1992-11-24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I Council Meeting Minutes November 24, 1992 Page 10 Council Business. continued Benke said Council has reviewed the project for 2 1/2 years and studied traffic forecasts and technical advice from staff, SRF, and the County which all suggests that the three lane will not work. Council made sincere efforts to address the issues of: underground power lines, Windsor Green traffic signal, Windsor Green Pond storm sewer, enhancement of transit, bicycle and pedestrian travel. He suggested the creation of a Design Review Committee to work with the City and County to insure all issues are addressed. Rebelein said the County plan is counter productive and detains a behavioral change in future transportation issues. If the road was designed for leisurely traffic, the people who want to rush will find other alternatives. She would not like to see an overbuilt road which will be in service for 30 years. Larson has not changed his opinion about the County Plan, and would like to see a three lane roadway similar to Rice St. on Silver Lake Road. Gunderman remembers a discussion 30 years ago regarding service roads next to Silver Lake Road. He looks back and wishes now that the service roads had been installed. He noted concern that the traffic data for Rice and Lexington is compatible with Silver Lake Road. At this time, Williams feels he cannot approve the County plan, and feels the Rice and Lexington roadway traffic data needs to be reexamined. He does not feel a rehabilitation project is acceptable for Silver Lake Road. Benke questioned whether Silver Lake Road could be identified as a demonstration area for a bus line corridor. He feels the correct decision at this time is to continue the discussion. Jim Tolaas, Ramsey County, said Silver Lake Road is classified an A-Minor- Arterial which has regional significance and serves a much broader purpose than a residential street. As a transportation agency, the County would not act responsibly in promoting a design which would not have adequate capacity or safety provisions. The County feels the identified road deficiencies (geometries, signalization, pavement conditions, site distances and drainage) needs to be addressed by something other than a rehabilitation project. He feels it is a shame to not utilize the $3.5 million in Federal Funds. Any corrections made to the 7th St. intersection, Windsor Green signal, 3rd St. or any other safety issues will not be provided by Federal funding if the project reverts to a maintenance project. He clarified that a decision does not need to be made this evening, but needs to be made soon. Council Business Silver Lake Road Reconstructi on Project Report 92-258