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Mounds View City Council February 28, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 4 Director of Public Works Ulrich explained that this would not be a possibility because this is a controlled intersection with an identifiable crosswalk in place. Mrs. Gunn inquired if the City would continue to have little control, when Ramsey County takes ownership of the road. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated the City has very little control at all. He advised that upon the turnback of the road, Ramsey County would improve the road surface, upgrade the signals to state of the art, install preemptive emergency vehicle controls, and improve the sight lines and visions on the intersections. He indicated these are the major improvements that would be made with the turnback funds they receive from MNDot. Director of Public Works Ulrich explained that there has recently been discussion regarding providing an identifiable image for the City, in terms of slowing traffic speeds as vehicles come into town, rather than having vehicles attempt to get from one point to another in the fastest amount of time. He explained that this would involve certain types of trees, medians, sidewalks, and items of this nature, which would be used to narrow the road, which consists of a 200-foot right-of-way from one side to the other. He stated Highway 96, which has undergone new construction, is a four-lane road with a 50 mile per hour speed limit. He pointed out that as he drove down this road that date, 45 to 50 miles per hour appeared to be the appropriate speed, because there are sidewalks, trees, and decorative plantings in the medians, and noise barriers on the sides of the road. He explained however, as the road reaches Highway 10, the visibility opens up, and there is nothing in the peripheral vision except wide-open spaces. Director of Public Works Ulrich advised that these are some of the things that might be done to Highway 10, however, they would be quite expensive, because Ramsey County and Highway 10 function properly, whereas old Highway 96 did not. He explained that Highway 96 was a two- lane road, and the traffic counts had escalated to the point that four lanes were required. He advised that the traffic counts have recently decreased on Highway 10 because of the opening of the new freeway, however, they are projected to come back up in a few years, because the Metropolitan area continues to expand and grow. He explained that there is significant cut- through traffic on Highway 10, from areas to the north, during periods of snow, rain, and fog. Mrs. Gunn stated Channel 9 television station had conducted a survey with regard to the stop and go traffic, and indicated that MNDot was advising that in order to avoid these situations, traffic should take major routes, which would include Highway 10. She inquired what could be done to obtain the funds to correct this situation. She inquired how many suburbs have a major highway extending through the middle of their community. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated the City could continue to lobby Ramsey County as they discuss what is going to occur with the road, and what the City would like to see in this regard. He explained that initially they should have a plan that is acceptable to the community, and in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan, in order to attempt to made improvements to the road. He stated they were in the business of making traffic safe and efficient, and creating a good environment for other modes of transportation. He explained that it would cost the City of Mounds View a large amount of money to obtain the amenities that have been utilized on Highway 96, however, Ramsey County would contribute a portion of this.