Frequently Asked Questions

Requests for signals on county highways are forwarded to the Anoka County Highway Department. Most major roads are county highways.

Requests for signals on city roadways are reviewed with the following details in mind. To get a traffic signal installed at an intersection, specific engineering criteria (warrants) must be met. There are 11 warrants that relate to details such as:

• The number of cars on the intersecting streets traveling through the intersection
• Pedestrians crossing the intersection
• Delays to all vehicles and the history of accidents at the intersection

City staff reviews the number of accidents at intersections and attempts to observe intersections for delays. Insight from residents or travelers regarding the operation of specific traffic signals is welcome assistance.

Once concerns are recognized, the traffic conditions will be reviewed through an engineering analysis. If warrants are met, consideration is given to install a traffic signal. The installation of a new traffic signal may be added to the city or county’s program of projected improvements (Capital Improvement Program) for assignment of priority with construction subject to funding availability.

Steps for Getting a Streetlight:

1. Residents wishing to have a streetlight installed must present to the city a petition indicating support and financial participation of all adjacent residents.
2. City staff will designate the benefiting properties so that associated assessments may be calculated and hearing notices sent.
3. Following a public hearing, the City Council votes to approve or deny the request for streetlights.
4. Upon approval, local electric utility providers install new streetlights.

Petitions are required for stop sign requests. Stop sign requests are referred to the Engineering Department for a traffic engineering study. A report is then sent to the City Council, who makes the final decision.

Studies show that drivers can easily distinguish stop signs that are not necessary to provide traffic control at intersections. If a stop sign is placed as a speed control device, drivers tend to be less observant when approaching it and often reduce their speed, but don't stop. In these instances, stop signs may create more of a traffic hazard than they prevent since pedestrians and other drivers expect all cars to stop.

It has also been shown through studies that motorists tend to increase their speeds after stopping at a "speed control" stop sign to make up for lost time or will increase speeds through other less direct residential areas to avoid improper stop signs. Essentially, stop signs placed inappropriately can create more safety problems than they solve.

Speed limits are set by state statute, not by the City of Andover. Residents are encouraged to contact the Anoka County Sheriff’s Department with concerns about excessive vehicle speeds on any city roadways. The Sheriff’s Department will review the request. Sometimes methods other than reduced speed limit can be effective to control speeds including educational programs and pavement markings.

For more information please contact the Anoka County Sheriff’s Department at 763-427-1212.

The City of Andover places significant importance on the use of all of the street signs within the city. The use of "Children at Play" signs has been limited to areas directly adjacent to schools, parks and playgrounds, where the number of children is typically greatest.

It is important that drivers understand they are driving next to a special area with the likelihood of children being present. The use of these signs in other areas will lessen the significance of the signs and give a false sense of security to children. For more information please contact the City of Andover at 763-755-5100