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March 29, 2006 Mr. Todd Hubmer, P.E. St. Anthony City Engineer WSB & Associates, Inc. 701 Xenia Avenue South, Suite #3 00 Minneapolis, MN 55416 RE: NE Diagonal Trail Dear Mr. Hubmer: As previously discussed, URS is completing final design of the NE Diagonal Trail for the City of Minneapolis. The proposed trail extends from S.E. Minneapolis through St. Anthony and into Roseville. Construction is anticipated in Summer/Fall of 2006. The portion of the proposed trail within St. Anthony is located within Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority (HCRRA) property. A ramp connection to the existing sidewalk along the north side of St. Anthony Boulevard, through F.A. Gross Golf Course, is also proposed. URS and City of Minneapolis representatives presented a project overview at a St. Anthony City Council working session on January 31, 2006 and met with yourself and Jay Hartman on March 13, 2006 to further discuss any concerns or questions you may have regarding the project. Following are responses to City of St. Anthony questions or comments: 1. Trail Connection to Existing Sidewalk on East Side o�.A. Gross Golf Course • Question/Comment: Council inquired about whether or not the trail could connect to an existing sidewalk located on the east side of F.A. Gross Golf Course. • Response: The NE Diagonal Trail will connect to the City of Roseville's County Road B-2 Trail just west of Walnut Street. The County Road B-2 Trail will extend south along Walnut Street. URS and the City of Minneapolis have looked into the feasibility of an additional trail connection at this location and have . determined that the existing sidewalk is only a few hundred feet long and is located only a few hundred feet from Walnut Street and the main trail access. An additional trail connection at this location does not appear to be warranted due to the proximity to the main trail connection at Walnut Street and the short length of the existing sidewalk. An additional trail connection may create security concerns (rear parking area) for the adjacent businesses. 2. Trail Access to Existing- Commercial /Industrial Lac* ities • Question/Comment: Council inquired about whether a trail connection should be made to the existing adjacent commercial / industrial businesses. • Response: URS and the City of Minneapolis have looked into a trail connection to these businesses and have determined that that a trail connection to these facilities would likely encourage trespassing on private property and may cause security concerns for these businesses and is therefore undesirable. At such time as the City of St. Anthony acquires an easement from one or more of the area businesses, a connection to the N.E. Diagonal Trail could be made'. 3. Drainage Concerns • Question/Comment: You inquired about drainage concerns associated with the trail. Specifically, concerns were raised about drainage at the proposed St. Anthony Boulevard ramp, where approximately 9 -feet of embankment fill is proposed to match grade at the ramp connection. • Response: Existing drainage is from north to south via natural ditches and parallel and cross culverts along the existing railroad embankment. URS and the City of Minneapolis have looked into the City's drainage concerns. Trail construction will generally be along the existing railroad embankment with minimal changes to 31