09-28-05 PTRC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

not anticipated until after 2010; however, MN/DOT is preparing an environmental assessment of *alternates associated with the interchange. He presented four alternates and explained each of the alternates using maps prepared by MN/DOT. Alternate 1 provides trail and vehicular access to the northwest side of Island Lake, maintains the fishing pier and boat access in the current location, but requires a substantial fill within Island Lake in order to accommodate additional traffic lanes, an upgraded exit ramp, and to maintain the park road and trailway. Alternate 2 shifts the exit ramp to the east side of Victoria Street onto the Deluxe Corporation campus, removes the road access to the northwest corner of Island Lake and provides a trailway along the north side of Island Lake. This alternate encroaches substantially on Deluxe Corporation and has been a concern of Deluxe and the city of Shoreview. Alternate 3 provides an improved exit ramp on the west side of Victoria Street, relocates the boat access to the northeast corner of the park and provides an elevated trailway along the north shore of Island Lake. This alternate requires that both the exit ramp and trailway be constructed on bridges to avoid fill in the lake. Alternate 4 shifts the entire 1-694 roadway corridor to the north, resulting in the need for reconstruction of the Victoria Street bridge. The park road servicing the existing boat access and trail would be constructed on the north shore. The shift northward results in filling a part of the lake on the north side of 1-694. Commission members inquired about the cost impact on the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department. It was explained that all costs associated with the project will be borne by MN/DOT. All of the alternates maintain a boat access, fishing pier and trail function within the park. These are considered critical elements. Staff believes that Alternate 3, with some refinement as to the location and configuration of the boat launch, is acceptable. The other alternates require more significant impacts on the lake or the Deluxe Corporation campus. A commitment on the part of MN/DOT to reconfigure the northeast quadrant of Island Lake County Park could minimize the impact of relocating the boat launch and fishing pier, provide a separated trail for pedestrians and cyclists, and improve the current condition that utilizes a shared roadway. In the long term, staff believes that a trail around Island Lake, including a boardwalk section along the south shore, is very desirable. It was suggested that the Deluxe Foundation may be a source of funding for this kind of capital improvement given the potential access for its employees. The Commission emphasized the importance of maintaining the boat launch, fishing pier and trail access along the north shore of Island Lake. Based on the alternatives presented, it was moved by Mr. Straumann, seconded by Mr. Huntrods, that the Commission finds that Alternate 3 for the intersection of 1-694 and Victoria Street is acceptable, subject to refinement of plans for the trail along the north shore of Island Lake, boat ramp, fishing ,pier and picnic area in the northeast quadrant of the park. Motion carried.