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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-OCTOBER 19, 2009 2 <br /> IA. CP Rail and County Road E Update (cont.) <br /> Marcus Thomas, Bolton & Menk introduced himself and provided a brief update <br /> on the CP Rail Bridge. He noted that Travis would further review the current <br /> design plans. Mr. Thomas indicated a feasibility study was completed on the trail <br /> alignment along Old Snelling/Old Highway 10 corridor from County Road 96 to <br /> Snelling Avenue. The conclusion of the report was the west side would be the <br /> most appropriate side to align the trail. <br /> Mr. Thomas explained this was a large project and would not proceed immediately <br /> and that there was a safety concern under the CP Rail bridge, with the loss of the <br /> shoulder in this area. He indicated the City authorized Bolton & Menk to complete <br /> a topographic survey of the site along with final design for construction of a trail <br /> crossing between the piers and abutments of the bridge. <br /> Mr. Thomas indicated that completion of the survey found a couple of other <br /> project constraints. First, the wetland on the north side of the bridge and secondly, <br /> the shallow depth of the bridge abutments underneath the span which creates a <br /> need for additional retaining wall construction along the trail. <br /> Mr. Thomas noted an updated cost estimate was provided to the City based on this <br /> information, with the current estimate being $340,000 for the construction and <br /> administration of the project. CP Rail has voiced no objections to date and would <br /> provide further comment once they receive completed construction plans. <br /> Travis Winter, Bolton & Menk reviewed the current trail design in detail with the <br /> Council. As the trail proceeded under the bridge, between the piers and the <br /> abutment, the trail would cut through existing soils and would undercut the <br /> abutment, requiring a retaining wall. <br /> Councilmember Holden asked if the pedestrian trail could be reduced in width <br /> under the bridge from eight feet to six feet. <br /> Mr. Thomas stated the width of the trail wasn't a huge influence on the retaining <br /> wall and that the elevation or profile of the trail was affecting the retaining walls. <br /> Councilmember Holden questioned what the previous estimate was for the trail <br />