03-24-09-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

CR H exit ramp for I35W to Highway 10. This lane would provide additional opportunities for the weaving movements. Another option would be to close the CR I exit ramp to I35W and the traffic wanting to exit at CR I would actually exit at the CR H interchange onto a new auxiliary lane that would run all the way up to CRI. Councilmember Holden commented that she is not in favor of the first option. She also questioned why the Council should approve any of the changes now when they are not sure TCAAP is going to happen. Additionally she asked why Shoreview isn't participating in the cost as they will benefit. Mayor Harpstead pointed out that regardless of the TCAAP development, there is still the federal congressional funding request and CR H is "reaching its life." Also the City wants to have CR H revised so that if and when something happens with TCAAP, it isn't on the critical path so there are many reasons to move forward with CR H. City Administrator Moorse commented that if we can resolve this issue with Mn/DOT, the Federal Highway Administration and Shoreview the City can then ask Mn/DOT for the local funding match. He added that until the CR H issue is resolved, the City won't even be considered for a portion of the $10 million in the legislation for metro area interchanges. Councilmember McClung concurred with Councilmember Holden's concern as far as proceeding with this project when we're not sure that the TCAAP development will happen. Councilmember Grant commented that resolving the CR H issue will probably make the TCAAP property more valuable to a developer. In summary, Mayor Harpstead explained that this matter will have to come before Council at a regular meeting at which time they will have to decide if they're willing to do a cost-share on the CR H project, or approve the $20,000 to keep this portion of the project moving forward. He indicated he would be willing to do that because it's not an insurmountable amount of money and it's still consistent with what the City's wants to happen in that area. He asked for a consensus from Council.