2014-02-25_PWETC_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

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Roseville Public Works, Environment and Transportation Commission Agenda Item Date: February 25, 2014 Item No: 5 Item Description: Review of County Road B Pathway Project Background: At the November 25th City Council meeting a number of residents from the County Road B neighborhood, in the area between Hwy 280 and Cleveland Ave, spoke to the Council about the lack of a safe pedestrian facility along County Road B and concerns regarding the existing speed limit. Staff updated the Council on the status of the discussions with Ramsey County regarding the transfer of jurisdiction of the roadway to the City of Roseville. Staff discussed the expected life of the existing pavement with the Council as well. Staff also proposed an interim pedestrian facility on a widened shoulder on the south side of the roadway as a shorter term solution to the neighborhood concerns. Historically, County Road B once connected to Trunk Highway 280 prior to the fall of the 35W bridge. As a part of the changes to TH 280 to increase capacity and improve safety along the highway, a cul -de- sac was installed on County Road B which disconnected it from Highway 280. When that occurred, traffic volumes greatly reduced on County Road B, but no other changes were made to the roadway to reflect the new character and functional classification of this roadway. Staff met with Ramsey County staff several times since the change occurred to discuss the future jurisdiction of this segment since it no longer functions as a typical county road. Staff has not agreed on the terms of a jurisdictional transfer at this time. Ramsey County staff has agreed to work with the city and MnDOT to lower the speed limit to 30 MPH. We believe this can be accomplished in the next few weeks. Staff, at the direction of Council, recently held a Public Meeting to meet with the neighborhood in order to discuss their concerns regarding traffic safety in this area and also to present a potential short term alternative for an enhanced pedestrian pathway along County Road B. Prior to this meeting, the neighborhood assembled on December 10th to discuss this issue as well as other concerns along County Road B. After that meeting, a list of Requested Features and Considerations was presented to staff. At the January 16th meeting, staff addressed each item and agreed to follow up on items that could be addressed at that time. Attached is the list of Requested Features and the response from staff. Proposed Interim Pedestrian Pathway At the January 16th meeting, staff presented a proposal to create a pedestrian pathway along the south side of County Road B by extending the shoulder. Staff also discussed possibly using RUMBLE STRIPS along the white shoulder line to physically delineate the travel lane from the pathway. The residents seemed open to this concept, but there would need to be more communication with the neighborhood before agreeing to this due to the concerns of additional noise related to the rumble strips. Additional treatments for delineation will be discussed with the neighborhood prior to opening the pathway. The pathway will extend from Cleveland Ave west to the existing curb and gutter just east of the in place cul- de -sac on the west end of County Road B. In order to provide a clear area for pedestrians, parking would need to be prohibited along the south side of County Road B. This could be an inconvenience for residents that have direct access to County Road