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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - NOVEMBER 9, 1998 14 . Mr. Post stated the Council is being requested to consider three alternatives with large variations. Alternative A would essentially rebllild the existing two lane road with a curb and gutter at a cost of$1.2 million dollars. Alternative B wOllld build a two lane divided road with a raised median and turn lanes at a cost of almost $2 million dollars. Alternative D would build a two lane, llndivided road with a cenler turn lane at a cost ofSl.5 million dollars. A central issue in Council's consideration of Alternative B is a costlbenefit discussion regarding the $428,375 incremental cost of Alternative B over Alternative D. Mr. Post advised Ihe City Engineer recommends that Council opt for Alternative D. Staff concurs with this recommendation. Mr. Brown presented overhead slides of the three alternatives and gave a detailed description of each. With regard to the soil testing and cost differential, Mr. Brown stated Staff had directed him to review Alternative B to ensure, with the new soil information, Ihe numbers are still accurate. The original Alternative B had a cost differential of approximately $400,000. Based on the soil information received last week, the soil is not bad enough to warrant removal. Sand and rock may need to be added to provide 10 required roadway. With this new infonnation, the cost differential will be closer to $300,000. Mr. Brown slaled, based on the public request, the sidewalk was added back into Alternative B . and added to Alternative D. The cost of the sidewalk would be approximately $40,000. Mayor Probst asked if the sidewalk alternative is less expensive than a bituminous trail. Mr. Brown explained that the bituminous trail would be approximately $] 0,000 less expensive. However, the residents had expressed a preference for a sidewalk due to aesthetic issues. Mr. Brown stated, with regard to the road geometry of Alternative D, there are] 4 foot lanes going north and south with a 16 foot center lane. The center lane could be 14 feet however, a 16 foot center lane will allow for large truck turning and Staff believes the extra two feet would be appropriate. In addition to the road improvements, a trunk water main and storm sewer will be constructed. Mr. Brown indicated Ihat the proj ect will be built in two, possibly three phases, working east to west to provide the mosl continuous access for the businesses along the road. Having three phases will allow the work zone and traffic to be spread apart for safety purposes. Mayor Probst asked what the lane width is for Alternative B. Mr. Brown explained the lane width is 16 feet with 13 feet of black top and one and one-hal f foot of gutter. Although it is considered adequate, Staff proposes that the width may be adjusted since it is on the tight side for truck traffic. Proposed with this alternative is a 18 foot center median. Mayor Probst indicated that the reason he asked the question is he is having a difficult time understanding the cost difference between Alternatives Band D. Mr. Brown explained that two . items went up in the cost estimate, the common excavation of the hill with the five-foot raise in elevation, and the relaining wall. With Alternative B there is more overall pavement at the intersections because of the wider widlh. Although the base of the road would be excavated, the final blacktop number is a little under Alternative D. For Alternative D the blacktop is estimated at 1500 tons per course and 1300 tons per course for Alternative B. There is some savings on the