HomeMy WebLinkAbout#02 - Hwy 36 Transit StudySTAFF REPORT
DATE: 7/13/2020 BUSINESS ITEM
TO: City Council FROM: Ben Prchal, City Planner ITEM: Highway 36 Transit Study REVIEWED BY: Ben Prchal, City Planner
BACKGROUND: Washington County, in collaboration with Ramsey County, Hennepin County, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), and the Metropolitan Council, studied the potential for transit improvements in the Highway 36 corridor, which extends about 25 miles between Stillwater/Oak Park Heights area, and downtown Minneapolis. Lake Elmo is one of the communities which the transit study corridor passes through (northern
border). Throughout the study period Washington County did conduct public engagement activities within the corridor with the intent of gathering input and information from the public to further inform the study. It is well known that Highway 36 is a critical connection between Washington County and other parts of the Twin Cities region. With that in mind it has become a focal point for transit improvement for individual vehicular travel, but specifically in this case, mass transit. The goals of the study were to identify needed improvements,
help those who readily rely on public transit, and ensure the improvements work well with existing land use objectives of the jurisdictions that the corridor travels through. Washington County has established a website with additional information for residents or users of the
respective transit corridor https://www.co.washington.mn.us/36Transit . The website will keep those who are interested in the project up to date on the actions or next steps that are being taken in regards to the Study. A representative of Washington County will present their work and findings regarding the highway 36 transit study area.
ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL: Review the presentation prepared by Washington County. Formal action is not required. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Highway 36 Transit Fact Sheet
HIGHWAY 36 TRANSIT STUDY
Washington County, in collaboration with Ramsey County,
Hennepin County, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT),
and the Metropolitan Council, is studying the potential for transit
improvements in the Highway 36 corridor, which extends about 27 miles
between Stillwater, Oak Park Heights, Bayport area, and downtown
Minneapolis. Previous transit and highway studies have consistently shown
that Highway 36 is a critical connection between Washington County and
other parts of the Twin Cities region.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY IS TO: • Identify transit service needs and recommendations that are reflective of the Highway 36 corridor’s existing and
anticipated future travel demands and patterns
• Consider transit and complementary facilities to improve travel options and provide alternatives to highway congestion
for Washington, Ramsey, and Hennepin County residents, businesses, and visitors
STUDY TIMELINE
WHAT’S YOUR VISION FOR TRANSIT ON THE HIGHWAY 36 CORRIDOR?
Tell us your priorities by taking our questionnaire at: www.highway36transit.com
YOUR INPUT WILL HELP US IDENTIFY:• Goals and objectives for transit improvements on and adjacent to Highway 36
• Transit needs and barriers to accessing transit along Highway 36 between Stillwater
and downtown Minneapolis• Potential transit station locations and where transit would travel between stations
Information Gathering
Study Phase 1:
Fall 2020
Analysis
Study Phase 2:
Winter 2020/2021
Recommendations/ Next Steps
Study Phase 3:
Spring 2021
Ongoing Public Engagement
HIGHWAY 36 TRANSIT STUDY
EXISTING TRANSIT SERVICE
There are several transit routes that currently operate in or near the Highway 36 study area. These include both local and express routes as described in the table below.
We know that there are gaps in the transit system in the Highway 36 study area, so tell us about how to improve transit in this area by filling out the questionnaire here: www.highway36transit.com
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
Visit our project website www.highway36transit.com to: • Learn of upcoming opportunities to get involved and how you can provide feedback• Find current project information and sign up for email updates
QUESTIONS? CONTACT:EMILY JORGENSEN, Project Manager, Washington County Public Works
emily.jorgensen@co.washington.mn.us 651-430-4338
Route Route Type Route Description
32 Local Connects Robbinsdale Transit Center and Rosedale Transit Center via Lowry Avenue
61 Local Connects downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul via Hennepin/Larpenteur Avenue
223 Local Connects Rosedale Transit Center and Maplewood Mall Transit Center via County Road B2, County Road C, Little Canada Transit Center, County Road D, and Beam Avenue
263 Express Connects Maplewood and Little Canada to downtown Minneapolis
264 Express Connects Roseville to downtown Minneapolis
265 Express Connects White Bear Lake and Maplewood to downtown St. Paul
270 Express Connects Mahtomedi, Birchwood, and Maplewood to downtown Minneapolis
272 Express Connects Maplewood, Little Canada, and Roseville to the University of Minnesota
294 Express Connects Oak Park Heights, Stillwater, Lake Elmo, Oakdale, and Maplewood to downtown St. Paul
801 Local Connects Brooklyn Center Transit Center or Columbia Heights Transit Center and Rosedale Transit Center via County Road D