11/08/2006 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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411 Therefore, eliminating existing driveways that now access the arterial roads goes along with creating the new access points. • Extensive discussions with the Anoka County Highway Dept. have resulted in some specific design parameters. These discussion included the recognition of conflicting interests. Property owners want direct and extensive access to their properties. However, numerous accesses impede traffic flow on collector and arterial roads and create safety hazards. It is also important to avoid disadvantaging one property by treating a neighboring property more favorably. County and City staff worked toward the goal of reaching a balance among these interests and creating a system of access points, circulation routes, and needed road improvements that will provide good access to all properties while ensuring public safety and keeping traffic flowing on arterial roads. Access Locations Hodgson Road: When development occurs, there should be one access to Hodgson, approximately 990 feet north of CR J. This point would have an access from both east and west, creating a full intersection. That is, a future median would not block the full access. Turn lanes would be necessary on Hodgson Road. Anoka County has not eliminated the possibility that a median could block the intersection if future safety concerns arise. Co. Rd. J: There also should be one access to CR J between Hodgson and Ware. Anoka County has agreed to one access between Hodgson and Ware, which would be constructed as right in/right out, with individual driveways being eliminated as development occurs. Because there will be one access, it must be a public road, not a private road or driveway. It should be located as close as possible to being centered between Hodgson and Ware Roads. Aligning it with Kent St. on the south is an options. This would eliminate the offset between the two, though Anoka County's requirement for a right in/right out access would eliminate almost every conflicting movement normally seen with an offset. There should be one access to CR J between Hodgson Road and Woodridge Lane. This would be as far west as possible to create the greatest possible separation from the Hodgson/CR J intersection. Anoka County has stated that this access must be constructed as right in/right out. Thus, 15 existing driveway access points on Hodgson and CR J would be reduced to four access points. This reduction from 15 individual, random driveways to four properly designed access points would be a significant public safety improvement. The access points are shown on the final Master Plan. Draft: October 31, 2006 Hodgson/CR J Master Plan page 17