Consider Proposal - HWY 47 and CSAH 116 Intersection Study

The Strategic Plan identifies this highway / intersection as a goal in the Transportation category.  Specifically, the Strategic Plan lists the following goals:

11. Look for ways to increase capacity and improve traffic flow on 47
17. Review private street west of Hwy 47/Bunker - behind SA

Completion of this study would assist the City in the above goals by comprehensively identifying the issues related to access and capacity.  As stated in the "Purpose of Study" section of the attached proposal, the study will include the following:

1. Provision for a northbound left-turn lane from TH 47 into the southwest quadrant
2. Provision for a median break and left-turns from westbound and eastbound CSAH 116, west of TH 47
3. Provision for a second southbound left-turn lane on TH 47 at CSAH 116
4. Provision of a 3/4 access intersection to local businesses on TH 47 north of CSAH 116
5. Provision of an additional through lane on TH 47 within the limits of the study area
6. Review of median widths and the ability to accommodate U-turns on TH 47 and CSAH 116

The City of Anoka also has similar goals at this intersection and would participate in the study.

N/A

Anoka County recently received a safety grant when re-constructing the intersection of CSAH 116 and Thurston Avenue.  Any proposed revisions to the medians on CSAH 116, west of HWY 47 may require that the Thurston intersection project be re-scored, which has the potential to jeopardize the funding that was received.  Anoka County staff has stated that they would not support a project that would have a negative effect on the scoring. 

The initial proposal did not include collecting traffic counts, as both cities were requesting that Anoka County provide these as their contribution.  However, Anoka County staff has since indicated that they will not provide the traffic counts.

The estimated cost for the study is $24,082 plus an additional $3,840 for the traffic counts.  The cities of Anoka and Ramsey propose to split the costs equally, therefore, the total estimated cost to the City of Ramsey is $13,961.  The City Public Works Committee has reviewed this item and recommends moving forward as proposed.  It is recommended that half of the City's share of the cost come from the General Fund and that half come from EDA budget for consulting services. The costs provided are estimates and final costs could vary. 

EDA and general admin professional services account.

Staff recommends accepting the proposal contingent upon the City of Anoka agreeing to pay half of the costs.

Recommend that the City Council accept the proposal as per staff's recommendation