4-14-Work Session Item AGENDA SECTION:Work Session Items
AGENDA ITEM #1.
WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT NO.
WORK SESSION
4/14/2021
REPORT PREPARED BY: Scott Kulzer, Administrative Aide/Analyst
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR REVIEW: Kristin Asher, Public Works Director
OTHER DEPARTMENT REVIEW:
CITY MANAGER REVIEW: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager
4/8/2021
REVIEWERS:
Department Reviewer Action Date
Engineering Powers, Joe Approved 4/8/2021 - 12:07 PM
Engineering Kulzer, Scott Approved 4/8/2021 - 12:23 PM
Public Works Override, PW Approved 4/8/2021 - 12:25 PM
City Manager Wynn, Kelly Approved 4/8/2021 - 12:28 PM
City Manager Rodriguez, Katie Approved 4/8/2021 - 1:09 PM
Deputy City Clerk Wynn, Kelly Approved 4/8/2021 - 2:25 PM
ITEM FOR WORK SESSION:
Concurrently with the Transportation Commission, briefly review the approved I-494: Airport to Highway 169 Vision and public engagement
activities related to the identified “Project 1” elements. The purpose of this work session is to obtain guidance from the City Council on
elements related to the future Portland Avenue interchange design and subsequent impacts to Portland Avenue and the surrounding
properties. This discussion will guide staff input to the MnDOT 494 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) who are currently working towards
an approved preliminary layout for Project 1.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
I494 Vision Background
In early 2020 MnDOT created a Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) to provide the approvals related to the three study areas for the I-494 Vision. Mayor
Regan Gonzalez and Councilmember Trautmann are voting members of the PAC.
The PAC approved the I-494 Vision Implementation Plan in early 2021, which establishes a sequence of projects that will achieve the corridor vision. The
MnDOT project team is nearing official approval of the elements and layout of Project 1, but certain decisions critical to the project remain. Following
feedback received during public engagement "listening sessions" held virtually on April 1, 6, & 7, project partners are looking to hear directly from the
Richfield City Council and Transportation Commission on the design options under consideration for the Portland Avenue interchange and adjacent area.
Portland Avenue Interchange
Although originally identified as a Tight Diamond Interchange as part of the Vision, impacts to the 77th and Portland intersection have triggered
additional discussion at the TAC regarding the specific interchange type. Project partners, including Bloomington, Hennepin County, and
MnDOT, have narrowed the options to two interchange types:
Tight Diamond Interchange (TDI)
Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI)
Both interchange types would functionally serve as solutions for the Portland Avenue interchange, however, they have different outcomes as they relate
to private property impacts in the area and non-motorized traffic that will frequent the area.
At the work session, project partners will detail the merits and deficiencies of each interchange type as it relates to the motorized and non-motorized
experience. Staff will also detail the likely property impacts of each design and the anticipated pedestrian experience.
DIRECTION NEEDED:
Provide direction on the Portland Avenue interchange type and how to approach the subsequent property impacts related to the access
reconfiguration.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
A.HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The I-494 Vision concept (from the Minnesota River to I-394) developed in the early 1990's included expanded capacity on the I-494 mainline,
reconfiguration of the interchanges and development of a supporting parallel local roadway network along 77th Street in Richfield (including the
future 77th St. Underpass) and American Boulevard in Bloomington. This vision led to construction of the improvements you see along the present
day I-494 from Highway 100 to I-394 and the improvements made to 77th Street & the Penn and Lyndale Avenue interchanges.
Two separate studies were undertaken in 2009 and 2014 by MnDOT staff and stakeholders that studied the I-494 & I-35W interchange. The
outcome identified an interchange type that allowed for phasing of the reconstruction as well as reduced costs and impacts from the original vision
developed in the early 1990's.
In conjunction with potential Corridors of Commerce funding, MnDOT began a process to update the I-494 Vision. The new process identified 3
study areas which include I-494 capacity improvements, access changes and the I-494 & I-35W interchange.
B.POLICIES (resolutions, ordinances, regulations, statutes, etc):
The I494 Vision and Project 1 elements being discussed are consistent with the Richfield Comprehensive Plan dating back to the early 1990's.
C.CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES:
In order to keep the project on schedule, the I-494 Technical Advisory Committee will need to finalize the preliminary design for Project 1 by
mid-May 2021.
D.FINANCIAL IMPACT:
MnDOT has a construction cost-share policy that applies to any funded project identified for construction.
The City's actual cost-share for the I-494 Vision would be established as any portion of the vision is funded for construction.
At that time, a detail design (including final right-of-way impacts) and Richfield's municipal consent are part of the project approval and
permitting processes.
E.LEGAL CONSIDERATION:
None pertaining to the discussion items for this work session.
ALTERNATIVE(S):
None
PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING:
Public Works Director Kristin Asher, City Engineer Joe Powers, Administrative Aide/Analyst Scott Kulzer, MnDOT I494 Project Manager Andrew
Lutaya, MnDOT I494 Project Engineer Amber Blanchard