4.4. SR 03-15-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. I. SUMMARY This report describes the alternatives considered and the evaluation process used to screen them for the Northstar Corridor Major Investment Study (MIS). This includes descriptions of the following tasks: . Definition of the universe of transit technology options . Preliminary screening of the transit technology options . Definition of the universe of highway options . Development of the nine multi-modal transportation strategies . Initial screening of the modal elements · Multi-modal transportation strategies to be carried forward into Phase IT of the MIS . The transportation solutions and recommendations developed during this first phase of the MIS process were evaluated using a screening methodology as shown in Figure 1-1. The two steps in the screening process applied increasingly detailed and more comprehensive measures of effectiveness to a decreasing number of multi-modal transportation strategies. In Phase IT of the MIS, which is due to start in early 1999, additional screening will be completed of the multi-modal transportation strategies carried forward. The initial screening resulted in a refinement of the most optimal solutions with respect to study area needs and community priorities into multi-modal transportation investment strategies. The purpose of the evaluation process is to differentiate among possible solutions rather than to serve as a comprehensive assessment of the impacts associated with the individual alternative elements and multi-modal strategies. Four study goals were established based on adopted long range transportation plans, federal major investment planning criteria, public workshops, and agency coordination. The following goals were adopted by the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA). · Improve mobility and safety within the corridor. · Minimize adverse environmental impacts and foster environmental effects. · Encourage transportation-supportive land use development patterns. · Provide a cost-effective and efficient transportation system. A universe of transit and roadway options was evaluated as to how well each element met these goals. The transportation investment corridor that was identified for consideration by the NCDA is the 70-mile Trunk Highway (TH) 10/47 Corridor from downtown Minneapolis to the St. Cloud area. The corridor was identified based on the results of a number of long-range transportation plans and other studies completed by the Twin Cities Metropolitan Council (Metro Council) and the Saint Cloud Area Planning Organization (APO). The Northstar Corridor study area is shown in Figure 1-2. . Northstar Corridor Major Investment Study Conceptual Definition of Alternatives February 1999 1-1