Minutes - Council - 06/21/2005 - Special

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COUNCIL BUSINESS Case #1: Consider T.H. #47 Pedestrian Underpass Design Assistant Public Works Director Olson indicated Marigold Ponds has been proposed as a development east of TH 47. Marigold Ponds will be required to install a pedestrian trail along thc east side of the highway adjacent to this development. The unique topography along the northern portion of this development presents an opportunity for a pedestrian underpass beneath thc roadway of TH 47. There also exists a window of opportunity to install this improvement during a period of time this summer when this segment of the highway will be closed to traffic to thcilitatc the removal of the hump south of 167th Avenue. There can be significant reduction in cost il' this project can be coordinated to eliminate traffic control or detour expenses. He advised it is anticipated that the underpass would consist of a ten foot high and ten foot wide box culvert suflScicnt to accommodate bicycles as well as pedestrians. The underpass would be illuminated and would require retaining or headwall on both ends. Staff estimates the approximate cost of this prqicct in the neighborhood of $390,000. It is anticipated the funding for this project would come fi'om the Park Fund. Assistant Public Works Director Olson advised MnDOT will receive bids in June and will let the project at the end of June or first part of July. It is anticipated that work will be done on the hump and the road closed near the end of July or first part of August. The road is anticipated to be open again prior to Labor Day. Scheduling for the underpass will be critical if construction is to coincide with the closing of the highway. He indicated a proposal has been requested from I lakanson Anderson for the design work associated with the preparation of plans and permits associated with thc project. Assistant Public Works Director Olson reviewed the proposed schedule for the project. He advised construction would begin August 1st and be completed by October 1st. The two caveats with this schedule are that the road must be ready to be opened by Labor Day, and if MnDOT is ready to have the road opened sooner than the City is, the City may incur some expenses from thc rental equipment for the detour. The schedule is laid out as staff thinks it can be done according to MnDOT's schedule. It is extremely aggressive, and the project would need to be authorized tonight to meet the schedule. He advised there are 92 units planned in Marigold Ponds, and the park dedication would be used to partially offset the cost of this project. Councihncmbcr Cook stated his agreement with this project. He suggested the possibility of adding this project on to the County's bid as a change order at the City's cost, or obtaining a bid l'rom this company, as the bid could be extremely low since this contractor would already be in tiffs area. Assistant Public Works Director Olson replied a bid could be obtained from this contractor. Counci lmcmber Jeffrey inquired about the funds for the project. Assistant I'ublic Works Director Olson $220,000 would come from the Marigold Ponds park dedication, $50,000 would come from trail fees, and $100,000 would come from the Park Fund. Special City Council / June 21, 2005 Page 3 of 5