07-11-11-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — July, 11, 2011 12 6.A. Highway 96 /TH 10 Interstate Project — Public Hearing (continued) Mr. Tolaas stated Ramsey County had looked at alternatives for Highway 10 and Highway 96 and this was the best alternative. The temporary components of this design may or may not change based on what is developed on TCAAP and the transportation plans involved with that development. Councilmember Holden asked why an exit road going north Highway 10 to east Highway 96 could not be moved to the south of the wetlands. Mr. Tolaas stated these wetlands go all the way back. Ramsey County had looked at this but it could not get it to work. This corner is challenging due to the wetlands and the environmental impacts. Mr. Haik stated the pond at this corner is a man made structure and could be moved. North Heights Church is using this pond to meet their green space requirements for the City but the City could grant a variance so that this structure can be moved. He expressed frustration that the road could not be moved and the residents would not benefit because of this pond. Mr. Tolaas had stated one of the main reasons for this reconstruction was due to safety. He stated safety may have been a reason five years ago, but since the dual left turn lanes were installed on Highway 10 the safety on this road has improved. He stated that the real reason for these improvements was to push more traffic through Arden Hills and turn this road into a freeway. The City should be in a better position to negotiate for the needs of the residents because the County and the State are saving money with this plan. Ms. Claire Palmer, 4409 Royal Hills Drive, asked how kids would get to Mounds View High School from the east going west. She also asked who would maintain the new trails and sidewalks that were being installed. Mayor Grant stated the City would maintain the trails and sidewalks. Ms. Poucher, asked what the alternatives were for sound mitigation in the Briarknoll neighborhood, the homes along west Highway 10, and the homes along east Highway 10, since there would not be sound walls constructed. Ramsey County has stated these homes will not be impacted due to the construction but the increased traffic will impact these homes. She stated people follow the signs and she would like to see signs installed that reduce speed and noise and divert traffic to I -694 and I -3 5 W. She also stated Highway 96 is going to be dropped 22 -feet and this will increase the amount of j ake- braking. Mr. Johnson stated motorcycles also create a lot of noise and they should be restricted as well. He would like to see signs posted restricting the noise and enforcing this by giving tickets to those vehicles that are too loud. He stated slowing the speed on this section of the road would help in reducing the noise levels from trucks and motorcycles. Mr. Tolaas explained the route that could be taken to get to Mounds View High School from Highway 96 by using the same connections that are in place today. He also explained a bituminous surface will be smooth at first and will reduce the noise initially, but the surface will