07-26-05 PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING . JULY 26, 2005 Page 5 on Committee Member Hames asked if anyone has looked at the pattern of use noting that both Bethel and the High School utilize the east side both ways. He explained that traditionally people who use this area tend to cross at County Road E2 and sometimes at Valentine, which is a pretty dangerous traffic area that extends from the Railroad Bridge. He noted that County Road E2 is congested pretty much all day and expressed concerns about the safety of the residents. City Engineer Brown stated that if the trail is curbed or protected by a buffer the site line and safety issues should go away. Committee Member Hames asked if there would be any liability issues with Bethel. City Engineer Brown clarified that the road is a County road and that Ramsey County would carry the liability. Commissioner Thompson asked if there has been any discussion with Bethel College as to how the crosswalk is used. She suggested considering a pedestrian cross bridge. Ms. Olson noted that the pedestrian cross bridge was considered as an option through City Council and reviewed. City Enginecr Brown clarified that Ms. Olson and City Administrator Wolfe are looking for budget recommendations noting that County roads are eligible for state funding and could be matched. . Committee Member McClung stated that this is an important connector adding that if there is a way to possibly do something along Snelling up to County Road E where the City would have connections east/west and north/south then the City would be tied together and they could then move forward to try to COlUlect into the regional trail system. He stated that this should be designated a high priority item and that the PTRC should continue to push for the trail connections. Chair Henry asked what would happen to Highway 10 south of Highway 96. City Engineer Brown explained that Highway 10 would go over the top and Old Highway 10 would intersect with the existing frontage road. Hc further explained that it would then becomc a four-way intersection onto Highway 96 and that it would maintain a contiguous four-lane intersection. He indicated that there is approximately 30 to 40 feet of right-of-way along this area and reviewed. Chair Hemy asked if there would be an entrance into the TCAAP area at Highway 96. Community Development Director Clark stated that the entrance would come across from North Heights Lutheran and the other location would be an overpass on Highway 10, or west of Highway 10 and Highway 96. Committee Member Williams noted the possibilities and asked what the next step would be to keep this proposal moving forward. City Engineer Brown indicated that the City could reasonably ask for the CP Railroad passage and then try to build something that would connect to Highway 96. He noted that one of the . problems with going beyond this point is due to the rural nature of the area beyond this point.