Agenda - Public Works Committee - 06/20/2000

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PW CASE # REVIEW OF T.H. #47 ISSUES By: Steve Jankowski, P.E. Background: As the construction of the T.H.#47 project commences, there are several issues, which have arisen or need to be revisited. These issues include the construction of a sidewalk along Sunwood Drive, the re-creation of a berm alongside the trail adjacent to the east side of T.H.# 47, and discussion of the intersection at 142na Avenue and T.H. #47. The sidewalk along Sunwood Drive: Final plans for T.H. #47 were submitted in late September 1999 to ensure maximum federal funding of this project. The issue of the sidewalk along the properties of Sunwood Drive from C.S.A.H. #5 to T.H. #47 was controversial with arguments having been presented for the placement of the sidewalk on the north or south sides of Sunwood Drive. The final plans submitted to the State, showed a 1.5 meter (5 foot) concrete sidewalk located 2.1 meters (7 feet) behind the south curbline of T.H. #47. Clearing for Sunwood Drive has taken place and grading is continuing. If the project were to be constructed as designed, three additional trees would need to be removed from the right-of-way off the northeast coruer of the Mark Wilson property. These trees include two mature scotch pines, and one four-inch diameter spruce tree. Alternatively, these trees could remain and have a good chance of survival providing the sidewalk was moved seven feet to the north at this critical point which would eliminate the seven foot gutter terrace between the sidewalk and curb. This is how the grading and clearing has been left at this point. Recommendation: It is Staff's recommendation that a sidewalk be placed on at least one side of Sunwood Drive and that placement of any sidewalk immediately behind the curb be minimized, since this type of placement reduces pedestrian safety and creates substantial additional maintenance. Committee Action: The Committee should recommend to Council what, if any, modification of the current plan should be made to this element of the project. The berm along T.H. #47 At the pre-construction public informational meeting, which was held on May 18, 2000, several residents along Waco Street commented that the existing berm along T.H. #47 west of their properties will effectively disappear, since the grade of the highway will be raised substantially in that location. They requested whether the existing berm could be raised to provide some level of visual and noise screening that continually exists.