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<br />WS – Item 2 <br />WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT <br />Work Session Item No. 2 <br /> <br /> <br />Date: December 2, 2019 <br /> <br />To: City Council <br /> <br />From: Michael Grochala, Community Development Director <br /> <br />Re: Birch Street (CSAH 34) proposed improvements <br /> <br />Background <br /> <br />Anoka County is proposing to reconstruct Birch Street (County State Aid Highway 34), <br />from Hokah Drive easterly to the s-curve at Old Birch Street, to address deteriorating <br />pavement conditions and safety concerns. The improvements are proposed to be <br />completed in the 2021 and 2022 construction seasons. <br /> <br />The Birch Street Corridor Study, completed in 2010, proposed a four lane roadway from <br />Ware through West Shadow Lake Drive to accommodate existing and proposed traffic <br />volumes. The County is now considering a two lane roadway within this section. <br />Roundabouts are being evaluated to improve access at Rice Lake Elementary. <br /> <br />A public information meeting was held on October 1, 2019. An estimated 150 to 170 <br />interested persons attended. The County has been working on addressing comments <br />received at the meeting. A number of changes are being incorporated and include <br />extending the trail on the south side of Birch to easterly to Old Birch Street. Trail and <br />Roundabout locations are being shifted to minimize right-of-way impacts to the extent <br />possible. <br /> <br />County staff has also been working with property owners to address potential access <br />changes. These discussions have led to the Anoka County considering a 3rd Roundabout <br />at Old Birch Street. <br /> <br />Project Management Team representatives from Anoka County Highway Department and <br />WSB will be present to provide an overview of proposed improvement project and design <br />options being considered. <br /> <br />An additional open house is proposed for December 17 at City Hall. <br /> <br />Requested Council Direction <br /> <br />None required. Staff is requesting feedback on the design considerations. <br /> <br />Attachments <br /> <br />None.