Agenda - Council - 03/23/2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY REQUEST - Investigate the possibility of a parkway design with reduced speed through this corridor. COUNTYRESPONSE - The proposed roadway design is required to match the existing speed limits, which have been set by state statute. After completion of the construction of the project, a speed zone study may be performed if requested by the city. It should be noted that the county does not have the authority to arbitrarily set speed limits, even on their own highways. Only the MnDOT Commissioner of Transportation can set the speed limits. More information regarding speed limits is found at http: / /www. dot. state .mn.us /speed /SpeedFlyer2002.pdf Observations: Currently the signalization and installation of additional turn lanes at the intersection at Bunker Lake Boulevard and Sunfish Lake Boulevard is a requirement of the existing Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka County related to Ramsey Town Center transportation improvements, and these improvements are estimated to cost between $350,000 and $450,000. This project is being proposed to increase mobility and safety through the CSAH 116 corridor for a more efficient transportation system within the City and across the County, and includes the construction of a four lane divided highway with center medians for dedicated turn lanes and access control. The JPA outlines a City cost share for this project of approximately $592,263, with the remainder of the $6 M project coming from State, Federal, County, and City of Anoka contributions. The $3.7M Federal contribution was secured by Anoka County through a Surface Transportation Program (STP) application that was previously supported by the City, and these funds are dedicated solely for this project so if it were not to move forward the money would be lost. Items that the City contribution to this project would cover include the previously described intersection improvements from the existing Town Center transportation improvement JPA, drainage improvements, trail installation, and noise walls (as necessary). Additional City expenditures for this project would include approximately $29,000 for engineering and design, for a total estimated project cost of $621,497. Since this project was first designed many revisions have been incorporated based upon staff input and include: • The removal of a concrete median at Azurite Street, leaving a full access at this location. • A right turn lane was added at the Casey's access located along Sunfish Lake Boulevard. This allows a greater area for U -turns in this location, and gives a dedicated right turn into the convenience store. • A revised access was developed for the northerly access into Life Fitness along Sunfish Lake Boulevard. This creates greater separation from the approach to the intersection signal and associated turn lanes, and better handles the internal circulation for that site. This design was developed in collaboration with the business and it is being considered for construction this year, ahead of the project schedule should this project move forward. • A narrowing of the project limits through the residential area so there is minimal impact to the existing residents. • An 8' shoulder was added on the south side of Bunker Lake Boulevard at Magnesium Street to create more room for U -turns at this location. • Iodine Street was opened to a right -in, right -out intersection.