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<br />agreement it states that Sunfish Lake Boulevard will be a four lane divided highway. It is very <br />clear in the JPA that the median is part of the project. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson indicated a highway can be divided with more than a median. <br /> <br />Mr. Fischer replied a four lane divided highway implies a raised median in the County's <br />definition. He stated the County does not want to sue the City for breach of contract, but some <br />legal experts may say that is what it would constitute if the City does not approve the project. <br />There is an agreement in place on the improvements that will happen with Ramsey Town Center. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig reviewed the traffic patterns and frustration of drivers on Highway #10. <br />He stated he is not excited about a hard median. With the proposed project they have done <br />everything they can to eliminate the problems on Highway #10 by Sunfish Lake Boulevard, but <br />the hard channelization does not do anything to address that. He agrees with the improvements <br />being proposed on Sunfish Lake Boulevard and Highway #10, but has a problem with the hard <br />channelization. The crash diagram only shows three accidents at that point, and the rear renders <br />could likely be eliminated with the traffic being moved more efficiently and a stacking lane. He <br />agrees this is a timing issue. He suggested that the access remain open for a period of time with <br />traffic monitored. If there is a problem it would have to be agreed upon that is the time to shut <br />the access down with the median. <br /> <br />Mr. Fischer outlined concerns with traffic crossing multiple lanes of traffic to turn. He indicated <br />the other question is whether they can build a protected left turn lane there, and the answer really <br />is no. The next opportunity for a turn lane is where it is being proposed at McKinley Street. <br /> <br />Councilmembers expressed the need for an adequate radius in locations where u-turns will be <br />likely. Councilmember Elvig expressed concern that individuals completing the u-turn needs to <br />slow down while the rest of the traffic wants to flow through. He pointed. out that the left turn <br />lane is not large enough to complete a u-turn when traveling eastbound on County Road #116 <br />and pulling into SuperAmerica or the bank. <br /> <br />Mr. Fischer indicated it will be ensured that there is a not a problem with the ability for u-turns to <br />be completed when this project is finished. He commented on the increased traffic that is <br />expected on Sunfish Lake Boulevard in the future. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen stated it does not do the businesses any good to have increased traffic <br />if the traffic is not stopping. She would like to hear from the businesses, especially places like <br />, Shell Gas Station, which is a convenience location where getting out is as important as getting in. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated he understands the position of the COl.Jnty Engineer and the safety <br />issue, but they are asking people to take even greater risks with u-turns on Highway #10 in the <br />middle of 65 mph traffic. Those are crashes that will not be fender benders, moving at high rates <br />of speed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look asked if there is research available to determine whether the Highway # 1 0 <br />accidents are train related. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session I June 26, 2007 <br />Page 6 of 10 <br />