2A, MnDot I694TH 51 Improvement Project Municipal Consent Discu

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AR.DEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORKSESSION—February 13, 2008 3 Councilmember Holmes asked why the road has to go to the north. Jim Tolaas, Ramsey County Public Works, stated there is a significant environmental concern along the south side of 96. In addition, the medians are important for safety, the shoulders are an important feature for safety, and the turn lanes provide some additional width. He stated the City will have to wrestle with whether it wants a sidewalk along the north boulevard area. He noted the new bridge has to be considerably larger, longer, and higher and the alignment of CR 96 is shifted northward to align with the 135W interchange and bridge. He stated if the County is able to curtail some of the impact on Arden Manor, it will do that, and added it is possible that some of the units along the north frontage may not be impacted. Councilmember Holden asked about the regional trail width. Mr. Tolaas stated the minimum standard is eight feet and the County is proposing 10-12 feet. Councilmember Holden asked if the trail could be moved five feet to the south to reduce some of the impact to Arden Manor. Mr. Tolaas stated when the environmental studies are completed, the County will see what the impacts are, and added it will be important to make sure the alignment on CR 96 approaching 35W is correct. Ken Haider, Ramsey County Public Works, indicated that most of this information will be available in the near future. He stated there are a number of constraints, including the lake, the bridge, and how to stage the bridge at the interchange, and these overarching concerns will guide the County as it does its preliminary engineering. Councilmember Grant stated he is in favor of trails on both sides as well as overhead or an underground connection on CR 96 given the existence of TCAAP so that people can cross over CR 96 safely. He stated he would need to see that in the plan in order to support that plan. Councilmember McClung stated he did not understand the need for a stoplight at Old Highway 10 and CR 96 if there is no longer a service drive coming down. Mr. Tolaas stated the County will review traffic movement to see if a signal is warranted. Discussion ensued regarding traffic volume and access points for TCAAP. Chris Roy, Mn/DOT, stated that the signal that currently exists at TH 10/CR 96 is one of the top 300 most dangerous intersections in the State. He noted there is a strong desire by people traveling on CR 96 who want to get to TH 10; with the removal of that signal, many of those people will be moved to an intersection at a desired interchange location. He indicated that while the signalized intersection at TH 10 and CR 96 is dangerous, the proposed intersection leading into TCAAP would be equally dangerous if signalized.