2.2 Case Study for Crossing of Shooting Star Trail and CSAH 8
2.2.1 Site Description
2.2.1.1 Overview
The crossing of the Shooting Star Trail and MN Mower County Highway 8 (CSAH 8) is located
3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) west of the City of Le Roy, Minnesota. The Shooting Star Trail runs
parallel to and along the east side of CSAH 8; it travels to the East approximately 0.2 miles (0.3
kilometers) south of the crossing and to the West approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) north
of the crossing. The trail-roadway crossing is located 65 feet (19.8 meters) to the south of the
intersection of CSAH 8 and 130th Street; the trail also crosses 130th Street just west of the
aforementioned intersection. The vast majority of the land around the crossing is rural and used
for agricultural purposes. A site visit was conducted on April 3, 2012, from 10:40 AM to 11:00
AM. Figure 2.9 shows an aerial photo of the crossing; Figure 2.10 shows the existing lane
configuration. Figure 2.11 shows a photo of the crossing taken in the field during a site visit to
highlight elements in the environment surrounding the trail crossing.
2.2.1.2 Description of the Trail
The Shooting Star Trail operates as a two-lane, bi-directional multi-use path; however, no
centerline delineation markings are present. Primary trail users as determined by surveys and site
visits were found to be bicyclists and pedestrians. The trail begins slightly north of the
Minnesota-Iowa State Line in the City of Le Roy; the trail terminus lies in Rose Creek in the
Windom Township. Currently, the trail is only paved for the approximately 20 mile (32.2
kilometer) portion between Le Roy and Rose Creek.
2.2.1.3 Description of the Crossed Road
CSAH 8 is a rural two-lane road with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour (88.5 kilometers per
hour). The road is undivided and has no horizontal or vertical curvature within close proximity to
the crossing. Estimated ADT data for conflicting vehicular movements with trail users was not
available for this location.
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Figure 2.9: Crossing of Shooting Star Trail and CSAH 8 (Aerial)
Source: Google Earth V 7.0.3.8542. (August 11, 2011). Shooting Star Trail at CSAH 8, Le Roy, MN. 43°32'36.61"N, 92°34'7.56"W, Eye alt
1990 feet. USDA Farm Service Agency. http://www.google.com/earth/index.html (Accessed 20 May, 2013).
Figure 2.10: Existing Lane Configuration of the Study Trail Crossing
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Figure 2.11: Crossing of Shooting Star Trail and CSAH 8 (Field Photo)
2.2.1.4 Existing Traffic Control
Traffic control devices along the trail near the crossing location include Stop Ahead (W3-1)
signs and STOP (R1-1) signs. Additionally, two NO MOTOR VEHICLES (R5-3) signs are
mounted along the trail near the crossing; one is located just south of the crossing while the other
is located at the entrance to the trail on the west side of CSAH 8. Along CSAH 8, motorists are
alerted of the crossing via Bicycle Warning (W11-1) signs as seen in Figure 2.12.
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Figure 2.12: Bicycle Warning (W11-1) Sign along CSAH 8 Prior to the Trail Crossing
2.2.2 Safety Concerns
2.2.2.1 Crash Record
There were no trail-user-related crash records found for this trail crossing.
2.2.2.2 Site Observation and Identified Safety Concerns
The primary safety concern identified from the site visit was associated with the 55 miles per
hour (88.5 kilometers per hour) traffic on the crossed road. Although safety concerns resulting
from the speed of motorists were present, an investigation of sight distance found that clear sight
lines in the forward direction are available to trail users as they approach and stop at the trail
crossing. That being said, a concern about trail users’ peripheral vision was raised. Trail users
approaching the crossing from either direction (i.e., the north or south) must complete a 90
degree turn prior to reaching the stopping location (as shown in Figure 2.13). The short tangent
section immediately following the curve in the trail deters trail users’ peripheral vision of the
crossed road on their approach to the STOP sign. A final concern raised was associated with
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vehicles making turning movements that involve traveling over a trail crossing. Four such
scenarios are possible and described in the following:
•
•
•
•
Vehicles on the eastern approach of 130th Street turning left onto CSAH 8
Vehicles on the western approach of 130th Street turning right onto CSAH 8
Vehicles on the northern approach of CSAH 8 turning right onto 130th Sreet
Vehicles on the southern approach of CSAH 8 turning left onto 130th Street
The first two scenarios mentioned involve potential conflicts between turning motorists and trail
users crossing CSAH, while the second two involve potential conflicts at the secondary crossing
at 130th Street.
Figure 2.13: 90 Degree Turn along Trail prior to Intersection with CSAH 8
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