2014-04-22_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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With Ms. Ross noted that BRT staff was intending to recommend deferral of the southbound portion of the shelter/stop at Roselawn and Snelling due to very low demand, it may not be included in the initial concept plan going to the Metropolitan Council for approval later this summer; with fewer than 5 boardings per day at current ridership, even though that location was spaced at the preferred '/z mile interval. Member Felice reiterated her advocacy for that stop, as it would be her stop, since she currently took the #61 bus and walk up to Larpenteur to do so, which was miserable in the winter as well as not having a sidewalk to do so. Member Felice opined that more riders would utilize this new BRT if it was more effective than the current route and stops. Ms. Roth underscored that their staff's recommendation would be based on the overall public comments received, agency comments, and construction cost estimates. However, Ms. Roth noted that the original impetus to look at ways to reduce costs had been revised by adding a station between Como and Larpenteur Avenues at the Humphrey Job Core, due to many constraints with a fence along the fairground, and based on public comment and other differentials to make the project whole, an infill station had been added to the corridor in response. In reviewing the anticipated 2015 construction schedule, Ms. Roth noted their consideration of the Minnesota State Fair and impacts to that event and anticipated opening of the BRT line in the fourth quarter of 2015. Ms. Roth briefly noted that future lines would consider an expansion of the line to serve the University of Northwestern, Bethel University, major employers along the line, and eventually TCAAP, with the Metropolitan Council requesting and announcing that re-evaluation. Ms. Roth advised that their staff would pursue direct engagement with those institutions and employers in that part of corridor as part of that consideration. Member Seigler expressed his concern with the potential for the BRT to have signal priority over other types of travelers; opining that especially at County Road B and Roselawn Avenue at Snelling, there were long waiting times during peak traffic, and whatever could be done to move traffic should be done. Mr. Culver, as a member of that study committee, and Ms. Roth reviewed the intent to have some potential for signal priority to pre-emp signals to some degree to keep the lines moving to connect with the LRT Green Line along University Avenue. Mr. Culver explained the logic and coordination to minimally adjust the signal cycle, based on demand read from other approaches as well; and not included in the ability for emergency vehicles to pre-emp signal lights from their overall cycle. Mr. Culver assured Mr. Seigler that consideration would be given to those intersections already operating at peak capacity, and may not be included Page 6 of 12