2002-09-11 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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COMMENT: How wide will the roadway be and where will the path be located? RESPONSE: The roadway is proposed to consist offour through lanes with turn lanes and a center median. The exact dimensions of the roadway and the location of the path will be determined after the preferred alternative has been selected. COMMENT: Will there be any assessments to the property owners? RESPONSE: It has not yet been determined whether property owners will be assessed. COMMENT: What are the plans for the expansion ofTH 61? TH 61 needs to be upgraded at the same time that CSAH 8 is realigned. Not to do so would negate the advantage of the realignment. RESPONSE: Traffic is expected to double on TH 61 within the next 20 years. Improvements similar to those being proposed for CSAH 8/14 will be needed on TH 61. TH 61 is currently under the jurisdiction of MnlDOT, but is programmed to be turned over to Washington County in the future. TH 61 will remain under the jurisdiction of MnlDOT until funding is made available for the improvements. Funding is not anticipated to be available for roadway improvements until after 2010. Washington County has met with MnlDOT regarding the CSAH 8/14 project and discussed the need for upgrading TH 61. The County has asked MnlDOT to initiate the discussions to transfer the jurisdiction of TH 61 to the County and schedule the appropriate funds to do so. COMMENT: What is the possibility of constructing two 2-lane one~way streets instead of one 4-lane road? RESPONSE: One-way streets generally work well where there are parallel streets a block or two apart and where an adequate number of cross streets are available to permit circulation of traffic. For example, in St. Paul and Minneapolis a grid system of streets has been established, with closely spaced parallel streets. On CSAH 8, traffic traveling in opposite directions would be separated by several hundred feet, with cross streets spaced at y., mile intervals. This system would be confusing to strangers, so safety would be a concern. Other disadvantages include increased travel distance, potential cut-through traffic on local streets and potential problems for emergency vehicle access. COMMENT: Are any improvements plannedfor 14(jh Street east ofTH 61 if that was the selected alignment? RESPONSE: The City's development plans do not show a need for four lanes east ofTH 61. Intersection modifications are expected as part of this project if this alternative is chosen. COMMENT: Diverting traffic away from 145'h Street would move traffic away from the commercial downtown area. CSAH 8/14 COMMENTS AND RESPONSES - Updated July 2002 - 5 -