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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – JANUARY 3, 2023 2 <br /> <br />project, including cost estimates, information about the Lindey’s location and how the project <br />would be constructed. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson noted this is an important intersection in Arden Hills that used by many different <br />entities, and it presents some challenges as it is heavily used by cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians <br />alike. He stated that there was a traffic study performed pre-pandemic, in 2018, that included an <br />initial analysis which resulted in the recommendation of a roundabout as the optimum form of <br />traffic control at this location. He stated that during COVID, the numbers did go down due to less <br />traffic but another study was performed in 2021 that showed traffic had returned to pre-pandemic <br />levels, if not increasing. He noted the 2021 study results also resulted in the recommendation of a <br />roundabout as the preferred method of traffic control. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson continued to review Attachment A, including the various public input efforts <br />facilitated regarding the project. He noted they have met with residents one on one when <br />requested and also with the City Council, which provided a resolution last spring in support of the <br />project. He indicated that Bethel University and the University of Northwestern were supportive <br />of this project. He commented on the reasons why the project was needed, which included <br />reducing delays during peak traffic times. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson stated a roundabout was being pursued because it was the optimum solution for this <br />intersection and he was pleased to report the intersection has enough right of way to support a <br />roundabout. He noted that roundabouts cost more to install up front but would cost less to <br />maintain long term. He indicated the City has jurisdiction of one leg of this intersection (the <br />southern leg – Old Snelling) and the County has jurisdiction over the other three legs. The cost <br />estimates for the project were further reviewed with the Council. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden stated the right of way expenses were a surprise to the City, noting this <br />information was brought to the Council three or four weeks ago. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant reported because of addition, there had been an 82% increase in the cost for this <br />project to the City. He explained this project would be considered by the Council on the January 9 <br />agenda. He requested the County speak further to the right of way costs. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson stated the $926,000 in right of way costs would be split between the City and the <br />County on a 50/50 basis. <br /> <br />Brian Isaacson, Ramsey County Public Works Director, commented on how the County went <br />through the right of way process with Lindey’s. He reported an access issue had to be corrected at <br />Lindey’s, which required their parking lot to be reconfigured. <br /> <br />Councilmember Fabel asked what the unsafe situation was at this intersection. <br /> <br />Mr. Isaacson stated the access point from Lindey’s into the intersection was unsafe. <br /> <br />Councilmember Fabel questioned if there had been lots of accidents at this intersection. <br /> <br />Mr. Isaacson stated there had not been, to the best of his knowledge.