Agenda - Council - 02/13/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• eliminate their concern about when Sunwood Drive becomes a freeway. It is not a permanent solution, but it will work now. Councilmember Look inquired about the possibility of shifting Sunwood Drive to the north. Public Works Director Olson indicated this has also been suggested by the County. Councilmember Elvig suggested an overpass with Sunwood Drive continuing under the - overpass, with a frontage road that would be a diversion of Sunwood Drive. He expressed concern with the impact on the west side of Town Center by removing Sunwood Drive. Councilmember Strommen pointed out that Sunwood Drive is the spine for access to Ramsey Town Center. Public Works Director Olson explained right -of -way will be needed for Armstrong Boulevard. The County has agreed- to go through the necessary condemnation process. The bottom line is there is a process that takes a good amount of time, and this must be let by August 15, or they will lose the $300,000 the State has committed to for this intersection. Councilmember Strommen left the meeting at 9:33 p.m. Public Works Director Olson indicated his recommendation would be to make the Sunwood • Drive intersection work. There will be some restrictions in the short term. The pedestrian underpass /overpass is a future fix, and the Council seemed to be adamant about including that into the equation in the short term. He explained it does not make sense to have an overpass or underpass with a signalized full access intersection. He would suggest that a signal is necessary on Sunwood Drive at this time, which would be eliminated with the overpass /underpass in the future. Councilmember Look suggested the possibility of Ramsey Crossings having an additional inlet, rather than fighting the traffic on Armstrong Boulevard. Councilmember Elvig stressed that staff needs Council's support as policy makers to work with the County and State on this issue. Councilmember Elvig left the meeting at 9:39 p.m. Public Works Director Olson indicated it has been expressed to him that the Sunwood Drive intersection is the County's biggest issue, and the other concerns can likely be worked through. The access spacing guidelines for the county road system is a half mile for signalized intersection and their policy regarding this intersection is that it does not meet access spacing guidelines and cannot be allowed. Consensus of the Council was direct staff to work with the County and State to keep the Sunwood Drive access. • City Council Work Session / January 16, 2007 Page 9 of 10 —181—