Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/29/2013

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Highway 10 has been studied numerous times in the past ten years and briefly highlighted elements of each study that was completed which includes the City of Anoka Plan for Highway 10 as well as the plans within the City of Ramsey. He estimated the cost for the improvements, including construction and right -of -way acquisition costs. He explained why another study is necessary for Highway 10 and summarized some of the information obtained including delay in speeds and at intersections during peak congestion times and the higher than average crash and severity rates, noting the number to be twice the average for comparable corridors. He noted that there is a need to do something in order to reverse the trends for the roadway. He stated that in considering the current overall state and federal funding levels it will be difficult to achieve the vision of a freeway facility on this portion of Highway 10 within the next 20 years. He stated that in order to reduce crashes and improve mobility issues it is reasonable and responsible to implement lower cost interim measures that incrementally improve safety and operations for all users of Highway 10. He advised that 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. He reviewed the improvement concept approach, which includes an access management approach that will reduce conflict points at public street intersections, to remove or consolidate conflict points at driveways, and will also focus on driver information using technology. He stated that throughout this process they will review a number of options. He began with the reduction of conflict intersections, which includes options such as a right in/right out intersection, three quarter intersection, acceleration and deceleration lanes, restricted crossing U -turn (RCUT), continuous green T intersection, median u -turn, jughandle, continuous flow intersection, and pedestrian and bicycle routing to more desired at -grade crossings. He noted a common theme in these options, which is to eliminate the ability to turn left off of the main route, which can reduce accidents and improve operation. He advised that grade separation will also be investigated and reviewed options including pedestrian and bicycle routing to more desired grade separated crossings, high T intersection, mini - cloverleaf, flyover bridge, and local street overpass or underpass. He moved on to the issue of street closure and reviewed the option of frontage/backage road connectivity. In regard to driveway removal, he mentioned the option of driveway relocation/consolidation for some properties. He noted that some properties do not have another option for access and that access would therefore need to remain as long as the current use remains. He referenced the idea of driver information using technology noting the options of overhead lane use signs, advanced queue warning system, overhead dynamic message signs, signal timing, hybrid travel time sign, and alternate route guidance. He stated that as this moves forward the planning study will identify lower cost high - benefit safety, mobility and access solutions that can be built in the near future; consider improvements that can be utilized in the future transition to freeway; and support construction of the Highway 10 /Armstrong Boulevard interchange. He reviewed the access planning study and identified meetings that have been held with the public and stakeholders. He noted that following the first of the year the City should have some recommendations and noted that the study will include not only the plan but also an implementation schedule. City Administrator Ulrich referenced the properties that were purchased with state monies that have been set aside for right -of -way purposes and questioned if that was factored in with the cost of the improvement measures. City Council Work Session / October 29, 2013 Page 6 of 11