Transportation to discuss ways to eliminate a major safety hazard at the intersection of Hwy 10 and CR 23/Sherburne Ave in Becker. Here are two measures MnDOT is looking to implement.

 

The most immediate solution to this problem is to put in a Rural Intersection Collision Warning System (RICWS), which is a diamond yellow sign that would flash when there is crossing traffic. If you would like to view a short video describing the RICWS you may view it here: http://tinyurl.com/RICWSvideo. MnDOT started groundwork on the RICWS for this intersection and will likely be done by mid-October.

 

The RICWS will reduce incidents by 25-30% but that is not good enough. That is why MnDOT is also looking into implementing Reduced Conflict Intersections (RCI) at Hwy 10 and CR 23. If the RCI is constructed it would create a 70% reduction in incidents at this intersection because drivers from CR 23 would only have to be concerned with one direction of traffic on the highway at a time. If implemented the intersection would be similar to the intersection of Hwy 10 and CR 8 in Becker. If you would like to read more involving the RCI then you may do so here: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/roadwork/rci/.

 

If you have any questions, comments or concerns involving this intersection or any state legislative issue then please do not hesitate to contact me at Sen.David.Brown@senate.mn or 651-296-8075.