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<br /> . <br /> to carry the traffic, if it wasn't for the people blocking up <br /> the center lanes for left turns to ramps, and if it wasn't for <br /> . the lack of an adequate facility for the path across the <br /> bridge. We are working with the Highway Department - we're <br /> going to have a four lane bridge, which is going to be better. <br /> I think it's going to operate a lot more efficiently than the <br /> system that we have out there right now. As far as the project <br /> with the Department of Transportation - it's a cooperative <br /> project to widen the bridge, to accommodate the left turn <br /> people, and the bike facility. We're working on that. They <br /> have given us some indication that they want to see it as part <br /> of this project, that is, incorporate it with it. We said <br /> fine, we think it's a great project, but the timing isn't the <br /> best, and that we're going to have to proceed with this <br /> project. If the other one could catch up - fine. If it can't, <br /> it could certainly come the following year. I cannot really <br /> give you an answer on the timing on that. It's part of the <br /> interstate system funding in there, and where federal funds <br /> are available, the whole thing gets a little bit hard to tie <br /> down until you get some answers here (inaudible) . <br /> MR. STOUTENBURG: What do they plan on doing with the <br /> traffic flow when they're doing the work? <br /> MR. WAYNE LEONARD: I think we will attempt to carry <br /> traffic as much as possible through the construction. I <br /> believe that we will ask for stage construction - that is, we <br /> . will do this work down here on the south end and then this <br /> work on the north end and not tear up the whole thing at once. <br /> The contractor will be asked to provide for some type of <br /> traffic handling in the area. We do think that it may be <br /> advisable to consider shutting down part of the interchange <br /> for a period of time - a couple of weeks at some point, or <br /> three weeks - to really get in there and do the work. In the <br /> long run, that may be the least cumbersome to the people. <br /> The proposal is basically to have the contractor handle it, <br /> with limitations as to what he can do. <br /> MR. STOUTENBURG: The only reason I'm concerned is that <br /> I work for Control Data and I have to travel that way every <br /> day. My main concern up there is the traffic jam we have now <br /> with Land O'Lakes up there and all the other (inaudible) . <br /> ESpecially County Road F and Lexington - that's really a mess. <br /> . MR. LEONARD: That's a great part of what has precipitated <br /> this project - the need there because of all the people in the <br /> area. You can say it anyway you want, but we're. going to have <br /> to suffer through one construction season to get an improvement <br /> that's going to work for a good many years to come. <br /> MAYOR WOODBURN: Any further comments or questions? We <br /> will close the public hearing then at 7:55 p.m. and turn it <br /> . back to the Council. Does the Council have any questions? <br /> Mr. Christoffersen? <br /> 5 <br />