Consider Recommendation for Design Alternative for High Point Street Reconstruction, Improvement Project #25-05

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to consider recommending a preferred design alternative for the Zirconium Street cul-de-sac as part of the High Point Street Reconstruction, Improvement Project #25-05.
 
Background:
The proposed 2025 – 2034 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) identifies the streets within the High Point and Section 22 Unplatted subdivision for street reconstruction in 2025. A street segment summary for the project is attached to this case.
 
Project History

• May 28, 2024, the Ramsey City Council adopted Resolution #24-138, accepting and awarding a proposal to Hakanson Anderson for topographic survey of the project area.
• August 12, 2024, the Ramsey City Council adopted Resolution #24-220, accepting and awarding a proposal to Independent Testing Technologies, Inc. for a geotechnical report of the project area.
• November 19, 2024, the Ramsey Public Works Committee recommended City Council order plans and specifications for said improvements.
• November 26, 2024, the Ramsey City Council adopted Resolution #24-340, ordering the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications for said improvements.

 
Project Scope
This project proposes to reconstruct the streets within the High Point and Section 22 Unplatted subdivision, generally located between Ramsey Boulevard and Zirconium Street, between 155^th and 157^th Avenues. The street within Section 22 Unplatted (156^th Avenue) is 26-foot urban with bituminous curbing and rural with drainage swales at the low point. The streets within High Point are 31-foot urban section with bituminous curbing and cross street valley gutters with drainage flumes at low points. The streets total approximately 1.67 miles in total length, traffic counts have not been taken within the project area.
 
Staff is proposing to replace the bituminous curbing with surmountable concrete curb and gutter. Where feasible storm sewer inlets and storm sewer piping will replace bituminous flumes and cross gutters for drainage.
 
During initial project review, staff identified the Zirconium Street cul-de-sac is in need of further discussion. The current City design standards require cul-de-sacs be built to a 100-foot diameter within a 120-foot right of way. The Zirconium Street cul-de-sac was built to a 165-foot diameter within a 200-foot diameter right of way. Placing the cul-de-sac back to this oversized diameter is not desirable due to the additional time and costs required to maintain it, and staff has explored several replacement options.
 
Option 1: Replace the cul-de-sac back to existing dimension

• Build back the 165’ diameter cul-de-sac (replace bit curb with surmountable concrete curb and gutter)
  • Minimizes impacts to adjacent properties
    • Tie-into existing driveways, boulevard restoration behind new concrete curb and gutter generally within 6 feet of the existing back of curb.
  • Highest construction costs ($64,000)
  • Highest long-term maintenance costs ($77,500)
    • Based on 2024 dollars and typical maintenance cycle thru 60-year life
    • Pavement Area 2,390 SY

 
Option 2: Construct standard cul-de-sac

• Construct standard 100’ diameter cul-de-sac
  • Highest impacts to adjacent properties
    • Extend driveways and yards approximately 30 feet
    • Additional option to adjust right of way (not required)
  • Lowest construction costs ($47,500)
  • Lowest long-term maintenance costs ($32,000)
    • Pavement Area 951 SY

 
Option 3: Construct loop with depressed center green space

• Construct 28’ to 31’ wide loop street
  • Low impact to adjacent properties; high change in cul-de-sac character
    • Tie into existing driveways, boulevard restoration behind new concrete curb and gutter generally within 6 feet of the existing back of curb.
  • Center island could be depressed to allow infiltration
  • Middle construction costs ($58,500)
    • Requires the most curb and gutter
  • Middle long-term maintenance costs ($43,500)
    • Time savings for plowing negated by mowing requirements in center median
    • Pavement Area 1,202 SY (28’ wide street)
    • Green Space Area 1,095 SY

 
Staff is looking for a recommendation of the preferred option for reconstructing the cul-de-sac. Additionally, staff is requesting guidance for resident input, if a formal survey should be presented to residents on Zirconium Street.

Based on the committee recommendation, staff will update the residents on the project.

Timeframe:
Staff anticipates up to 15 minutes will be required to present and discuss this case.
 
Observations:
Staff has set a public open house meeting date for the is project for Thursday, February 13, 2025. The mailing for this open house has not yet been sent, and could include specific feedback request if desired.
 
Alternatives:
Alternative #1 – Motion to recommend Option 1; reconstructing the Zirconium Street cul-de-sac to the existing dimensions.
 
Alternative #2 – Motion to recommend Option 2; reconstructing the Zirconium Street cul-de-sac to the standard 100-foot diameter.
 
Alternative #3 – Motion to recommend Option 3; reconstructing the Zirconium Street cul-de-sac as a loop with center green space area.
 
Alternative #4 – Motion of other.

Funding for this improvement is proposed to come from Pavement Management Funds and Storm Water Utility Funds.

Staff recommends Alternative #2, reconstruct the Zirconium Street cul-de-sac to the standard 100-foot diameter.

Motion to recommend Alternative #1, Alternative #2, Alternative #3 or Alternative #4.