Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 10/09/2014

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Immediate Priorities Immediate priorities include 6 projects that are ready to advance upon securing funding. These projects provide substantial safety and mobility benefits, have support of partnering agencies and many property owners. The combination of these projects results in the removal of the Fairoak Avenue traffic signal (the second of five traffic signals), removal of nearly 40 access points, and greater utilization of existing grade separation of Highway 10. These six projects total slightly less than 30 million dollars including four million in Right of Way Acquisition Loan Fund payback. While the costs are roughly 10 percent of the previous freeway vision, these projects are expected to achieve over 40 percent of the safety benefit and 20 percent of the operational benefit that a freeway facility would provide. Short —Term Priority There are three projects in the Short -Term category for varying reasons. All would provide an immediate impact but could use more time to mature. Additional planning is necessary to flush out the details of these projects. The combination of these projects results in the removal or partial removal of the Thurston Avenue traffic signal (the third of five traffic signals), removal of 12 access points, and a better connected local roadway system in the east side of our study corridor. The three projects will cost in the range of 22 to 32 million dollars. Coupled with immediate priority projects, they would achieve roughly 60 to 65 percent of the safety benefit and 40 to 50 percent of the operational benefits at less than 20 percent of the cost of the freeway vision. Mid —Term Priority There are two projects in the Mid -Term category. These would remove the CSAH 56 (Ramsey Blvd) and CSAH 57 (Sunfish Lake Blvd) traffic signals (the fourth and fifth traffic signals on the Highway 10 corridor). Both locations need additional project scoping and review before a final foot print is known but this study has identified less costly and incremental alternatives to previous single -point interchange recommendations. Removal or partial removal of these remaining signals can be expected to cost 23 to 45 million dollars. Coupled with immediate and short-term priorities, 11 projects total, these projects would accomplish nearly 90 percent of the safety and operation benefits for a third or less of the cost of the freeway. Opportunity Driven Priorities Nine projects were identified for the long-term preservation of safety and mobility of the Highway 10 corridor. There isn't necessarily an immediate need for the improvements but it is recognized that some access conditions are not sustainable. These improvements would include the removal of nearly 25 access points, provide up to two additional grade separated crossings of the railroad, continue to develop the local street system in develop- ing areas, and prevent future signalization on Highway 10 in the study area. These opportunity driven priorities are expected to cost 18 to 44 million dollars. Next Steps The Highway 10 Access Planning Study Recommendations are broadly supported by all partnering agencies, including the Cities of Anoka and Ramsey, Anoka County, MnDOT, and the Metropolitan Council. All project partners listed above have provided written letters of support or have passed resolutions endorsing the study recommendations. HIGHWAY 10 ACCESS PLANNING STUDY 7