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Attachment B Regional Transportation Project Concept Design ReviewJanuary 5, 2022 Page 2 Previous evaluations identified the need for improvements to the Snelling Avenue / County Road C intersection, which ranged from adding turn lanes along County Road C to adding a third through lane along Snelling Avenue to constructing an interchange. Based on the previous evaluations, as well as subsequent analysis associated with this review, providing the third lane along Snelling Avenue or constructing an interchange appear to be the most favorable infrastructure options to address the long-term capacity issues at this location. Therefore, for purposes of this review, further concept development focused on an interchange alternative given previous evaluations for the third lane concept. As part of the concept development process, various interchange configurations were reviewed, including bridging County Road C over Snelling Avenue, as well as bridging Snelling Avenue over County Road C. Multiple interchange types were also reviewed from a capacity perspective, along with considering adjacent access and potential utility conflicts. Based on this evaluation, bridging Snelling Avenue over County Road C appears most favorable, with some type of a diamond interchange configuration. However, key considerations associated with this configuration, which is illustrated in Figure 1, include: Multiple transmission lines would need to be raised or moved Several retaining walls would be needed, but less than other configurations The northbound exit ramp and southbound entrance ramp would cross an existing rail line, which may necessitate an escape “U-Turn” to avoid potential back-ups during train events Access along County Road C between Lincoln Drive and Snelling Avenue, as well as along Snelling Avenue at Oakcrest Avenue may need to be modified and/or closed Reconstruction limits may impact the County Road C2 intersection Further evaluation, design, and stakeholder coordination would be needed to confirm key assumptions and evaluations. This evaluation was primarily completed to identify feasibility and approximate costs for planning purposes. Highway 36 Pedestrian Bridge (west of Snelling Avenue) As documented in the City’s Transportation Plan and the Pathways Master Plan, there is a desire to have a multimodal connection across Mn Highway 36 to link the Rosedale and HarMar Malls. Currently there are no dedicated multimodal facilities in this area and pedestrians are often observed along the shoulders of Snelling Avenue in this area. This is not a safe condition for pedestrians given the lack of dedicated facilities and current roadway configuration. Therefore, multiple potential options were investigated to provide this pedestrian connection. The two most favorable options were reviewed in more detail to better understand their feasibility and costs, which are illustrated in Figure 2A and Figure 2B. Key characteristics to consider is the necessary clearance over Mn Highway 36, the length of the bridge structure to connect with existing topography, and the directness of each alignment. It is also important to note that MnDOT has planned maintenance scheduled for the Snelling Avenue bridges over Mn Highway 36 in the next 8 to 10 years. With this planned maintenance, MnDOT may consider an interchange reconfiguration to improve multimodal connectivity along Snelling Avenue, although that is not a given.