6.5. SR 07-18-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Key Item #3: pedestrian crossing at the Coon Rapids station: Current plans have the access over the tracks. There would be an elevator to take riders up and over to a center of the platform for loading onto the commuter rail system. This is a single family housing neighborhood and the tower would need to be approximately 40 feet in height to allow for freight trains, structure, etc.. Staff and consultants looked at possibly putting in a tunnel configuration instead. All options will be explored. Initially, it is thought that a tunnel would not be the preferred method because of cost, construction issues (a bridge would need to be built), and a high water table that would require dewatering. Staff and consultants are also looking at possibly relocating the site of the tower to a portion of the site that would provide the least offensive views to the neighborhood. Staff will be meeting with city representatives, councilmember and NCDA members to discuss the two alternatives. , Key Item #4: access and site plan at the Fridley station: Mr. Stevens noted that as staff looked at the preliminary engineering document, they noted that the Fridley station is in the middle of a five track system just out of Northtown. There are some concerns about handicap parking and length of distance for handicapped individuals to reach the platform. Staff are proposing to move the platform location more northerly and have access in the center of the platform with a tunnel which will have stairs and an elevator. Mr. Stevens noted that changing the platform design would give more visibility for security issues and development of a TOO that would allow parking closer to handicap spots which will allow better access to the platform. Staff are setting up additional meetings to explore TOO ideas and platform design. Key Item #5: operator maintenance input: Mr. Stevens noted the Project has received good input from the Hiawatha operations center. This item could come off the key items list. Key Item #6: control system: Staff are working with Metro Transit to decide whether to use a fiber optic control system versus a radio control system. Additional meetings are planned with Mn/DOT and Metro Transit to get additional technical input. Key Item #7: BNSF coordination: Ms. Richardson noted that BNSF is at the table and is providing necessary input. It is critical to our design is that BNSF is on board and can provide input on all pieces of the design and the Project progresses. Key Item #8: City of Minneapolis Intermodal Station Location. Mr. Stevens noted that staff are anticipating that the site could possibly be developed as a ball park and they are working with the Twins organization, the City of Minneapolis and others to plan. The station could have a long term impact on all systems coming in and out of that station. Staff will be meeting with Hennepin County within the next two weeks to get their input. Mr. Stevens noted that the Intermodal Station and the ADA regulations are two of the most difficult issues being faced at this time. Key Item #9: commuter rail rolling stock: Mr. Stevens noted that the design team and consultants have developed a preliminary engineering evaluation report which looks at rolling stock. The 2001 preliminary engineering document looked at using the push pull locomotive. Staff did evaluate the diesel units which could be married with train cars and their capacity is similar to push pull locomotives. Staff then met with manufacturers and others and discussed a number of key issues regarding push pull versus DMU options. Based on the discussions, staff ruled out pursuing the use of DMUs for the 4