1994 Working Papers - Laserfiche WebLink

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.. ".. COUNTY OF ANOKA Department of Highways 1440 BUNKER LAKE BLVD NW, ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 612-754-3520 October 31, 1994 City of Ramsey 15153 Nowthen Boulevard NW Ramsey, MN. 55303 Attention: Steve J. Jankowski, PE City Engineer Regarding: TH 47 on Thurston Avenue Dear Steve: Thank you for your letter regarding possible layouts for the realignment of TH 47 on Thurston Avenue. The alignment which we received has significant impacts on CR #116 on the border between the Cities of Anoka and Ramsey. I have the following concerns about the intersection. First, the creation of two major intersections with CR #116 will create asignificant amount of weaving in the common section of CR #116 and TH 47. Significant traffic volumes travel in a east-west direction at this location and a hi~hdegree of lane switching will occur in this area. This issue can ~omewhat be rrntigated by correct timing of the signal systems along with complete channelization of the area from 700 feet south of CR #116 to 700 feet north of CR #116 on the proposed TH 47. This mitigation will not, however, eliminate the problem entirely. Because of the proximity of Old Trunk Highway 47 and the commercial development immediately adjacent to it, it appears likely that the Cities will be interested in keeping a traffic si~al at the existing TH 47 location. This will cause additional difficulties with signal timIng on the new alignment which will need to be addressed and will certainly cause backup through that intersection during the AM peak and PM peak hours. It appears to me that unless something significant is done on the alignment of Old Trunk Highway 47 south of CR #116 to prohibit traffic from utilizing that alignment, a significant amount if not most of the traffic now utilizing TH 47 will continue to use the old alignment. This issue could be alleviated by disconnecting TH 47 on its current alignment from TH 10 and from Main Street at the south end, however, these are issues the Cities should investigate thoroughly prior to making the adjustment. The old alignment of TH 47 would fall almost entirely in the City of Anoka; their concurrence in the tumback of TH 47 to the City of Anoka would be necessary in order for the TH to be switched over to Thurston Avenue, which is also primarily in the City ofAnoka. Affirmative Action I Equal Opportunity Employer