04-22-1996 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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VI. DESCRIPTION OF TH 12 THREE-COMPONENT PROPOSAL The three-component TSM proposal involves a combination of improvements to existing roadways as a substitute to relocating or significantly upgrading the existing TH 12 conidor. The alternative addresses the portion of the corridor study from approximately CR 6 in western Orono to 1-494 in Wayzata/Plymouth. Specific roadways included in the alternative are; • Tnjnk Highway 12 • County Road 6 • Watertown Road The scope of the proposal Is to study the effects of upgrading TH 12. CR 6 and Watertown Road to operate as a coordinated roadway system. For the three-component TSM proposal to operate efficiently, the proposal must be considered together as a complete package. Trunk Highway 12 • TH 12 would remain on its current right-of-way through Long Lake and Orono. as well as remaining the principal route for both regional vehicle and truck traffic TH 12 would continue to provide one through lane in each direction, with separate turning lanes at primary intersections through downtown Long Lake. Minor system enhancements at local intersections, including elimination of some residential or commercial access, would be studied. County Road 6 • CR 6 is located approximately a mile north of and parallel to TH 12. It is a two- lane rural roadway from its intersection with TH 12 on the west to TH 101. Between TH 101 and I- 494 it has recently been upgraded to a 5-lane urban section No expansion of mainline capacity is proposed. Minor intersection improvements between Femdale Road and TH 12 would be studied. The intersection of CR 6 and TH 12 in west Orono would be reconstructed, but remain as an ag grade intersection. Similar to Mn/DOTs previous TSM proposal, a new access ramp between Ferndale Road and TH 12 would be studied to facilitate access to CR 6 Watertown Road - Watertown Road is currently an east/'west local access road located south of TH 12 in Long Lake and Orono. Eastern access to TH 12 from Watertown Road is hindered by a sub-standard railway underpass and intersection layout. West of its intersection with TH 12. Watertown Road winds through a residential area of Long Lake for approximately one mile before intersecting Willow Road West of the intersection, Watertown Road is a two-lane rural roadway providing access to adjacent farming properties in Orono and Long Lake. Under this TSM proposal, Watertown Road would be reconstructed on existing alignment to provide a two-lane local access roadway from CR 6 to Glendale Drive. Roadway shoulders would be provided throughout its length, and turning lanes where required. Minor alignment and roadway elevation changes would be incorporated to provide for adequate sight distances. From Glendale Drive to Orono Orchard Road. Watertown Road would be relocated on new alignment along the Long Lake/Orono border for approximately 1.1 miles East of Orono Orchard Road Watertown Road would connect to TH 12 as a two-lane roadway on new alignment similar to the Mn/DOT TSM proposal. The roadway would proceed east along the railroad tracks for approximately 1.2 miles, tunneling under both the rail line and the Luce Line Trail. The alignment would connect to TH 12 by ramps utilizing a westbound badge and an eastbound access lane (Figure 3). The western terminus of upgraded Watertown Road is proposed at its intersection with CR 6. which is scheduled for possible surface improvements in the near future to the City of Watertown. A western connection between Watertown Road and TH 12 would initially be accomplished using the existing roadways. If future growth required a connection to TH 12. upgrades to the existing roadway system or new alignment options would be investigated at that time. PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF w:\longlake\report.doc