Adopt Resolution 13-05-079 accepting Plans and Specifications and authorizing Advertisement for Bids for Riverdale Drive Reconstruction and Extension: City Improvement Project 12-22

The Armstrong Boulevard/Highway 10 interchange project is considered one of the highest transportation priorities in the City, as well as for Anoka County.  In an effort to spread the overall interchange construction costs out over time, the City has pre-constructed various phases of the interchange project over the last several years.  Another phase of the interchange project that is needed is the reconstruction and extension of Riverdale Drive between Armstrong Boulevard (CSAH 83) and Traprock Street.  Ultimately, Riverdale Drive will serve as a frontage road to Highway 10 between Armstrong Boulevard and Ramsey Boulevard.

The project includes the reconstruction of Armstrong Boulevard between Highway 10 and Riverdale Drive, as well as the reconstruction of Riverdale Drive between Armstrong Boulevard and the cul-de-sac east of Alpaca Street.  The public utilities (watermain, sanitary sewer and storm sewer) that exist under these streets are also proposed to be reconstructed.  Riverdale Drive is also proposed to be extended to the east from the existing cul-de-sac to Traprock Street.  The new section of Riverdale Drive is proposed to be constructed with concrete curb and gutter and bituminous pavement, and sanitary sewer, storm sewer and watermain are proposed to be constructed with the Riverdale Drive extension.  The project is also proposed to receive bituminous pathways along both sides of Riverdale Drive that will serve as part of the Mississippi River Trail system.

The section of Alpaca Street between Riverdale Drive and Highway 10 will be removed with this project, eliminating access to Highway 10 at Alpaca Street.  Instead, a modified three-quarter access to Highway 10 will be constructed at Traprock Street.  This will provide access to eastbound Highway 10 from Traprock Street, while also allowing access to Traprock Street from both eastbound and westbound Highway 10.  These access changes are safety related and are a large part of the reason why the city was awarded a $702,000 grant, along with the promotion of a south frontage road to Highway10 which will serve to keep local traffic off of Highway 10.

On January 8, 2013, a feasibility report for this project was accepted by the City Council.  At that meeting, the City Council also ordered the Engineering Department to lead the preparation of plans and specifications.

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 initial comments from each agency, modified the plans accordingly, and resubmitted the revised plans for final review and approval.  It is required that we have final approval from both agencies before bids can be opened and a contract awarded.  In an effort to preserve time, staff is requesting Council authorization to publish an advertisement for bids to allow contractors to begin receiving project plans to formulate their bids.  As final comments are received, addendums can be issued, as necessary, for any significant plan revisions that may be required.  Staff anticipates requesting Council acceptance of bids and award of contract at the June 25th Council meeting.  Work on the project would likely then commence in early July.

In an effort to address, minimize and communicate project impacts to local businesses and residents, staff invited businesses along Riverdale Drive to a meeting on May 6th.  Numerous comments were received, which staff will summarize for Council during the Council meeting.  Staff will also meet with area residents on the evening of Monday, May 13th, and will again present a summary of the comments received during the Council meeting.  Council should also be aware that staff intends to meet with plan holders in early June to discuss options for minimizing the duration of road closures and traffic detours in response to comments received from local businesses and residents.  Staff will then meet again with area businesses and residents to present any findings as a result of the plan holders meeting.  Then at the time staff requests the City Council to accept bids and award a contract, any new developments can be discussed with Council including revisions to construction staging plans, road closures and detours, project schedule, etc.

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution 13-05-079 accepting plans and specifications and authorizing advertising for bids for Riverdale Drive Reconstruction and Extension; City Improvement Project 12-22.

The current estimated construction cost is just over $3.1 million, including % for indirect costs and 10% for contingency costs.  The estimated fund amounts and sources are as follows: 
   $702,000     Cooperative Agreement Grant
$1,639,830     MSA Fund
   $217,800     Sewer Fund
   $560,370     Water Fund

$3,120,000     Total

Engineering was completed using in-house staff with some assistance from Hakanson Anderson.  Construction administration (staking, inspections, etc.) is proposed to be completed using city staff.  There will be costs for material testing but these costs, along with a few other outstanding project costs, are as yet undefined but will be estimated and presented to Council at the time Council is asked to award a construction contract.

As was noted in the Feasibility Report, the city received a $702,000 grant to help in the funding of the reconstruction and extension of Riverdale Drive from Armstrong Blvd (CSAH83) to Traprock Street, but the grant requires the city to award a construction contract by June 30th, 2013.

A Memorandum of Understanding and Easements is also required between the city of Ramsey, Anoka County, and the private property owners of the lands that the extension of Riverdale will encumber. The draft MOU is presented in a separate case in the consent agenda.  The MOU outlines the terms associated with the provision of easements for the extension of Riverdale Drive as it crosses these properties.  Anoka County noted in their plan review response letter that the city will need to purchase roadway easements across their property.  At this time these costs are unknown, but staff will work with the County and will present the easement purchase costs at the time Council is asked to award a construction contract.

Motion to adopt Resolution 13-05-079 accepting Plans and Specifications and authorizing Advertisement for Bids for Riverdale Drive Reconstruction and Extension: City Improvement Project 12-22.