7C, Planning Case 12-019 - Master and Final PUD at 1201 County Road E

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Meagan Beekman, AICP November 28,2012 City of Arden Hills Page 4 The goal of this concept is to illustrate a potential access consolidation alternative that could be implemented as part of the proposed development to provide a benefit to the proposed development, adjacent businesses, and motorists along County Road E. The following information provides a summary of the concept. West Access Consolidation Concept(Figure 1) • Eliminates the existing three access locations on the north side of County Road E(west of the proposed development) and creates a single shared full-access driveway. o The consolidated access would be located centrally(i.e. approximately 150 foot spacing) between two existing access locations on the south side of County Road E, minimizing potential conflicts. • Reduces the existing 23 conflict points to a total of 11 conflict points (i.e. a 12 conflict point reduction). o Improves safety and mobility for vehicles along County Road E by reducing the amount of access locations/conflict points. • Maintains or improves access operations, including side-street delays. • Reduces driver confusion by more clearly defining the access. • Maintains or improves parking areas and circulation for each business. • The shared access will need to be designed to accommodate truck access (WB-50 or greater). o A truck turning template was included on Figure 1 to illustrate the impacted areas necessary to accommodate truck access to the adjacent business. COUNTY ROAD E EXPANSION IMPACTS Based on discussions with City staff, Ramsey County had indicated the desire to provide additional intersection capacity along County Road E. A preliminary concept of this expansion indicates that this would likely have an impact to the proposed development property, particularly near the eastern site access. Therefore, the east site access was reviewed to determine the feasibility of maintaining adequate turning maneuverability while accounting for the potential County Road E expansion. To make this determination, a passenger vehicle template was overlaid onto the proposed County Road E expansion layout(see Figure 2). As shown in Figure 2, the passenger vehicle wheel paths for a westbound vehicle along County Road E to access the proposed development via the east site access is considered marginal. Any vehicle larger than a passenger vehicle would likely encroach on vehicles in the opposite direction of travel along the driveway. This situation creates a potential safety issue at the east access. Although this access would likely operate adequately due to the low volume, it is recommended at a minimum that signage be installed to restrict truck and/or trailer access in this location. It should be noted that if the County Road E expansion does not move forward, the east access is expected to operate adequately under its current design.