HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 09August 30, 2012
Item No.
Approve a Resolution Requesting Dakota County to Initiate a Study
to Consider Transportation Improvements to the Kenwood Trail (CSAH 50) Corridor
between 185 Street (CSAH 60) and Cedar Avenue (CSAH 23)
Proposed Action
Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move to approve a Resolution requesting Dakota
County to initiate a study to consider transportation improvements to the Kenwood Trail (CSAH 50)
corridor between 185 Street (CSAH 60) and Cedar Avenue (CSAH 23).
Passage of this motion will result in the City expressing its commitment to address traffic safety concerns
along Kenwood Trail and desire to participate in the preparation and funding of a study.
Overview
Residents have expressed concerns regarding increasing traffic volumes and traffic safety along the
Kenwood Trail corridor at public information meetings regarding the Kenwood Trail /185 Street
intersection construction and highway expansion. Primary among the concerns was access management
(including frequency /duration of gaps for access) and traffic safety at intersections along Kenwood Trail
including; Kenwood Trail Middle School, Jaguar Avenue and 188th Street.
Staff has reviewed these concerns with Dakota County and will be meeting with representatives of
Independent School District 194 and believes a study is warranted to evaluate the Kenwood Trail corridor
between 185 Street and Cedar Avenue and to consider both short and long term transportation
improvements. Dakota County is also supportive of a study. A letter from the County Engineer confirming
the County's commitment to a study and outlining a possible timeframe is attached.
Attached is a Resolution requesting Dakota County to initiate a study to consider transportation
improvements to the Kenwood Trail corridor between 185 Street and Cedar Avenue. City, County and
School officials will meet on September 6 2012, to discuss the concerns and the issues that should be
evaluated as part of a corridor study.
Primary Issues to Consider (See attached analysis of issues for responses)
• What issues would be included in a study?
• What is the timeline for a study to be completed?
• What is the estimated cost of a study?
Supporting Information (See attached}
• Staff analysis of issues
Zachar V. Jolson
City Eng' eer
Financial impact: $25- 45,000 Budgeted: No Source: TBD
Related Documents: Lakeville and Dakota Co. 2012 -2016 Capital Improvement Plans
Notes:
CITY OF LAKEVILLE
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION REQUESTING DAKOTA COUNTY TO
INITIATE A STUDY TO CONSIDER TRANSPORATION IMPROVEMENTS
TO THE KENWOOD TRAIL (CSAH 50) CORRIDOR BETWEEN
185'x''' STREET (CSAH 60) AND CEDAR AVENUE (CSAH 23)
WHEREAS, Dakota County and the City of Lakeville are jointly participating in the
construction of the Kenwood Trail (CSAH 50)/185 Street (CSAH 60) roundabout, and the
expansion of both Kenwood Trail (CSAH 50), from 185th Street to jurel Way, and 185th Street (CSAH
60), from Kenwood Trail to Orchard Trail, to 4 -lane divided highways (hereinafter the "Project ")
(Dakota County Project Nos. 50 -17 and 60 -21 and Lakeville City Project No. 09 -07); and
WHEREAS, the Project is programmed in the Dakota County and City of Lakeville 2012-
2016 Capital Improvement Plans for construction in 2014; and
WHEREAS, concerns have been expressed regarding existing traffic safety issues along the
Kenwood Trail corridor south of 185th Street, including increasing traffic volumes and access
management at the intersections (frequency /duration of gaps for access); and
WHEREAS, the City of Lakeville believes that a study is warranted to consider
transportation improvements for the Kenwood Trail (CSAH 50) corridor from 185t Street (CSAH
60) to Cedar Avenue (CSAH 23) and that the study should be initiated as soon as feasible and
concluded within 4 -6 months; and
WHEREAS, the City of Lakeville is committed to participating with Dakota County in
preparation of the study and sharing in the cost based on a City and County 45/55 split.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City of Lakeville requests Dakota County to
initiate a study to consider transportation improvements to the Kenwood Trail (CSAH 50) corridor
between 185t Street (CSAH 60) and Cedar Avenue (CSAH 23).
DATED this 4t'' day of September, 2012.
ATTEST: Mark Bellows, Mayor
Charlene Friedges, City Clerk
CITY OF LAKEVILLE
Council Report 97-
Page 2
• What is the estimated cost of a study?
Staff Analysis of Issues
• What issues would be included in a study?
Specific components of a corridor study have not yet been determined but would likely include an
analysis of the roadway and intersection operations under existing and future traffic volumes.
Several different improvement options may be considered including; driveway and intersection
modifications, new local street connections, additional traffic lanes, concrete median installation
and intersection control changes (i.e. traffic signals and /or roundabouts).
• What is the timeline for a study to be completed?
A possible timeline for completing a study is outlined in a letter from the Dakota County Engineer
dated August 30, 2012. Staff recommends the study timeline attempt to conclude the study within
4 -6 months of initiation.
Dakota County estimates the total cost of a study would be $60 - 100,000. The City will be
responsible for 45% of the study cost. The City and County hove not allocated funds for this study.
0
Physical Development Division
Lynn Thompson, Director
Oaknla County
Western Service Center
14955 Galaxie Avenue
Apple Valley, MN 55124 -8579
952.891.7900
Fax 952.891.7031
www.dakotacounty.us
Environmental Mg r t. Department
Office of GIS
Parks and Open Space Department
Surveyor's Office
Transit Office
Transportation Department
Water Resources Department
Prtraed reeyPen parer
a; ,h 10a4 s�
NJ
EQUAL OP CRTUh1TT F.r.Qrfx
August 30, 2012
Dear Mr. Mielke,
Steve Mielke, City Administrator
City of Lakeville
20195 Holyoke Ave.
Lakeville, MN 55044
RE: CSAH 50/CSAH 60 Roundabout
At your City Council meeting on August 20, 2012 a presentation was made by
a member of the public that was followed by Council discussion of the
roundabout project at the intersection of the County State Aid Highway
(CSAH) 50 and CSAH 60. The discussion made reference to the need for a
study of CSAH 50 south and east of the intersection to address concerns
raised by citizens about the ability to access CSAH 50 from entering streets in
a safe and timely manner. Following this discussion, the Council tabled an
item to approve the joint powers agreement with Dakota County for
engineering, right of way acquisition and construction of the CSAH 50 and
CSAH 60 Roundabout (City project 09 -07 and County Projects 50 -17 and 60-
21 ).
I want to thank the Council for taking the time to receive the public comment
and discuss the CSAH 50/60 Roundabout project and the CSAH 50 corridor.
The discussion from the Council meeting generally reflects other public
comment we have received during the development of the Roundabout project
and discussions between our respective staffs. 1 see an opportunity to both
continue our important work on the CSAH 50/60 Roundabout and address the
concerns raised on the greater CSAH 50 corridor,
I would also like to address a few of the key points that were raised at the
August 20, 2012 Council meeting:
N There are significant issues today specifically with the operation of the
CSAH 50/CSAH 60 intersection. During the busiest times of the day,
average delays are approaching one minute, with some vehicles
waiting two minutes before traveling through the intersection.
Southbound through traffic often queues to over 550 feet at the signal.
These conditions warrant improvements now.
CSAH 50ICSAH 60 Roundabout
August 30, 2012
Page 2of3
• After receiving federal funding for the intersection project, the City and County worked
together from Fall 2010 through Summer 2011 to conduct a study to perform a detailed
analysis of the intersection needs and evaluation of intersection alternatives to ensure
the safest and most cost effective design for improvements to the intersection. The City
and County agreed that it was critical we rrzake the best possible improvement
regardless of funding source. This study included:
o Analysis of Existing Conditions
o Assessment of a Signal and Roundabout for existing and future conditions,
including: traffic operations, safety, right -of -way impacts, environmental impacts,
costs, and benefits of each option.
o A detailed analysis of how a multilane roundabout would operate at this location.
o A "State of the Practice" of the traffic volume capacity of double -lane
roundabouts, analysis methods, reports and real -life examples. This included a
national search and review that identified, in addition to the roundabout at 66
Street and Portland Avenue in Richfield, 18 other roundabouts in the United
States and Canada that are operating with traffic volumes either near or higher
than the existing traffic volume at 50/60.
o An open house an March 22, 2011 to share study findings and solicit input.
c Based on concerns heard from the public, an additional assessment of delays at
6 intersections near the 50/60 intersection was conducted as well.
The study concluded that a multilane roundabout was the best design for the intersection
and both the Lakeville City Council and Dakota County Board of Commissioners
adopted the study findings and the recommended multilane roundabout as the
appropriate improvement. A more detailed timeline of key activities throughout the
development of this project is attached.
• We have heard concerns raised by the public on several occasions regarding the
potential implications a roundabout at CSAH 50 /CSAH 60 would have on gaps in traffic
along CSAH 50 to the south of the intersection. Challenges with gaps is typical of a S-
lane County highway with traffic volumes of in the range of 12,000 — 16,000 vehicles per
day (as this segment has), regardless of traffic controls at the major intersections. Gap
availability along CSAH 50 is based on a number of factors in addition to traffic controls
at either end of this segment. In addition, the further an intersection is from either of
these traffic controls, the less influence the controlled intersections have on gaps
ava(labie. Other significant factors that influence gaps on this segment include:
o Traffic volumes approaching capacity for a 3 lane design section
o ingress and egress of traffic via local streets along the CSAH 50 corridor
o Differential speed of traffic between intersections with traffic control
o School traffic volumes particularly during peak hours
We have discussed this segment of CSAH 50 with you on several occasions over the past few
years and are in full agreement with the neighborhood and the City that the CSAH 50 corridor
from 188 Street to CSAH 9 should be studied to develop a corridor improvement plan for
CSAH 50 and the surrounding local roadway system. The County is willing to lead such a study.
Moving ahead with a study at this point is responsive to concerns that have been raised by the
n:lhighwaylcorrespondence\day files'0012 day fries\cty engr\083012 city of laicevilie cp 50_17,ciocx
CSAH 50 /CSAH 60 Roundabout
August 30, 2012
Page 2of3
public over the past few years and will allow for coordination with the roundabout design with
any applicable study findings. It is important to reiterate that we do not see a significant
correlation between the roundabout design at the CSAH 50 /CSAH 60 intersection and the
operation of the greater CSAH 50 corridor.
The proposed study will need additional work between our staffs to fully determine scope, cost
and schedule. Based on similar studies we have conducted in the past, elements of the project
scope would likely include traffic data collection, gap monitoring and analysis to fully understand
all factors influencing gaps in the corridor, intersection operation analysis and concept
development, local road system evaluation and concept development, and significant public and
agency development. It is envisioned that we would retain a consultant and begin work by the
end of the year and complete the study and identify recommendations by late spring, 2013. It is
expected such a study would cost between $50,000 and $100,000, and we would look for the
City to share in 45% of the cost in accordance with County policy. County staff will share
information regarding this study with the County Board as part of our Capital Improvement
Program work this fall. The actual study agreement and associated contracts will of course be
subject to both City Council and County Board approval.
I also want to strongly encourage the City to approve the agreement for the CSAH 50 /CSAH 60
Roundabout project. This agreement was previously approved by the City on March 5, 2012,
and is back for approval again only because of changes in storm sewer cost sharing
responsibilities. Since the agreement was initially approved by the City, we have retained a
consultant for project development for the roundabout. The timeline to complete design work,
acquire right of way, and construct the project in 2014 is tight, and involves the use of federal
funds with a sunset date.
hope this information will be helpful to you in preparation for next week's Council meeting. The
County will have staff in attendance and be available for any questions that may arise. I look
forward to our continued cooperation to advance the CSAH 50 /CSAH 60 Roundabout project
and beginning our work on the greater CSAH 50 corridor study. Please let me know if you have
any questions or would like further information.
Sincerely,
Mark Krebsbach, PE
Transportation Director, County Engineer
Encl./
C: Zach Johnson, Lakeville City Engineer
Brian Sorenson, Asst. Dakota County Engineer
n:lhighway\correspondencelday files12012 day files\cty engr1083012 city of lakevilie cp 50_17.docx
Highway 50 & 60 Project Project Development Timeline, Developed Aug. 29, 2012 to show process to date.
1. June 2009: Federal STP Funding Application — Submitted by the City of Lakeville with County Support
• May 19, 2009: County Board Resoiution supported STP project submittal.
• June 12, 2009: Letter from Mark Krebsbach, Dakota County Engineer to Keith Nelson, Lakeville City
Engineer supporting the CSAH 60/50 project.
• June 15, 2009: City of Lakeville submits federal funding application for $1,600,000.
• March 17, 2010: Metropolitan Council's Transportation Advisory Board selects the project to
receive $1.6M in federal funds.
2. Fall 2010 Through January 2011: Initiate intersection study
To fully assess operations and safety, and to determine the best approach to address intersection issues,
Dakota County and the City of Lakeville embark on a study to fully evaluate intersection and ALL options for
improvement. County and City Staff jointly select a consultant (November 2010). A cost share agreement
between the County and City is executed for the intersection study. Dakota County entered into a contract
with Bolton and Menk, Inc. for engineering services in January, 2011.
3. January - July 2011: Intersection Study
• February 28, 2012 City of Lakeville Council workshop: County project manager (Kristi Sebastian)
presented project needs, study objectives, evaluation criteria, alternative assessment, and preliminary
evaluation results.
• March 2011, Public Open House — information on websites, to media and 880 mailings to residents.
Conceptual drawing of a roundabout and signal were shown with evaluation matrix assessing each
alternative.
• Based on resident feedback from Open House, study team conducts additional assessment:
o National Study of Multi -Lane Roundabouts including greater review of multi -lane roundabouts
in Minnesota with a focus on operation for high volume intersections (June 8, 2011 memo).
o Delay evaluation of nearby downstream intersections to assess impact of traffic operations from
intersection. Findings noted sufficient gaps for side road with motorists experiencing an
average of 5 -30 sec delay depending on intersection (May, 2011 summary).
o Expansion of evaluation matrix including an in -depth economic evaluation of the roundabout
and signal alternatives. This evaluation showed the Roundabout had a Benefit to Cost (B /C)
ratio of 22.4 and the signal option had a 6.1 B/C ratio (July 1, 2011 tech memo).
• July 18, 2011,_ City Council Meeting — Kristi Sebastian presented project information and
recommendation of study to move forward with the multi -lane roundabout for CSAH 50 (Kenwood Trail)
& CSAH 60 (185 street) intersection. Action: City Council adopted study recommendations.
a July 25, 2011: Dakota County Physical Development Division Committee Meeting - Kristi Sebastian
presented project information and recommendations (similar to presentation given to city council on
July 18, 2011).
• August 2, 2011, County Board meeting: Request Adoption of the CP 50 -17 study recommendations,
including implementation of a multi -lane roundabout for CSAH 50 ( Kenwood Trail) & CSAH 60 (185
street) intersection. Action: Dakota County Board of Commissioners the County Project study for CSAH
50 and CSAH 60 intersection.
Highway 50 & 60 Project — Project Development Timeline (Page 2 of 2)
4. Fall 2011 Through January 2012: Initiate Professional Engineering Services for Final Design Project
Dakota County, in cooperation with the City of Lakeville, requested proposals from professional engineering
consultants to provide full project management and development of final design for a full multi -lane
roundabout. County and City staff jointly select consultant (October 2011). County Board authorizes
awarding a contract to Stonebrooke Engineering, Inc. for design engineering services for County Project 50-
17 and 60 -21 (November 2011).
• March 13, 2012 - County Board authorization to execute joint powers agreement with City of
Lakeville for County Projects 50 -17 and 60 -21 for project design and construction agreement.
• September 4, 2012 - City Council agenda includes item for council authorization to execute JPA with
the County for CP 50 -17 and 60 -21.
5. January 2012 through April 2014 Design Project Work
Project team worked to modify conceptual plan for intersection based on study information and feedback
from the March 2011 public meeting. Concept was updated to add expansion of the approaches to the
north and west to connect with existing 4 -lane segments. Project team also worked to develop public
outreach material and information in recognition of the need to share information and provide education
for the multi -lane roundabout. Key actions /elements to date:
• July 17, 2012, Property Owner Meeting — Property owners directly along the project corridor
with potential impacts were shown the revised conceptual layout. Study schedule was
discussed and staff answered questions related to roundabout operations and any other
project - related concerns.
• July 31, 2012, Public Open House (media release, information on City and County web page
plus over 1600 mailings to residents, owners and businesses).
July through August, 2012: On -going information placed on website to address
questions /concerns expressed by residents. County /City staff responds directly to inquiries
through email and phone calls.