Laserfiche WebLink
AR-DEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 13,2009 g <br /> Councilmember Holmes asked to clarify where the roundabouts and signal <br /> combinations would occur. <br /> Mr. Tolaas stated he is referring to the situation were Mn/DOT would not fund <br /> roundabouts on the east and west terminal of I35W. They are currently working <br /> with Mn/DOT to determine if temporary signals can provide adequate service for <br /> the next five to ten years while the bigger regional issues are sorted out. He <br /> suggested that the signal lights be installed in concert with the grade separation <br /> proj ect ay Highway 10 and County Road 96. He also stated that some sort of traffic <br /> control on Old Highway 8 would need to be reviewed. Roundabouts do model out <br /> as operating a little better than signalized intersections but they are more costly to <br /> build and provide less operational modification or revision. At this time Mn/DOT <br /> has pulled Interstate 694 from their 20 year improvement plan so the modeling that <br /> is being done for other projects are now adjusting for this. <br /> Mayor Harpstead reviewed the signalized intersection draft. At the work session <br /> Council had recommended moving in the direction of signalized intersections. He <br /> asked if there were any problems or objections presented from neighboring cities <br /> such as New Brighton on the signalized version. <br /> Mr. Tolaas stated that there have been no objections to the signalized version but <br /> they have not heard from New Brighton regarding this option. <br /> Councilmember Holden stated that New Brighton's concerns were with the <br /> roundabouts. <br /> Mr. Tolaas stated that one of the logistical issues is how the model will predict <br /> how the Northwest Quadrant will react to these improvements. This approach is <br /> very similar to Highway 96. The thing that happens on the west end is that it <br /> interacts with the Interstate and requires multiple signal placements closer than the <br /> original model for Highway 96. Mn/DOT's indication is that with good <br /> synchronization a good Level of service could result out of this configuration at Least <br /> in the short term. The real concern here is if there were major improvements or <br /> developments that occur without addressing the larger regional connection <br /> requirements. <br /> Mayor Harpstead clarified that Mr. Tolaas was refemng to Interstate 694 and the <br /> intersection with Interstate 35W. <br /> Mr. Tolaas stated that continuing to build without addressing these connections <br /> would be very challenging. <br />