03-28-2016 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 14, 2016 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 2 of 37 4. HENNEPIN COUNTY – BROWN ROAD/CSAH 146 BRIDGE – RESOLUTION NO. 6594 (continued) The bridge is considered structurally deficient according to MN/Dot standards and is not friendly to pedestrians or bicycle traffic given the lack of shoulders. With the bridge design approaching 100 years old, the current foundation is considered critical and needs to be monitored in flood situations. Ekla displayed some inspection photographs of the bridge. Ekla stated the pictures depict the structure showing some wear and tear. The bridge has had to be repaired periodically to maintain its current standards. Ekla stated Long Lake Creek fluctuates in height depending on storms. As a result, the elevation of the structure is key so it does not interfere with future flooding events. One of the key elements taken into consideration during the design phase of this project included minimizing impacts to the surrounding residences and wetlands. The new structure will be much wider in width to accommodate shoulders. The new bridge will have a concrete deck that sits on shallow concrete beams and will be longer by approximately 13 feet. Ekla stated this was done to simplify construction methods. In addition, the new bridge will be 43 feet wide and will be able to accommodate 12-foot lanes in each direction with 8-foot shoulders on both sides. The old metal railing will be replaced with a concrete crash barrier and an architectural railing on the top. Also included with this project will be approximately 500 feet of roadway work that will start at Fox Street and go approximately 500 feet south of the structure. Ekla indicated the diagram on the overhead shows the existing structure at the top view and what is being proposed for the bottom of the structure. At the present time Hennepin County is in the process of creating final plans, with the goal of having federal review take place in May. Being a 2016 capital project, Hennepin County anticipates bidding and letting the project this year but construction will not commence until 2017. Ekla noted they will only be requesting temporary right-of-way easements from two owners immediately adjacent to the structure. Communication efforts with these two property owners have already started. The project is expected to take up to approximately three months, with a full road closure being necessary for the project. The detour route will utilize County Road 84. Ekla stated included with the municipal consent being requested tonight will also be a parking ban within the reconstructed section of the roadway. Ekla stated their website contains additional information on the project. Council Member Levang asked if the shoulders will be bituminous or gravel. Ekla indicated they will be concrete on the structure and gravel approaching the structure. Ekla noted the structure is expected to last between 75 and 100 years. McMillan asked if there will still be guardrails around the approach to the bridge.