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The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents May 2022 <br />Around Town: Arden Hills Trails <br />Arden Hills is well known for its <br />many miles of trails. Residents and <br />non-residents alike take advantage <br />of the solace they offer as a <br />convenient connection to nature. <br />The City Council is aware that <br />resident demand is very high for <br />more trails in the City. While many <br />appreciate the trails, few are aware <br />of the complex, extended, and <br />expensive process of constructing <br />them. <br />Safety is the primary factor <br />considered by Arden Hills' <br />leadership when determining which <br />trails will be constructed next. <br />Other considerations that impact <br />the decision-making proces include <br />connections to pre-existing trail <br />systems, coordination with other <br />city, county, and state agencies, <br />specific funding opportunities, <br />corridor studies, and existing <br />capital projects. Projects that <br />involve multiple agencies often <br />require a more extended planning <br />period. <br />It is important to understand that <br />the construction of trails is not a <br />simple task, since many factors <br />go into the planning and design <br />phase before the trails can be built. <br />Many of these variables can greatly <br />impact the overall cost of the <br />project, including: <br />• Topography and grade of slopes <br />• Vegetation and foliage <br />• Impact on wetlands <br />• Soil conditions <br />• Existing road sections and curbs <br />• Right of Way space <br />• Retaining wall needs <br />• Driveway impacts <br />• ADA compliance <br />• Public utilities including sewer and water <br />• Stormwater Management requirements <br />In 2018, Arden Hills <br />constructed the trail that <br />extends along Old Hwy <br />10 from County Rd E2 <br />to County Rd E, then <br />along County Rd E to <br />the connection at the <br />Highway 51 interchange. <br />This trail is about 4,500 <br />feet in length and cost <br />$2.4 million dollars to <br />construct. <br />In conjunction with road <br />and utility improvements, <br />an asphalt trail will <br />be constructed on the <br />west side of Snelling <br />Avenue North from <br />Highway 51 to County <br />Road E. As of now, the <br />estimated cost of the trail <br />is estimated about $1.5 <br />million. Construction is <br />anticipated to begin soon.1