PUBLIC HEARING - Jean M. Keely, City Engineer
Title
PUBLIC HEARING FOR MUNICIPAL CONSENT FOR I35W MNPASS PROJECT
Background
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) is preparing construction plans for addition of a MNPASS lane in each direction of I35W from Roseville to Blaine. This project requires municipal consent of the final layout from each City on the project corridor because the project increases highway traffic capacity by adding the MNPASS lanes along with several auxiliary lanes that will allow the freeway to move more traffic. Municipal consent of MNDOT projects is described in MN Statutes 161.162 through 161.167. Each City has to approve or disapprove the final layout by resolution within 90 days of their public hearing. If a City does not take action within 90 days, the layout is deemed approved per MN Statute 161.164.
The project will include all new concrete pavement from Hwy 36 in Roseville to 0.1 mile north of Sunset Avenue (CR 53) in Lino Lakes. MNDOT is also analyzing the need and locations for building noise walls along the interstate within the project limits. The project is not yet fully funded and does not have a definitive construction start date. The anticipated schedule is a project letting in August of 2018, major construction starting in 2019 and ending in 2023. During the project, the freeway will be reduced to four lanes during the construction months, but will reopen to six lanes during each winter.
At this time, the City does not have any cost participation in this project or new maintenance responsibilities.
MNDOT will have a project representative at the Public Hearing to provide additional background on the project and answer questions.
Recommendation
By motion, approve the Resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Transportation has prepared a final layout for State Project 6284-172 on I35W North, from Hwy 36 in Roseville to 0.1 miles north of Sunset Avenue (CR53) in Lino Lakes, for increasing highway traffic capacity by adding a MNPASS lane in each direction along with adding several auxiliary lanes that will allow the freeway to move more traffic; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) seeks the City of Blaine’s approval of municipal consent thereof, as described in Minnesota Statute 161.162 through 161.167; and
WHEREAS, the final layout is on file in the Metro District office of MNDOT in Roseville Minnesota, being marked as Layout No. 1A, S.P. 6284-172; and
WHEREAS, the required public hearing notice was published on the 10th day of June, 2016 and the public hearing was held on the 14th day of July, 2016, at which time all persons desiring to be heard were given an opportunity to be heard.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Blaine that said final layout for the improvement of I35W North within the corporate limits of the City of Blaine is hereby approved.