Laserfiche WebLink
M& <br />RAMSEY COUNTY <br />Department of Public Works <br />Kenneth G. Haider, P.E., Director and County Engineer <br />1425 Paul Kirkwold Drive <br />Arden Hills, MN 55112-3933 • (651) 266-7100 • Fax (651) 266-7110 <br />E-mail: Public.Works@co.ramsey.mn.us <br />May 18, 2009 <br />Meagan Beekman <br />City of Arden Hills <br />1245 West Highway 96 <br />Arden Hills, MN 55112 <br />Dear Ms. Beekman <br />I have reviewed the proposed Arden Plaza Redevelopment plans at the southwest quadrant of Lexington <br />Avenue and County Road E and have the following comments: <br />1) The northbound left turning movement onto County Road E has the potential to create delay for <br />vehicles exiting the development. The County will monitor this access for incidents and reserves <br />the right to restrict the left turning movement and allow only a right in and right out at the <br />County Road E access should northbound left turns become an issue. <br />2) It is rrly understanding that a future signal located approximately 200 feet west of the <br />development has been discussed in conjunction with th`e anticipated redevelopment of the <br />Holiday Inn site on the north side of County Road E. The proposed Arden Plaza access would be <br />closed and redirected to the signal. I have several concerns regarding a future signal at this <br />location. It would be located 650 feet from the Lexington intersection and could create <br />significant negative impacts to the operation of the Lexington Avenue traffic signal. Also, the <br />flow of traffic along County Road E would be disrupted and experience delay due to spacing <br />signals 650 feet apart from Pine Tree Drive to Lexington Avenue. Ideally traffic from Arden Hills <br />Plaza would be directed to Pine Tree Drive to utilize the existing traffic signal. In discussions with <br />Arden Hills staff this option does not seem feasible due to the existing businesses. At this time <br />the County does not support the addition of a traffic signal between Pine Tree Drive and <br />Lexington Avenue nor is it necessary for the Arden Plaza Redevelopment to move forwa- d. If the <br />City would like to pursue La traffic signal at the time the Holiday Inn site redevelops the County <br />would continue discussions with the City to explore this option. Traffic signal spacing is the <br />County's primary concern. Lastly, Ramsey County would not be able to participate in funding a <br />new signal. <br />3) The operation for the left turn movement on County .Road E to northbound Lexington Avenue is <br />very poor. Traffic volumes for this movement are currently high and will continue to increase as <br />development occurs: Geometric improvements are nee'de'd at this intersection such as <br />additional turning lanes The County currently does not have any improvements planned for this <br />intersection. It would. be' a rudent for the Cite and,Count�� to <br />p y � anticipate the need for- additional <br />N <br />right of way for future improvennents. The County rec rran�ends that additional right of way be <br />required to provide for an added turn lane. From the existing curb 27 feet of right of way to the <br />Minnesota's First Home Rule County <br />WintPrl nn rPrvrind nanPr Svith a minim iim of 100/ nnet_nnncnmar nnnfonf <br />