Consider Roadway Modifications at TH 10 & Feldspar Street NW

Staff receives several complaints each year regarding safety concerns at the TH 10 and Feldspar Street intersection.  This information is relayed to MnDOT so they can investigate the situation to review whether modifications should be incorporated to mitigate the concerns.  MnDOT recently completed their scoping documents, which include a proposed safety improvement at this intersection in 2015.  The proposed fix includes the extension of turn lanes to 500' in each direction along TH 10, lighting, signing and striping improvements, widening of the overall median width, culvert extensions, and the installation of a concrete median to better channelize the turning movements (see attached).  The estimated construction costs for this project are approximately $300,000.

The proposed improvements do not appear to modify any access to/from local streets or businesses, as it is currently a 3/4 intersection with no left turns allowed from the north and south (see attached photos).  The project will provide better assignment of access and decrease the median openings for each direction of traffic.  Original construction of the median to eliminate certain movements did not prohibit the desired restriction of movements.  Reconstructing the current geometry will better define the movements allowed and eliminate confusion of the drivers.

 

Staff is looking for feedback from the Council on the proposed improvement, and whether there is any interest in advancing this project sooner than what is currently outlined in MnDOT's funding schedule (2015).  A few options to consider include:

In conversations with MnDOT there may also be an opportunity to advance the project sooner if funds are freed up from other scoped projects; whether they are eliminated all together, constructed using other funding sources, or completed under budget in an amount sufficient to cover additional work.

Staff is currently reviewing potential internal funding sources that could support this expenditure, and will provide additional information at the meeting.

Based upon discussion.