Review Feasibility Report updates for Andrie Street Reconstruction.

In December of 2008, a Feasibility Report for reconstructing Andrie Street and 164th Lane was completed.  In 2009, plans and specifications were prepared, including an alternate bid for constructing sidewalks with the project.  This project was then bid but never constructed due to a controversy that arose over whether sidewalks should be constructed with the project, as well as due to some project funding questions.  A copy of the 2008 Feasibility Report is attached, including copies of the associated project survey results.

No new petitions have been received requesting improvements to Andrie Street and 164th Lane since petitions were originally received in May 2008.  However, there appears to be a renewed interest by numerous area residents to reconstruct Andrie Street and 164th Lane, but based on preliminary feedback a new sidewalk is still not favored.  Since the city did complete plans and specifications for bidding this project in 2009, the project could be moved forward fairly quickly if the City Council approved it and funding sources not requiring assessments are identified.  If assessments are proposed to fund part of the project, the public process required per State Statute 429 would need to be followed which would slow the project down considerably.

On May 21, 2013, the Public Works Committee directed staff to update the estimated project costs for reconstructing Andrie Street and 164th Lane as proposed in 2008/2009, but without the 5 foot concrete sidewalks as originally proposed.  The Committee also directed staff to explore costs for widening the pavement to accommodate on-road bicycle lanes for use by pedestrians and bicyclists.

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As has been discussed on numerous occasions, Andrie Street is one of the worst streets in Ramsey in terms of pavement condition and based on the most recent pavement ratings Andrie Street should be next in line to be reconstructed following Garnet Street and 168th Avenue.  This project is currently not listed in the CIP, but staff plans to add it to the CIP for reconstruction in 2016 (following Garnet Street in 2015).

Both Andrie Street and 164th Lane are part of our Municipal State-Aid Street (MSAS) system so MnDOT state-aid standards must be followed. Minnesota rule 8820.9941 was therefore followed to determine the minimum design width for an on-road bicycle facility for urban reconstruction projects. This width is listed as 5 to 6 feet. Given the fact that large commercial vehicles have been observed using these streets to bypass the weight scales on Highway 10, staff proposes a 6 foot wide bike lane.  However, staff is also proposing 11 foot drive lanes to reduce the proposed overall road width by 2 feet, resulting in a total proposed width of 36 feet.

The following design criteria apply to Andrie Street and 164th Lane:
• Functional class = collector
• Traffic volumes = < 2,000 ADT (450 to 1,250 ADT in 2009)
• Design speed = 30 mph
• Parking = one side only (opposite on-road bike lane)

The 2009 estimated costs for reconstructing Andrie Street and 164th Lane as a 32 foot wide street with concrete curb and gutter, storm sewer, and a 5 foot wide concrete sidewalk was $1,813,000 including indirect costs.  If the 5 foot concrete sidewalk is removed and the street is widened by 4 feet to accommodate two 11 foot drive lanes and a 6 foot wide on-road bicycle lane, the estimated cost, including indirect costs, becomes $1,647,000.  Based on these 2009 estimated costs, it is estimated to cost about $166,000 less to construct the on-road bike lane than the off-road sidewalk.

Staff is currently updating the 2009 engineer’s estimate to reflect 2014 estimated costs for reconstructing Andrie Street and 164th Lane.  Cost estimates are being prepared for both a 32 foot wide street section with 5 foot sidewalk and boulevard as originally proposed, and for a 36 foot wide street section incorporating a 6 foot wide on-road bicycle lane and two 11 foot drive lanes.  Staff plans to present the 2014 estimated project costs at the next regular Public Works Committee meeting on June 17th.

Staff will also be seeking direction on a funding program for this project at the June 17th meeting based on the latest estimated costs and following further discussion regarding the use of special assessments for street reconstruction projects.

At this time there are not sufficient funds in the MSA account to fund these improvements as originally proposed.  As such, funding would need to be provided using other available sources such as the general levy, special assessments, or bonds.

Applying special assessments on this project may prove to be cumbersome since these are larger lots and as was discussed with the City Council on May 13th when assessments are considered with larger lots it provides fewer lots to spread project costs over.

Staff recommends providing any additional direction to allow 2014 estimated costs to be completed for discussion at the June 17th Public Works Committee meeting.

No action is required at this time, but direction by consensus on any project elements that may impact estimated costs are encouraged.