April 6, 1995 Steering Committee Minutes

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Steering Committee Minutes April 6, 1996 Page 5 Terry Maurer responded to questions at this time, with the following comments: -The east/west corridor is being proposed because of inevitable growth, not only in Elk River, but the entire east/west corridor from the metro area to St. Cloud. He explained that Highway 169 through Elk River from 10 currently has approximately 25,000 cars a day traveling on it, and Mn/DOT projects that when 101 opens up, 15 to 20 years from now that will rise to 55,000-60,000 cars per day. The proposed roadway is estimated to have between 10,000-15,000 cars on it. He compared this to current traffic counts on School Street between Highways 169 and 10 which fluctuate between 10,000 - 15,000. He stated that if this amount of traffic could be provided an alternate route, it would reduce the impact on the downtown area. Terry added that the traffic overall will continue to increase because of growth, but that the proposed roadway would provide relief. -Terry explained the External -Internal concept used in traffic counting. The study projects 11, 700 cars traveling the segment between Highway 169, Proctor and County Road 1. 3,100 of them are External -External, 5,700 are External -Internal (trips beginning in the City and leaving, or, coming from somewhere else into Elk River), 2,900 are Internal -Internal (originate in the City to travel to another point in the City). Chair Minton then estimated that approximately 70-75% of the traffic trips would be people moving around in the City and those coming into it or leaving it, and not just passing through it. -Terry stated he would recommend that the City buy right of way for a major corridor, with a minimum of 80 feet and a maximum of 100 feet. This would allow room for a detached pathway for non -motorized traffic movement, and also to relocate power poles. -Terry explained that the charge he was given by the Council was to develop a comprehensive transportation plan which lays out a system that considers the motoring public, whether or not they live in Elk River, pay taxes or buy gas here, but the fact that they drive in Elk River. He stated the system will be coordinated with Mn/DOT and Sherburne County. He explained that Mn/DOT may determine a need to add a third lane to Highway 169 through the heart of the City, possibly from Highway 101 to 193rd. -Terry explained that the reason the proposed roadway was not a straight route was due to the extensive amount of wetlands in Elk River and also, the gun club property, Woodland Trails and the golf course considerations. -Terry explained that they have been working with Mn/DOT and the Corps of Engineers, and have determined that it would be more likely to locate a bridge over the river at Zebulon, rather than Waco. A 1,300 foot bridge would be necessary at Waco, due to the amount of floodplain area and would likely be to cost prohibitive to construct. He noted that the river bank is higher at Zebulon with less floodplain to cross, thereby lowering the costs of construction. -Terry stated that the traffic study was done in March of 1993 and did not take into account a reduction in traffic with the possible relocation of the senior high school.