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along U.S. Highway 12. Construction crews may use portions of the road shoulder <br /> while poles are installed and conductors are strung.131 <br /> 136. The project will cross the U.S. Highway 12 at least once. In both routes <br /> evaluated, the current crossing would be used. If the Baker Park Reserve Route <br /> Alternative were selected, the route would also cross the highway proceeding north <br /> from the substation to the Baker Park Reserve and parallel U.S. Highway 12.'32 <br /> 137. If the project is located along the Baker Park Reserve Route Alternative, Xcel <br /> Energy's preference is to locate transmission structures approximately 10 feet north <br /> of MnDOT right-of-way, minimizing intrusion to the Baker Park Reserve. <br /> However, compliance with Orono's shoreland overlay zoning would require a <br /> setback of 30 feet from road rights of way, increasing intrusion into the Baker Park <br /> Reserve.'33 <br /> 138. Any crossing of U.S. Highway 12 would require approval from MnDOT. Poles <br /> would need to be placed outside the MnDOT clear zone for any road crossings or <br /> portions paralleling U.S. Highway 12. Xcel Energy would work with MnDOT to <br /> ensure that transmission structures are outside of MnDOT's clear zone and that all <br /> safety requirements are met.134 <br /> 139. Signage during construction activities can help to minimize traffic disruption. <br /> Guard structures, such as temporary wood poles with a cross arm or line trucks with <br /> booms, can be used to protect traffic lanes. HVTL Permits require permittees to <br /> cooperate with county and city road authorities to develop appropriate signage and <br /> traffic management during construction 135 <br /> 140. The nearest airport is Maple Airport, a private airport located approximately three <br /> miles west of the project. It is not anticipated that the project would impact air <br /> traffic.136 <br /> 141. The BNSF Railroad parallels the south side of U.S. Highway 12 through the <br /> project area. The project would cross the BNSF railroad at least once, at the current <br /> crossing of Transmission Line 0831. If the Baker Park Reserve Alternative were <br /> selected, the route would also cross the railroad proceeding north from the <br /> substation to the Baker Park Reserve. The Baker Park Reserve Route Alternative <br /> would not parallel BNSF right-of-way.137 <br /> 13' Ex. 12 at p.40(EA) <br /> 132 Ibid. <br /> 133 Ibid. <br /> 134 Ibid.at p.41 <br /> 135 Ibid. <br /> 136 Ibid. <br /> 137 Ibid. at p.40 <br /> 27 <br />