Laserfiche WebLink
<br />OPTION 3: Consider constructing pedestrian improvements to both the east and the west <br />sides of the bridge and pursue with Ramsey County the possibility of utilizing/paving the <br />available additional shoulder of the roadway to provide bike lanes on both sides. <br /> <br />PROS <br /> <br />. CONS <br /> <br />Ramsey County is open to working with the City . There is no timetable on maintenance for Old <br />on this option. Snelling. The most cost effective way to do this <br />type of project would be in conjunction with the <br />maintenance on this roadway. Therefore, it could <br />be 10-15 years before these bike lanes happen. <br /> <br />The off road pathway costs of over 2 million The bridge enhancement costs are nearly doubled <br />dollars will be reduced. by doing both sides of the bridge. <br /> <br />The pedestrian crossings underneath the railroad There are segments of the roadway that do not have <br />bridge will greatly enhance safety for pedestrians sufficient shoulder available for paving to allow for <br />on both sides of the road. bike lanes on both sides. <br /> <br />Bikers wanting to ride with traffic will have a safe Does not provide for a separated trail for <br />passage under the railroad bridge on both sides and pedestrians and novice or recreational bike riders, <br />will be more apt to utilize the pathway versus although it does not preclude a separated trail. <br />remaining on the roadway. <br /> <br />BUDGET <br />The additional engineering costs to add the east side bridge improvements into the current scope <br />of the project are listed at $30,000. The construction cost for improvements to both sides of the <br />bridge is estimated at $368,800, double the con~truction cost for improvements to one side of the <br />bridge. A proposal for additional engineering services from Bolton and Menk is included for <br />Council review. Preliminary discussions with the railroad indicate that they are in favor of <br />improvements to either side of the bridge. They have indicated they have no preference on <br />which side the improvements take place. However, they continue to indicate that until they see <br />specific plans and specifications, approval i~ pending. Bolton and Menk has been in touch with <br />the railroad to verify that they would be open to improvements to both sides of the bridge. Staff <br />will have an update on this at the Council meeting. <br /> <br />If the third option is chosen, a motion to approve a second addendum to the original contract <br />with Bolton and Menk is needed to expand the scope of the current plans and specifications. <br />Again, as stated earlier, there are sections of the roadway that do not have the capability of <br />sustaining bike lanes on both sides due to existing curbs, turn lanes and steep slopes. Option <br />three has safety advantages even if a bike lane on both sides of the road is not possible. <br />Providing a safe passage under the railroad bridge on both sides will meet the needs of all users, <br />including bikers, runners, and walkers. <br /> <br />PTRC RECOMMENDATION <br />The Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee recommends that Council, in order to increase <br />safety, consider the possibility of constructing pedestrian improvements on both the east and <br />west sides of the CP Rail bridge on Old Snelling and research the possibility with Ramsey <br />County of paving/widening the roadway shoulders to provide a bike lane on both the east and <br />west side in the most cost effective manner. <br /> <br />- 3 - <br />