Highway 371 North Improvement Project

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Pequot Lakes - Hwy 371 North July 19, 2005 Page 7of12 The Committee has discussed other ways (tunnels,bridges, etc.) to safely allow pedestrians/school children to cross the highway. It is not believed that a single pedestrian crosswalk at the one traffic signal in town will neither effectively, safely, or best serve this purpose. A pedestrian bridge was not initially favored. There are visual issues with the bulk of the ramps, etc. that are needed for such a structure. Some kind of passage under the highway was discussed more than abridge over the highway. This passage could not just be a 10-foot wide by 10-foot tall box culvert tunnel. That would be too narrow and uninviting and would not be used. It would need to be a wider, taller connection space under the highway. This passage would not have to be symmetrical and have all facings of concrete. Varied widths and plantings could be used. Kiosks could use the space. Ramps on either side wouldn't have to be symmetrical or extend only east-west; they could turn to the north-south. While it was expected groundwater should not be a problem, the depth below the surface of such a structure and the resulting length of ramps to meet the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act will need to be considered. Another challenge will be to install such a connection during construction while keeping traffic flowing. During informal conversations, there has already been some feedback from residents on a passage under the highway and the possibility/probability that the ramps would not be straight through but would have to turn. The feeling was that if one couldn't see through the passage, there would be big concerns about safety and it would not get used. Overall, such connections between the east and west sides of the highway(whether under, across, or over)need to be located in the right spot and be part of a bigger picture approach that includes access around town, to and from the school, to and from businesses, etc. Cost-wise,while no final plan has been laid out,passages over or under the highway will most likely be at least in the six-figures ($100,000's)if not in the seven-figures ($million's). MnDOT is presently participating in an underpass project under a trunk highway in St. Michael which may be similar to what the City is looking for. The cost of this project is in the $300,000 range. The City would have to initiate searching for and obtaining a grant(most likely from the federal government) for any such connection(whether over or under). MnDOT`s policy is to then contribute up to half of the local share with a maximum contribution of 10%. JAI30PQLAK\025-MnDOT TH371 Improvements\Meetings\071905 Council Workshop update-memo.doc