Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1A, US 10CR 96 Grade Separation & CSAH 96 Improvements - Project Update .~......................I.......IIIIIS MEMORANDUM Item I.A DATE: August 6, 2009 TO: Mayor and City Council Ron Moorse, City Administrator FROM: Kristine Giga, Civil Engineer SUBJECT: Ramsey County US IO/CR 96 Grade Separation and CSAH 96 Improvements- Project Update BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION City staff has been working with Ramsey County and MnDot as part of a project team for the environmental documentation and preliminary design for the US 10lCR 96 Grade Separation and CSAH 96 Improvements. This project will include a total reconstruction of the CSAH 96 from approximately North Heights Lutheran Church to West Round Lake Road. Federal funding for construction has been secured for the project. Construction is planned to begin in 2011. Following the completion of the Environmental Assessment that is being completed for the project, Ramsey County will be asking the City of Arden Hills for Municipal Consent. The City Council approved the Interstate 694, Highway 10 and County Road 96 Preliminary Design Issues and Position Paper ("Position Paper") at the March 31, 2008 City Council meeting. Prior to the County's request for Municipal Consent, staff is providing an update on the Position Paper as it relates to the US 10lCR 96 project. Per the City Council's approval at the March 31, 2008 City Council meeting, City staff retained Bolton & Menk, Inc., to assist the City in providing technical support for transportation related projects, including this project. Each of the design constraints listed in the Position Paper regarding the US 10lCR 96 project is provided below, along with an update on each item. Bolton & Menk has gathered some information related to the design constraints in the Position Paper; this information is attached. DESIGN CONSTRAINT #1 Mitigate noise impacts to residential areas located south of County Road 96. \ \Metro-inet\ardenhills\Admin \Council\Agendas & Packet Information \2009\08-10-09 Council W orksession \08-1 0-09Memo _10-96.doc 10/96 Update 8/6/2009 Page 2 Citv Perspective: Due to grade separation, the City is concerned that noise levels may increase for these residential areas. The City would like to review mitigation measures and costs to see if noise can be reduced through noise walls, landscaping and/or paving and views that cost of noise mitigation is the responsibility of MnDOT and Ramsey County. Update: Please see the attached memo from Bolton & Menk regarding noise mitigation. DESIGN CONSTRAINT #2 Review need to provide an exit ramp from north bound Highway 10 onto east bound County Road 96. Citv Perspective: City would like to provide better local access onto County Road 96, if it makes financial sense, due to the proposed elimination of Interstate 694 exit onto Hamline Avenue. Update: Please see the attached memo from Bolton & Menk regarding the northbound to eastbound ramp. DESIGN CONSTRAINT #3 Minimize impacts to Arden Manor by considering minimizing median, shoulder, boulevard, sidewalk and trail widths on north and south side of County Road 96. Citv Perspective: City would like to preserve as many homes along County Road 96 as possible and local decisions on medians, shoulders, boulevards, sidewalk and trail widths and location of trail(s) on one or both sides of the roadway may be ways to assist in meeting this goal. The City also understands that appropriate turn lanes, alignments with bridges and other traffic flow and safety issues need to be adequately addressed in the design and may dictate certain elements of the road layout. DESIGN CONSTRAINT #4 Utilize existing southern edge of County Road 96 as future edge of all improvements and for future alignment of Interstate Highway 35 bridge expansion. Citv Perspective: City would like to preserve as many homes along County Road 96 as possible and if the alignment can meet engineering standards by having County Road 96 located as far south as possible, that would be preferred. 10/96 Update 8/6/2009 Page 3 Update: During the environmental documentation process and preliminary layout preparation for the project, Ramsey County was able to reduce the number of impacts to Arden Manor to two homes, and is working with these homeowners to mitigate the impacts. DESIGN CONSTRAINT #5 Provide pedestrian crossing over or under County Road 96 between Highway 1 0 and the access point east of North Heights Lutheran Church. Citv Perspective: City would like to provide safe access to pedestrians to cross County Road 96 to access trails, etc. Update: Please see the attached memo from Bolton & Menk regarding a pedestrian crossing in the vicinity of North Heights Lutheran Church. DESIGN CONSTRAINT #6 Any bridge(s) constructed should provide safe pedestrian crossing/access. Citv Perspective: The City wants to assure there are safe pedestrian connections to its trail system and any crossing over or under Highway 1 0 or County Road 96 needs to be wide enough to accommodate such access. Update: A six foot wide concrete sidewalk is proposed along the north side of CR 96, and a 10 foot wide bituminous trail is proposed along the south side of CR 96. These features will be constructed through the crossing under the Highway 10 bridge. PROJECT UPDATE/SCHEDULE The environmental assessment (EA) document has been completed; the official publication and comment period will occur sometime this fall. The next open house for the project will be Tuesday, August 18, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The noise analysis completed for the project area has indicated that highway noise along CSAH 96 in front of Arden Manor would exceed state standards. A noise wall was evaluated at this location as a potential means for mitigating the noise levels. The analysis concluded that a noise wall in this area would meet the cost reasonableness criteria. Prior to concluding the noise mitigation process and pursuant to State and Federal rules, Ramsey County needs to verify that the majority of the property owners adjacent to the noise wall support its construction. This public hearing is scheduled for the August 31, 2009, Arden Hills City Council meeting. The consultant that is designing this project will present the findings of the 1 0/96 Update 8/6/2009 Page 4 environmental study relating to noise impacts of the project and discuss the Mn/DOT policy at the Council meeting. Following the public hearing, the City Council may pass a resolution of support or rejection for the proposed noise wall. TECHNICAL SUPPORT At the March 31, 2008, regular meeting, the City Council authorized staff to contract with Bolton & Menk, Inc. to provide technical support for various transportation projects in the City in the amount of $30,000. The support has included review of technical documents, proposed concepts, and responses to the Interstate 694, Highway 10 and County Road 96 Preliminary Design Issues and Position Paper that have been provided by Ramsey County and/or Mn/DOT, as well as other information pertaining to the transportation projects. At the September 29, 2008 City Council meeting, this contract was amended to $45,000, taking into account the anticipated monthly meetings relating to the US 10lCR 96 grade separation project led by Ramsey County, the Local Access Interchange and CR HII 35W projects, both of which were associated with the TCAAP development. The summary of expenses to date is listed below: Pro j ect Expenses throu!!h 6/30/09 1-694 $5,067.00 1 0/96 $16,155.50 10 @ TCAAP (LAI) $2,966.00 I-35W/CRH $2,424.00 Total to date $26,612.50 The City Council directed staff that all of these expenses should be reimbursed by the TCAAP developer as engineering services as described in the Preliminary Development Agreement. Now that the future plans for TCAAP are changing, the costs for technical support on transportation projects will require a different source of funding. The City of Roseville Engineering Department does not have the expertise to provide technical support on transportation related projects. Projects related to TCAAP are changing, and technical support may not be needed at this time, however, Ramsey County is moving forward on the US 10/ CR 96 grade separation proj ect, for which support is needed. Staff recommends that Bolton & Menk, Inc. continues to provide this support, and that funding for these services are incorporated into the City's budget. REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION Provide feedback to information provided and/or direction to complete further investigation on any of the discussed items. E3 LTC)N & I'/IENK, INC@ onsulting Engineers & Surveyors 12224 Nicollet Avenue · BurnsviHe, MN 55337 Phone (952) 890-0509. Fax (952) 890-8065 W\NW.bolton-menk.com MEMORANDUM DA TE: August 5~ 2009 TO: Kristine Giga, P.E. - Civil Engineer Ron Moorse - City Administrator City of Arden Hills FROM: Christopher S. Chromy, P.E., P.T.O.E. Senior Transportation Engineer RE: Highway 10/96 Grade Separation Project Feasibility of Noise Mitigation for Briarknoll Neighborhood BMI Project No. T42.222335 Per your request, I have completed a conceptual analysis of the feasibility of noise mitigation strategies for the Briarknoll neighborhood. My findings and recommendations are summarized below: Background The Briarknoll neighborhood is located east of TH ] 0 and north of 1-694. Much of the neighborhood has existing berms providing some noise protection from traffic on these important regional corridors. The area in the vicinity of Briarknoll Drive and Snelling A venue, south of Royal Hills Park is more susceptible to traffic noise due to its proximity to TH ] 0 and elevation of homes in the immediate area. The Minnesota Department of Transportation completed a detailed noise analysis for this portion of the Briarknoll neighborhood as part of the ~'TH 10 Barrier Study" dated March 18, 2008. The findings of this study showed that noise barriers in this area would not be cost effective and could not be installed using state or federal transportation funds. . The City of Arden Hills is interested in evaluating potential noise mitigation strategies for the Briarknoll neighborhood. Figure 1 illustrates the existing conditions in this area. Mitigation Alternatives and Cost Two mitigation strategies were considered for noise mitigation near the intersection of Briarknoll Drive and Snelling A venue. The first was a traditional noise wall, as evaluated in the TH 10 Barrier Study. The second was an earthen berm, as suggested by the Arden Hills City Council. Noise Barrier - As part of the TH 10 Barrier Study, 1 O~ and 20' noise walls were evaluated. The proposed 984' wall would extend from the northern boundary of Royal Hills Park to approximately 250' south of BriarknoH Drive. With a unit cost of approximately $16 per sq.ft., the estimated cost for the noise wall option are: 10' Noise Wall = $160,000 20' Noise Wall = $320,000 City of Arden Hills August 5, 2009 Page 2 of 3 Use of either the 10' or 20' noise wall would result in less than a 3 decibel noise reduction, a change that would not be recognized by the average human ear. Earthen Berm - An earthen berm was evaluated south of Royal Hills Park in the immediate vicinity of the Snelling A venuelBriarknoll Drive intersection. The berm would build off of the existing sledding hill in the park and extend approximately 600' to the south. The berm height would vary in height from approximately 12' at the park to 8' south of Briarknoll A venue. Figure 2 illustrates the grading limits and approximate elevation of the berm. An area of approximately] .8 acres would be impacted by the berm construction. Grading for the berm would require approximately 18,000 cubic yards of fill. Excess material from the TH 10/CSAH 96 Grade Separation project may be suitable for berm construction and could be acquired for little or no additional costs if completed as part of the county's project. Additional costs associated with the berm would include site clearing and preparation, turf establishment, and landscaping. Due to the heavy tree cover presently on site, tree replacement would be necessary. While trees generally do not provide noise mitigation~ they do add visual screening and improve livability of neighborhoods adjacent to highways. At a minimum, 32 coniferous trees would be proposed at or near the top of the berm in two rows spaced at 25' apart. In addition, 10 deciduous trees would be proposed along Snelling Avenue. Transplanting of existing trees may be an option, but would require moving trees twice and may not provide substantial cost savings. The estimated costs associated with the berm are provided below: Item Unit Quantity Total Cost Site Clearing and Prep. $4000/acre 1.8 acres $7,200 Common Borrow $8/cubic yard ] 8,000 cy $144,000 Turf Establishment $720/acre ] .8 acres $1 ,300 Tree $300/tree 42 trees $12,600 Total Estimated Cost of Berm $165,100 Privacy Fence - In addition to the earthen berm, a 6' privacy fence could be considered in Royal Hills Park to provide screening to areas not adjacent to the berm. The wooden fence would enhance the park setting while providing visual screening of the highway for park users and adjacent residences. An estimated 400' long fence could be constructed along the western boundary of the park. With an estimated unit cost of $60/1inear foot, the estimated cost of the privacy fence is: 6' Privacy Fence = $24,000. Findings and Recommendations Mitigation of noise in the Briarknoll neighborhood may be difficult to achieve. Since existing and future noise levels do not meet state and federal thresholds, any noise mitigation would be at the cost of the City of Arden Hills. The earthen berm alternative may be an effective means of addressing noise concerns in the neighborhood at a relatively low cost. If completed with the TH ] O/CSAH 96 project, the cost to the City could be as low as $25,000 to $50,000. While the berm and associated tree placement would provide excellent visual screening of the highway for the neighborhood, it would not provide noticeable reductions in noise. The berm would result in a similar reduction in noise as the 10' noise wall of 3 decibels, a change that would not be recognized by the average human ear. Input from the neighborhood is recommended prior to moving forward with a more formal feasibility study. DESIGNING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW City of Arden Hills August 5, 2009 Page 3 of 3 Note: Cost estimates are conceptual and approximate. They are subject to change relative to further design elements and associated impacts. DESIGNING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW ~ FIGURE EXISTING CONDITIONS FOR: CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA 5" FEET If FIGURE 2 BRIARKNOLL BER~ FOR: CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA aC::>L TC>N & 1'/1 EN K, I NC@ onsulting Engineers & Surveyors 12224 NicolletAvenue. Burnsvme~ MN 55337 Phone {952} 890-0509. Fax (952) 890-8065 www_bolton-menk.com MEMORANDUM DA TE: August 5, 2009 TO: Kristine Giga, P.E. - Civil Engineer Ron Moorse - City Administrator City of Arden Hills FROM: Christopher S. Chromy, P.E., P.T.O.E. Senior Transportation Engineer RE: Highway 10/96 Grade Separation Project Feasibility of North to East Ramp BMI Project No. T42.222335 Per your request, I have completed a conceptual analysis of the feasibility of an exit ramp on northbound Highway 10 to eastbound Highway 96. My findings and recommendations are summarized below: Background With anticipated regional transportation improvements on 1-694 and TH ] 0, access to portions of the City of Arden Hills will be modified for motorists traveling from the east into the city. The future 1-694 expansion project wi]} remove the westbound exit ramp to Hamline A venue. Traffic currently using this exit is anticipated to relocate to Lexington Avenue. The current TH ]0/96 Grade Separation project will result in partial access for CSAH 96 at TH ] O. Temporary ramps will be constructed to and from the north to accommodate the heaviest movements, including westbound CSAH 96 to northbound TH 10 and southbound TH 10 to eastbound CSAH 96. The City of Arden Hills is interested in evaluating whether an exit ramp on northbound Highway 10 to eastbound Highway 96 is feasible and necessary to maintain adequate access to portions of the city located north of 1-694 and east ofTH 10/I-35W. Traffic Patterns The portion of the city located north of 1-694 and east of TH ] 0/1-35 is currently connected to the regional highway system by grade-separated access at I-694/Lexington A venue and I-694/Hamline A venue as well as at-grade access at TH 10/CSAH 96. The table below summarizes the existing average traffic volumes exiting the regional highway system from the east to access this portion of the city: Access Location I-694/Lexington I -694/Hamline TH 10/96 (N-E) AM Peak 8:00 to 9:00 (veh/hr) 650 170 20 PM Peak 4:30 to 5:30 ( veh/hr) 250 85 15 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 FOR EVALUATION PURPOSES ONLY i o 100 200 ~___ I SCALE FEET ~ ~HILLS "" m NB 10 EXIT RAMP TO CSAH 96 ARDEN HillS, MN SC>LTC)N & I'/IENK, INC@ Consulting Engineers & Surveyors 12224 Nicollet Avenue · Burnsville, MN 55337 Phone (952) 890-0509. Fax (952) 890-8065 www.bolton-menk.com MEMORANDUM DATE: August 5, 2009 TO: Kristine Giga, P.E. - Civil Engineer Ron Moorse - City Administrator City of Arden Hills FROM: Christopher S. Chromy, P.E., P.T.O.E. Senior Transportation Engineer RE: Highway] 0/96 Grade Separation Project Feasibility of Pedestrian Crossing of CSAH 96 BMI Project No. T42.222335 Per your request, I have completed a conceptual analysis of the feasibility of grade-separated pedestrian crossings of CSAH 96, east of TH ] O. My findings and recommendations are summarized below: Background As part of the TH 10/CSAH 96 grade separation, the city is interested in enhancing pedestrian connections across TH 10 and CSAH 96. The proposed TH 10/CSAH 96 project enhances pedestrian crossing of TH 10 by providing a trail and sidewalk along CSAH 96 as it passes under TH 10. Pedestrian crossings of CSAH 96 are proposed at signalized intersections. At signalized intersections, marked crosswalks and ramps, pedestrian push button and signal heads, and count-down timers will be provided with the TH 10/CSAH 96 project. Signalized intersections are proposed on CSAH 96 at Prior A venue and Old Hwy 10. A future signal is anticipated at CSAH 96 and Rice Creek Parkway. Grade Separation Alternatives and Cost Several alternatives were evaluated for grade-separated pedestrian crossing of CSAH 96. These included providing additional width on the proposed northbound TH ] 0 bridge, lOx 14 box culvert underpass, and stand alone pedestrian bridge. TH 10 Bridge - As part of the TH 10/CSAH 96 project, CSAH 96 will be lowered by approximately 22' and two new bridges will be constructed to carry TH ] 0 vehicle traffic over CSAH 96. The bridges will have a span length of approximately 275'. One of these bridges could be constructed with additional width to carry a multiuse trail separated from vehicle traffic. For a 10' trail crossing, approximately 18' of additional width would be necessary on the bridge. At an approximate unit cost of $160/sq.ft., the additional bridge width is estimated to cost nearly $800,000. In addition, to make the crossing accessible to pedestrians and bicycles along CSAH 96, trail and sidewalk extensions of approximately 600 feet would be necessary on both sides of CSAH 96. This could likely be accomplished in the southeast quadrant of the intersection; however it is unlikely in the other three quadrants due to the proximity of proposed ramps and roadways. This concept is not recommended for several reasons. First, the skew of the TH 10 bridge results in a longer span than necessary to cross CSAH 96 and results in a higher cost than a perpendicular crossing. City of Arden Hills August 5, 2009 Page 2 of3 Second, there are no pedestrian or bicycle destinations along TH 10. As a result, the proposed overpass would be rarely used. Any user of the bridge would come from the trail or sidewalk along CSAH 96. The proposed design of the TH 10 ramps and/or Old Hwy 10 roadway would need to be modified to connect users from the CSAH 96 to the overpass. These modifications would result in additional impacts to the TCAAP property or homes on Lakeshore Place. Box Culvert Underpass - A 10' tall by 14' wide box culvert underpass was evaluated at the following locations where grades appear conducive: · West of Future Rice Creek Parkway · East of Snelling A venue · East of Keithson Drive Each of these locations presents opportunities and challenges in achieving an underpass crossing. Work would include removal and replacement of 80' to ]00' of existing CSAH 96 roadway, excavation, underpass and retaining wall structures, lighting and landscaping, and trail connections on either side of the roadway. In addition, each location would require a storm sewer lift station to provide drainage for the underpass. Cost associated with underpass construction would be expect between $600,000 and $800,000 and could be constructed independent of the TH ] O/CSAH 96 project. The Rice Creek Parkway location could be constructed when the Rice Creek Parkway intersection is established and North Heights church reconfigures their parking lot. Installation at this location would require close cooperation with the church and redevelopment of the TCAAP site. This site is in close proximity to the future signalized intersection, however would provide a grade-separated crossing opportunity for those uncomfortable crossing at-grade. The Snelling A venue location would provide an opportunity to extend trail south to Royal Hills Park and connect with future recreational areas on the TCAAP site. This location would require the acquisition of vacant private property. The Keithson Drive location could be constructed on property currently owned by the City of Arden Hill on the south side and Ramsey County on the north side. This location includes an existing city trail that extends through residential areas south of CSAH 96. Pedestrian Bridge - A stand alone pedestrian bridge was considered east of the future Rice Creek Parkway. The existing grades at this location are conducive for an overpass. Construction of the overpass would require acquisition of a private residence on the south side of CSAH 96. This site is in close proximity to the future signalized intersection, however would provide a grade-separated crossing opportunity for those uncomfortable crossing at-grade. Figure 1 illustrates the locations and conceptual designs considered for each alternative. Findings and Recommendations If the City wants a grade-separated crossing, the recommended location of a crossing of CSAH 96 is east of Keithson Drive. This location is consistent with the recommendation in the City's Parks and Trails Plan and would connect to existing trails through residential areas south of CSAH 96. With trail systems leading to the location from the south, east, and west; and existing and future destination north of CSAH 96; this location would likely be used and be attractive to various user types. DESIGNING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW City of Arden Hills August 5, 2009 Page 3 of 3 A grade-separated crossing would be 100% City cost as outlined in the Ramsey County Cost Participation Policy. Note: Cost estimates are conceptual and approximate. They are subject to change relative to further design elements and associated impacts. DESIGNING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW ::J .0 E ~ 200 c c;n :g (5 L ~ ~ D ~ ~ U [;3 ~ ~ :0 ~ ~ ~ I o 0:: ~ 1: ~ N r<"') c5 o cO (jl o ~ I.D ~ .....J ~ i CO of- a. L o "0 ~ \J Q. SCALE IN FEET FIGURE ONE CSAH 96 PEDESTRIAN CROSSING OPTIONS