The Engineering Division is responsible for providing the safe and orderly movement of vehicles and pedestrians by ensuring walkways, roadways, and traffic control devices are appropriate in the community. This is accomplished by planning, construction, providing ongoing maintenance, and making necessary adjustments.

If you have any traffic safety questions or requests, please contact the Engineering Division (763) 569-3340 or email us at publicworks@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us.

Administrative Traffic Committee (ATC)

The purpose of the Administrative Traffic Committee (ATC) is to review requests or concerns relating to traffic, speed, and traffic counts. The committee consists of the Director of Public Works, City Engineer, Public Works Planner, and Principal Engineer. After receiving a traffic safety request, the ATC will conduct a preliminary study that will take into consideration traffic and pedestrian volumes, vehicular speed, accident history, visibility, and other conditions.

Brooklyn Center Policy Guide

The most common questions received by the ATC include those on stop signs, pedestrian crossings, speed limits, and intersections. Below is some general guidance on these policies.

Stop Signs

A stop sign is one of the most valuable traffic control devices when used in the correct location and under the right conditions. One common misuse of stop signs is to randomly interrupt traffic, either by causing traffic to stop or by causing drivers to use other routes to avoid stop signs. National research has shown that stop signs do not have a lasting impact on traffic speed. Stop signs tend to reduce speed only in the immediate vicinity of the sign; vehicles are able to accelerate to the previous speed very quickly beyond the stop sign.

Requests for stop signs are evaluated by the City's Administrative Traffic Committee (ATC), and subject to appeal to the City Council. In order for a stop sign to be installed in a new location, the follow items will be considered:

• The provisions of the Minnesota Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices
• Speed data, accident records and type of accidents, clear view triangle obstructions
• If clear view triangle obstruction can be eliminated to improve the intersection

Video - Stop Signs: Why Do We Have Them on Residential Roads?

In Street Pedestrian Crossing Signs

In-Street Pedestrian Crossing Signs may be used to remind road users of the Minnesota State Law that requires the driver of a vehicle to stop to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk. The ATC will review the location of crossing requests and use the guidance of the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MMUTCD) to determine whether or not a crossing is a safety improvement. 

Speed Limits and Traffic Calming

Speed limits are set by State Statute on most typical roadways under ideal conditions. All other speed limits are set by the MnDOT Commissioner based upon an engineering and traffic investigation. The goal of traffic calming is to reduce vehicle speed, improve safety and enhance quality of life.

Current Speed Limits:

• 10 mph in alleys
• 30 mph on streets and urban districts
• 55 mph on other roads
• 65 mph on expressways

• 70 mph on rural interstate highways

Methods Used for Traffic Calming:

• Speed Tables
• Chokers and Neckdowns
• SMART Trailer (Speed Monitoring and Recording Trailer)
• Warning Signs
• Pavement Markings
• Educational Programs
• Speed Enforcement

For more information about speed limits, see the Minnesota Department of Transportation Website.

Video - Speed Limits: Why Do We Have Them?

Clear View Triangles

On any property which is located at a street intersection, the Clear View Triangle (see diagram) is defined as that triangular area formed by connecting the following three points: the point of intersection of the extended curb lines and points on each curb line 55 feet from the point of intersection. If there are no curbs, the edge of the traveled portion of the street or road is used instead of the curb line. On alleyways, a point 20 feet from the point of intersection is used instead.

Nothing is allowed within the Clear View Triangle that could obstruct the vision of drivers. This is typically designated to be objects between two and one-half feet and 10 feet in height, based on engineering judgment and discretion.

For more information about Clear View Triangles see City Ordinances 25-802 and 35-560.

Roundabout Information

A roundabout is a one-way, circular intersection without traffic signal equipment in which traffic flows around a center island.

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