03/11/2009 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• AGENDA ITEM VIII.A. STAFF ORIGINATOR: Michael Grochala MEETING DATE: March 11, 2009 TOPIC: CSAH 34 (Birch Street) Corridor Study BACKGROUND Birch Street (CSAH 34) serves as a vital transportation corridor for both the City of Lino Lakes and Anoka County. Population growth in Anoka County and surrounding communities has resulted in higher traffic volumes throughout the area. This increased traffic has been especially noticeable in the City of Lino Lakes on CSAH 34, also known as Birch Street, raising concerns about perceived congestion, safety and traffic signal needs. In 2007 the Lino Lakes City Council adopted a Goals and Management Plan that included the objective of preparing an access management plan for Birch Street to address these concerns. Additionally, the city received a petition in early 2008 requesting improvements to the Ware Road and Birch Street intersection. In response IP Anoka County, in partnership with the City of Lino Lakes, has hired SRF Consulting Group, Inc. to assist in the preparation of the CSAH 34 Corridor Study. The study, which began in November 2008, will continue over the next 18 months. In addition to addressing existing concerns, the study will provide the city with an important tool as we prepare to manage growth over the next twenty years. As shown in the City's draft 2030 Comprehensive Plan, growth along the corridor as well as surrounding communities is expected to continue. Proper management of the corridor in the following years will be vital to maintaining and improving safety and mobility. Preparation of the plan is supported in part by the 2030 Vision Plan, accepted by the council in 2006. The Roads and Transportation section of the plan includes strategies to maintain and strengthen our transportation system as follows: • Ensure by 2030 that main east/west corridors ... are of good quality and allow for potential, required expansion and upgrades... • Identify potential traffic safety problem areas and adopt plans to lessen risks as traffic volume increases along these problem stretches and intersections. • Plan ... for an expanded and improved road system to accommodate projected increases in traffic volume accompanying predicted /planned growth and development. •