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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—August 9, 2010 10 Be Mn/DOT Interstate 694 Improvement Project--Public Hearing Civil Engineer Giga stated at the City Council work session on July 19, 2010, the City Council identified concerns about the project, as well as additional information that would be needed prior to making a decision on Municipal Consent. A letter was sent to Mn/DOT, dated July 29, 2010, which incorporated the City Council's concerns, as well as some of the City's consultant's (Bolton & Menk) comments on the layout. The City of Shoreview also sent a letter to Mn/DOT regarding the proposed project layout. Mn/DOT provided a response on August 5, 2010. Following the public hearing the City has 90 days, or until November 7, 2010, to approve/disapprove the layout. The last regularly scheduled City Council meeting before this deadline is Monday, October 25, 2010. The City has three options when voting on Municipal Consent: 1.Approve Municipal Consent, 2.Approve Municipal Consent with conditions, or 3.Deny Municipal Consent. Mr. Mark Lindeberg, North Area Engineer with Mn/DOT, stated Mn/DOT is proposing an improvement project for the interchange of Interstate 694, Highway 10, Snelling Avenue and Hamline Avenue in Arden Hills. In June, Mn/DOT submitted a Mn/DOT approved layout to the City, requesting City approval (Municipal Consent) of the layout. This project was initiated because there are nine bridges in this area that are in need of replacement. It was clear to - Mn/DOT that this would be an opportunity to improve the safety and lane continuity in this area, as wells as provide for future expansion and eliminate the mainline weaves. He reviewed the process that has been followed to date including the formation of the Noise Advisory Committee (NAC). He stated the project benefits included increased safety, regional transportation improvement, local business benefits, smoother commutes and a more efficient local roadway system. Councilmember Holden asked how the local businesses would benefit from this road design. Mr. Lindeberg stated businesses are going to want to locate where they can get access and flowing conditions to and from their locations. There will be less stopped traffic when trying to get to their businesses. He went on to review the project benefits to the Northern Pointe (TCAAP) area and better access to this area will be a benefit to the City of Arden Hills. The improved roadway will also pull traffic off local streets such as County Road E, County Road F, County Road 96 and Lexington. Councilmember Holden stated the,local businesses would not be located right on I694 so people will need to get off the Interstate. She asked how this made for more effective local roadway systems. She asked if this was done in the Mn/DOT modeling. The only way to get onto Snelling Avenue will be County Road E or Lydia with this design. Mr. Lindeberg stated business at the TCAAP site would benefit because traffic will be able to flow to Highway 10 or Highway 3 5 easier. Councilmember Holden clarified this was more of a regional improvement than a local improvement.