4.4. SR 03-15-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. Environmental Impacts The qualitative environmental and socioeconomic impacts of this alternative are described by corridor segment. In urban areas, expansion would have to occur on existing right-of- way because of physical constraints that include existing and future development, close proximity to the rivers, wetlands and recreational areas, and the BNSF railroad. However, in rural areas, much of the roadway is bordered by agricultural land that could be used for expansion of travel lanes. In summary, depending on the location of the roadway improvement the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of this option were significantly adverse but do not necessarily preclude its feasibility. Cost Construction cost was estimated at $2 million per lane mile for a new four-lane divided roadway. Right-of-way costs, depending on the location of the roadway improvement, would have adverse effects on the feasibility of this alternative. Therefore, depending on the location, this option may be considered infeasible. 4.6 CONSTRUCTION OF INTERCHANGES AT KEY LOCATIONS Safety and Mobility Benefits '. An interchange is a form of access control. A facility with such access control provides a higher level of safety and mobility than one without (Figure VI-2). Environmental Impacts The construction of an interchange requires a significant amount of right-of-way. In many of the potential interchange locations identified, significant physical constraints exist such as wetlands, rivers, railroad and development. Depending on the location of the interchange, the construction would have have highly adverse impacts on the natural environment and would disrupt and/or displace businesses and neighborhoods along the corridor. Therefore, depending on the location, this alternative could have adverse impacts on the environment. Cost Depending on the location of the improvement, the large amount of right-of-way required by this option entails right-of-way costs that are equally significant. Cost of interchange construction is estimated at $5 million each including bridge, ramps and roadways. . At this screening level, it should be noted that of the potential interchange locations identified (except in St. Cloud), CSAH 11 in Becker Township has relatively the lowest right-of-way cost requirements. The area is currently zoned agricultural (no wetlands, Northstar Corridor Major Investment Study Conceptual Definition of Alternatives February 1999 VI-7