06.02 - Memo to Crow Wing Cty Highway - CSAH 11

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• Driving lanes: The driving lanes on CSAH 11 should be relatively narrow so that traffic will move slowly through the corridor. The driving lanes should be a uniform width throughout the entire length of the street, as its function does not change. • Paved Multi-use Trails: The City is favor of constructing a paved snowmobile/bicycle trail along the north side of CSAH 11. Ideally the trail would serve as an east/west connection between Breezy Point and Pequot Lakes. Once the trail meets Bergquist Drive from the east, it would likely be routed north of City Hall so it would not impact traffic on CSAH 11 west of Bergquist Drive. The City will explore the feasibility of the trail with the local snowmobile clubs. • Sidewalks: Pedestrian mobility in this corridor, especially near the downtown area, is critical. The City is in favor of wide sidewalks along both sides of CSAH 11. The sidewalks should be constructed adjacent to the developed property along CSAH 11 (to City Hall on the north side and up to Gravdahl Drive on the south side). The corridor should be designed so that they may be extended as development intensifies east of the currently developed properties. • Stamped Asphalt Crosswalks: One policy in the Transportation section of the Pequot Lakes Comprehensive Plan states that the City should, "Ensure that local roads and streets enhance the public realm." It also states that, "Streets need to be designed so that they add value to adjacent properties and induce higher levels of private-sector development throughout the City's traditional neighborhoods." The City is in favor of using stamped asphalt pedestrian crosswalks instead of basic striping. The stamped asphalt will enhance the public realm and contribute to the overall "feel" the City is trying to achieve in the area. • Utility Lines: Many of the utility lines throughout the CSAH 11 corridor are currently above ground. Even though these lines are vital to the property owners along the street, they are not aesthetically pleasing. The reconstruction of CSAH 11 creates an excellent opportunity to bury these lines • Pedestrian Scaled Lighting: Much of the existing lighting throughout the City is scaled for automobiles. It is tall and not aesthetically pleasing. The City is in favor of installing decorative lighting that is scaled for pedestrians in the CSAH 11 corridor, specifically in the developed areas of the street. • Parking: The City is in favor of retaining parallel parking on both sides of CSAH 11. The parked cars create a"wall of separation" between pedestrians on the sidewalk and the cars moving on the roadway. This parking is especially important near the existing businesses adjacent to CSAH 11. Parallel parking should be available on both sides of the street from existing Highway 371 to Bergquist Drive.