04-13-2022 Workshop Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

STAFF REPORT TO: Mayor Keis and Members of the City Council FROM: Eric Seaburg, P.E., City Engineer Bill Dircks, Public Works Director DATE: April 13, 2022 RE: Grant Opportunities for Little Canada Road & Country Drive BACKGROUND: The area near the Little Canada Road and I-35E interchange operates poorly for both motorists and pedestrians. For pedestrians, the interchange acts as a barrier due to the number of signals and vehicle paths that pedestrians must cross. For motorists, the interchange can be confusing, congested, or even unsafe due to the number of turn lanes, access points, and traffic signals. The proximity of Country Drive to the interchange also presents unique traffic challenges. City Administrator Heineman initiated a conversation with City Engineer Eric Seaburg in 2021 and requested preliminary concept plans from Bolton & Menk for a redesign of these sections of Little Canada Road and Country Drive. This request also follows Strategic Direction Three (Mandating Action and Accountability) from Little Canada’s 2019 Strategic Plan. Initiatives under this strategic direction include the establishment of long-term planning workshops. DISCUSSION: Public Works and Engineering staff have been collaborating, on a high level, about possible infrastructure enhancements that would improve pedestrian and vehicular deficiencies in the area. Ramsey County and MnDOT staff have been part of early conversations and have showed a willingness to support the City if the City decides to lead a project. However, this area does not carry the same priority for MnDOT and Ramsey County as it does for the City of Little Canada. The only projects currently scoped in this area are replacement of the traffic signals at the I-35E interchange ramps in 2023 (by MnDOT), and a pavement rehabilitation project on Country Drive in 2024-2025 (Little Canada CIP). Higher level traffic and pedestrian improvements along Little Canada Road and Country Drive are currently not planned or funded by any agency. Through early collaboration, Bolton & Menk has identified two potential improvements that may qualify for potential State and Federal grant funding. City staff and City Engineer Eric Seaburg will be present at the work session to discuss the possible improvements and schedule of tasks necessary to get grant applications submitted. A brief summary is tabulated below and in the attached Scope of Services Proposal. If unsuccessful on this round of grant applications, these initiatives would be well-positioned for future grant submittals.