Workshop Item: 2 - Robert Therres, Public Services Manager
Title
PROPOSED RECONSTRUCTION OF 125TH AVENUE FROM RADISSON ROAD THRU HARPERS STREET INTERSECTION
Background
At the March 7, 2013 Council Workshop, Council considered a potential Harpers Street improvement project at the intersection with 125th Avenue.
The discussion on the intersection of Harpers Street and 125th Avenue was timely with the newly proposed developments that are occurring within the Harpers Street Corridor. Currently the northern leg of Harpers Street has not been improved as the abutting properties have not yet developed and there is a need for additional right-of way. The intersection was also reviewed this spring for traffic numbers to see if warrants were met for a traffic signal.
On June 6, 2013, City Council initiated a project and ordered preparation of a Feasibility Report that would define the project scope, right of way acquisition, and intersection improvements including a possible traffic signal system and median on Harpers Street and 125th Avenue along with sidewalk and trail.
Staff recently met with Anoka County Highway Department to discuss the City's proposed 125th Avenue and Harpers Street intersection improvement project. During this meeting, the County shared their plans for an improvement project on 125th Avenue from Radisson Road to Harpers Street scheduled for construction in 2016. Discussions led to the possibility of the County moving their project forward to 2015 if the City could take the lead on preliminary engineering and surveying. Combining the City and County projects into one would lead to a more efficient and cost effective project if the Council is interested in pursuing a larger project scope for 2015 construction.
The larger project is estimated at $8-8.5 million. The initial cost of leading the design would be approximately $250,000 to $350,000 which would be reimbursed when the project is moved to the construction phase. The funding source for the preliminary design costs is proposed to use the city's internal State Aid Construction fund.
Recommendation
1. Council should discuss the timing of proposed improvements on 125th Avenue - City's proposed Harpers Street intersection project in 2015 verses ACHD's 125th Avenue project from Radisson Road thru Harpers Street in 2016.
2. Council should discuss entering into a Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka County to construct 125th Avenue from Radisson Road to east of Harpers Street in 2015 with the city taking the lead on preliminary engineering and surveying.