2017-01-24_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Engineer Jesse Freihammer introduced MnDOT Project Manager Chad Casey for a short presentation on the upcoming Rehabilitation Project (S.P. 6216-127) Highway 51/Snelling Avenue from Como Avenue to Highway 36 As part of the presentation for this project with a cost estimate of &6,800,00, Mr. Casey reviewed the anticipated schedule with bid letting in February and construction start in April; with a projected October 2017 completion date. Mr. Casey clarified that interim completion dates were weather -dependent; but noted that the contract would include incentives for the contractor to complete the work by mid-August in consideration of the subsequent MN State Fair. Discussion included questions on logistics for restricted left turn lanes and medians to ensure resident awareness of the upcoming project; concrete repair north and southbound similar to that done on old Larpenteur Avenue pavement between Victoria Street and Femwood Avenue. Staff noted that this was a messy and noisy operation, and advised that the work schedule would be staged to accommodate residents, weather and the contractor's work. While there will be lane changes throughout the project, Mr. Culver advised that at no time was there any lack of access planned for left turns on Larpenteur Avenue, Roselawn Avenue or other major streets in the work zone; with Mr. Casey confirming that, even though there may be some shifting necessary at intersections for signal light and lane changes. At the request of Member Seigler, Mr. Casey clarified that after completion of the project, traffic could turn onto Garden, but would be limited to exit only onto Roselawn. At the further request of Member Seigler, Mr. Culver stated that, while there may be some traffic increase on Roselawn during the process, human nature was for vehicular traffic to seek alternate routes to avoid construction; and while there may be some fluctuations with traffic, this neighborhood was used to finding alternate routes to accommodate annual State Fair traffic and other area events and activities. Further discussion included maintaining pedestrian crossings if and when one leg of an intersection was down for construction, with the other side open for crossing; with project documents requiring the contractor to maintain those pedestrian crossings at all times. Member Thumau sought clarification on accommodations and reasonable access coordination by the contractor and MnDOT for the busy bus stop at that location, and increased bus ridership with the new A -Line BRT. Mr. Casey noted there may be some adjustments needed with schedules, but anticipated limited disruption to bus times and the A -Line BRT corridor, noting that a similar project closer to St. Paul had been accomplished and coordinated well with Metro Transit staff. Page 3 of 17