Consider Design Options for Sunwood Drive Crosswalk Repairs, Improvement Project #25-08

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to consider design options for Sunwood Drive concrete pedestrian crossing replacement, and to provide a recommendation for City Council to order plans and specifications for Sunwood Drive Crosswalk Repairs, Improvement Project #25-08.
 
Background:
Sunwood Drive and Rhinestone Street were constructed in 2004 under Improvement Project 03-29. The project included colored concrete pedestrian crossings at 8 intersections (6 along Sunwood Drive and 2 along Rhinestone Street). Over the last several years, public works staff have addressed patching these concrete streets, typically using bituminous to fill voids in the concrete pavement. Additional curb replacement and small panel replacement has occurred. Though many repairs are required along this entire corridor, most damage has occurred to the colored concrete. This is an issue because of the trip hazards which are created due to the deterioration of the colored concrete. Additional recent and proposed developments along Sunwood Drive are anticipated to increase foot traffic in the area.
 
The proposed 2025 – 2034 CIP proposes to replace the colored concrete pedestrian crossings along Sunwood Drive in 2025. Concrete pavement repairs along Sunwood Drive and Rhinestone Street are proposed for 2029.
 
At the September 17, 2024, Public Works Committee meeting, the committee recommended City Council order requests for proposals for a topographic survey of the concrete pedestrian crossings. Additionally, it was discussed to consider design options at a later date. Staff has performed preliminary work to estimate the quantities of concrete to be replaced and have three options for the committee to consider.
 
In early April, city staff met onsite with a MnDOT concrete specialist to discuss the overall condition of Sunwood Drive and Rhinestone Street, as well as discuss the replacement of the colored concrete crosswalks. The colored concrete showed signs of mix issues commonly found with colored concrete from the early 2000’s, including air content issues. Additionally, some surfaces appeared to be overworked during placement. It was indicated that, in general, colored concrete used today is better, MnDOT does not recommend it for roadways. Following the visual inspection, pavement cores were taken at 3 locations along Sunwood Drive. It will be several weeks until the results from the cores are returned, but it can be noted that 2 of the 3 cores within Sunwood Drive either separated or partially crumbled when removed.
 
Staff prepared preliminary estimates based upon removal and replacement of the colored concrete. This impacts the adjacent pedestrian ramps / landings. For segments which do not have sidewalks, pedestrian ramps / landings are not proposed to be constructed, but the curb cuts for future facilities will be built.
 
Option 1: Replace the colored concrete with standard concrete pavement and standard striping

• Removal of existing colored concrete plus an additional 1-foot to also remove the dowel bars.
• Placement of standard concrete pavement
• Replacement of 10 concrete pedestrian ramps
• Placement of standard 3’x10’ crosswalk markings
  • Requires re-striping every 3 to 5 years
  • Crosswalk Markings for Corridor estimated to cost $16,500
• Estimated Project Costs $530,000

 
Option 2: Replace the colored concrete with stamped and stained concrete pavement

• Many pattern and color options are available, including brick patterns and colors.
  • Adding architectural concrete texture (brick pattern) estimated to cost $90,000
  • Adding architectural surface finish (concrete stain) estimated to cost $27,000
    • Requires re-staining every 2 to 3 years
• Replacement of 10 concrete pedestrian ramps
• Could consider additional pavement markings to enhance crossings
• Estimated Project Costs $650,000

 
Option 3: Replace with colored concrete pavement

• Many color options are available.
• Replacement of 10 concrete pedestrian ramps
• Could consider additional pavement markings to enhance crossings
• Estimated Project Costs $615,000
• Staff do not support this option.

 
Additional Consideration: Remove parking bay on south side of Sunwood Drive across from Center Street

• Improves safety: MN Statute 169.34 doesn’t support allowing parking in this area
  • Parking is not allowed within an intersection / on a crosswalk / within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
    • This section of parking fails all three prohibitions above
• Estimated Additional Project Costs $25,000 (additional cost to any of the options)
  • Staff is reviewing storm sewer impacts to the existing 42” storm sewer lines

 
Based on Public Works Committee input, staff is also requesting a recommendation from the committee for City Council to order plans and specifications for Sunwood Drive Crosswalk Repairs, Improvement Project #25-08.
 
Sunwood Drive is an MSA street. Plans require MnDOT State Aid approval prior to opening bids. Staff estimates that once City Council orders plans and specifications, plans can be produced in approximately 4 weeks as part of staff’s normal duties. The MnDOT State Aid review time is typically 4 to 6 weeks. Due to the severe interruptions this work will cause to Sunwood Drive, staff recommend work starting after the Happy Days event, which will be held on Saturday, September 6^th.
 
If for some reason plans were not ready for bidding in August to start in early September, they would be available for early winter bidding and early spring 2026 construction.

No notifications are required with this case.

Time Frame:
Staff anticipates up to 15 minutes are required to present information on the case and answer any questions from the committee.
 
Alternatives:
Alternative #1: Motion to recommend City Council order plans and specifications for Sunwood Drive Crosswalk Repairs, Improvement Project #25-08, including replacement of the colored concrete pavement within standard concrete pavement and standard pedestrian crosswalk markings.
 
Alternative #2: Motion to recommend City Council order plans and specifications for Sunwood Drive Crosswalk Repairs, Improvement Project #25-08, including replacement of the colored concrete pavement with standard concrete pavement and colored stamped and stained designs.
 
Alternative #3: Motion to recommend City Council order plans and specifications for Sunwood Drive Crosswalk Repairs, Improvement Project #25-08, including replacement of the colored concrete pavement in kind.
 
Alternative #4: Motion of other.

Funding for this work is proposed to come from Municipal State Aid Funds.

Staff recommends Alternative #1.

Based on Public Works Committee recommendation.