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<br />.JOINT COUNCIL MEETING <br /> <br />.JANUARY 30, 2002 <br /> <br />14 / County Road 8 is on the trunk highway system in terms of priority although 1-35 is a <br />high priority. <br /> <br />Mr. Arnebeck stated the problem with the interchange is that it is causing congestion on <br />the freeway. MnDOT also has to look at the future in terms of County Road 4 and <br />Highway 97. Development in the area will also cause additional problems. There are <br />options that can be explored to relieve congestion at both interchanges. <br /> <br />Mr. Arnebeck advised the problem with funding from MnDOT is that funds are <br />committed at least four (4) years out so plans for the future need to be made as soon as <br />possible. He noted there is a fund to help financially secure right-of-ways for future <br />needs. MnDOT does not have control over the interstate. Funding for projects does <br />come from federal and state agencies. <br /> <br />Ms. Lynne Bly, State of Minnesota Staff, stated there has been some thinlringthat 1-35 <br />needs its own regional corridor but that is not part of the current planning process. <br /> <br />Mr. Arnebeck noted there is a plan to put up temporary lights at Hwy. 97, which often can <br />cause additional traffic problems. <br /> <br />Councilmember HaaS inquired about the possibility of clover leafing the interchange. <br /> <br />Mr. Arnebeck stated the cost of that is approximately $250,000 - 300,000 per leg. It is <br />possible if the right-of-way is available. Rating was done on the interchanges and this <br />particular interchange rates 51-110. There are about 50 more interchanges that are more <br />dangerous or congested than this one. <br /> <br />Councilmember Nelson suggested expanding the freeway for more room or moving the <br />ramps back. <br /> <br />Mr. Arnebeck stated cost-wise, that would not be beneficial. <br /> <br />Counci1member Capra suggested leaving the on ramps in place but shifting the off ramps <br />to another roadway. <br /> <br />Mr. Arnebeck stated that option would reduce the costs of the project considerably. <br /> <br />Senator Krentz stated there is a window of opportunity that also needs to be considered as <br />well as the matter of funding and fairness. She stated the north metro has not received its <br />fair share of funding. The corridor is obviously growing and needs improvements. <br /> <br />Ms. Bly stated the starting place for the project is the communities coming together to do <br />some planning. That will tell MnDOT where the need is and possible solutions. <br /> <br />2 <br />