26
Harrison Community Center November 21, 2016
Harrison Community Center
November 21, 2016
Survey
Wetland Delineation
Utility mapping
Regulated Waste study
Noise Measurements
Traffic Counts
Conceptual Layouts
New FASTLANE grant annoucment
Announced October 30
Applications due on December 15
Team working on new application
Gathering data from Leadership team for new application.
“Right-sizing” the project
Anticipate awards in January
Construction would need to start in 2019.
Limited to 40% of the project cost.
Last application comments◦ “Recommended” by Technical panel
◦ Benefit/Cost ratio not high enough
◦ Shown ability to deliver project
◦ Showed multi-modal aspects
Duluth/Superior is a “rural” area◦ A minimum of 25% of funds to rural projects
◦ Few rural projects over $100 million
Performance based design
Maximize benefits
Replace restricted bridges
Freight movement
Develop standard geometrics◦ No left exits/weaves
◦ No blind merges
◦ Direct connections for I-35, Hwy 53 and I-535
Minimize impacts to traffic and neighborhood
Improve Miller Creek and storm water management
“Kentucky Derby” (Mesaba merge)
Connect Railroad St. to I-35 to Garfield Ave and Superior Street
Enhance pedestrian/bike connectivity
Daylight Miller Creek
Blind Merges
Signal – NO!
OSOW Freight to I-35
Another access to RR street/Garfield Avenue/Bayfront/DECC
Parallel route for I-35 during mainline construction.
Bike/Ped access to the waterfront
27th Avenue West bridge needs to be redecked.
Eliminates the “Kentucky Derby”
Alleviates congestion
Replaces two load restricted bridges.
Allows access from the port to I-35 for freight.
Highest traffic volumes
Eliminates the low level bridges from Garfield to Miller Creek
Allows for improved profile of I-35
Opens up options for Miller and Coffee Creeks
Lower waterline to remove “hump”
Provides an easier access for OSOW loads going north and west
Required if the project receives federal funding
Appropriate level being determined based on proposed improvements
Reviewed by MnDOT and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
An environmental document includes:
◦ Project description
◦ Purpose and need for project
◦ Description of alternatives development and
selection process
◦ Impacts analysis
◦ Mitigation measures (as needed)
Impact categories:◦ Water resources
◦ Traffic
◦ Utilities
◦ Noise
◦ Contamination
◦ Protected species
◦ Cultural resourcesMiller Creek within Lincoln Park, ca. 1900
Photo by L. Perry Gallagher, Sr.; Image: University of Minnesota Duluth Kathryn A. Martin Library Archives and Special Collections
Impact categories (cont.):◦ Farmlands
◦ Visual
◦ Vegetation
◦ Floodplains
◦ Coastal zone
◦ Land use
◦ Air quality
◦ Bikeways and pedestrians
◦ Environmental Justice
Facilitate active and collaborative participation by stakeholders and local units of government.
Create opportunities for the public to provide informed comments.
Select a recommended alternative based on technical analysis and public input.
Local/regional governments Regulatory agencies Stakeholders◦ Area residents◦ Lincoln Park and Port businesses◦ Duluth Chamber of Commerce◦ Duluth Seaway Port Authority◦ Community organizations (Ecolibrium 3)◦ Elected officials◦ Regional and statewide commissions◦ Private and public utilities◦ Traveling public ◦ Railroads
Technique • Purpose
Small Group Meetings • Collect feedback on design alternatives and other elements of the project
• Hear concerns and answer questions about specific project elements
Community Events • Provide information and collect public feedback on design alternatives
Techniques Purpose
Public Open Houses
Notice to include:• Flyering of nearby residences and
community facilities• General media notices
• Introduce the recommended design to be evaluated in the environmental document
• Solicit comments before the decision is made
Project Website Updates • Project information/ updates/graphics
• Notice of upcoming meetings• Contact information
Phone Number/Email • Collect and answer questions and log issues
Social Media(general MnDOT accounts)
• Provide project information and updates
Environmental Documentation
Recommended Alternative
Purpose & Need
Small Group Meetings and Events
Open House
Final Design/Construction
TBDEngineering
Environmental
Public Involvement
2016 2017
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May JunDates
Alternatives Development
Web and Social Media Updates
Open House
http://www.dot.state.mn.us/d1/projects/twin-ports-interchange/index.html
Next update: January TBD
Roberta Dwyer, PE, PTOE725-2781
