Agenda - Public Works Committee - 04/18/2023

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5.01: Receive Presentation on CSAH 5 (Nowthen Boulevard) Corridor Traffic Study City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby provided brief background information on the corridor study, noting that the complete study was provided in the case. He introduced the staff member from Anoka County present at the meeting. Jack Forslund, Transportation Planner for Anoka County Highway Department, stated that Anoka County recognized there will likely be changes in travel patterns due to the proposed Ramsey Gateway Highway 10 construction project and wanted to determine what some of those impacts may be. He stated that the study also reviewed the traffic and safety conditions both existing and projected into the future and to consider future improvements along the corridor. He recognized that Ramsey Elementary will see an increase in enrollment, so they also reviewed what could be done to assist the school. He reviewed the change in travel patterns that were forecasted following the grade separation improvements to Highway 10 and the bridges over the railroad tracks on Ramsey Boulevard and Sunfish Lake Boulevard. He stated that once the Highway 10 improvements are completed, traffic will likely remain on Highway 10 longer and exit on Sunfish Lake Boulevard or Ramsey Boulevard, which will decrease traffic on Highway 47 and Bunker Lake Boulevard. He reviewed the current ratings of intersections along the corridor as well as projected ratings along with similar information relating to crash data. He reviewed the key findings of the study and highlighted some of the potential improvements that were reviewed to improve the corridor. He noted that the County is actively attempting to gain funding for improvements. He stated that for the elementary school, most of the improvements would be on the school site itself, improving the parent drop-off function. He stated that the County consultant worked with the school to provide some potential plans. Chairperson Riley asked if the mentioned roundabouts would help to control speed. Mr. Forslund confirmed that roundabouts do help to control speed as vehicles have to slow their speed to move through. Councilmember Woestehoff referenced the intersections of Green Valley Road and 175th and asked if the study accounted for planned development in the area. Mr. Forslund confirmed that they worked with the City to use the proposed site plans for future development to account for that additional traffic. Councilmember Musgrove referenced the grant funding that was mentioned. She asked if the likelihood for funding would increase if the four improvements were bundled together as a safety improvement project for the corridor. Mr. Forslund replied that would not assist in eligibility for that type of funding. He stated that they will continue to submit for different types of funding. Councilmember Musgrove noted that Sunwood Drive and Green Valley Road are high priorities for the City. She acknowledged that with the Highway 10 improvements, a roundabout at Ramsey Boulevard would be helpful. Public Works Committee / March 21, 2023 Page 2 of 6