9.2.A. PRSR 04-1-2005Item # 9.2.A.
13065 Orono Pazkway
Elk River, MN 55330
April 6, 2005
Mr. Bill Maextz
Parks and Recreation Director
1104 Lions Park Drive
Elk River, Minnesota 55330
RE: PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH COUNTY ROADS
Dear Mx. Maextz:
This letter is in response to our recent conversation regarding the Parks and Recreation
Commission's desire to construct detached pathways and other pedestrian amenities with
future Sherburne County road projects within the City of Elk River. As I indicated I have
just recently received a preliminary set of construction plans for CSAH 1 from County Road
32 to the northern city limits. At this point I have only done a cursory review of these plans.
There is no pedestrian facility included in the plan at this time. However it is my
understanding that the project will likely be delayed to 2006 because of some slope easement
acquisition issues the County is dealing with. Attached is a brief letter I recently sent to
Ronda Lewis, Assistant County Engineer, making her aware of the City's interest in
exploring a pedestrian pathway along County Road 1 and a turtle crossing at some point in
the project. I have indicated in the letter to Rhonda that you and I will review the plans in
the next week ox two and set up a meeting with hex to discuss the inclusion of a pedestrian
trail in the project.
I have also indicated to Rhonda that we axe interested in being involved earlier in county
road projects within the City. Specific ones coming up would be the County Road 33 and
County Road 77 realignment west of TH 169. I have indicated to hex that we definitely
would like to include a pedestrian facility with those two road projects and likely an
underpass fox crossing movements.
As you aze likely awaze, the City is dealing with Sherburne County relative to the potential
turnback of County Road 40 (Cleveland Avenue) from CSAH 12 to CSAH 13. It is
anticipated the design of that roadway will include a detached trail on at least one side with a
tunnel fox pedestrian movements near the northern end of the roadway. I will discuss this
further with you when we start the preliminary design.
We briefly discussed funding options. It is possible that if the County involves us early
enough in projects in which they pursue federal funding, then funding fox pedestrian
Phoue: 763.635.1000
Fax: 763.635.1090
www.ci.elk-rivecmn.us
S:\Engineer\2005 Letters'\04 OG 04 Pedes[nan Facilities Maera.doc
facilities could be included. This, of course, would take consent from the County to include
this item in their federal requests. It is unlikely that the City could have a stand alone federal
funding request for a trail on a project that is anticipated by the County in the future.
Although these are eligible projects to submit to the Region 7W of District #3, in which Elk
River resides, [he Region has never funded these types of requests. In fact, only one
enhancement project is typically funded each year. In the past several yeazs these types of
projects have been pedestrian bridges, such as the one across TH 169 or trail systems not
along roadway alignments.
If you have any questions ox would like me to attend a Parks and Recreation Commission
meeting to discuss these issues further, please call.
Sincerely,
~~~
Terry J. Mauxex, PE
City Engineer
5:\F.ngneer\2005 Letters\04 OG 04 Pedestrian Facilities Maera.doc
Apri16, 2005
Ms. Rhonda Lewis, PE
Assistant County Engineer
Sherburne County Public Works Department
425 Jackson Avenue
Elk River, Minnesota 55330
RE: PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH COUNTY ROAD PROJECTS
Deaz Ms. Lewis:
Bill Maextz, the City of Elk River Parks and Recreation Director, has just recently discussed
with me the Parks and Recreation Commission's desire to have pedestrian facilities
constructed in association with county road projects within the City of Elk River. The
Commission is specifically concerned about reviewing the possibility of including a detached
trail with the CSAH 1 project. The Pazks and Recreation Commission would also like to
install a turtle crossing with that project. I will be reviewing the pzeliminary plan set you sent
me with Bill Maertz and setting up a meeting ui the future to discuss specifics about this
project with you.
As the proposed County Road 33/77 project moves forwazd in the next yeas or two, we
would like to be involved early on in the process to look at detached pedestrian facilities and
the possibility of constructing a pedestrian tunnel for crossing these major roadways. When
appropriate please let me know and I can coordinate a meeting with you and your staff and
Bill Maertz and myself xegazding these projects.
In the future we would request that as projects are planned within the City of Elk Rives that
we are made awaze of these as eazly as possible in the planning stages so that we can likewise
plan and work with you and your staff to provide pedestrian facilities wherever possible.
Sincerely,
Terry J. Maurer, PE
City Engineer
cc: Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation Director
Phone: 763.635.1000
Fax: 763.635.1090
S:\Engineer\2005 Letters\04 OG OS Pedestrian Fadliues Lewis.doc
www.ci.ellc-dvermn.us
]3065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330