Agenda - Council Work Session - 10/29/2013

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CC Work Session 2. 3. Meeting Date: 10/29/2013 Information Title: PLANNING COMMISSION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA) : Review Alternatives for Highway 10 Access Planning Study; Case of Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) (Anticipated Start Time = 7:30 p.m.) Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case is to receive a presentation from Bolton and Menk (consultant to Mn/DOT) to review alternatives to be presented as part of the Highway 10 Access Planning Study . Mn/DOT and Anoka County, in cooperation with the Cities of Ramsey and Anoka, are conducting the Hwy 10 Access Planning Study to re-examine and identify the ultimate amount of access, types of access and locations of access to Highway 10 between the Anoka/Sherburne County line and the Rum River. The following is information from the Mn/DOT website: Based upon traffic volumes and safety concerns along this stretch ofHwy 10, project partners agree a freeway is the proper vision for this corridor. However, considering overall state and federal funding levels, it will be challenging to expand this portion ofHwy 10 to a freeway within the current 20-year planning horizon. Therefore, an alternative approach to incrementally improve safety and mobility on Highway 10 is needed in the short-term. The intent of this study is to identify high -benefit improvements that are fiscally responsible so that improvements can be funded, programmed and implemented incrementally to improve the corridor's mobility and safety, for motorists and pedestrians, in a timely manner. The study is anticipated to be completed over the next twelve (12) months and include a variety of forms of input. It is important to note that the intent of this study is not focused on the long term solution for Highway 10, but interim safety and mobility solutions based on recent crash history until the ultimate vision is achieved. Staff continues to express to Mn/DOT the importance of a long term solution in a timely manner. In order to best focus Staff involvement in the study preparation, Staff has prepared a Policy Statement, which was reviewed by the City Council on July 23, 2013. Mn/DOT has prepared a Problem Statement aimed at guiding the purpose of this specific study. Mn/DOT acknowledges that the long-term vision of the study area is conversion to freeway status. This study aims at interim improvements that will increase safety and mobility as incremental steps towards the larger goal. Mn/DOT has reiterated importance of including current financial conditions as it relates to freeway conversion. Staff was successful in securing language in the Problem Statement that maintains the ultimate vision and focus on incremental improvements that will eventually lead to said vision. The study is broadly organized between Community Input and Technical Input. In terms of technical input, a Project Management Team of Mn/DOT staff is guiding the overall effort with technical assistance and facilitation provided by Bolton and Menk, Inc. This PMT meets monthly. Community input is provided by a combination of a Study Advisory Committee (SAC), City Coordination Meetings, Public Open Houses, Business/Stakeholder Meetings, and Elected Officials Meeting. Study Advisory Committee The Study Advisory Committee is comprised of Staff from each of the agencies (cities of Ramsey and Anoka,