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New Lake Elmo Elementary School & Oak-Land Middle School August 1, 2024 Transportation Study Page 31 Pedestrian/Bicycle Considerations Note the existing pedestrian/bicycle facility network is discussed in the existing conditions section and previously shown in Figure 3. While nearby local neighborhood developments incorporate internal pedestrian/bicycle facilities, the adjacent highways generally lack off-street facilities and pedestrian crossings. The proximity of the two (2) schools to these high-speed county highways presents a challenge in balancing pedestrian connectivity with safety concerns. Enhancing pedestrian access is important for ensuring school accessibility, yet the high-speed nature of the adjacent roadways raises safety considerations. Therefore, the following pedestrian/bicycle considerations are offered, which are also illustrated in Figure 14. It should be noted that there may be several feasibility challenges with the provided considerations, therefore, further discussion should occur with area stakeholders to determine what pedestrian/bicycle facilities options could/should be implemented. 1. Extend the existing trail along 10th Street (trail starts at Palmer Drive but terminates approximately 150 feet to the east) to connect to the Manning Avenue/10th Street intersection. This connection provides Oak-Land Middle School users the ability to walk to/from the neighborhood development along Palmer Drive. 2. Guide future development to include a trail connection from Oak-Land Middle School to the neighborhood to the west. The neighborhood comprises of approximately five (5) percent of the middle school’s current enrollment and is within a short walking distance, averaging less than 3/4 mile. a. As mentioned previously, there are upcoming plans to extend 5th Street to Manning Avenue, with off-street trails along the roadway and anticipated residential developments nearby. Therefore, this trail connection could potentially facilitate a future trail connection to the extended 5th Street if/when it gets extended. 3. Similar to consideration #2, there are residential neighborhoods nearby where students could potentially walk or bike if safe facilities were provided. This consideration involves establishing a pedestrian/bicycle connection to/from the neighborhoods to the southeast, east, and northeast of the proposed elementary school. The proposed facilities would cross the adjacent highways at the current all-way stop controlled intersection of Lake Elmo Avenue/10th Street, with potential improvements to a traffic signal or roundabout. Given the roadway speeds, additional support from parents or staff may be desired at the crossing. Nevertheless, this offers another accessibility option that could help alleviate vehicular traffic. 4. The Washington County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (2021) identifies future off-road pedestrian/bicycle facilities along 10th Street (CSAH 10) and Manning Avenue (CSAH 15). Note both corridors are designated as “high priority” within the plan and would connect the proposed facilities outlined above. While not identified in the plan, an off-street facility could be considered along Lake Elmo Avenue could provide access to the residential development along 5th Street. a. Note Washington County is planning to reconstruct Manning Avenue from 10th Street to 30th Street to provide center left-turn lanes at key locations. As part of the project, off-street pedestrian/bicycle facilities could be considered.