2005-09-07 P&R Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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and Washington County, including the City of Hugo. The pedestrian/bicycle trial linkages will also as part of the city trail system and provide a connection between residential areas and employment centers. b. The proposed pedestrian/bicycle trial linkage project will function as a component and enhancement of the transportation system due to its ability to provide a safe crossing of CSAH 14 for pedestrians and bicyclists and its ability to reduce conflicts/accidents between motorized and non-motorized travelers. CSAH 14 has and will continue to experience increased traffic volumes which pose a safety concern for pedestrians and bicyclists wishing to cross from one side of the park to the other. The implementation of pedestrian/bicycle trial linkages along CSAH 14 will increase travel efficiency and safety by reducing the potential for conflicts between motorized and non-motorized travelers. Many modes of transportation will have enhanced ability to appreciate the area's natural scenery and access to the park. Pedestrians and bicyclists will also be encouraged to use the local and County trail systems because of the safety improvement. The proposed project will benefit users of the transportation system and multiple modes of transportation by increasing pedestrian and bicycle safety which should in turn support the use of alternative travel modes to the car, between recreational, residential and work locations in Anoka County and beyond. While pedestrians and bicyclists will benefit from the conflict-free crossing, motorists will also have a reduced risk of hitting a pedestrian or bicyclist. 2. Extent of Public Benefit from the Project The proposed pedestrian/bicycle trial linkages will provide more than a local benefit. Trail users throughout the city and County will experience benefits from the pedestrian/bicycle trial linkages due to its key contribution to the Regional Trail corridor. Trail users traveling between Centerville, Lino Lakes, Anoka and Washington Counties, including travel on the vast system of Washington County trails immediately east of the CSAH 14/I-35E interchange, will benefit from the proposed pedestrian/bicycle trial linkages. From the City of Hugo in Washington County, trail users will eventually be able to travel as far north as Duluth, Minnesota. While the local trail systems provide a vast array of opportunities for pedestrians and bicyclists to circulate to/from the local area, the pedestrian/bicycle trial also benefits those wishing to visit the area to use non-motorized amenities. Many opportunities are available today for such use in the Rice Creek.Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve plus future plans for lake access and a fishing pier. In 2004, it was estimated that approximately 78,200 visitors used the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve trails in this area. This estimate was taken from year-round usage. A substantial portion of these visitors can be estimated to originate from areas beyond the local area. The draw to visit the Centerville area for its environmental resources is immense with the parks and trails providing the most significant native wildlife habitat in the metropolitan area. A visitor has the opportunity to encounter muskrats, red fox, grey & red squirrel, woodchuck, weasel, deer, resident birds such as pheasant and pileated woodpeckers, and a variety of migratory waterfowl in their varying habitat including heavily wooded areas, wetlands, prairie, lakes, flood plains, and open fields. Visitors can also visit the interpretive Wargo Nature Center or take a self-guided tour to learn more about the wildlife and habitat in the area. The existence of an intact Native American burial mound along the CSAH 14 also 7