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I I I Council Meeting Minutes April 12, 1994 Page 5 Council Business. continued Greg Mack, Ramsey County, explained the project's background and how this trail section would connect to the regional trail system. The County has acquired the needed right-of-ways (ROW) for a 10 ft. paved trail located within a 25 ft. ROW. He noted resident concerns of the Silver Lake Road trail crossing, but does not feel that a flasher or signal system would provide a greater level of protection. Benke asked if other trail systems have similar control markings as proposed for Silver Lake Road. Mack said the proposed signing and markings are consistent with other trail crossings with similar traffic patterns as Silver Lake Road. Benke noted the grades along Silver Lake Road and the potential for visibility problems in the evening hours. Mack feels that because the trail's hours of operation end at one-half hour after sunset, lighting of the trail would only encourage later hour usage. Larson asked if the County researched installation of a trail crossing on the track's south side because this location would provide for better visibility for the trail user and oncoming cars. Mack's observation is that a car can be seen by a trail user from the Erin Court location. Ken Horn, Consultant for Ramsey County, agreed that a portion of a car can be seen from this location. Williams noted concern regarding inadequate site distances of oncoming vehicles and suggested research into the southerly crossing option. Mack confirmed that the County and its consultants reviewed the crossing and found there is adequate horizontal distance in both directions for that roadway. Benke asked the demographics of a typical trail user. Mack said there is a wide age range of individuals utilizing the trail systems. Samuelson noted data from the original decision which shows that the Mississippi St. option was not feasible because of the large number of driveways and intersections. Mack said the vehicle traffic patterns created by driveways and intersections cause more safety concerns than the railroad track location. Mack noted that this decision was made by the New Brighton Council at that time. Benke confirmed that the concerns relating to the driveways and intersections was a factor in that Council's decision. Also, the creek option was not feasible because of the creek's steep banks. Williams suggested the following: installation of a controlled intersection on Co. Rd. H; use of the railroad track which would then take the trail user to the north on the east Silver Lake Road sidewalk then crossing at the stop sign; and installation of a sidewalk within the County ROW along Silver Lake Road and then travelling back south. This option would increase the trail distance by two blocks, but would provide a safer intersection. Mack would need to review the feasibility of this option and whether there is adequate ROW. Williams and Larson would appreciate the County's research into this alternate route. Gordon Stevens, 2515 Knollwood, said recently his home was entered by armed robbers who then fled to the railroad tracks. He feels opening his backyard to a trail would bring even more unwanted activity; and the County needs to evaluate the Silver Lake Road safety concerns and security lighting. Benke confirmed that the police would investigate any after hours activity on the trail system. Council Business Rice Creek Trail Issues Report 94-092