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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDemontreville Trail improvement comments - motion revisedLAKE 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 reconstructin 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. In considering the prioritization of the identified 4 segments, (50th St. N. to Highlands Trail N., Highlands Trail N. to ) the Commission prioritized them from highest to lowest as the segments exist from 50th 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."