Review of updated costs for reconstructing Andrie Street

Andrie Street's pavement is in very poor condition and should be reconstructed in the near future. Based on current pavement ratings this street should be next in line to be reconstructed following Garnet Street and 168th Avenue.

In 2008, the city completed a Feasibility Study, prepared plans and specifications, and advertised for bids for the reconstruction of Andrie Street and 164th Lane. This included an alternate bid for constructing sidewalks as part of the project. The engineer's estimate to reconstruct the streets using concrete curb and gutter, bituminous pavement, and storm sewer was $1,270,000 and the low bid came in at roughly $900,000. The engineer's estimate for adding sidewalks was $300,000 and the low bid came in at $220,000. Ultimately, this project was never constructed due in large part to the controversy that arose over whether sidewalks should be constructed with the project, as well as some project funding questions. A copy of the 2008 Feasibility Study is attached for reference.

Recently, staff was made aware of a renewed interest on the part of numerous area residents to reconstruct Andrie Street and 164th Lane. However, as in 2008 there appears to be little interest in constructing sidewalks with the project. On May 21st the Public Works Committee directed staff to update the estimated costs for reconstructing the streets as proposed in 2008, but without any sidewalks. In addition, the committee directed staff to include estimated costs for widening the pavement to accommodate on-road bicycle lanes for use by pedestrians and bicyclists.

Since plans and specifications were completed for this project in 2008 this project could be moved forward quickly should the Public Works Committee and the City Council so desire, unless assessments are to be used to fund part of the improvements, in which case the corresponding public process per state statute 429 would need to be followed.

No petition has been received requesting improvements since the original petitions were received in May of 2008.

No notifications were provided to area residents as related to this item.

Per Public Works Committee direction, staff updated the 2008 engineer’s estimate to reflect today’s estimated costs to reconstruct Andrie Street and 146th Lane, both as proposed in 2008 with a 32 foot wide road with 4 to 6 inches of aggregate base and 3½ inches of bituminous pavement with concrete curb and gutter and storm sewer, as well as to widen the pavement to accommodate on-road bicycle lanes which requires a 38 foot wide road.  As with the 32 foot wide design, this option would also utilize curb and gutter and storm sewer, as well as the same pavement structure.

It is important to note that both Andrie Street and 164th Lane are part of our Municipal State-Aid Street (MSAS) system so Mn/DOT 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 seen using the streets to bypass the weight scales on Highway 10, staff is proposing to use a 6 foot bike lane.

The following criteria apply to Andrie Street/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 2013 estimated costs to reconstruct Andrie Street and 164th Lane using the design originally proposed in 2008, excluding concrete sidewalks, is $1,620,000.  For comparison purposes, the estimated cost in 2008 was $1,270,00.  These costs do not include indirect costs for engineering, administration, financing and legal costs, which typically add about another 20% to the project costs.

The 2013 estimated costs to reconstruct Andrie Street and 164th Lane adding a 5 foot wide on-road bicycle lane is $1,740,000.  Again, these costs do not include indirect costs for engineering, administration, financing and legal costs, which typically add about another 20% to the project costs.

The difference in estimated 2013 costs between the original design and the design utilizing an on-road bicycle lane is roughly $120,000 based on preliminary estimates.

Alternatives-

Alternative #1 - Provide a recommendation to Council directing staff to update the 2008 Feasibility Report based on the original 2008 street reconstruction design (excludes sidewalks). This option should be chosen if the Public Works Committee feels the project should not include sidewalks or other pedestrian facilities.

Alternative #2 - Provide a recommendation to Council directing staff to revise the 2008 Feasibility Report to reflect the inclusion of on-road bicycle lanes, in place of sidewalks. This option should be chosen if the Public Works Committee feels the project should not include sidewalks but should include an on-road bicycle lane as an alternate pedestrian facility.

Alternative #3 – Motion of other, or do nothing.

At this time there are not sufficient funds in the MSA account to fund any of the improvements. As such, funding would need to be provided using special assessments, bonds, adoption of a franchise fee, or a combination thereof. In other words, the City should consider the long-term comprehensive street reconstruction funding program prior to ordering this project. However, if alternative #1 or #2 is chosen, no funds would need to be committed at this time and staff would have additional time to complete the long-term street reconstruction funding program as required to address the funding shortage for these improvements while completing revisions to the Feasibility Study.

Staff recommends approving alternative #1 or #2.

Approve alternative #1, #2 or #3.