View Agenda Item

4.2.

CC Regular Session

Meeting Date:: 05/22/2012
By:: Tim Himmer, Engineering/Public Works

Information

Title:

Accept Plans and Specifications and Authorize the Bidding of the Sunwood Drive Realignment Project: City Improvement Project 12-20 - Moved to Regular Agenda Case #7.05

Background:

The Armstrong Boulevard/Highway 10 interchange project is considered one of the highest transportation priorities in the City. In an effort to reduce the overall costs the Council has been discussing ways to preconstruct portions of this project, such that it can be accomplished in phases. One phase of this interchange project is the realignment of Sunwood Drive, which is being considered to improve traffic flow through the area in the short term, create a consolidated signalized access to the COR along its western boundary, provide for a portion of the City's cost participation in the interchange project, and create additional development options for the COR property. The Sunwood realignment will construct the first intersection north of Highway 10 on Armstrong Boulevard, at a location that addresses the major concerns expressed by MnDOT and Anoka County.

The project includes the realignment of Sunwood Drive, between approximately Zeolite Street and Armstrong Boulevard (see attached preliminary design). The intent is to work north to south on Armstrong Boulevard and complete another section of the roadway in its final location; to set the stage for the ultimate interchange over the railroad tracks and Highway 10. Draft feasibility studies were presented to the Public Works Committee and HRA on December 13, 2011, with the only remaining outstanding item being the funding package. On that date the HRA authorized the preparation of appraisals for the potential acquisition of 3 parcels along the west side of Armstrong Boulevard that are necessary for portions of this project, and ultimately the interchange project.

On January 24, 2012 draft feasibility studies were presented to the City Council for consideration. At that meeting the City Council authorized the final design contracts with Landform and WSB & Associates, and ordered the preparation of plans and specifications.

Observations:

The plans and specifications were completed and submitted to the various review agencies for comment, including Anoka County and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). We have received the initial comments from each entity, modified for the plans accordingly, and have resubmitted for final review and approval. It is required that we have final approval from both entities before the bids can be opened and a contract awarded. In an effort to preserve time staff intends to publish the project for bid and allow contractors to begin receiving project plans to formulate a bid. As comments are received addendums can be issued, as necessary, for any significant plan revisions that are required.

In an effort to minimize disruptions to local businesses and residents, a revised construction staging plan, that will address road closures and detours, has recently been developed. This revised plan will be reviewed by the community at an informational open house to be held on May 17, 2012. At this meeting we will be presenting the proposed staging approach, listening to concerns, and looking at opportunities for potential improvements. Staff has investigated several options for construction staging and believe this latest approach is the best solution to address the concerns expressed to date.

A separate case will be presented to the HRA in the near future that outlines other proposed improvements that will be incorporated into this project; including reconstructed accesses to the Northstar Market Place, and mass grading of the new retail area that will created at the west end of the COR with the realigned Sunwood Drive. While funding has been approved for the overall construction plan, a funding source has not been identified for this portion of the work at this time. Staff does believe it makes sense to incorporate these improvements into the larger project but wants to make sure the expectations for funding are fulfilled, as they have not been included in any previous funding scenarios for this project to date.

For the reasons outlined above, staff has including a 5% contingency into the project estimate.

Recommendation:

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the plans and specifications for City Improvement Project 12-20; Sunwood Drive Realignment, and authorize the project for bid.

Funding Source:

Attached to this case are the funding packages that the City Council approved on March 13, 2012. The City recently was informed that this project has not been selected for funding under the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) grant program through the Metropolitan Council, therefore we will be advancing project implementation using scenario 2. A breakdown of estimated costs are as follows:

Armstrong Boulevard	$1,740,000
Sunwood Drive	$1,066,000
COR Retail Mass Grading & Northstar Market Place Access Revisions	$208,000
TOTAL	$3,014,000

The acquisition component of this project was initially estimated at $2,300,000 and appears to be tracking on budget, if a land sale offset is incorporated for a pending sale in the new retail area created by this project.

Engineering contracts have already been awarded in the amount of $220,000 for design component of this project. Construction administration (staking, inspections, etc.) is still an outstanding cost that must be completed for project implementation. Staff has received proposals from both consultants working jointly on this project (WSB & Associates and Landform), and those costs are estimated at approximately $175,000. Another budget items to be considered is material testing, which is estimated at $60,000.

Council Action:

Motion to approve the plans and specifications for City Improvement Project 12-20; Sunwood Drive Realignment, and authorize the project for bid.

Attachments

Form Review

Inbox	Reviewed By	Date
Kurt Ulrich	Kurt Ulrich	05/17/2012 04:36 PM

Form Started By:: thimmer
Started On:: 05/16/2012 05:03 PM
Final Approval Date:: 05/17/2012