Minutes - Council - 08/26/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

PRESENTATION BY ANOKA COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE REGARDING RECONSTRUCTION OF SUNFISH LAKE BOULEVARD Kirk Koblarsic stated that he is the Engineering Program Manager for Anoka County. He noted that a public open house about this project was held on April 19, 2007. He noted that the Council approved the project on November 13,2007 and, in April 2008; the County sent a letter to the City stating that rather than a 4 week road closure, it would probably be a 6 week road closure. He stated that on August 10, 2008, the County mailed road closure notices to 130 businesses in the vicinity of this project. He stated that the bids for the project will be opened on August 27,2008, and the project will be awarded to the low bidder on September 9, 2008. He stated that the County is .anticipating that Stage 1 of the project will begin on September 15, 2008; Stage 2 will begin on September 22, 2008; Stage 3 will begin on October 6, 2008; and Stage 4 to begin on November 3, 2008. He noted that the entrances to Plants and Things and the Sunfish Lake Commons will be open from Highway #10 throughout the project. He stated that Stage 2 will include the closing of Sunfish Lake Boulevard at the railroad tracks. He showed an aerial map of the detour route. He stated that they are planning some additional signage during construction to help direct traffic to the businesses. He noted that Lynn Liebfried from BNSF was present tonight to answer any questions the Council may have. Mayor Gamec stated ~hat for the Highway 65 and 242 project, he noticed that they put actual business names on the directional signage. He stated that he thinks that would be a good idea for this project too because people understand better by listing businesses rather than the complex name. He asked the BNSF representative if the semaphores at the tracks will be moved back. Ms. Liebfried stated that there will be all new equipment at the crossing, including signals and the concrete. Mayor Gamec asked what the time table is for the railroad crossing portion of the project. Ms. Liebfried stated that the signal installation will take about 4 weeks because it is a very complex system compared to what is currently in place. Mayor Gamec asked if access will be somewhat open. Ms. Liebfried stated that because there will not be an active signal system in place, they cannot allow traffic to cross the tracks. Councilmember Jeffrey asked if the train traffic could be limited so the project can be finished quicker and the road didn't have to be closed as long. Ms. Liebfried stated that they will not limit train traffic. She stated that when the concrete work is being completed, the contractor will work with the dispatcher for a window when the work can be safely completed. Councilmember Dehen stated that he would like to know how long it takes to implement a no whistle zone after the construction is completed. City Council / August 26, 2008 Page 3 of 15