Agenda - Council - 12/11/2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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SUNWOOD DRIVE REALIGNMENT (MSAS 199-104-005) Brief Description of Project work type: This project proposes to construct a roadway realignment that would serve as the main access point to the COR, the City of Ramsey's 400 acre transit oriented development. The new intersection of Sunwood Drive and CSAH 83 (Armstrong Boulevard) would include a traffic signal for improved capacity and access management at a consolidated "front door" to the COR, thereby reducing congestion on the adjacent County roadway system. Additional design features include the reconstruction of CSAH 83 to a 4-lane divided roadway, dedicated turn lanes, a roundabout, raised medians, and pedestrian amenities. This project is being considered as an initial phase to advance construct portions of a future grade separated interchange at CSAH 83 and Trunk Highway 10. This interchange would enhance public safety response to the southern portion of the City; which is currently isolated due to the at -grade Burlington Northern Sante Fe (BNSF) railroad crossings, and the 45,000 motorists that pass through the City of Ramsey every day along TH 10. Both the City's police and fire departments are located less than one mile from this location on the north side of TH 10, and ambulance services that rely on TH 10 to transport patients to nearby hospitals have no ability to cross the BNSF railroad tracks during emergency situations, thus resulting in delays that could prove critical. Project's contribution to other local. regional, or state economic development or redevelopment efforts: This roadway realignment would reconstruct the main entrance into the COR, which has been gaining momentum with the recently completed Veterans Affairs and Allina Clinics, purchase agreements and development approvals for 230 units of market rate apartments, 90 units of assisted senior living, and overwhelming support and approvals for a Northstar Commuter Rail station. The project would provide a safe convenient access location for both vehicular and pedestrian movements, and accommodate the projected development build out. The proposed roadway alignment would also frame and create a prime development opportunity in this location, and open up additional prospects for economic development initiatives. Ultimately, the future CSAH 83/TH 10 grade separated interchange would serve as a long term catalyst to cultivate additional economic development opportunities within the community and region. Proiect's transportation deficiency and proposed safety strateav: The current Sunwood Drive and Armstrong Boulevard intersection has limited visibility and capacity due to the existing geometrics and proximity to the BNSF railroad. In addition, traffic volumes and pedestrian movements are increasing with every new advancing development proposal In the area. This project will reduce existing intersection conflicts by consolidating access points at a new signalized intersection, and provide dedicated turn lanes. It will also support improved operations through an integrated roundabout and coordinated signal system, which will be synchronized with the recently completed intersection improvements at CSAH 83 and Bunker Lake Boulevard (CSAH 116) and the future signal system associated with the CSAH 83/TH 10 interchange.