HomeMy WebLinkAbout9.d. Arterial Connector Study – Pine Bend AreaG:\ENGPROJ\ENG 0168 - Pine Bend Area Corridor Study\City Council Items\20160816 CWS Dakota County Pine Bend Study Recommendations
Memo.docx
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
City Council Regular Meeting: August 16, 2016
AGENDA ITEM: Arterial Connector Study – Pine Bend
Area (CP 97-111), ENG0168
AGENDA SECTION:
New Business
PREPARED BY: John Morast, PE, Interim Director of
Public Works/City Engineer AGENDA NO. 9.c.
ATTACHMENTS: Arterial Connector Study Summary,
Arterial Connector Study Presentation APPROVED BY: ddj
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to Recommend the City Council Adopt the
Recommendations of the Arterial Connector Study.
BACKGROUND
The Pine Bend Area Arterial Connector Study has been underway since August of 2014. The purpose of
the study is to look at the transportation needs in the Pine Bend Area over a 20-30 year term and develop
a shared vision for the transportation improvements necessary to serve anticipated population growth.
The study area is within the cities of Inver Grove Heights and Rosemount. The specific roadways of
concern within Rosemount are County Road 73 (Akron Avenue) and County Road 71 (Blaine Avenue).
Since the start of the study, County representatives have hosted numerous Project Management Team
meetings, Open Houses, Council Workshops and neighborhood Outreach meetings. The most recent
update to the Rosemount City Council occurred at the March 9, 2016 Work Session. At that meeting the
County design team discussed refined alignments, impacts and cost estimates for the Scenario B, D and D-
refined alignments. They reviewed and examined the alignment recommended by the neighborhood
stakeholders and discussed improvements to County Road 73 as a paved 2-lane road from Bonaire Path to
Cliff Road in the Short Term, constructing County Road 73 as a 4-lane road from County Road 42 to a
future extension of County Road 32 (Cliff Road) in the Long Term, after traffic volumes warrant the need.
Since the last update, the County design team has completed their evaluations for the long-term alignments
and anticipates bringing recommendations to the County Commission in August. Brian Sorenson with
Dakota County will be in attendance at the meeting to present the Pine Bend Area implementation
recommendations, which are: 1) Complete the 30% design for short-term improvements to existing
County Road, 2) Plan for long term County Road 73 improvements, if and when 4-lane improvements are
needed, 3) Plan for long-term improvements of County Road 32 in Scenario D-Refined, 4) Assess County
Road 71 alignment at the time County Road 73 is realigned. The presentation will cover the purpose,
needs, scenario, coordination, cost implications, schedule, recommendations, reasons for
recommendations and next steps.
SUMMARY
Staff is Recommending Council Approval of Arterial Connector Study Recommendations.
Arterial Connector Study
Arterial Connector Study - Summary
This study provides recommendations to provide study partners Dakota County, the
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the Cities of Rosemount, Inver
Grove Heights, and Eagan with planning for future roadways to provide the safe and
efficient movement of traffic. The study incorporates the Dakota County 2030
Transportation Plan, the Regional Roadway System Visioning Study, and the
Rosemount/Empire/UMORE Transportation study recommendations to identify solutions
that will minimize delays and the risk of crashes as traffic demands continue to grow. The
study partners identified the need to develop solutions that minimize environmental impacts,
maximize cost-effectiveness, and take into account input from stakeholders in developing
transportation system planning recommendations for the area.
The Regional Roadway System Visioning Study (north of the study area) and the
Rosemount/Empire/UMore Transportation System Study (south of the study area) are two
studies recently completed to address future transportation needs within the north and
central portions of Dakota County. The Dakota County Arterial Connector Study was
conducted to bridge the gap and bring consistency between these studies (see Figure 1: Area
Studies).
Recommendations will assist study partners in prioritizing future infrastructure
improvements, update local planning documents, and coordinate with future land use
changes in the study area. Infrastructure improvements related to the long-term vision are
not being built today and anticipated to occur over time as development occurs and traffic
volumes increase. Study outcomes provide sufficient detail to allow the County and study
partners to move forward to the design-level phase for projects identified in the County and
cities’ Capital Improvement Programs (CIP’s).
Study Purpose
Study partners are working toward a common goal of proactively planning for future
transportation needs by identifying and preserving key transportation corridors. These
corridors need to provide strong system continuity and connectivity while promoting safety,
multimodal uses, and potential greenway connections. The Dakota County Arterial
Connector Study provides the opportunity to plan and shape the transportation system in
conjunction with development rather than after development has occurred. This will reduce
long-term costs as well as future right-of-way impacts.
The County’s 2030 Transportation Plan identifies the need to study potential north-south
arterial connections and refinement of the County Highway 32 (Cliff Road) alignment to
State Highway 52. To address deficiencies in the arterial system continuity and connectivity
in the north-south and east-west directions, the Dakota County Arterial Connector Study
Arterial Connector Study
combines these two objectives into a single study in development of a future transportation
system vision that will serve the area.
Figure 1. Area Studies
Arterial Connector Study
Study Process
Figure 2 illustrates the study process, which included identifying system needs, development
and refinement of alignment alternatives, preliminary concept of the 117th Street corridor
(from County Highway 71 to State Highway 52), as well as documentation of all study
outcomes and implementation strategies. The process included significant public
involvement and agency coordination to effectively facilitate the study. The Project
Management Team (PMT) reviewed all technical analyses and documents prior to
presentation to the public and respective councils/boards.
Figure 2. Study Framework
Study Goals
In order to be effective, the study must address local and regional transportation goals.
The goals are reflective of local and regional transportation visions, providing direction and
guidance for roadway improvements. The goals below directed and guided the study process
in order to achieve a shared transportation vision.
GOAL 1: Encourage planning and design of an arterial roadway system that accounts for
future travel growth and planned development
GOAL 2: Enhance transportation system efficiency and mobility
GOAL 3: Improve transportation system connectivity, spacing, and continuity
GOAL 4: Enhance the safety of the traveling public
GOAL 5: Encourage preservation of right-of-way for future transportation corridors
Arterial Connector Study
GOAL 6: Coordinate with potential greenway alignments, other bicycle/pedestrian
facilities, transit connections, and rail alignments
GOAL 7: Consider adopted plans/studies and maintain interagency coordination in
developing the future transportation system
GOAL 8: Minimize social, environmental, and property impacts as much as possible
while achieving the desired functionality out of the transportation system
GOAL 9: Maximize cost effectiveness of the overall transportation system vision, as well
as its flexibility to be implemented over time
Figure 3. Study Area
Arterial Connector Study
Recommendations
1. Complete a 30% design for improving existing County 73 (Akron Avenue) to a 2-lane paved
roadway from Bonaire Path to Cliff Road.
2. Plan for the long-term improvement of County 73 as presented in Scenario D-Refined (not
along existing Akron) if and when 4-lane improvements are needed. This includes:
a. A general alignment for County 73. The exact alignment will be determined when
the improvement is needed.
b. A 4-lane design from County 42 to the future alignment of County 32, and a 2-lane
design north of County 32, based on actual traffic demand.
c. A right-of-way corridor of 150 feet south of Bonaire Path where urban development
is planned, and a corridor of 180 feet through the refinery buffer land. 180 feet will
allow for ditch drainage and infiltration of storm water runoff. It also reduces future
construction costs by reducing curb and gutter, storm sewer piping, and ponding.
d. Dakota County turning back existing Akron Avenue to the cities of Rosemount and
Inver Grove Heights from its intersection with a realigned County 73 to County 32.
The City of Inver Grove Heights can decide at that time whether to sever its
connection with County 32 to eliminate cut-through traffic.
3. Plan for the long-term improvement of County 32 as presented in Scenario D-Refined. This
includes:
a. A general alignment for County 32. The exact alignment will be determined when
the improvement is needed.
b. A right-of-way corridor of 150 - 180 feet through the refinery buffer land. 180 feet
will allow for ditch drainage and infiltration of storm water runoff. It also reduces
WHY: A 30% design will provide clarity on the impacts to adjacent property owners and a better
estimate of costs for reconstructing and paving Akron Avenue. This information will inform the County,
cities, and adjacent property owners in making a decision on whether to move forward with a project on
Akron Avenue. These limited improvements address short to intermediate term needs, and provide a
collector type roadway that supports the long-term system vision.
WHY: Realigning County 73 allows for a more efficient and direct connection to County 71 and Trunk
Highway 3. It also ensures that in the long term, the segment of Akron Avenue adjacent to the existing
rural residential neighborhoods in IGH will not become four lanes in the future. Traffic demand does not
support the need for a 4-lane facility at this time, and it’s not feasible to realign now because of the
planned aggregate mining, but adopting this plan now solidifies an approach for the future.
Arterial Connector Study
future construction costs by reducing curb and gutter, storm sewer piping, and
ponding.
c. A 4-lane design from Trunk Highway 3 to Trunk Highway 52, including
improvements to existing 117th Street to add lanes and manage access.
4. The long-term alignment for County 71 should be assessed at the time County 73 is
realigned, as presented in Scenario D-Refined.
Next Steps
5. The 30% design for County Road 73 should consider the following:
a. A 2-lane design with paved shoulders for safety and to accommodate bikers and
walkers. Every effort should be made to minimize impacts to surrounding
properties while still meeting standards and maximizing safety. Curb and gutter and
retaining walls should be considered to minimize impacts and permanent right-of-
way needs.
b. Cul-de-sac 114th Street to remove its intersection with Akron and eliminate the need
for turn lanes.
c. Inclusion of left turn lanes, and consideration of the need for right turn lanes, to
reduce the risk of crashes at the following locations along Akron:
Alameda Avenue/Private Road (known as 116th Street) serving 11618 to 11636
Akron Avenue (east of Akron)
Private Road (known as 118th Street) serving 11760 to 11990 Akron Avenue (east
of Akron)
Albavar Path
d. Inclusion of bypass lanes, and consideration of the need for right turn lanes, to
reduce the risk of crashes at the following locations along Akron:
121st Street
124th Court
e. Inclusion of left and right turn lanes on County 32 (Cliff Road) at its intersection
with County 73.
f. Identification of right-of-way needs through the design. It is intended that right-of-
way be the minimum necessary to support the roadway’s structural and operational
WHY: Realigning County 32 allows for a more efficient and direct connection to 117th Street and Trunk
Highway 52. It’s not feasible to realign now because of the planned aggregate mining, but adopting this
plan now solidifies a plan for the future that works with the planned realignment of County 73.
Arterial Connector Study
elements. Additional right-of-way width may be considered for a few parcels just
north of Bonaire Path where the long-term alignment will follow existing Akron.
6. A Memorandum of Understanding should be adopted by Dakota County and Flint Hills that
indicates a shared vision for a future realignment of County 73 when traffic conditions
dictate. The MOU should indicate a willingness by Flint Hills to provide the land needed at
fair market value or less.
7. Together with the existing transportation system, improving the existing alignment of
County 73 (Akron Avenue) to a paved roadway accommodates up to 50 percent of the
future growth in traffic volumes before improvements (in addition to turn lanes) are needed
at County 32/County 71, County 73/County 32, and County 71/117th Street (see Chapter 2,
Page xx). These intersections should be monitored periodically, and improvements made
when traffic conditions dictate. This approach also helps to maximize safety and operation
of the existing system, delaying the need to realign both County 32 and County 73 until
necessary.
8. Continued coordination is needed with Bituminous Roadways to monitor mining operations
in the area of Scenario D Refined. The value of this aggregate is greater than the cost of
regrading the corridor in the future, so it is not recommended to acquire any of the
Bituminous Roadways property and the mining rights at this time. Again, the timing of a
future realignment of County 73 will be based on actual traffic demand and when traffic
issues become apparent.
9. It is possible that more of the land in the area of Scenario D Refined could be mined in the
future, which would help make the long term profile grade of the road more consistent.
With any new mining applications, the implications for a future realignment of County Road
73 should be considered by the cities of Rosemount and Inver Grove Heights before mining
permits are approved.
10. The study identifies Alverno Avenue as having an important role in the overall
transportation system as a Major Collector.
11. In addition to the specific corridors discussed herein, the County and cities should plan to
accommodate future development with appropriately sized roadways to provide strong
system continuity and connectivity while promoting safety, multimodal uses, and potential
greenway connections.
Arterial Connector Study
Figure 4. Scenario D – Refinements
Arterial Connector Study
Figure 5. Long-Term Transportation System Plan
CITY COUNCIL MEETING – August 16, 2016
ROSEMOUNT
•Purpose & Need
•Process
•Recommendations
•Akron Reconstruction
•Next Steps
Agenda
MAPO Transportation Plan Purpose & Need
Look at 20-30 year system needs to develop a shared
transportation vision
•Proactively plan for the future
•Allow County and Cities to identify best approach
before growth results in traffic issues
–Minimize impacts
–Minimize costs
•Help to ensure investments are wisely made
•Improvement projects happen when needed
The Dakota County 2030 Transportation Plan
identifies the need for this study:
•Bridge gap between area of adjacent studies
•Increase in traffic with proposed planned
growth based on City Plans
- IGH Population: 33,880 (2010) 42,000 (2030)
- Rosemount Population: 21,874 (2010) 31,700 (2030)
•Address the disconnected north/south and
east/west County roadway system in study area
MAPO Transportation Plan Purpose & Need
•Study Began – Fall 2014
•Project Management Team: IGH, Rosemount,
MnDOT, County, Consultant (SRF)
•Open Houses – Oct 2014, Jan 2015, Sept 2015
•Council Workshops – May 2015, Oct 2015,
March 2016
•Neighborhood Outreach – Spring/Summer
2015 and Winter 2016
•Schedule Extended due to Public Response &
Council Meeting discussions (Iterative Process)
Process
Since March Council Workshops
•Study Report
•Revised recommendations considering need
for more information on short-term projects
–30% Design of interim improvements to Akron
now recommended to provide clarity on impacts
and costs
Process
MAPO Transportation Plan Recommendations
•Recommendations have been simplified from
January Draft Recommendations.
•There has been a lot of work completed over the
past 2 years to develop the recommendations
(not all of which is covered here).
•Much of this detail has been covered in open
houses and/or previous city council discussions.
•Study Report includes more detailed information.
•Long-term: Plan for
realignments of County 73 and
County 32 (generally along
Scenario D-Refined)
MAPO Transportation Plan Recommendations
•Short-term: Initiate design work for County 73 2-
lane collector design from Bonaire Path to Cliff Road
along Akron Avenue
1. Complete 30% design now to improve County 73 to
a 2-lane paved roadway from Bonaire Path to Cliff
Road
–Complete 30% design to identify impacts, right of way
needs, and costs
–County staff will recommend to County Board
consideration for constructing future turnback portion at
100% County cost
–Supports short/intermediate-term traffic needs and fits
long-term vision of Akron as a city Collector
–Typical 55/45 cost share would apply to future alignment
MAPO Transportation Plan Recommendations
Staff will recommend 100% County cost for
turnback segment. Design to meet City collector
standards.
–The City of Rosemount
would still pay 45% for the
½ mile segment that is not
future turnback, per County
policy.
–This segment is similar to
what’s already been
completed south of
Bonaire Path.
MAPO Transportation Plan Recommendations
½ mile
1 mile
2. Long-term Plan for County 73 consistent with
Scenario D-Refined
–If and when needed, 4-lane roadway from County 42 to
future County 32 and transition to 2-lane roadway north
of County 32
–150 foot right-of-way along existing Akron and 180 foot
through refinery buffer land
–Exact alignment will be determined when needed
–Agreement with Flint Hills is necessary to document
support and process for future right-of-way
–Transfer jurisdiction of Akron Avenue beyond CR 73
realignment to cities of Rosemount and Inver Grove
Heights if/when long-term alignment is constructed
MAPO Transportation Plan Recommendations
3. Long Term Plan for County 32 consistent with
Scenario D-Refined
–If and when needed, improve County 32 to a 4-lane
roadway from Trunk Highway 3 to Trunk Highway 52, and
realign from Akron to 117th Street
–150 foot right-of-way along existing Cliff Road and 180
foot through refinery buffer land. Right-of-way for 117th
to be determined through design.
–Timing of realignment likely tied to realignment of County
73 due to Bituminous Roadway mining, and design
considerations
MAPO Transportation Plan Recommendations
Improvements to 117th Street (future County 32) –Improve 117th Street to a 4-lane facility with turn lanes and access management for safety. Include improvements at County 71.
MAPO Transportation Plan Recommendations
4. Assess Long Term Alignment for County 71 when
County 73 is realigned
–Dependent upon traffic
conditions and projections
at the time of design
MAPO Transportation Plan Recommendations
Elements of This Approach
–Provides more information on the impacts and
costs of reconstructing and paving Akron in the
short term.
–Long term vision means right of way acquisition
along Akron would limited to minimize impacts.
–If/when 4-lanes are needed, utilizes refinery
buffer land instead of rural residential land
(relief valve)
MAPO Transportation Plan Recommendations
Elements of This Approach
–Allows Bituminous Roadways to mine consistent
with their existing permit. Realigning now
would require significant compensation for the
aggregate material.
–Flint Hills has indicated willingness to work with
County on R/W, however they expect to be
compensated. Agreement would help provide
clarity on intent and expected process for
acquisition.
MAPO Transportation Plan Recommendations
MAPO Transportation Plan
Why Consider Reconstruction of Akron?
–Safety of County 73 between Bonaire & County 32
•10 reported crashes in 10 years (2005-2014)
•Crash Rate - crashes per million vehicles
•Severity Rate takes into account number and type of injury
crashes
–Comments received regarding condition of Akron
from area residents
MAPO Transportation Plan Akron Reconstruction
Crash Rate Severity Rate
County 73 (Bonaire to County 32) 2.46 3.20
2-lane Rural Paved Averages (0-1,500 ADT) 0.68 1.18
Why Consider Reconstruction of Akron?
–Provides long-term system benefit for area residents
•Half of existing 400 trips are local
–Allows for reduction of maintenance efforts
•Studies recommend paving at 150-300 daily trips
•Highest number of complaints of all gravel roads on County
system
•Last gravel road in a city in Dakota County
–Planned growth will continue to degrade roadway
MAPO Transportation Plan Akron Reconstruction
Next Steps
–30% Design Considerations (begin in August, plan for
design by early 2017)
–Flint Hills MOU
–Monitor intersections of 32/73, 32/71, and 117th/71
for necessary improvements (including traffic
controls) as traffic conditions dictate
–Monitor area mining, and consider system vision in
consideration of new mining permit applications
–Continue to support future development with safe,
connected transportation systems
MAPO Transportation Plan Next Steps
Inver Grove Heights
–Tentatively planning for discussion at September 6
workshop.
–If there is no adoption, or only adoption of the long
term recommendations:
•County will consider reconstructing the turnback
segment of existing County 73 at its own cost.
•IGH could consider improvements to 117th on its own.
Jurisdictional changes could be considered in the future,
likely with realignment of County 73 and County 32.
Next Steps
Study Adoption
Study Report is on County Website (www.co.dakota.mn.us – Search “Connector Study”)
Inver Grove Heights: Sept 6, 2016 (tentative)
County Board: Request Adoption of Study
•October 18 2016 Physical Development Committee
Next Steps