1A, US 10CR 96 Grade Separation & CSAH 96 Improvements - Project Update

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City of Arden Hills August 5, 2009 Page 2 of2 The traffic analysis prepared for and included in the 1-694 Environmental Assessment (EA) shows there will be adequate capacity available at the I-694/Lexington A venue interchange as well as on Lexington A venue to accommodate the traffic currently using the I-694/Hamline A venue ramp. In addition, this analysis shows there is adequate capacity at these locations to accommodate 2030 forecasted volumes, including development within the City of Arden Hills and other growth in surrounding cities. This means motorists win find reasonable delays on Lexington Avenue in 2030 and the closure of the westbound ramp to Hamline will have minimal effect on motorists' ability to access this portion of the city. The existing traffic turning patterns at TH 10/96 indicate the northbound to eastbound movement is very light. This is not anticipated to change with the closure of the 1-694/Hamline exit ramp. It is reasonable to expect most or all motorists currently exiting at Hamline A venue will relocate to Lexington Avenue. This route would provide a more direct and convenient connection to most destinations in Arden Hills when compared to the TH 10/96 intersection. Travel demand for the north to east movement at TH 10/ /CSAH 96 could expect to increase with redevelopment of the TCAAP site, however access improvements on TH 10 could be anticipated with the redevelopment effort. The analysis summarized above demonstrates there is no measurable need for an additional exit ramp directly from northbound Highway 10 to eastbound Highway 96. The benefit of the ramp would be strictly convenience. Design and Anticipated Construction Costs The proposed exit ramp on northbound Highway 10 to eastbound Highway 96 would need to meet design standards consistent with a freeway exit ramp. This would enable sufficient length necessary for high speed vehicles to decelerate and make a right hand turn at a safe and comfortable speed. The attached figure illustrates the proposed exit ramp and was prepared to adequately assess the potential construction costs and potential impact to adjacent properties. The attached ramp design was prepared consistent with the MnlDOT Road Design manual and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) - A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets. The estimated construction cost of the proposed ramp is approximately $300,000. This estimate includes costs associated with grading and paving as well as the cost for a storm sewer crossing at CSAH 96. Use of retaining walls and other structures are not anticipated for this design. Wetland impacts would be expected with mitigation occurring within the project area. Construction Impacts The proposed exit ramp, as illustrated on the attached figure, would require acquisition of up to 5 acres of land owned by North Heights Church. Using 2008 County Tax Records of similar vacant properties in the area, this land could be valued between $100,000 and $200,000 per acre, resulting $500,000 to $] ,000,000 in right-of-way costs. While actual property impacts and property values have not been determined, this estimate was prepared to provide an order of magnitude cost that could be expected if this design was implemented. Findings and Recommendations An exit ramp on northbound Highway 10 to eastbound Highway 96 could be constructed to provide a safe and convenient connection to portions of the city located north of 1-694 and east of TH 1 O/I-35W. While convenient, the connection would cost between $800,000 and $1,300,000 if constructed as shown in the attached figure. Since no measurable benefit would be achieved, the cost and property impacts associated with its construction would be difficult to justify. The existing 1-694/Lexington Avenue interchange provides adequate capacity and reasonably attractive access to this portion of the city. DESIGNING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW