CC 05-26-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 26, 1998 3 . Councilmember Malone noted this process started with no access in any direction at this intersection, He thanked Mr. Tolaas for working with the City to address their concern by adding as much access as possible, Councilmember Malone asked if the southbound access from Highway 10 to Highway 96 would be signalized, Mr. T olaas stated it is not proposed since the mnnbers will not be that high but it could be added if it becomes a problem, He noted the access to the mobile home park may better justify a signal. Mr, Tolaas explained the State wants to encourage the use ofI-35W rather than Highway 10 to gain access to Highway 96, Councilmember Malone noted the ramp on eastbound Highway 10 to southbound I-35W is metered and drivers will want to avoid that route, He asked if a "cheater" ramp could be considered by County Road H-2 or iftraffic could be diverted by the Mermaid and routed down the newly constructed Old Highway 8, Mr. Tolaas stated they will check the traffic volumes and noted that conduit could be placed to allow for that option in the future, Councilmember Malone noted that ISTEA passed last week which substantially increased funding to Minnesota, Mr. Tolaas stated they did apply for funding two years ago but it did not score very well and funding was not received, However, now this project has evolved and may score better for funding, Mr. Tolaas noted the modification to the cul-de-sac shifting it farther northwest to avoid a conflict. Also, there was discussion about improving the Old Highway 10 roadway but it is felt that the traffic level is not going to be high enough to justify that improvement, He stated he believes this is a good design and it meets MSA standards, . Mr. Post asked if New Brighton has been approached about being a local funding source to the 1- 35W bridge, Mr. Tolaas advised a presentation was made to New Brighton and agreed a discussion about the impetus driving the need for a wider bridge should be discussed, Councilmember Keirn noted that the use of the Hamline Avenue exit farther east is a route option which would not involve the two freeway ramp meters, Councilmember Aplikowski asked if old Highway 10 will not change, Mr. Tolaas answered affirmatively and stated it will remain at the current grade, Mr, T olaas commented on the difficulty of staging the Highways 10 and 96 intersections and advised they will consider what would happen if Highway 10 were closed to allow more expedient intersection construction which may save several hundred thousand dollars, He noted the State is willing to work with the City on this issue, Councilmember Malone commented on the anticipated increase to I-35W traffic levels and noted there is adequate room for another lane from Highway 96 to 1-694, Mr. Tolaas explained the State is considering the "bigger picture" and when that work should be staged, . Mayor Probst invited audience members to provide comment or ask questions, Wendy Crow, Arden Manor Mobile Home Park, asked which homes will be impacted, Mr. Tolaas pointed out the current park entrance and advised that anything to the east will not be impacted at all. The first five units to the west of the entrance will not be impacted and can stay