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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 30, 2012 4 Kent Barnard, Mn/DOT, stated the information provided to the Council this evening was to keep the public informed of the upcoming road closures for the summer of 2012. He noted all traffic information was also available on Mn/DOT's website, www.mndot.gov. He commented Pierce-Pini Associates were hired as a communication consultant for Mn/DOT to assist with communication efforts. He noted Mn/DOT was willing to meet with any group to provide information on current and upcoming construction projects. Mayor Grant commented he has received many questions from the public asking if capacity was being added through the 1-694 project. Mr. Lindeberg stated the bridge would remain two lanes with two continuous through lanes. The new bridges will be wide enough that a third lane could be added in the future. Mayor Grant stated the closure of northbound Highway 51 has created a great deal of congestion in the City. He questioned how this could be addressed. Mr. Lindeberg indicated his construction personnel were working on this issue with Ramsey County to address the timing on the traffic signals. Alternative traffic routes were being sought to divert traffic to I-35W and away from Lexington Avenue. Mr. Barnard stated the detour route was being altered to move traffic away from this Lexington area. Mayor Grant understood that the construction projects would cause pains for the community, but encouraged the citizens to realize this was short term. He questioned when Snelling Avenue (Highway 51) would be reopened. Mr. Lindeberg explained that the north access would be open at the end of the 2012 construction season and the south access would open in 2013. Councilmember Holmes expressed concern with the delays in traffic along Lexington Avenue. Mr. Lindeberg stated traffic was being diverted to other roadways and striping may be completed on Grey Fox Road. This would allow for traffic to turn south on Lexington Avenue. The signal timing was being altered as well. Councilmember Holmes asked if the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office had been contacted to assist with traffic control along Lexington Avenue. Mr. Lindeberg commented the Sheriff's Office has been contacted and discussions have been held between Steve Barrett and the County. Mn/DOT was working to improve the situation. Councilmember Holmes questioned who would be covering the expense of the Sheriff's Office during the road construction. Mr. Lindeberg explained this expense would be covered by Mn/DOT. Councilmember Tamble was pleased that roads in the north metro were being improved. He stated, however, this meant the situation would get worse before it would get better. He encouraged the public to be patient through the improvements and stated the Mn/DOT website was extremely helpful in providing updated construction information. Mayor Grant requested further information on the improvements planned for Lexington Avenue and County Road F. Mr. Lindeberg explained County Road F was a Ramsey County project.