CCWS 10-18-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSlON October 18, 2004 2 . Environmental Assessment Proiect for 1-694 Mark Lindeberg, representing MnDOT, provided a presentation to members of the City Council and staff regarding the environmental assessment project for 1-694, 1-35W, and I-35E. The proposed changes to the freeway system will affect the freeway interchanges located in Arden Hills. The intent of this presentation is to give the City Council a brief introduction to the proposed project and allow Council the opportunity to provide input regarding the concept plans. The proposed project is part of MnDOT's initiative to unweave the weave along freeways in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area. The concept plan recommends a 6-lane section for 1- 694 with 3 lanes of traffic moving in both directions. The 1-694 exit ramps for Snelling and Lexington Avenues would be considcred a joint right-hand exit ramp. Mr. Lindeberg noted on the 1-694 Concept Plan Map Section #3 that the proposed interchange improvements to Rice Street would increase TOad capacity and minimize gridlock problems at this interchange. The proposed improvements will result in raised medians and better access along Rice Street. It was also noted that MnDOT is currently working with Ramsey County to review the concept plans and create an alternative plan that would minimize construction damage to the wetlands and lake areas along 1-694. . Community Development Director Scott Clark wondered if MnDOT had taken into consideration the 5,000 new jobs that are being created at Guidant Corporation and its impact on Lexington Avenue. Lindeberg noted t1lat the Met Council has not taken into consideration the new jobs at Guidant Corporation while developing the preliminary plans. Councilmember Larson noted that the City loses local access to Highway 10 and Hamline Avenue in this proposal. Mayor Aplikowski mentioned that the residents would like to keep Hamline Avenue a residential road and not an access for thru traffic. Arden Hills resident George Gernander feels that MnDOT's proposal would cutoff neighborhood access to the freeway system. Councilmember Larson mentioned that this proposal is based upon a number of assumptions. The modeling process is necessary to determine whether or not this proposal would work This exercise is needed to determine the impact on the community. The focus of this improvement project is on regional traffic and not local neighborhoods. . Mr. Gernander stated t11at the new business developments in Arden Hills are adding a lot of traffic congestion.