CC 11-10-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - NOVEMBER 10. 1997 5 . With regard to timing and funding, Mr, Tolaas advised that Mn/DOT has a vested interest to have a grade separation at Highways 10 and 96 since it provides relief to the freeway system. He commented on access options to the Arsenal property if an overpass is constructed. Mr. Tolaas stated there is some implication that if relief is provided with grade separation at Highway 10, the State may "buy into" cost participation for the freeway intersection interchange. He advised it will cost about $3.6 million to upgrade the I-35W/Highway 96 interchange to standards, Mr. Tolaas reviewed a question raised about future capacity needs at 1-35W and if the ramps can handle the additional ramp access requirement which is currently being shared at these two intersections. Mr. Erickson reviewed several traffic circulation scenarios and explained that they have looked at traffic volumes and a forecast of20 years into the future to assure it is a good expenditure of public funds. The project has been forecasted out to the year 2020 since the earliest it can be constructed is the year 2000. Looking at that, they believe traffic volumes can be handled, Mr, Erickson explained that the interchange will function at the service level of "C/D" without development of the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) which is considered an acceptable level with flowing traffic without delays oflonger than a single cycle, He noted that this is more efficient because it would be a three-phased signal rather than the current eight-phase signaL . Mr. Tolaas explained that they are not looking for a decision tonight, but wanted to provide an update to both the Council and residents with regard to impact and cost estimates of this latest option. He stated there are three viable solutions but it is a matter of which is more acceptable. He explained that all are acceptable with regard to environmental impact Mr. Erickson advised the project estimate today is about $7.2 million without the grade separation and $8.3 million with the grade separation. Mayor Probst asked if City approval is needed for the grade separation option. Mr. Erickson stated that, to do a project of this nature, it generally requires a municipal resolution of concurrence of the project He stated there is an avenue for the State to override municipal approvals, but it is a longer process. Mayor Probst inquired about the option of depressing Highway 10 and leaving Highway 96 at its current elevation. He noted the triangular section of property within Arden Hills and the significant visual barrier that will result if Highway 10 passes over Highway 96. Mayor Probst requested that this option be considered, Mr. Erickson explained the current option is to leave Highway 10 at grade which will provide enough profile for Highway 96 to go under Highway 10. The elevation change of Highway 96 . east of Highway 10 would be at 3% and be accomplished before the Church entrance. Mayor Probst asked if the interchange would incorporate a cloverleaf design and if it would accept right-on and right-off traffic movements, Mr. Erickson stated this may be possible in the southeast quadrant since the traffic volumes making that movement are quite low.