1992-11-24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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\ I I I Council Meeting Minutes November 24, 1992 Page 5 Council Business. continued Ramsey County proposes to reconstruct Silver Lake Road between Silver Lane and 694. The County and City held many public meetings and based on input, three plans were prepared by the County. The first plan contained continuous center left-turn lanes, the second contained center medians, and the last primarily intersection improvements. Although Silver Lake Road is a County road, the County has a policy that requires City Council approval. Proper said the interests of maintaining/enhancing the residential character of Silver Lake Road versus improved safety has made this a very difficult and controversial project. Dan Soler said the project's three primary objectives are: replacement of pavement, changing of vertical curves to provide better driving. and reduction of left-turn accidents. After discussions, the City and County determined the first plan would have a large impact on adjacent properties. It was decided then to identify high accident areas and widen the road in those areas. The identified areas are: addition of southbound left turn on Windsor Lane, lengthening of left turn lane on Co. Rd. E-2, addition of left turn lane at Wexford Lane, addition of left turn lane at 5th Street, closure of left turn access to Inca Lane, and alignment of 7th StlForestdale turn lane. Proper noted that this plan does not address all the original objectives, but minimizes the right-of-way impacts of a five lane roadway. Mr. Soler thanked residents for their informative input. The County feels that when a roadway carries less than 8,000 car trips per day, a two lane roadway is sufficient, however, when the volume increases to 15,000, there is a definite need for more than one through lane. He noted that Lexington Ave., which is a three lane, carries 15,000 car trips and is seeing the need to be widened to possibly a five lane highway. larson noted that Rice St. is a three lane road with the majority of the intersections having right turn. through and left turn lanes. He feels Rice St. moves very smoothly. In order to support this project, he needs proof that a three -lane could not be constructed on Silver lake Road. Mr. Soler noted that Rice St. is not a county road. Mr. Soler confirmed that in order to use Federal Highway Funds for this project, the plans need to be submitted by January, 1995. Williams asked if the roadway could be restriped on a trial basis to determine whether a three lane is feasible. Mr. Soler said in order to restripe, the signals would need to be modified, the turn radius reconstructed, and the pavement overhauled. Proper said the City retained SRF to perform an independent review of the County plan. Upon analysis, SRF reconfirmed the plan and the need for a four lane roadway with left turn lanes. Council Busin~ss Silver Lake Road Reconstructi on Project Report 92-258