2002-09-11 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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What will be used to evaluate the four alternative aliguments? In the alternatives analysis phase, or information gathering stage, many items will be looked at including investi*ating potential impacts to wetlands and floodplains, the Lion's park, the cemetery on 147 Street, important historical or archaeological resources in the community, endangered or threatened species, minority or low income residents, and effects of the project on neighborhoods and businesses. Property impacts, including residential and business relocations and property acquisition, will be evaluated. Land use and transportation issues include consistency with existing and future land use, residential and street accesses, travel patterns, traffic operations and level of service, and safety and efficiency of the proposed route. The goal of the alternatives analysis is to balance all of these factors and provide the safest, most efficient roadway possible. The public involvement process includes meetings in the community, newsletters, websites, and contact with the County and City project representatives by phone, letter, or e-mail. The project team relies on input from residents to make sure important items are not overlooked. For example, the study area was expanded as a direct result of comments made at the first public meeting. Over 50 written comments have been received to date, which include comments for and against all four alternative alignments. When will the fmal decision on the highway alignment be made and how are the communities involved in the decision? The alternatives analysis phase was completed in June. The information was presented to the Lino Lakes and Hugo City Councils in July. They concurred that the 142nd Street, 145th Street, and 147th StreetlOneka Lake Boulevard alignments move forward for further study. A combined Federal and State Environmental Assessment (EA), which is a more in-depth environmental study, will be prepared. At the conclusion of the comment period for the EA, in October, a combined public information meeting/public hearing will be held to present the final information and obtain comments. Anoka County, Hugo, and Lino Lakes will comment on the alignment alternatives as part of that process. The Washington County Board of Commissioners will make the final decision on the location. The Federal Highway Administration must concur with the decision made by the County Board, since federal funding will be used for the construction. After the EA is approved and an alignment selected, the roadway design will be completed and property will be acquired. Can the speed limit be lowered on CSAH 8/14? The speed limit on CSAH 8/14 is 30 mph from TH 61 to Y2 mile west, and 55 mph from that point to the intersection with 1-35. Speed limits in Minnesota are set by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) based on engineering and traffic investigations. The most important part of the traffic investigation is a speed study. When choosing a speed, drivers take many roadway environmental factors into consideration, so the speed limit that the majority of people consider prudent is an important criteria. Data is collected by performing radar checks at selected locations on the roadway, and an analysis is done to determine the 85th percentile. This is the speed at which most (85%) of the drivers are traveling at or under. Experience has CSAH 8/14 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES - Updated July 2002 -2 -