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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—February 8, 2010 8 7.A. Mn/DOT I694 Project Update (continued) to 135W. He asked if the improvement of adding the additional throughput lane in each direction was on Mn/DOT's schedule? Mr. Lindeberg stated before Mn/DOT can begin a lane expansion project they need to make the improvements to the Snelling/Highway 10 area. It is not currently possible to get six lanes of traffic between I3 5E and I3 5 W without making these improvements. Having these improvements would allow the roadway to be setup for the opportunity to add the fifth and sixth lanes. There have been discussions about the two additional lanes. He clarified that he cannot say that this is something that is funded and going to happen, only something that has been discussed. Mn/DOT is in the process of developing its MHSIS, which is looking at its fifty-year getting d an plan an p g g idea as to what is going to be needed and what can be done. The additional lanes for this section of road will be on this plan but it is not currently on any scheduled plan. Councilmember McClung stated he has not seen the level of leadership from Mn/DOT in regard to this that he would like. Mr. Lindeberg reviewed the different concept plans that will be presented at the open house for public input. He stated that Option 1 is not really feasible but it will still be presented to the public at the open house for their input. Councilmember Holden asked who owns the land that would be used in Option 2. Mr. Lindeberg clarified this property is owned by Mn/DOT. He stated that the loop in Option 2 ,is substandard and this could be a problem that would need to be looked at. He stated that Option 5 may have safety issues as well. All the Options will be presented to the public. Councilmember Holden clarified that the input received from the open house on Thursday would reduce the number of design options. Councilmember Holmes pointed out that the open house is on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Councilmember Holden asked if the number of loops on the road would reduce the number of people who would utilize the road. Mr. Lindeberg stated people do not shy away from a road because of loops but this would also depend on the other options that are available to the driver. He also reviewed the ro osed p p schedule in regard to this project. Mn/DOT will be determining a preferred design in April 2010 and bring that to the City for municipal consent. They are looking at an April 2011 letting date, which would mean construction in the summer of 2011. Councilmember Holden asked if the NAC process would be done by April.