08-25-14-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL JUNE 30, 20144 MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2014-035 certifying the list of delinquent utility accounts to Ramsey County. The motion carried (5-0). B.Highway 96/I-35W Interchange Municipal Consent Consider Resolution 2014-034 Public Works Director Maurer stated that a new interchange is proposed at I-35W/Highway 96. The project is being led by Ramsey County with Beth Engum as the Project Manager. Some of the project funding is being provided by MnDOT. Ramsey County has hired SEH as the consultant to assist with the preliminary and final design of the project. Construction is anticipated to occur in 2015. This new interchange will provide improved freeway access to and from the redevelopment of TCAAP. Public Works Director Maurer indicated that the County and their consultant have gone through a long process evaluating alternative designs for the new interchange. Beth Engum has been before the Council at the May 27th work session to discuss the evaluation process and the chosen alternative. The chosen alternative is a Divergent Diamond Interchange (DDI). Staff recommended that the Council have Beth Engum make a brief presentation on the project, hold a public hearing and adopt Resolution 2014-034 approving the final layout of the proposed new interchange. Beth Engum , Ramsey County, discussed the I-35W/Highway 96 interchange. She explained that the goals for this interchange were to to reduce delays, improve safety, provide pedestrian/bicycle facilities including a regional trail connection and to provide for regional growth. She indicated that the concept plans began in the fall of 2013 with preliminary design taking place in the spring of 2014. Ms. Engum reviewed the Diverging Diamond Interchange design further with the Council. The advantages of this design were discussed. She commented that the conflict points would be reduced which would improve safety. She indicated that the bridge would be constructed in 2015 and would be completed in one season. The construction would be staged to minimize traffic disruption. She noted that the bridge would cost $13.5 million based on the preliminary geometric layout. The bridge would be funded by MnDOT, legislative grants, CSAH/County turnback funds, along with funding from Arden Hills and New Brighton. She reported that the portion of the project is currently estimated at $140,000 and this amount was eligible for State Aid dollars. Ms. Engum explained that the County was requesting municipal consent for the project and noted that a City/County Cooperative Agreement would be executed prior to construction of the bridge. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:28 p.m. Mayor Grant With no one coming forward to speak, closed the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. Councilmember Holden requested discussion regarding other bridge work that would be completed in and around Arden Hills by the County and MnDOT.