HomeMy WebLinkAbout4E, Design Variance for CP Rail Underpass Trail_
EN HILLS .
Re ' ' .
uest for Counc�l Act�on :
q.
Prepared By: Kristine Giga, Civil Engineer and Council Meeting Date: November 30, 2009
Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager :
Resolution Requesting Design Variance for CP Rail Underpass Trail
Budgeted Amount: Estimated Actual Amount: Funding Source:
n/a n/a n/a
Recommendation:
1. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2009-035: A resolution requesting a variance from standards for
state operations, Old Snelling Avenue Trail- CP Rail Underpass, State Aid Project 187-020-013.
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Supporting Documents:
1. Memorandum from Civil Engineer Kristine Giga and Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle
Olson dated November 30, 2009.
2. Resolution Number 2009-035
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��i EN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 30, 2009
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
Ron Moorse, City Administrator
FROM: Kristine Giga, Civil Engineer
Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager
SUBJECT o Resolution Requesting Design Variance for CP Rail Underpass Trail
B ack�round/Discussion
At the October Work Session, the City Council received an update on the CP Rail Trail
Underpass Proj ect. Bolton & Menk, Inc. reviewed the underpass design that has been
completed to date. One aspect of the design that was discussed with Council was the
width of the trail compared to the width available between the bridge abutment and the
proposed retaining wall. The proposed trail width is eight feet. Mn/DOT design
standards require a two-foot clear zone on either side of a trail, which would require a
total width of twelve (12) feet under the bridge. However, there will only be an eight (8)
foot space between the proposed retaining wall and bridge abutment. Therefore, the
available spacing inhibits the construction of 2 foot shoulder/clear zones on each side of
the trail.
The City Council has indicated that a possible source of funding for this proj ect is
Municipal State Aid Funds. In order to utilize these funds, minimum design standards
must be met, or a design variance must be granted. Bolton and Menk, Inc. contacted
Mn/DOT State Aid, and confirmed that a design variance would be needed for the
narrower clear zone under the bridge. The Variance Committee meets on a quarterly
basis; the next meeting is December 17, 2009. Variance requests must be submitted by
December l, 2009.
Staff understands that the funding sources for the CP Rail underpass have not been
finalized and that the proj ect may be funded with sources other than State Aid. However,
staff recommends applying for the design variance at this time, in the event that State Aid
funds are used, to keep the proj ect schedule moving forward. Receiving a variance from
State Aid does not bind the City to using State Aid funds on this proj ect.
City Council Meeting
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09Memo CPRaiI Variance.doc
Page 1 of 2
Council Action Requested
Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2009-035: A resolution requesting a variance from
standards for state operations, Old Snelling Avenue Trail- CP Rail Underpass, State Aid
Pro�ect 187-020-013.
City Council Meeting
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09Memo CPRaiI Variance.doc
Page 2 of 2
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N ILLS
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2009-035
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING A VARIANCE FROM STANDARDS FOR STATE
OPERATIONS, OLD SNELLING AVENUE TRAIL — CP R.AIL UNDERPASS,
STATE AID PROJECT 187-020-013.
WHEREAS, the City of Arden Hills wishes to construct a bike trail along the west
side of Old Snelling Avenue at the CP Rail bridge crossing, approximately 1,100 feet north
of County Road E; and
WHEREAS, the available spacing between the existing CP Rail bridge piers and
abutment inhibits the construction of 2-foot shoulder/ clear zones on each side of the trail as
required by Rule 8 820.9995, for a distance of approximately forty feet underneath the bridge;
and
WHEREAS, State Aid Rules provide that a political subdivision may request a
variance from the Rules; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Arden Hills hereby indemnifies,
saves and holds harmless the State of Minnesota and its agents and employees of and from
claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or by reason of the Old Snelling
Avenue Trail — CP Rail Underpass project in accordance with Minnesota Rules 8820.9995
and further agrees to defend at their sole cost and expense any action or proceeding
commenced for the purpose of asserting any claim arising as a result of the granting of this
.
variance.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, F:��IVISEY COUNTY, STATE O� MINNESOTA: That a
variance be requested from Minnesota Rules for State Aid Operations to permit the
construction of the Old Snelling Avenue Trail — CP Rail Underpass, without the construction
of the adj acent shoulder/ clear zone areas.
\\Metro-inet.us\ardenhills�Admin\Council\Resolutions�2009�2009-035, Reslution Requesting Variance for CP Rail Underpass.doc
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY 4F ARDEN HILLS THIS 30TH
DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2009.
Stanley D. Harpstead, MAYQR
ATTEST:
Ronald J. Moorse, CITY ADMINISTR.ATOR
\\Metro-inet.us\ardenhills�Admin\Council\Resolutions�2009�2009-035, Reslution Requesting Variance for CP Rail Underpass.doc