10/12/2005 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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I -35E Corridor Final AUAR September 26, 2005 • To mitigate the impact of the additional traffic on the regional system I -35W and I -35E would need to be reconstructed to provide a six -lane cross - section. It should be noted that it was determined that an expansion will be necessary even without the development scenarios used in this analysis. As the interstates serve a much larger area, the proj ected growth of the entire Twin Cities region should warrant expansion to the interstates by the year 2030. • • As future growth occurs, alternative modes of transportation may be needed to maintain the area's mobility. These modes may include express bus service, buses operating on exclusive right -of -way (busways), or commuter rail. All three of these modes were looked at in the transit study conducted in 2001 by the Rush Line Corridor Task Forces. The general alignment proposed for the Rush Line is adjacent to TH 61 in Washington County, or within 2 -miles AUAR area. Opportunities should be explored to provide a link to this system as it is being developed. Pedestrian and bicycle paths are another way to improve mobility within and to the AUAR area. It is recommended that any roadway improvements being planned in the AUAR area should include provisions for the addition of pedestrian / bicycle facilities. These facilities should ideally be at least 10 feet wide and separated from the highway shoulder by a minimum of 20 feet. Figures 21 -8, 21 -9, and 21 -10 display the intersection LOS for each of the scenarios and also display the mitigation measures that were identified to address the deficiencies. These figures represent general/conceptual improvements that were shown to improve overall traffic operations for the respective development scenarios. The improvements are intended to represent the minimum level of infrastructure investment that would be needed to meet acceptable level of service standards. Additional roadway and non - motorized improvements, beyond the minimum level, may be identified to accommodate specific development needs that are identified within the AUAR area. Draft AUAR comment letters suggested that the city establish a monitoring program in an effort to link permitted development to the capacity of the surrounding road network. The City will implement an on- going traffic management plan to monitor traffic volume growth and any operational issues that may develop in and around the AUAR area. This monitoring program is intended to give the City, County and other agencies the opportunity to evaluate future development projects within the AUAR area and their cumulative impacts on the transportation system. The results of the monitoring program will be shared with the various road authorities on a regular basis. To implement the monitoring program, a traffic impact study will be required for all developments within the AUAR area and a consistent methodology will be followed. Each traffic impact study will identify the deficiencies and reasonable mitigation measures that are related to the development. Per the City of Lino Lakes subdivision and zoning ordinances, specific level of service guidelines must be followed to obtain an acceptable level of service. Section 1002 -6 of the Lino Lakes Subdivision Ordinance states that if a proposed subdivision is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan with respect to the Land Use Plan, or the Transportation Plan, specific guidelines to roads or highways to serve the development must be met. For reference, Section 1002 of the Subdivision Ordinance is included under the "General Implementation Tools" of the Mitigation Plan. If no reasonable mitigation measures are agreed upon or are unfeasible, the intensity or timing of the proposed development would be staged so as to not overly burden the transportation system. xii