2024-12-10 Resolution 12274RESOLUTION NO. 12274
REQUESTING A VARIANCE FROM STANDARD FOR STATE AID OPERATION FOR
PROJECT NO. SAP 157-113-008
WHEREAS, the City of Richfield is preparing plans for a Safe Routes to School
infrastructure project for MSAS 113 (E 70th Street) from Elliot Avenue to 12th Avenue; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Rules for State Aid operation 8820.9941 requires that 11 foot
travel lanes be used for vehicle lanes, but that 10 foot travel lanes may be considered where
truck and bus volumes are relatively low, rights-of-way are constrained, and design speeds
are 35 mph or less; and
WHEREAS, the reasons for this variance request are:
This variance is being requested due to the project’s nature as a Safe Routes to
School project. The goals of the project are to increase crossing safety and
comfort, reduce crossing distance, and reduce traffic speed, while providing
comfortable and safe spaces for pedestrians and bicyclists to access the school.
Reducing lane width to 10’, in concert with bumpouts, accessible curb ramps,
crosswalk markings, and improved signage all combine to create shorter, higher
visibility crossings for elementary school students and neighbors.
The design for this project has been developed over the past four years using
Richfield’s Public Engagement Policy, which aims to identify context -sensitive
solutions to local transportation issues using multiple phases of public
engagement. The project design is in accordance with Richfield’s Complete
Streets Policy and incorporates community feedback to improve the safety and
comfort for the children in the area, specifically those accessing the Richfield
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) School and the Richfield
Dual Language School campus. Richfield’s guiding documents—including the
Climate Action Plan, Active Transportation Action Plan, and Guiding Principles for
Transportation Projects—support this context-sensitive design approach and the
city’s Complete Streets Policy incorporates principles found in MnDOT’s
Complete Streets Handbook and the 2024 Minnesota Statute for Complete Street
Design (Minnesota Statutes §174.75);
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Richfield City Council does hereby
request a variance from Minnesota Department of Transportation State Aid Operations
Rules Chapter 8820.9941 (Minimum Design Standards: On-Road Bicycle Facility For Urban;
New or Reconstruction Projects) to allow 10 foot vehicle lanes in lieu of 11 foot vehicle lanes;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Richfield hereby indemnifies, saves
and hold harmless the State of Minnesota and its agents and employees of and from claims,
demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of the granting of this variance from the
minimum standards in accordance with Minnesota Rules 8820.9941 and further agrees to
defend at their sole cost and expense any action or proceeding commenced for the purpose
of asserting any claim arising as a result of the granting this variance.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota this 10th day of
December, 2024.
Mary B. Supple, Mayor
ATTEST:
Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk