7A, 10 and 96 Concept Plan - Laserfiche WebLink

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standard diamond interchange would bc thc lcast intrusivc to thc surrounding Arden Manor neighborhood. In addition they stated that their design (a variation of a diamond interchange) would likely be more intrusive than the concept design prepared by SEH, dated July 23, 2007 (also a diamond interchange). This is based on the fact that the MnDOT drawing was not completed at the same level of detail. Based upon their experience the impacts to Arden Manor would be equal to or greater than shown on the SEH drawing and be more costly due to the need for two (2) additional bridges to "fly over" Hwy la, At the meeting, MnDOT, the County and staff stated that the prefcn'Cd plan to move f<'1I'\vard to preliminary design was the concept plan prepared by SEI.1. DISCUSSION Improvements or modiileations to the transportation system arc completed on a partnership basis between governmental entities (City, County and MnDOT). This is done so these entities needs and issues can be addressed at the time of the modiilcations to assure the integrity of the transportation systems is maintained, Over arching this is the required approvals by MnDOT for any modiilcations that affect the State highway system. The County is proposing to grade separate the intersection at Highway 10 and County Road 96 to correct safety concerns which is a mutual concern of the City and MnDOT (the intersection is currently ranked !l21 on MnDOT's list of the top 200 accident-prone interchanges in the State). The County has received funds to complete the project and would like to move fi.lnvard, Since this grade separation will close off access to Highway 10 lI'om County Road 96, the County has becn working with the City to reestablish local access. This has Icd to the discussion and dcvclopment of conccpt plans that provide local access on Highway] 0 via a full intcrchange approximately 1/2 mile to the north of County Road 96. The concept plan prepared by SEH (dated July 23, 2007) is the plan that MnDOT, County and stalf agree is the best plan to advance to preliminary design, in order to provide the least amount of impacts to the Arden Manor neighborhood and provide local access. Approval of a concept will allow moving preliminary design ]i.lnvard, which will take approximately eight (8) months, During this time the design can become morc relined/detailed to thc level neccssary to truly analyzc impacts to affected propcrty owners. An cnvironmental assessment (EA) will bc eonducted on the prcferred concept. The EA will analyze various impacts ineluding noise, land use and other social and economic effects to ensure that the project is developcd in a manner that meets the purpose and necd, whilc at the samc timc rcsulting in the lcast amount of impact. During this timc staff and consultants will be able to better answer qucstions regarding impaets and will work to resolve issues to the greatest extent possible. The findings fi'om the EA will be presented at a public hearing for review and commcnt by residents and Council. During the preliminary design stage, stalf and consultants will be guided by the prineiples stated by the Council at the January 22, 2008 work session of; (I) minimize impacts on the Arden Manor neighborhood as well as other nearby residential areas that eould be affected by the improvements; (2) develop a relocation strategy/plan to minimize the number of relocations within the area and maximize the opportunities for moving affected owners into other locations within the Arden Manor neighborhood. Stal1'recommends approval ofthc preferred concept fi.lr the following reasons: