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k <br />A Resolution Calling For the Commissioner of Transportation <br />to Address the Traffic Problems Caused <br />by the Restrictions Placed on the Use of the 1-394 HOV Lane <br />by Single Passenger Vehicles During Off-Peak Hours, and by Reverse Commuters <br />WHEREAS, the 1394 HOV Lane has, since its inception, been open to single passenger <br />vehicles during non-peak hours, and for reverse commuting; and <br />WHEREAS, when the HOV Lane was restructured as a toll lane, the lane was closed to <br />single passenger vehicles during off-peak hours and for reverse commuting, unless a toll is paid; <br />and <br />WHEREAS, this change is resulting in traffic delays in off-peak hours, and for reverse <br />commuters, due to only two of the three lanes on 1394 being available without the payment of a <br />toll; and <br />WHEREAS, providing the same access to single passenger vehicles as prior to t*' ^ <br />restructuring would not negatively impact the primary purpose and functioning of the t e; <br />and <br />WHEREAS, there was a lack of communication with the City of Orono and other cities <br />west of 1-494 regarding the restrictions related to single passenger vehicles during off-peak <br />times, and related to reverse commuters; and <br />WHEREAS, through its experience working through the Highway 12 Bypass project, the <br />City has found that on-going communication with Mn/DOT has been the key to anticipating and <br />resolving problems; and <br />WHEREAS, through recent discussions with Mn/DOT staff, we understand that <br />Mn/DOT would prefer the existing toll lane restrictions remain in place while Mn/DOT <br />completes a number of engineering adjustments to address the bottleneck areas. <br />NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orono City Council does hereby <br />strongly urge the Commissioner of Transportation to expeditiously address the traffic problems <br />that have resulted from the restrictions placed on the use of the HOV Lane by single passenger <br />vehicles during off-peak hours, and by reverse commuters; and does also request the <br />Commissioner of Transportation provide a response regarding the plans related to addressing the <br />HOV Lane bottlenecks, and regarding on-going communication with all affected cities. <br />Page 1 of 2 <br />L r rifliii 'll