03-08-10-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—March 8, 2010 15 7.A. Mn/DOT I-694 Project Update (continued) Mr. Lindeberg Mn/DOT has talked to the County regarding the functionality of this intersection, and there will be additional conversations regarding this location. Councilmember Holden asked for clarification on what additional conversations means. She asked if the County would be doing something with this intersection. Mr. Lindeberg explained Mn/DOT would look at the traffic forecasting numbers and determine if there are fixes that will need to be done because of the proposed changes. Based on the number of cars that presently use the eastbound entrance from Hamline Avenue, the initial thought from the County was that the 180 vehicles would not significantly affect the operation of those locations on Lexington. This will be looked at closer once the forecasted numbers have been determined. Councilmember Holden asked if there was an improvement made if the City would have to wait for the County to get funding or would this improvement be part of the I-694 project. Mr. Lindeberg stated this would be dependent on what is needed and when it is needed. Councilmember Grant asked how much more capacity the proposed project will have compared to what there is currently. Mr. Lindeberg stated currently the roadway has one continuous through lane on westbound I- 694. In the preferred alternative there will be two through lanes plus all the Highway 10 traffic has been taken off the existing road and put it on its own roadway. Councilmember Grant asked what the future expansions would be to increase the capacity. Mr. Lindeberg stated the roadway will be constructed in such a manner that a third lane in each direction can be added without having major reconstruction to the road. The traffic slow downs that occur to the east of Arden Hills will be resolved when the third lane is added. Westbound traffic will see a significant improvement after this project is completed and the eastbound traffic will see some improvement now and more improvement with the addition of the third lane. The addition of the third lane is ten years out, plus or minus ten years. Councilmember Grant asked if driver expectancy meant Mn/DOT would be installing overhead signs. Mr. Lindeberg clarified there would be overhead signs and lighting but what was really meant by this was that traffic would be brought in on the right hand side and exiting in a location that would be expected. Mayor Harpstead stated that they want to make sure that pedestrian crossing has been identified through this area. On Old Snelling there should be a pedestrian crossing built in underneath these roadways. He also asked about pedestrian crossings on Hamline Avenue going north to south. Bethel University has a facility on County Road F and their campus is on the south side. He asked if there would be a crossing running on the west side of Hamline going to the south.