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Ms. Bloom noted that 4.6 miles of pathway had been added since 2008, a <br /> considerable amount given the limited funding available for such projects. At the <br /> request of Chair Vanderwall, Ms. Bloom pointed out the new areas since 2008; <br /> with Mr. Schwartz noting that they were constructed basically using MSA or <br /> grant dollars for their respective construction, since no dedicated, tax-supported <br /> funding had been provided since 2002 for new pathway construction. <br /> Member Felice expressed her concern with safety in crossing Snelling at <br /> Roselawn, based on the timing of the lights. Member Felice opined that the lights <br /> seemed to be timed more for night, but during the day, the timing was very short, <br /> causing pedestrians to push through quickly. Member Felice asked staff to <br /> address this area of safety to Ramsey County. <br /> Ms. Bloom advised that staff would bring it to the attention of Ramsey County <br /> and MnDOT to see if they could make any adjustments; however, she noted that <br /> the entire Snelling Avenue corridor was a challenge, with many other safety <br /> concerns along it as well. <br /> Discussion ensued regarding areas throughout the community where a grade <br /> separation or a pedestrian bridge would provide greater pedestrian safety; <br /> however Members noted that something needed to be done in the interim. <br /> Mr. Schwartz noted that there were approximately twenty-six (26) miles of off- <br /> road facilities still proposed on the maps as presented; with Ms. Bloom estimating <br /> a cost of approximately $400,000 per mile, excluding storm water, right-of-way, <br /> landscaping, and other amenities, with the construction cost alone totaling <br /> approximately $10.1 million. <br /> One area, identified by the Pathway Committee, provided for a recommended <br /> grade separation at County Road C-2 at I-35W; with Ms. Bloom noting that <br /> County Road C-2 provided a great east/west route for bicycles and pedestrians <br /> because of the location of parks along that route; but due to the grade changes, <br /> lends itself for an ADA bridge. <br /> Ms. Bloom noted the considerable need but difficulty of getting a pedestrian <br /> facility built along Snelling due to numerous loops and ramps, with a preferred <br /> option to build a bridge across Highway 36, but stymied due to the costs and <br /> limited rights-of-way available. <br /> Member Gjerdingen suggested a cost-benefit analysis for locating a pedestrian <br /> bridge across Highway 36, specifically in the areas of Herschel St, along the <br /> Snelling Avenue right-of-way, and taking into consideration other various <br /> crossing areas. <br /> Page 3 of 16 <br />