HomeMy WebLinkAboutDemontreville Trail improvement comments - motion revised
LAKE ELMO PARK COMMISSION
Monday, September 17, 2009
Overview of motion and comments on proposed trail / shoulder widening
improvements as a part of the Demontreville Trail road reconstruction project.
Commission comments:
The commission was very interested and supportive of trail improvements / shoulder
widening improvements of some kind in an effort to improve pedestrian and bicyclist
safety along this stretch of roadway. Several members reported personal experiences
and use of the roadway in its current condition, and expressed great concern related to the
current safety risk. They recognized the timeliness of addressing this issue with the
impending reconstruction project.
The commission also recognized the substantial costs associated with each of the possible
improvements, but commented that is not possible to place a financial value on potential
loss of life or serious injury.
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In considering the prioritization of the identified 4 segments, (50 St. N. to Highlands
Trail N., Highlands Trail N. to ) the Commission prioritized them from highest to lowest
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as the segments exist from 50 St. N. to Highway 36. This was in large part due to the
presence of the DNR boat launch and Demontreville Wildlife Area and the associated
potential vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic associated with each of these
destinations.
While the commission expressed their strong desire for an increase in public safety along
this stretch of roadway, they also commented on the potential recreational value in an off-
road trail constructed to meet “bicycle trail” specifications. The commented on the
aesthetic value of the area in general, Demontreville Lake, and Demontreville Wildlife
Area. They also commented in the potential role these segments might offer in linking to
the Gateway Trail and beyond.
Recognizing that potential vey high cost and challenges associated with meeting “bicycle
trail” specifications in this area, the commission acknowledged that shoulder widening
might well be the only feasible option. They expressed that they are most concerned with
improving public safety along the stretch and are very much in support of any public
safety improvement, regardless of whether it would result in an official bicycle trail
designation or opportunity to promote public use.
Support for improvements of some kind passed on a 6-0 vote. The motion was as
follows:
"The Parks Commission has significant concern about the safety of pedestrians and
bicyclists who use Demontreville Trail. As Washington County prepares to turn
over responsibility for the road to the City of Lake Elmo and as it develops plans to
improve the road prior to doing so, the Parks Commission strongly urges the county
and the city to include improvements in the road that will enhance the safety of
pedestrians and bicyclists while not compromising the safety and usefulness of the
road to motorists. The Parks Commission stands ready to participate fully in any
planning process concerning this road in order to explore the feasibility of
integrating design elements into the improvement plan as a way of addressing the
Commission's concerns."