9.C.6. PRSR 10-11-2000 ,-(/ --'\
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Item #9.C.6.
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jlk River MEMORANDUM
TO: Park and Recreatio• Commission t.
FROM: Michele McPhers• •0'91 irector of Planning
DATE: October 5, 2000
SUBJECT: 101 Trail Update
The River City Snow Riders Snowmobile Club has submitted a letter to the
Mayor and City Council regarding the support of a snowmobile trail on the
expanded 101 Bridge (see attached letter). The City Engineer, Terry Maurer,
has drafted a letter regarding their request and MNDOT's response. We believe
that the MNDOT position is correct and that, while Main Street is a confusing
location, it may be more appropriate for snowmobilers to work within this
• intersection to find a trail along the river from downtown, as opposed to
attempting to cross a number of exit and on ramps when traveling across
Highway 101.
Ill
S:\PLANNING\MICHMC\PARKNREC\101 trail.doc
13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • TDD &Phone: (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425
• August 26,2000
City of Elk River
13065 Orono Parkway
PO Box 490
Elk River,MN 55330
Subject: Recreation lane on new 101 bridge.
To the Council members of the City of Elk River.
The River City Snow Riders are writing this letter to ask that a multi-use trail be added to the new 101
bridge. We are only asking a mere 15 feet of extra room. This will allow a safe environment for
snowmobilers,and other users to cross the Mississippi. The time is now to do:this. This will only make it
easier for,future developments as the area here continues to grow. There is funding out there to help pay
for the addition. Snowmobile clubs on both sides of the river, City Park and rec's,and countywide park
and rec departments can all apply for additional funding to help with this. The time is now. The current
snowmobile trail directs snowmobile traffic from Otsego right into downtown Elk River. The intersection
of Main Street and Hwy 169 gets real busy. This is not a fun spot for a snowmobiler or bicyclist to
manage. With the addition of a"recreation"lane,a safe means of-crossing the Mississippi would be
completed.
We would be more than happy to talk in more detail about this. Please contact us using the resources
listed below.
• Address: River City Snow Riders
PO Box 553
Elk River,MN 55330
Email: rivercitysnowriders ajuno.com
Tha
Greg S om
Trail coordinator
River City Snow Riders
•
• re;g47''--
•re - Howard R. Green Company
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
October 4, 2000
File: 810100J-0325
Ms. Michele McPherson
Director of Planning
City of Elk River
13065 Orono Parkway
P.O. Box 490
Elk River, MN 55330-0490
RE: NEW TH 101 BRIDGE
REQUEST FOR RECREATION LANE
Dear Ms. McPherson:
I have reviewed the letter dated August 26, 2000, from Mr. Greg Strommen, Trail
Coordinator for the River City Snow Riders. Mr. Strommen's letter requests that a
• recreational lane 15 feet in width be added to the design of the new TH 101 bridge
across the Mississippi River. As you are aware from attending the August 21, 2000,
Local Advisory Committee (LAC) meeting held at Otsego City Hall, this issue was
discussed in general terms by MnDOT staff and the consultant they have retained for the
predesign of the new bridge. The plan at this point in time is for a 10-foot wide shoulder
on the north side of the bridge and a 6-foot wide shoulder on the south side of the
bridge. The new bridge is intended to be approximately 52 feet wide versus the current
bridge, which is only 34 feet wide. The shoulder widths mentioned above would replace
current shoulders, which are barely 3 feet wide on both the north and south sides of the
existing bridge. The issue of pedestrian movements across the bridge, whether walking,
cycling, or snowmobiling, was also discussed at the committee meeting. MnDOT was
very clear in that they are not promoting any type of pedestrian movements across the
bridge. The reason for this is twofold. Primarily, they are concerned about the number
of conflicting movements with vehicles entering and exiting from the various highway
legs. Secondly, there are no pedestrian facilities available on either side of the bridge
for cyclists or walkers to use. Perhaps a snowmobiler could cross the bridge and
immediately use the highway ditch on either side.
I concur with MnDOT's logic and position on this issue. With no pedestrian facilities on
either side of the bridge, it would be very difficult to build a 15-foot wide recreational lane
to be used by snowmobilers in the winter and not have it used by walkers or cyclists in
the summer months. The City Administrator of Otsego seemed to also support this
position at the August 21, 2000, LAC meeting.
ID
C:\1326E ergy aark Dflvee:n tFPauIl,MN 551085 651 64414389 4fax 65164r4 94464 toll free 888/368-4389
••• Ms. Michele McPherson
October 4, 2000
Page Two
Please call if you have any questions regarding this issue or would like any additional
information.
Sincerely,
Howard R. Green Company
Terry J. aurer, P.E.
TJM:tw
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