Agenda - Council - 09/23/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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presented in the TH 10 CMP do not taken into account development that has been proposed since the report's completion, such as the Ramsey Town Center (see Item 21 for discussion of this issue). Support Trunk H{qhway Access Management The TH 10 CMP documented that existing segments of TH 10 through Elk River, Ramsey, and Anoka have some of the highest access densities along the entire corridor. Over half of the access points along TH 10 within Ramsey are residential driveways or commercial entrances (The Tinklenberg Group). As shown in Exhibits 3A and 3B: Ramsey TH 10 Corridor Access Analysis (West and East), there are more access points on the north side of TH 10 within the study area than on the south side. Part of this results from many of the parcels located on the south side of TH 10 having access to the highway from backage roads, which largely accommodates for private access needs. Mn/DOT's Access Categonj System and Spacing Guidelines (March 20, 2002) recommend the maximum number of access points per mile, depending on the characteristics of access points, the roadway type, and IRC classification. For the portion of TH 10 through Ramsey (High Priority Interregional Corridor, or "Category 1") the Mn/DOT guidance recommends full grade separations (interchanges) for future access, or a minimum intersection/access spacing of one mile-with traffic signals only acceptable for an interim period. The current condition in Ramsey (Exhibits 3A and 3B) includes approximately 19 access points per mile, far from this guidance. This creates several existing access, highway operational, and safety problems that will only become worse as traffic volumes increase. The closure of private access points along TH 10 is not feasible without careful planning of property owner access rights, including alternatives for re-oriented access. As previously stated, the problem is particularly evident along the north (westbound) side of TH 10. The properties with direct access along the north side are further constrained by the railroad to the north, which makes re-oriented access infeasible. Coordinate with TH 10 Stakeholders and Inform the Public The long-term transportation improvements proposed in the TH 10 CMP could have significant impacts to the community, particularly to existing businesses and home owners located along or near the roadway. Additionally, private developers and existing property owners will continue to approach the City about building new and expanding existing businesses. Building new businesses along TH 10 in the area that is ultimately envisioned to operate as a 6-lane freeway could significantly increase the right-of-way acquisition costs at the time the improvements are implemented. These extra costs could threaten the feasibility of these improvements; potentially making the planned transportation improvements cost prohibitive if right-of-way is acquired too late. Ramsey has identified communication with all individuals who have a stake along TH 10 as a priority and is continuing to actively seek opportunities to coordinate with property owners along TH 10 (see the Draft Mitigation Plan attached to this document for more information). Although not required to proceed with zoning or official mapping actions, this AUAR was prepared to improve understanding of both the short- term and long-term visions of the TH 10 corridor through Ramsey. RAMSEY TH 10 CORRIDOR AUAR 6