Receive Update on Highway 10 Access Study Group and Provide Comment on Draft Problem Statement

MnDOT and Anoka County, in cooperation with the Cities of Ramsey and Anoka, are conducting the Hwy 10 Access Planning Study to re-examine and identify the ultimate amount of access, types of access and locations of access to Hwy 10 between the Anoka/Sherburne County line and the Rum River.

The following is information from the Mn/DOT website:

Based upon traffic volumes and safety concerns along this stretch of Hwy 10, project partners agree a freeway is the proper vision for this corridor. However, considering overall state and federal funding levels, it will be challenging to expand this portion of Hwy 10 to a freeway within the current 20-year planning horizon. Therefore, an alternative approach to incrementally improve safety and mobility on Highway 10 is needed in the short-term.

The intent of this study is to identify high-benefit improvements that are fiscally responsible so that improvements can be funded, programmed and implemented incrementally to improve the corridor’s mobility and safety, for motorists and pedestrians, in a timely manner. The study is anticipated to be completed over the next twelve (12) months and include a variety of forms of input. A Project Schedule is attached for your review.

It is important to note that the intent of this study is not focused on the long term solution for Highway 10, but interim safety and mobility solutions based on recent crash history until the ultimate vision is achieved. Staff continues to express to Mn/DOT the importance of a long term solution in a timely manner. In order to best focus Staff involvement in the study preparation, Staff has prepared a Policy Statement attached for the City Council's review.

More information can be found on the Mn/DOT project webpage, accessible through www.cityoframsey.com/Highway10.

No notification is required at this time. Mn/DOT is working on notificiation to area Property Owners in regards to a Public Open House tentatively scheduled for August 28 or 29, 2013.

Mn/DOT has prepared a Problem Statement aimed at guiding the purpose of this specific study. Mn/DOT acknowledges that the long-term vision of the study area is conversion to freeway status. This study aims at interim improvements that will increase safety and mobility as incremental steps towards the larger goal. Mn/DOT has reiterated importance of including current financial conditions as it relates to freeway conversion. Staff was successful in securing language in the Problem Statement that maintains the ultimate vision and focus on incremental improvements that will eventually lead to said vision.

The study is broadly organized between Community Input and Technical Input. In terms of technical input, a Project Management Team of Mn/DOT staff is guiding the overall effort with technical assistance and facilitation provided by Bolton and Benk, Inc. This PMT meets monthly. Community input is provided by a combination of a Study Advisory Committee (SAC), City Coordination Meetings, Public Open Houses, Business/Stakeholder Meetings, and Elected Officials Meeting.

Study Advisory Committee
The Study Advisory Committee is comprised of Staff from each of the agencies (cities of Ramsey and Anoka, Mn/DOT, Anoka County, and the Metropolitan Council). The City Engineer and Development Services Manager represent the City on this committee.

City Coordination Meetings
City Coordination Meetings are generally held quarterly as a precursory to the scheduled Open Houses and Stakeholder Meetings. These meetings are held with Staff from each of the cities in preparation for the public meetings.

Public Open House
Public open houses are scheduled through out the study as opportunity to provide input to study details and alternatives.

Business and Stakeholder Meetings
Stakeholder meetings are scheduled as a more focused follow up to the public open houses, and includes Property Owners directly impacted by potential alternatives.

Elected Officials Meetings
Elected officials meetings are also scheduled as follow to the public meetings and for guidance and recommendations on policy questions.

This case is being prepared to bring the City Council up to speed on the Problem Statement that will be used by Mn/DOT to frame the study, update the City Council on upcoming public meetings, and to seek guidance on policy statements to be used by Staff in discussions as part of the study.

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Highway 10 Access Study Policy Statements.

Participation in the Highway 10 Access Study is being handled as part of normal Staff duties.

Motion to adopt the attached Highway 10 Access Study Policy Statements.