09/10/2003 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • N r� :s Minnesota Department of Transportation 1"1 ,., 01 Metropolitan Division Waters Edge 1500 West County Road B2 Roseville, MN 55113 August 19, 2003 Mr. Mike Grochala Director of Community Development City of Lino Lakes 600 Town Center Parkway Lino Lakes, MN 55014 SUBJECT: Lakes Business Park development EAW Mn/DOT Review # EAW03 -014 Southwest quadrant of I -35W and Lake Drive (CSAH 23) City of Lino Lakes, Anoka County C.S. 0280 Dear Mr. Grochala: The Metro District, Minnesota Department of Transportation ( Mn/DOT), has reviewed the above referenced EAW. Please consider the following points prior to further development: The Metro District of Mn/DOT uses the Transportation System Plan (TSP) to determine the investment into the Trunk Highway system in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. The TSP covers a 20 -year timeframe and allocates limited funding. Please be aware that there are no plans listed in the TSP to upgrade the interchange or ramps at Interstate Highway I -35W and Lake Drive. Consequently, Mn/DOT is concerned about the level of proposed development surrounding the interchange of I -35W and Lake Drive. Mn/DOT has been exchanging letters with the City of Lino Lakes concerning this interchange since 1995. We have repeatedly advised the City (most recently on May 25, 2001; copy of the letter enclosed) that a detailed traffic analysis encompassing the I -35W and CSAH 23 (Lake Drive) interchange and ramps must be performed. As of this date, no acceptable analysis has been submitted by the City, or by a developer. The concerns noted in our May 25, 2001 letter, and earlier letters, have not been addressed, and our recommendations remain in effect. The proposed development will impact the surrounding transportation infrastructure by increasing demand on already- congested roadways. Therefore, the City should revise the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) to reflect the traffic analysis needs outlined above. Timing the completion of future phases of development so that such developments happen together with area transportation improvements can help minimize, or alleviate congestion. Therefore, any plats, site plans or permit applications proposed or submitted for development should be denied by the City until such time as all transportation issues and needs associated with the proposed land use and development are addressed to the satisfaction of the City and Mn/DOT. Please direct questions concerning these issues to Brigid Gombold, (651) 582 - 1378, of the Mn/DOT Metro District Program Management Unit. An equal opportunity employer