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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5E TH 41 River Crossing Report 4646 Dakota Street SE Prior Lake, MN 55372 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT MEETING DATE: APRIL 10, 2017 AGENDA #: 5E PREPARED BY: LARRY POPPLER, CITY ENGINEER/INSPECTIONS DIRECTOR PRESENTED BY: LARRY POPPLER AGENDA ITEM: CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING ANOTHER VEHIC- ULAR CROSSING OVER THE MINNESOTA RIVER DISCUSSION: Introduction A Trunk Highway 41 crossing over the Minnesota River has been planned as a part of the Scott County Comprehensive Plan. Considering new possible infra- structure investments, it is important to show support for such regional improve- ments. History Highway 169 and Trunk Highway 212 serve regional traffic in the southwest por- tion of the Twin Cities as well as connecting with southern Minnesota. The Scott County Comprehensive Plan discusses a future Trunk Highway 41 river crossing. This river crossing would take pressure off the Highway 169 river cross- ing by distributing these river crossing trips. The Scott County Comprehensive Plan discusses this project as a project that would happen in the future. Additional lanes could be added to Highway 169 ahead of a TH 41 river crossing. A Tier I Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was completed. The tier I EIS identifies the corridor for right of way preservation to minimize future acquisitions. Since this EIS was completed, portions of right of way have been preserved. Current Circumstances At times of day Highway 169 becomes congested. Spring flooding on existing TH 41 and on Highway 101 increases this congestion at times. However, an addi- tional added lane on Highway 169 was always planned ahead of an investment in the TH 41 corridor. The Trump administration is considering investments in infrastructure. As this pro- gram plays out, certain projects may be advanced. During the Obama administra- tion, Scott County was successful in securing American Recovery and Reinvest- ment Act funding for the extension of CSAH 21 from County Highway 42 to High- way 169. Considering the regional nature of the Highway 169 corridor, it may be a good candidate for these new investments. The City of Shakopee recently ap- proved a resolution of support for the TH 41 river crossing. They have given this resolution to their legislators. The City is a member of the Highway 169 Corridor Coalition. The TH 41 river crossing is a long term priority for the organization. Due to the extreme costs of 2 this project the 169 Corridor Coalition has been focused on other priorities, but supports this project. Conclusion Staff recommends approval of this resolution which will be supplied to our legisla- tive delegation, Scott County Neighbors and the Highway 169 Corridor Coalition. ISSUES: Considering growth along the Highway 169 corridor, another highway river crossing would assist in capacity concerns for Highway 169. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Trunk Highway 41 river crossing is expected to exceed $500 Million and is not currently programmed. ALTERNATIVES: 1. Approve a Resolution as part of the consent agenda supporting another Vehic- ular Crossing over the Minnesota River. 2. 2. Remove this item from the consent agenda for additional discussion. RECOMMENDED MOTION: A motion and a second for approval of Alternative #1. 4646 Dakota Street SE Prior Lake, MN 55372 RESOLUTION 17-___ SUPPORTING THE CREATION OF AN ADDITIONAL VEHICULAR CROSSING OVER THE MINNESOTA RIVER Motion By: Second By: WHEREAS, The City supports the enhancement of public health, safety and convenience for the citizens and visitors to the City of Prior Lake and Scott County by the construction and maintenance of adequate public roadways to support current and future growth of our population and businesses; and, WHEREAS, Reliable access with adequate capacity across the Minnesota River is critical to the success of local companies and residents to provide ease of access for commerce and employment; and, WHEREAS, An additional vehicular river crossing over the Minnesota river will ensure that Prior Lake residents and visitors will have convenient access to the Twin Cities metro area. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA as follows: 1. The recitals set forth above are incorporated herein. 2. The City of Prior Lake expresses support for the construction of an additional vehicular crossing over the Minnesota River in the area of the Highway 169 and Trunk Highway 41 interchange, or in an area that will provide connectivity for the surrounding communities and Scott County. 3. The City of Prior Lake supports efforts to seek State and Federal funding for design, right of way acquisition, and construction of an additional vehicular crossing over the Minnesota River. Passed and adopted by the Prior Lake City Council this 10th day of April, 2017 VOTE Briggs McGuire Thompson Braid Burkart Aye ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ Nay ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ Abstain ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ Absent ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ______________________________ Frank Boyles, City Manager