4.4 EAW Attachment - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 51 In addition to the trail proposed as part of project development, the City of Elk River’s Trail Master Plan (dated March 19th, 2018) shows a proposed Mississippi River Trail within the western portion of the project area with several conceptual connections shown, one to the north near Yale Street NW, one from U.S. Highway 10, and another to the south (12). A proposed trail along U.S. Highway 10 is also shown. An existing trail is shown along Twin Lakes Road NW. b) Discuss the effect of traffic congestion on affected roads and describe any traffic improvements necessary. The analysis must discuss the project’s impact on the regional transportation system. If the peak hour traffic generated exceeds 250 vehicles or the total daily trips exceeds 2,500, a traffic impact study must be prepared as part of the EAW. Use the format and procedures described in the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Access Management Manual, Chapter 5 (available at: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/accessmanagement/resources.html) or a similar local guidance. Chapter 5 of the Oakwater Ridge Traffic Impact Study includes an operational analysis. Operating conditions are described in terms of driver delay represented as a Level of Service (LOS) grade with "A" representing the best conditions and "F" representing the worst. Per “Chapter 5 of MnDOT’s Access Management Manual, LOS “D” represents the threshold for acceptable overall intersection and individual mainline movement operating conditions during a peak hour with LOS “E/F” considered acceptable for minor side-street movements as long as queueing is accommodated” (Appendix N). Existing and 2038 No-Build Conditions Results of operational analyses for the existing conditions and 2038 No-Build conditions indicate both Highway 10/171st Ave NW signalized intersection and the Highway 10/165th Ave NW side-street stop control intersection operate over capacity and have long delays and congestion with LOS F for some movements. Additionally, a review of existing crash data indicates higher than average crash rates and safety issues at these intersections. The future Highway 10/Twin Lakes Parkway Interchange removes the at-grade Highway 10/171st Ave NW signal and mitigates the operational and safety concerns. If the interchange is not constructed the intersection would need additional capacity to improve operations with an added through lane in each direction on Highway 10 (for 6-lanes total), dual northbound left turn lanes and a dedicated westbound right turn lane on 171st Ave NW. For the Highway 10/165th Ave NW side-street stop- control intersection, monitoring is recommended as background traffic volumes grow and side- street delays increase. Alternate traffic control options such as restricted access or a J-Turn intersection should be considered for safety and mobility on the corridor if operations begin to degrade. 2038 Build Conditions For 2038 Build conditions, this study reviewed potential interim access control scenarios for the Highway 10/165th Ave NW intersection while considering traffic operations, safety and mobility on the Highway 10 corridor. It is noted that long term access to the site will be via the future Highway 10/Twin Lakes Parkway interchange with the removal of the Highway 10/165th Ave NW intersection. The following notes are the considered interim access options and recommendations: