Coon Rapids Police Department is stepping up its efforts to promote road safety, focusing on Northdale Boulevard's notorious history of traffic incidents and accidents. Funded by a MnDOT grant, the 'Be Aware, Get There' campaign targets unsafe driving behaviors like using a cell phone while driving, speeding, and neglecting pedestrian rights-of-way.
An enforcement operation was conducted near Foley and Northdale Boulevard, where officers specifically watched for drivers illegally using their phones. "So the state of Minnesota has provided extra funding for our department so we can have extra traffic enforcement to help cut down on some of the issues that we've seen across Northdale Boulevard over the years,” Sergeant Tyler Sinclair told Coon Rapids official website. Last year, the stretch between Hanson Boulevard and University Avenue witnessed 218 traffic-related incidents and 64 accidents.
The campaign isn't just about enforcement. The Public Works Department, in collaboration with the Anoka County Highway Department, plans to introduce new signage aimed at guiding drivers more effectively. City Engineer Mark Hansen highlighted the measures being undertaken: "The Engineering Department's role in the Safe Road Zone grant from the State includes the installation of dynamic speed display signs, driver feedback signs that will let motorists know what the speed limit is and then how fast they're going," Hansen said in a statement. These installations are expected to take place later this spring.
Addressing another issue, the varying speed limits on Northdale Boulevard pose a challenge for motorists. Transitioning from 35 mph in areas close to homes and schools to 45 mph in the industrial park area requires drivers' attention and adherence to the changes. "We're hoping that we can just raise more awareness that as people use Northdale Boulevard, that they pay attention to how fast they're going," Hansen commented. Enforcement will continue into the early summer, supporting the goal of the safety campaign to reduce the number of traffic-related issues on this stretch of road.
