HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003.11.03 RESO 2003-0060RESOLUTION 2003 - 60
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUGO
AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR A RAILROAD CROSSING AT TRUNK
HIGHWAY 61 AND 142ND STREET IN THE CITY OF HUGO TO FACILITATE
WITH THE COUNTY STATE AID HIGHWAY 8/14 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
WHEREAS, the City of Hugo, City of Lino Lakes, County of Washington and
County of Anoka are cooperatively working to develop, improve and realign County
State Aid Highway 8/14 from Interstate Highway 35E through Lino Lakes and Hugo to
Trunk Highway 61 ("CSAH 8/14 Road Improvement Project"); and
WHEREAS, the City of Hugo at its May 5, 2003 Council Meeting, after
reviewing the alternative alignments, voted to build the CSAH 8/14 Road Improvement
Project on an alignment which terminates at 142nd Street and T.H. 61 in the City of Hugo
because, in the judgment of the City Council, the 142nd Street alignment will best serve
the interests of the City of Hugo, will best facilitate downtown redevelopment and will
eliminate the current alignment which is undesirable for many reasons; and
WHEREAS, the Washington County Board of Commissioners has authorized its
staff to pursue this crossing; and
WHEREAS, the CSAH 8/CSAH 14 Road Improvement Project requires the
establishment of a crossing at 142nd Street in the City of Hugo over the northerly stub of a
railroad track which is owned by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company
and leased by Minnesota Commercial Railway; and
WHEREAS, the land north of the crossing (and surrounding the rail stub) will be
developed for commercial/retail use and the owner of that property has indicated that
they have no need for rail service; and
WHEREAS, there is very little train traffic on this stub of the rail line; and
WHEREAS, establishment of the crossing will permit the improvement of CSAH
8/14 which will increase public safety by eliminating the existing safety problem area
which exists on CSAH 8/14. TO WIT: The existing roadway was constructed 35 years
ago and with the projected traffic the pavement condition will continue to worsen.
Pedestrian safety is a concern. The inplace roadway lacks sufficient bicyclestpedestrian
paths. Access spacing is also not acceptable. According to Washington County
guidelines, full access points should be spaced one-quarter mile apart but the inplace
roadway contains approximately 52 access points from residential and commercial
driveways and side streets creating significant safety concerns for access to the roadway.
Driver safety will be improved. The average crash rate for a two-lane county roadway is
Resolution 2003-60
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1.2 accidents per million vehicle miles traveled. The crash rate on CASH 14 in Anoka
County is 1.9 access per million vehicle miles traveled; and
WHEREAS, the new crossing will provide access where an alternate grade
crossing or grade separation is not available within one-quarter mile in this urban area
and the projected traffic level is greater than 750 vehicles per day.
NOW THEREFORE, BE 1T RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Hugo, Washington County, Minnesota authorize the staff to pursue a railroad crossing for
the preferred alternative for the Washington County State Aid Highway 8/CSAR 14
project and respectfully request that the Minnesota Department of Transportation order
the establishment of said crossing at the junction of T.H. 61 and 142nd Street in the City
of Hugo.
WHEREUPON, a vote being taken upon the motion, the following members voted in favor
Mike Granger, Chuck Haas, Becky Petryk, Frank Puleo, and Fran Miron
Voted against: None
Passed by the City Council for the City of Hugo this 3rd day of November 2003.
F n, Mayor
ATTEST:
Mary etreager, City Clerk