05/01/2006 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • WS -7 WORK SESSION MEMORANDUM To: City Council From: Michael Grochala Date: May 1, 2006 Re: Work Session Item 7 I -35W /Lake Drive Improvement Project BACKGROUND The improvement of the I -35W /Lake Drive interchange has been a priority for the City over the last ten years. However, the project has not been successful in obtaining the necessary funding. As such the City proposed interim improvements to Lake Drive as part of the Legacy at Woods Edge development. Given the existing transportation funding constraints and the limited useful life of the interim improvements the City entered into a Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka County to pursue design of the ultimate interchange project. The interchange improvement was based on the premise that City funding identified for the interim improvements would be better spent on completing the ultimate project. In July of 2005 the City Council authorized final design of the I -35W /Lake Drive Improvements. The proposed project includes reconstructing CSAH 23 /Lake Drive from Apollo Drive to approximately 1,000 -feet south of Marshan Lane. The proposed improvements include a four -lane roadway with right and left turn lanes, replacement of the bridge over I -35W, and installation of three additional traffic signals. The purpose of the improvements is to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety along the project corridor. At the same time the City has also proceeded with the engineering design for an "interim" improvement in the event funding is not available for the interchange reconstruction. The interim improvements include widening of Lake Drive, realignment of the freeway ramps, signalization of the ramps and Town Center Parkway and the construction of turn lanes on Lake Drive.