Loading...
5 Approve TH 7 CITY OF CHANHASSEN o City Center Dril1e, PO Box 147 ])(/}zhassen, lvfimzesota55317 Phone 612.937.1900 Genmtl Fax 612.937.5739 'ngineering Fax 612.937.9152 'Ib/it Stlfe~)' h1.'\ 612.934.2524 '\'cb lI'lI'lI'.ci.chllzhwm.lllil./IS 5 MEMORANDUM TO: Don Ashworth, City Manager Anita L. Benson, Project Engine~r ~ Charles Folch, Director of Public Works operations(}r- March 12, 1998 FROM: DATE: SUBJ: Approve Trunk Highway 7 Year 2000 Safety Improvements Including Access Closures/MnDOT - File No. PW-067D-1 The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has a proposed safety improvement project scheduled in the year 2000 for Trunk Highway 7 between Trunk Highway 41 in Chanhassen west to St. Bonifacius. The primary scope of this improvement project includes shoulder paving, turn lane construction at major intersections, and closure of some local street access points. Within the City of Chanhassen corporate limits, MnDOT originally proposed to close local street access at Leslee Curve, Fir Tree Avenue, Cypress Drive and Washta Bay Road. The access at Oriole Avenue was proposed to be restricted to a right-in/right-out only. Upon receipt of resident input at the January 26, 1998 City Council meeting, MnDOT has revised their original proposal. The revised proposal is as follows: 1. Minnewashta Manor Neil!hborhood Existing local street access points to Trunk Highway 7 are Oriole A venue, Sandpiper Trail, and Washta Bay Road. Proposed local street access points to Trunk Highway 7 for the entire Minnewashta Manor neighborhood are Washta Bay Road and Sandpiper Trail remaining open, and Oriole A venue being restricted to a right-in/right-out access. 1998 City Improvements: The access at Washta Bay Road intersection will be left open to traffic conditioned upon the City of Chanhassen Public Works Department, in conjunction with the 1998 Trail Project; making improvements to the access point grade and closing North Manor Road to vehicular traffic at the west end at the intersection with Washta Bay Road. Don Ashworth March 12, 1998 Page 2 1998 MnDOT Improvements: Install green street name signage at Oriole A venue, Sandpiper Trail and Washta Bay Road along Trunk Highway? 2000 MnDOT improvements: The access at Oriole Avenue will be restricted to a right-in/right-out only access. The left turn lane to Sandpiper Trail will be increased from the existing 250 feet with 100 feet of taper to 400 feet plus 100 feet of taper. The access point at Sandpiper Trail will be reconstructed to provide an exclusive lane for the westbound left turn movement onto Trunk Highway 7. 2. Minnewashta Heil!hts Neil!hborhood Existing local street access points to Trunk Highway 7 are Arbor Lane, Cypress Drive, Dogwood A venue, Fir Tree A venue and Greenbriar A venue. Proposed local street access points to Trunk Highway 7 for the entire Minnewashta Heights neighborhood are Arbor Lane, Dogwood Avenue and Greenbriar A venue. 1998 City Improvements: Close Fir Tree Avenue and Cypress Drive accesses to Trunk Highway 7. Widen the turning radii at Greenbriar A venue. Upon reviewing the sight lines at the access of Dogwood with Trunk Highway 7, MnDOT has revised their recommendation and does not recommend shifting the Dogwood access to the west as originally proposed. Should the speed and volume of traffic on Dogwood become a problem in the future once these closures are completed, the City would be responsible for instituting proper mitigating measures. 1998 MnDOT Improvements: Install green street name signage at Arbor Lane, Dogwood A venue and Greenbriar Avenue along Trunk Highway 7. 2000 MnDOT Improvements: Add right turn lane for the eastbound Trunk Highway 7 to southbound Arbor Lane traffic movement. Widen the turning radii on Arbor Lane to provide for Don Ashworth March 12, 1998 Page 3 3. Leslee Curve 1998 MnDOT Improvements: Install green street name signage at Leslee Curve along Trunk Highway 7. 2000 MnDOT Improvements: The access at Leslee Curve is proposed to remain open with MnDOT constructing left turn lanes for the Les1ee Curve access. However, the City of Chanhassen will attempt to facilitate the necessary easement and/or right-of- way acquisition needed to extend an existing culvert to the north on the church property which is necessary due to turn lane construction. CONCLUSION Upon review of the MnDOT Trunk Highway 7 revised safety improvement proposal, staff would support all of the proposed access closures and improvements as outlined herein. MnDOT's Trunk Highway 7 proposed safety improvement project may cause some initial inconvenience to residents as they may be required to change their driving patterns to access Trunk Highway 7. However, staff concurs with MnDOT that the potential increase in overall safety will offset any inconvenience experienced. The City's share of the work efforts can be completed efficiently and cost effectively with the proposed trail project. However, if the proposed city trail project is not completed prior to MnDOT initiating the Trunk Highway 7 project, MnDOT shall be responsible for all construction associated with the proposed closures. This project is a good example of agency cooperative effort. ktm 3. Mailing list. Resident input letters received since 1/26/98 City Council meeting. Mr. Paul Kachelmyer's response to questions raised at the 1/26/98 City Council meeting. Attachments: 1. 2. c: Dave Hempel, Assistant City Engineer Mike Wegler, Street Superintendent \'dsl\vol2'cng\mita\:c'lh 7 safcly implU\"Clllcnls rcv..doc CITY OF CHANHASSEN AFFIDA VIT OF MAILING NOTICE STATE OF MINNESOTA ) ) ss COUNTY OF CARVER ) I, Karen J. Engelhardt, being first duly sworn, on oath deposes that she is and was on March 12, 1998, the duly qualified and acting Deputy Clerk of the City of Chanhassen, Minnesota; that on said date she caused to be mailed a copy of the attached notice of Resident Update Letter. Proposed Year 2000 MnDOT TH 7 Safety Improvement Project from TH 41 west to S1. Bonifacius to the persons named on attached Exhibit "A", by enclosing a copy of said notice in an envelope addressed to such owner, and depositing the envelopes addressed to all such owners in the United States mail with postage fully prepaid thereon; that the names and addresses of such owners were those appearing as such by the records of the County Treasurer, Carver County, Minnesota, and by other appropriate records. Subscribed and sworn to before me this t;)lh day of iYl(]rr~n , 1998. ~;. ~LL<-C/~~ - Nota ublic \\:fsl\vol2\eng\forms'aflidavit.doc 'I." ' "'"-.; KIM T. MEUWISSEN ~ti." ~ NOTARY PUBUC-MINNESOTA · i'''. CARVER COUNTY My Commission Expires Jan. 31. 2000 -:.....~_.............-,.~,..~..."'"~.- CITY OF CHANHASSEN ) City Center Drive. PO Box 147 JJanhassm. Minnesota 55317 Phone 612.937.1900 General Fax 612.937.5739 19ineering Fax 612.937.9152 blic Safety Fax 612.934.2524 7eb IVWW. ci. chanhassen. mil. liS March 12, 1998 Re: Proposed Year 2000 MnDOT Trunk Highway 7 Safety Improvement Project from Trunk Highway 41 West to St. Bonifacius - Resident Update Letter File No. PW-067D-l Dear Resident: Over the past few months you may have received infonnation from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnD01) regarding a proposed improvement project scheduled for the year 2000 for Trunk Highway 7 between Trunk Highway 41 in Chanhassen west to St. Bonifacius. The primary elements of this improvement project include shoulder paving. turn lane construction at major intersections and closure of some local street access points. Within the City of Chanhassen corporate limits, MnDOT originally proposed to close local street access at Leslee Curve, Fir Tree Avenue. Cypress Drive and Washta Bay Road. The access at Oriole Avenue is proposed to be restricted to a right-in/right-out only. Upon receipt of resident input at the January 25, 1998 City Council Meeting. MnDOT has revised their original proposal. The original proposal has been revised to leave the Washta Bay Road intersection open to traffic. Also, the Leslee Curve local street access would remain open with left turn lanes constructed on Trunk Highway 7. Representatives of MnDOT are scheduled to present their revised proposal to the City Council at their regular meeting on Monday. March 23. 1998 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chanhassen City Council Chambers and ask for City approval of these closures. If you are interested in this matter and/or wish to give your opinion on any of the proposed closures. you are invited to attend this City Council meeting. If you wish to submit your comments or opinions in writing prior to the meeting. please address them to the Chanhassen City Engineer. Mr. Paul Kachelmyer. MnDOT Project Manager. has prepared a written response to all questions and issues raised at the January 25. 1998 City Council meeting. Should you desire to review this response prior to the March 23. 1998 City Council meeting it is available at the office of the City Engineer. If you should have any further questions or need additional infonnation prior to the meeting, please feel free to contact MnDOT Project Manager Paul Kachelmyer at 582-1298 or the City of Chanhassen Engineering Department at 937-1900. extension 156 or extension 114. Sincerely, CITY OF CHANHASSEN k--:/ ~ Anita L. Benson. P.E. City Engineer ALB:ktm c: Charles Folch, Director of Public Works Operations Mayor and City Council g:\a1g\anita\letters'th7 updale.doc -i :J: ""-J (") r- o (j) z ~G) ~(j) ~z COo OJ-i ~- ;:x:.!! r=(") z~ G)- o z ;:x:. :::0 m ;:x:. " o :::0 ~RENT RESIDENT 1 ARBOR LN ;ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3110 DARTMOUTH DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6200 DOGWOOD AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 ~RENT RESIDENT o ARBOR LN ~ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3130 DARTMOUTH DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2831 NORTH MANOR RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 ~RENT RESIDENT 1 STATE HWY 7 W :ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6211 CYPRESS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6210 CYPRESS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 lRENT RESIDENT I BARBERRY CIR :ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2861 NORTH MANOR RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6220 BARBERRY CIR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 lRENT RESIDENT ) BARBERRY CIR ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2740 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6201 ELM TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 ;RENT RESIDENT CYPRESS DR ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2841 NORTH MANOR RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6201 FIR TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 .RENT RESIDENT WASHTA BAY RD ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6200 ELM TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2670 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RENT RESIDENT I CYPRESS DR ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6429 ORIOLE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6211 DOGWOOD AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RENT RESIDENT DOGWOOD AVE ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2950 WASHTA BAY RI) EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2660 ORCHARD IN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RENT RESIDENT WASHTA BAY RD 3-SIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2730 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6221 CYPRESS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2500 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2821 NORTH MANOR RD EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6231 CYPRESS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3220 DARTMOUTH DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2930 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2910 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2500 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2951 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6211 GREENBRIAR AVE EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2540 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2920 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6230 DOGWOOD AVE EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2630 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2961 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3121 DARTMOUTH DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6200 FIR TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6210 ELM TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3111 DARTMOUTH DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6440 ORIOLE AVE EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6211 ELM TREE AVE EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2511 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3221 7 HWY W EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6236 FIR TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3131 DARTMOUTH DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2940 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6220 CYPRESS DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6221 ELM TREE AVE EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6220 DOGWOOD AVE EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6221 DOGWOOD AVE EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6220 ELM TREE AVE EXCELSJOR. MN 55331 JRRENT RESIDENT ;20 FIR TREE AVE <CELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2820 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6241 DOGWOOD AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 JRRENT RESIDENT 21 FIR TREE AVE :CELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2810 TANAGERS LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2830 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 IRRENT RESIDENT 30 DARTMOUTH DR CELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6240 DOGWOOD AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6230 ELM TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RRENT RESIDENT 1 NORTH MANOR RD ::;ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3201 DARTMOUTH DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2921 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RRENT RESIDENT 1 ORCHARD LN ~ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3500 MAPLEWOOD CIR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6221 GREENBRIAR AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 =tRENT RESIDENT 1 DOGWOOD AVE ;ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6231 ELM TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6470 ORIOLE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 1RENT RESIDENT J ORIOLE AVE :ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2931 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6231 FIR TREE AVE EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 lRENT RESIDENT ) CYPRESS DR ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2800 TANAGERS LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2911 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RENT RESIDENT DARTMOUtH DR ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3221 DARTMOUTH DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2671 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RENT RESIDENT ORCHARD LN :LSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6230 FIR TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2731 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6240 CYPRESS DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6251 DOGWOOD AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2721 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2661 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6240 ELM TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6320 FOREST CIR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3510 MAPLEWOOD CIR EXCaSJOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6300 CYPRESS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2461 64TH ST W EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3231 DARTMOUTH DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6480 ORIOLE AVE EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2451 64TH ST W EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2651 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3241 DARTMOUTH DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6231 GREENBRIAR AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6250 DOGWOOD AVE EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3520 MAPLEWOOD CIR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6301 64TH ST W EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2641 ORCHARD LN EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2901 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6300 DOGWOOD AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6241 ELM TREE AVE EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6241 FIR TREE AVE EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6301 ELM TREE AVE EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2941 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6240 FIR TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6321 MINNEWASHTA WOODS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6310 MINNEWASHTA WOODS DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2700 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6301 DOGWOOD AVE EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 URRENT RESIDENT 330 FOREST CIR XCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6301 FIR TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6321 64TH ST W EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 JRRENT RESIDENT 151 WASHTA BAY RD <CELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2821 TANAGERS LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6340 FOREST CIR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 JRRENT RESIDENT '20 SANDPIPER TRL CCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6331 MINNEWASHTA WOODS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6311 DOGWOOD AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 JRRENT RESIDENT 01 MAPLEWOOD CIR :CELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2841 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3511 MAPLEWOOD CIR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 IRRENT RESIDENT 11 ORCHARD LN CELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2631 FOREST AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2821 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 :RRENT RESIDENT )0 ELM TREE AVE CELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2731 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2730 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RRENT RESIDENT 20 MINNEWASHTA WOODS DR CELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6310 DOGWOOD AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2837 TANAGERS LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RRENT RESIDENT )0 FIR TREE AVE CELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2831 WASHTA BAY RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6310 FIR TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RRENT RESIDENT 10 MAPLEWOOD CIR CELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6320 64TH ST W EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6311 GREENBRIAR AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RRENT RESIDENT 11 GREENBRIAR AVE :ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6311 ELM TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6310 CYPRESS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6310 ELM TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6311 FIR TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6340 MINNEWASHTA WOODS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3521 MAPLEWOOD CIR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6350 MINNEWASHTA WOODS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6320 DOGWOOD AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6341 MINNEWASHTA WOODS DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6321 DOGWOOD AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2741 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6321 ELM TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6340 64TH ST W EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3301 DARTMOUTH DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6341 64TH CIR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6340 GREENBRIAR AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2740 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2840 TANAGERS LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2841 TANAGERS LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6441 ORIOLE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2461 64TH ST W EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6360 64TH ST W EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2750 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6361 64TH CIR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6320 FIR TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6321 FIR TREE AVE EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3531 MAPLEWOOD CIR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6350 FOREST CIR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6321 GREENBRIAR AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6360 FOREST CIR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6320 ELM TREE AVE EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2851 TANAGERS LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 URRENT RESIDENT 300 SANDPIPER TRL XCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6330 CYPRESS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2820 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 JRRENT RESIDENT 130 DOGWOOD AVE <CELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6330 ELM TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6331 FIR TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 JRRENT RESIDENT 31 DOGWOOD AVE ~CELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2861 TANAGERS LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2850 TANAGERS LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 IRRENT RESIDENT 45 MINNEWASHTA WOODS DR CELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6361 MINNEWASHTA WOODS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6341 ELM TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RRENT RESIDENT 31 CYPRESS DR CELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2751 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6340 FIR TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RRENT RESIDENT 11 ELM TREE AVE :ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6349 MINNEWASHTA WOODS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6341 GREENBRIAR AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RRENT RESIDENT 1 FIR TREE AVE :;ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6351 MINNEWASHTA WOODS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6340 ELM TREE AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 ~RENT RESIDENT 1 GREENBRIAR AVE ;ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6355 MINNEWASHTA WOODS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6351 DOGWOOD AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 mENT RESIDENT ) SANDPIPER TRL :ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6340 DOGWOOD AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3601 IRONWOOD RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 IRENT RESIDENT 7 MINNEWASHTA WOODS DR ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6341 DOGWOOD AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6350 DOGWOOD AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3607 IRONWOOD RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2751 PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3481 SHORE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3611 IRONWOOD RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6350 GREENBRIAR AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3431 SHORE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6400 GREENBRIAR AVE EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2771 PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3421 SHORE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6340 CYPRESS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2791 PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3401 SHORE DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3621 IRONWOOD RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3501 SHORE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3311 SHORE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3420 SHORE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2851 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3411 SHORE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2701 PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3342 SHORE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2792 PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2711 PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3451 SHORE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3351 SHORE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6341 CYPRESS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3471 SHORE DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2722 PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2731 PIPER RIDGE LN EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3441 SHORE DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3321 SHORE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 5533' URRENT RESIDENT !31 SHORE DR l(CELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2831 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3901 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 JRRENT RESIDENT '42 PIPER RIDGE LN 'CELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2841 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3881 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 JRRENT RESIDENT 41 SHORE DR :CELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 2841 SANDPIPER TRL EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3871 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 JRRENT RESIDENT 41 SANDPIPER TRL CELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4001 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4000 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RRENT RESIDENT ;2 PIPER RIDGE LN CELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3941 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4010 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RRENT RESIDENT '2 PIPER RIDGE LN :ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4021 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3930 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RRENT RESIDENT 2 PIPER RIDGE LN :;ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3931 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3861 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 =1RENT RESIDENT 1 SANDPIPER TRL ~ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3921 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4041 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 ~RENT RESIDENT 1 SANDPIPER TRL :ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3911 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3920 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 lRENT RESIDENT I SANDPIPER TRL :ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4031 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3851 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3910 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3911 CRESTVIEW DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4000 CRESTVIEW DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4020 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3901 CRESTVIEW DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3840 MAPLE CIR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3900 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3840 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3946 CRESTVIEW DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4011 CRESTVIEW DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3830 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3920 CRESTVEIW DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4051 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4030 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3900 CRESTVIEW DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6630 MINNEWASHTA PKY EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4010 CRESTVIEW DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3910 CRESTVIEW DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3931 CRESTVIEW DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3831 MINNEWASHTA PKY EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4040 GLENDALE DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3860 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4101 GLENDALE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3820 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3921 CRESTVIEW DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6641 MAPLE DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4011 GLENDALE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3850 LESlEE CRV EXCELSIOA. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3850 MAPLE CIR EKCElSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4106 GLENDALE DR EXCB..SIOR. MN 55331 lRRENT RESIDENT 01 GLENDALE DR :CELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3820 MAPLE CIR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3900 GLENDALE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 IRRENT RESIDENT 30 MAPLE CIR CELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4010 GLENDALE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3910 GLENDALE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RRENT RESIDENT 11 GLENDALE DR :ELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3801 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3920 GLENDALE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 =1RENT RESIDENT 1 GLENDALE DR ~ELSJOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4000 GLENDALE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6730 COUNTRY OAKS RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 1RENT RESIDENT 1 GLENDALE DR :ELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3800 LESLEE CRV EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6720 COUNTRY OAKS RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 ~RENT RESIDENT 1 GLENDALE DR :ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3940 GLENDALE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4010 COUNTRY OAKS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 IRENT RESIDENT ) LESLEE CRV ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3811 MAPLE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6720 MINNEWASHTA PKY EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 IRENT RESIDENT I GLENDALE DR ELStOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3821 MAPLE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3940 COUNTRY OAKS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RENT RESIDENT HWY7 ELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3930 GLENDALE DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3950 COUNTRY OAKS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 RENT RESIDENT MAPLE CIR =LSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6740 COUNTRY OAKS RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3960 COUNTRY OAKS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3970 COUNTRY OAKS DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6771 COUNTRY OAKS RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6781 COUNTRY OAKS RD EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3980 COUNTRY OAKS DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6770 COUNTRY OAKS RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6780 COUNTRY OAKS RD EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3990 COUNTRY OAKS DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4001 COUNTRY OAKS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 MARK W. KELLY KELLY LAW OFFICES 351 SECOND STREET EXCELSIOR MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6750 COUNTRY OAKS RD EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3941 COUNTRY OAKS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4000 COUNTRY OAKS DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3951 COUNTRY OAKS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6761 COUNTRY OAKS RD EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3961 COUNTRY OAKS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6760 COUNTRY OAKS RD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3971 COUNTRY OAKS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6760 MINNEWASHTA PKY EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3981 COUNTRY OAKS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3931 COUNTRY OAKS DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 3991 COUNTRY OAKS DR EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 4011 COUNTRY OAKS DR EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 CURRENT RESIDENT 6810 MINNEWASHTA PKY EXCELSIOR. MN 55331 To: From: Subject: cc: The Mayor and Chanhassen City Council Members: Residents of the Minnewashta Manor area Access closures to Highway 7 from the Minnewashta Manor area Anita Benson City Engineer City of Chanhassen Paul Kachelmeyer MNDOT Project Manager Hwy. 7 Don Ashworth City Administrator City of Chanhassen. CITY OF CHANHASSEN rnrn@rnnwrnoo . FE8 17 1998 ENGINEERING DEPT. Dear Mayor & Members of the Chanhassen City Council As citizens of the Minnewashta Manor area. we would like to advise you, our elected officials, about our concern and lack of support for the proposed access closures to Highway 7 from the Minnewashta Manor area We applaudMNDOT's attempts to make Highway 7 a safer highway for all of us to travel, however not at the cost of risking our lives and our quality of life in the Minnewashta Manor area It appears MNDOT is thinking only of its jurisdiction. Chanhassen must think about the cascading effects this will have. This plan severely limits options now and well into the future. In fact, we feel this plan, if accepted as stated, will have the opposite effect and the area will become more dangerous, for the following reasons: . With less access points, cars will be traveling faster on Highway 7. There will not be the right turns off 7 into Shorewood that currently slows traffic. This alone will cause more accidents. . If traffic is doubled, the westbound right turn lane on Highway 7 onto Sandpiper has the possibility of becoming overcrowded waiting for access to Sandpiper leaving the cars at the end of the turn lane exposed . A right turn out of Sandpiper in the morning can be frustrating now. If the traffic was to double, it will take longer and cause people to take more chances of getting onto 7. . By installing a left turn lane at Sandpiper for people wishing to travel west, this will block the vision of the traffic attempting to go east and may result in more risky moves. . Sandpiper Trail is simply not wide enough to support this volume of traffic. If people have guests that park on the streets, there is not enough room for two cars to pass at the same time. . There are many children and pets in this area Yes, there is a leash law and yes parents watch their children. Animals break loose and children run into the street. Doubling the amount of traffic on this street is begging for a tragedy. . School buses typically do not turn around on their routes. Most buses will be able to pick kids up in the morning, but will have a difficult time of turning around in the neighborhood to drop the kids off. Kids that live at the east end of the area will have to deal with either school buses turning around in an area not meant for turn around, or they may have to walk to or be dropped off over V:z mile from their homes and asked to walk the rest of the way. . In the unfortunate instance there is an accident at that intersection, the access to an entire neighborhood will be eliminated . In the case of severe storms, if there are trees down on Sandpiper, the access in and our of the neighborhood will be severely impacted . MNDOT has stated that Emergency Vehicle access will be hindered under the proposed plan. If one of the above mentioned instances were to occur, an entire neighborhood will be put in jeopardy and could be deprived of or receive delayed emergency vehicle support. . Is Chanhassen ready to make improvements to Sandpiper Trail and the other roads that will be effected by the increased volumes of traffic? When these improvements do occur, how will traffic and emergency vehicles be routed then? In order to help MNDOT and the City of Chanhassen accomplish the goals of making Highway 7 safer, our area would support the following configuration changes: · Reopen West 64th St. as a right turn in only from Highway 41. Also, place speed bumps in the area to keep traffic slow. This will allow the people in the east end of the area to have access to their homes as well as allow emergency vehicle an access point · Proceed with making the Oriole access a right turn in and out only. This satisfies MNDOT's requirement of fixing one of their target areas and still allows people exit points for morning rush hour. · Leave the Sandpiper and Washta Bay Road access points as they are. According to MNDOT, Shorewood is planning on closing Pleasant Ave. This leaves no reason to change the Washta Bay Road access as this is no longer an intersection. Also, by leaving these areas alone, this should allow savings to help pay for the cost of reopening and putting access lanes to the West 64th St People traveling west on 7 and wishing to access our area typically turn into the Washta Bay Road exit as a right turn lane already exist Do not waste the money for a new one at the Sandpiper Trail access point. · Lengthen the Westbound Left Turn Lane on Highway 7 into Sandpiper Trail. With the access to Wood Dr. being closed, the entire left turn lane for East Bound traffic on 7 will be available. We would like to see the entire area used to allow for a better buffer zone for entrance into Sandpiper Tr. · Reduce the speed from the current 50 MPH to 40 or 35 from Highway 41 to Minnewashta Parkway. This is the lowest cost alternative for MNDOT and the city. This alone can reduce accidents and the severity of an accident if it does happen. During the public hearing at the January 26th Council Meeting, it appeared that MNDOr was holding these improvements "over the head" of the City Council by claiming if they do not act soon, they will not make into the budget or project as planned in the year 2000. We appreciate the Councils determination to not listen to these "threats. n Also during that meeting, many of these options were offered to MNDOT. It appeared.MNDOT had reasons why every option presented would not work We appreciate the council's consideration, resolve and direction to.MNDOT to try harder and come up with other alternatives using the publics input. We feel the plan presented is a viable alternative and very reasonable. It accomplishes all of MNDOT' s goals and allows us the access needed, emergency vehicle support, and does not unduly harm, burden or place any of our residents in danger due to increased traffic. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Andy Brisley at 474-6029 or 897-8436. Your Constituents The residents of the Minnewashta Manor Area .. ;. We wish to voice our disapproval of the Proposed MNDOT Plan and support for the Plan as outlined in the letter to the City Council from the Residents cLMinnewashta Manor. '. Name Address .. /~Jnn..gJ///J. ~<ft{7 lcffh st, W, Eyw$'J:Ot(' W1f./JFJ3/ '.-V~, 1'\ \ 1 ~ E :)4'1/ ~'.). ",. {./'Yr' <('If C. k. (~~ 'S~C;' ~ I Vi ,bA..- r il..u..~}:"'-- 2-0.:7 ( U. b<t"\V\ -S.(. ,~y' ("'IIA Sru<. .( ~/, \.[1 ..f, .;:.d.:f.J\/ ,~ {.J.! 1/i "\)'l~ ,Ud_ -"(-:'_,, -9/" . ~~A 1't:~:13 ( ~.i~ ~ .. A .' ""'-:"(1 f..4n1 KJ,-~' ~C,. f)1JO -: A Ii,.. L) s.s&~1 1'-;.....,1.... (i \_".;_ 1~-dJLi....:I.'-.""(1 L..;,:- t:..Yl.~j.;;t',,- ,N'V~.~/~51 --]")A-.!'P~ .--- - :J-S,:'.J I f).-" Acu' L~,,: ~ of " d L._-': III V --)""s:-? 3/ ~ I'J ~ L___.~ .2 ~ II CJ: A ~.J' ~ ""'-- . ~ d~. ," · - ~ <'"~ z/ V/J::iSt-...,..;-- ?S'l.J() l);-.:ht,,,",,<" /,... -z.-XC~ 11'1&";" ~-J- Y.J/ In KJ - _ /. ,u-<.. ~ _ . .1 (,'1. ~ (Q4-.C.lc.;'I A ~ '7fn J: 'f. a !J k~-,,-=OA-. "JIJwt ~ 5-'3 : \<1J lA ,u->r\t\l~ ~ ,n n--rlL/u j) L..I -<C,~, Ur 'A.' .rr3"?/ it:,.\. Yf~ ',a).- -!1 ),1 "1../ I' , . N' tf' g~LV4/ _ /('4-.. ., r:, ~I l( &.(,? (<. .. ( j '1~ ..i: / ~ '- ~ lA, ~ ./ .2 9~ ./. ~.L - ~ . ~ ~ L"., . ~ ~ J m AI-5"53~ b 1'-( ,........11..' J. 'h./)" ] D rl Y')O <;--. ill" '.:. A --rr-I,:/vr 1111 '- 1 5"5> 5/ I J ;;;'~~{,J.}7-/ 1?~"",;) --r:_ .1 [J,z ~ _ r:x'~, ~~~r~ J i"rJ;.;...;,. .,I},,, "" I -.. /'fL~ "1--. 1" "7/..A r::/J /'lLA'- ,1/:, ~.~ A,'~ /:..,~~ 5j 3.3 / A~1~;~.. 11'\ -i J i"\ A __ llT"i) LJ h <'\,;~h ,~.. _I / r ..h P.i P.CA,(r\ ~ "\~~ J I?(J,-, l:J ), J'.( vJu f{..;;.. ~-=-~ .~ b 717 /) Y~'/'e' vdt.. '. 11 J? I~ ',.. E vf5 ItJ,/,,- "171/,,,,,1. ,:.,n"I1( }A__ ~l. >)I,,/./ (l.A..r:f1li.d R". A ~eJ'~, l/J~ .... /I//. ~. )(IJ~l h.l LJ ~ ~ l~r";T~ _~ A J ~//L. " CXt'~ J?~ . - - . 'Y14 ~ t; S"33 J ~.uR'~'~ ~~~/:J 2~t...1JtJ. /YJ/lJttxy./ t d, Ua/$/u MAl $S33 J ~ ~U ~ /. . '7~},.) AI. j~fJl/.,. .t;. Lv}' ~ (}JJ 5)361 "77""g~/2> ~1I/N4 1..273/ 1"7.! ~ L....A~f~o ~~/c1. 5533/ .) J('7J:A . ~ ~.., ~ 1 A _ , l,~ JJ ~-- ~ / - _!".t;~:p./ -. II. ~ -.-~' , "1'1_. +)1~. .4l'f:oHp./ ,)..7~() Oy,t;<~,( A:..~'lr:, ~~~A/~'y '-"-,>1'1 I} .""-11..1 "111 ""f...,: / d.ti 71 UJ,"i. (lth:~ BcLv'K A I~ '/"'-b It 1'>-<<- .5'5-$11 ~;_A.~/.~-('~ ~- t2q31 I.J~~'d _ ?'~".d I~ ff..l. _I v~ d~3() [tJt--4kfF- /YCA..f /~ \-,l\j'",:L\'hL Il>~ d.-9f/ WCW-4Z-v !~(.A 1Ld.'1 .' .' ~"'~ .PD-:I1! - ., ':.1.... ;Z ~o td ,-l5lT1o-- ~tI<1 ~~. -.......... (/._ . I - u..A~ .+ ,~ ~ ~1 m ~ ,l.l:> Z6 fA) ~A'~ D'&.. 1(.,0- r\Jc",--_ I ~ (w ~ ---:~ ~ 3-0 l.J),.,),-T '- ~ ~ J. -1tJn i., l~ ~A~ '" ..J .~ l() --r/l"HLo A~ fL. n ~ .... , c I.. ...A to}~ ~ ".t?'~ ,-:- - :2 ~ /JJ '7"::. /} ::z.. C;-J , ~ >~- )' 1 , A f ~./ A~~ iJ.f'/J I./~~ '-#1a,.-t-" --.e/ J .. .. . . '" .. .. .. . .. . .. .. .. ~/....) r/j.! ,{/ ,..V We wish to voice our disapproval of the Proposed MNDOT Plan and support for the Plan as outlined in the letter to the City Council from the Residents ofMinnewashtaManor. ,. ,., N' I<? We wish to voice our disapproval of. the Proposed MNOOT Plan and support for the Plan as outlined in the letter to the City Council from the Residents ofMinnewashta Manor. .. . E.H. Hollenback 6330 Elm Tree Ave Excelsior, MN 55331 Home Phone 612-474-5797 February 12, 1998 Kate Aanenson, Planning Director City of Chanhassen P. O. Box 147 Chanhassen, MN 55317 Dear Ms. Aanenson, Part of the year 2000 MN/DOT Highway 7 Safety Improvement Project proposes closing Fir Tree Avenue in Minnewashta Heights. It has been suggested that this closing will put additional traffic on Dogwood Avenue and this traffic could be reduced by moving the Highway 7 access to Dogwood 100 feet to the west. This raises an important safety issue. Because of the curve to the west on Highway 7, 100 feet of sight line will be lost if the access is moved. This translates into less time for vehicles to enter or cross Highway 7. At present, one can enter the highway east bound with no on coming traffic visible from the west and suddenly fmd a vehicle on your back bumper before you can get up to speed. Shorewood Oaks Drive access on the north side creates its own challenge for those entering Highway 7 when traveling west bound from Dogwood. Also, a number of the Shorewood drivers heading east enter the highway and use the center turn lane to accelerate before entering the east bound traffic lane. Aren't the problems the Shorewood access creates the reason given for closing Fir Tree Avenue? Do we need to be 100 feet closer to this access? I am confused by the numbers used in the year 2000 Report giving the 1997 traffic volumes and the projected volumes for Dogwood Avenue,. (370 and 540). Are all these vehicles using Dogwood? Are there none on Elm Tree? On Saturday, February 7th, I visited with nine of the sixteen home owners on Fir Tree Avenue. I simply asked each how they presently left and returned to the Heights, how they anticipated leaving and returning when Fir Tree A venue is closed, and the time of day for each trip. I did not tell them why I was asking these questions nor did I direct their responses. I did not mention the relocation of the Dogwood access. The answers are interesting. The attached worksheet demonstrates that (for the nine houses surveyed) Dogwood will not absorb all the additional traffic when Fir Tree is closed. Indeed, only seventeen additional trips will be on Dogwood Avenue versus twenty-seven total for the other streets involved. Fourteen of these trips will be on Elm Tree Avenue! The trip times seem to indicate that there will not be any traffic "rush time" created by the Fir Tree Avenue traffic. {;:: ;., -~: ... .,;, -::; f::: :. , I did not canvass the eight homes on Cypress. I suspect these people will use Arbor Lane for east bound travel and Greenbriar for west bound travel, but I don't want to make the same mistake I have been criticizing. The only way to find out is to ask. Safety should be our prime consideration. The greatest risk for a serious accident is getting on and off Highway 7. Please give it your primary consideration. Sincerely, ~.~ Hudson Hollenback . . .. Dogwood Avenue - A resident on ~ogwood Avenue has requested that if both the Fir Tree Avenue access and the Cypress Drive access are closed, that the Dogwood Avenue "Access be moved 100 feet west. If the intersection is moved west the amount of' increased traffic on Dogwood would likely be reduced. The reduction would be due to more traffic likely using Elm Tree Avenue. The overall increase in traffic on the remaining streets would therefore be more evenly distributed. Fir Tree Avenue Close Access Dogwood Avenue Move entrance CyPress Drive Close Access + I ...r:-U' I '" '. ~I I .... " , -- . ~-- . " I ': " I .... J \" --::=:::-~. .- ... . '10& ~ u '. o o o I , , .. --'----- \ .JzZZ () _ _ iA 1_ o {..(-r- e- & :4G"' {,;oo ~ fJ:~q_ ..z. : " _0 G- -- fI:z..o J G- r G- ~Z3Do .. ,- r:: G- (.,2-4D ';l""~ _ h : ~ 0_ ~J_o':Z,,--.~..<,.l-=- ~. '/S-fO jt:)- - l _0-- 1 t j o IA--r- .../0 goo _ _h il .:-.c _ ___oF" __H___________c___ ____~_.::.iQ.__ !_f! .:.~- ---?- J J:>_______.:!?_____ F D v-J rE e K-P..4ry TK.A c= i= (c- .p A "(" ic1<-.N S I C!-OUl. A..L-rc:::;.../ A.p~ 1< 0)/ . 'r/ VVl.€"&} F I K.. -r\~e: er A.O~ ..A..P.oRES S .... .03 ro T....- .p -Rt::"""'5 c: '.I (' ~ T";::< '~7:: TJ ( ~ I P -s ) C::> U AN r/C-/-?A-TeD (~n<. (:.:0.,* J7::;! ,Pc;,. ) , i ~,; D l..(""'I ~ -oLO .... ~ r= PoL-t A Jl1 6: 0 7:)~ o F -- -. '. -.- -. ..... - .. G:..33.9 I 1 I. vACA.N-L ~-r ;;. __n.___ -_... .. ..... '_ c;, 3.!:b9_ . PI<-1 A"'1 ! 10:Do 'r: 4 t:: j <=r- OO'-..... .._ .. ____.. n._._.......__.._ ....,. '__..._. I ! ! ~ ...---------, ....-. " .. .-.- ..-.-.... ---..-.. F --.-'- ..-.-.----.---. ___'."h r-:: G- F- L\ ;/~ '...-- ,~--.,--...--.--'.n_._..h" --.-_-1- _..7 /1/5.__ --.n..----i..._ . I I /0(...('1 IN : /-- - =- ~'2.- ! '- I _ I ,-J!<.- f "",co ,.. >l.. . I f -== I i /0 I 7 I .. - _!;J.o ~.G- <-<=>_0 oJ;>. I. '/-1 ,_e-"":". 1[L":' T":.t;:~. -f- -- -I ~./ : -11 G- -= erR -N.BI.~<'/.,.q_.R! ..1.. . j ~,; VA /- ~7/~-I_S .I<>~L~ _I_I Z ""r ; - -- V----Br --- --_L-f----- -j{,--,-f'Cr~'Zl .....T..g,F/r!,~1 .e:.!:~_ .. ______.....1_._._..... I II.; -- " h. _.h_____...___._....._.___ __~. . u. ....._..._..____ ". ..----------------.---.-.. "---, _.. -- ----". --............ -... \, -- .-'-.' - ...... .. - -".'.'-,- '.. .....- .... - -- -- .....-.-..-.-.. . -. ...-..-...- -_. _'.'_"h _..__.... ---. ..-.--..---.- -..-..-.-...-. ... .-. '.__u _ ~ _. '!!:u__.... __.:. ,.. p--- ----/---- - -I' .. n.. ~- .'-"'j . -- n.. . ---- -- i--'---l- "j"j -'~~_,._~~~_----_,.~:ur .__~. ___H__ _ -- _ _ -- __u___ ,- _ --, ------ _ . I 1- ..)---,-- ---I c-:-- ..) . i ! "-, .d...._ _...._..._...1.... .... """_ .. .-....-. '.--. h..h. _.e. ... _. . '... __ I '. ... .... -.- - . ... __.h_...... ... "_1 J I . ...--...'1. ._._._ _"'" ....... -------.--------.. -._- ..-.. ----..------ -. -- .. -..----.- --'-'--..--- :t. ... ". --------------.----..----------.- h.___. [ t? (5 ; ; ... "J i ! I I . ,.. r , , I .;. i I i I I I I I j I . i ; I I I .. 'f i 'i ;2.-0.C}~ To: From: Address: Subject: Chanhassen City Council Members: . P4-/f fJ"Ic.~ - =rV4,.J.D. N Ic.I~- .x830 tv 4~"'rzr- B ~ Rd. Access closures to Highway 7 from the Minnewashta Manor area Dear Council I would like to express my concern about the proposed access closures for Highway 7 from the Minnewashta Manor area I applaud MNDQT's attempts to make Highway 7 a safer highway for all of us to travel, however not at the cost of risking our lives and our quality of life in the Minnewashta Manor area I can not support the current proposal from MNDOT, and wish to advise you. my elected representative, of my concern and lack of support for this proposal. MNDOT's Plan calls for making Sandpiper Trail the main access point for our area I would urge you to come in the morning traffic hours and try and get on Highway 7 from Sandpiper. This can be a frustrating and dangerous experience and can take as long as 5 minutes for one car to gain access to Highway 7 going east. If snowing or slippery it becomes worse. If a car would like to go west. this is can be even more frustrating and more dangerous. Even with the improvements planned for Sandpiper, the sight lines for cars wishing to go east will be blocked by the cars in the turn lanes wishing to go west. By MNDQT's calculations, the cars using this access points would be more than doubled. causing traffic to back up into the residential areas and causing unsafe conditions for school children waiting for the bus and morning walkers. MNDOT is thinking only of it's jurisdiction. Cbanhassen mUst think about the cascading affects this will have. Is Chanhassen ready to make improvements to Sandpiper Trail and the other roads that will be affected by the increased volumes of traffic? When these improvements do occur, how will traffic be routed then? This plan severely limits options now and well into the future. MNDOT has stated that it will take longer for emergency vehicles to access points in our area While MNDOT may be comfortable with this, I am not. In the current configuration in the unfortunate case of an accident or even a fender bender at the access point. this would block emergency vehicles as well as all access for school buses, delivery trucks etc. This does not even take into account that many people could be blocked access to their homes or to work. The area that is being considering to have the biggest impact (the Sandpiper Trail access) is also home to a wetlands and wildlife. What is the impact to this. I enjoy the geese, goslings, ducks and babies that nest there every year. The raccoon's, turtles and deer that like to call this area home will impact the traffic as well. Children use the pond for skating and sledding. Many people use the area for sllowmoOiiing & cross country skiing. Has Ivil...iDOT taking the safety of tilese factions into consideration. If not, I would hope that the Chanhassen City Council Does. During the public hearing at the January 26th Council Meeting, MNDOT was given many options to review and directed to come back to the council with other options. These options included lengthening the left turn lane at Oriole and a reconfiguration of the area in general, a reduction of the speed limit in the area, keeping Washta Bay road open, and reopening the highway 41 access. It appeared that MNDOT had a reason why every option that was presented would not work. I appreciate the councils consideration and direction to MNDOT to try harder and come up with other alternatives using the publics input. CITY OF CHANHASSEN [ff][l&~llry;m@ FEB 1 0 1998 fNt:lllcrn,.." ----- I am asking YOu. the members of the Chanhassen City Council, to continue your resolve to a fair resolution to this matter. I am asking that you continue to push MNDOr for reasonable alternatives that will satisfy all parties concerned. I also ask that you are not influenced by MNDOr's budget bushWhack to get this project done in the year 2000. If the improvements do not happen in the year 2000 because you are being diligent and listening to your constituents. I applaud you and will continue to support you. Sincerely ~~ (p. ~ 7~~ ~U-..../ rl\~ evvO' (Or D t ./ To: Chanhassen City Council Members: i2 . From: MurK -f 1---'crU)(t. G-r~Lj ~ 2...'1'51 -p;~~ ( I '1'C\Cj-LA , Address: EXec. CSIC-f ~Af\J 5:533/ Subject: Access closures to Highway 7 from the Minnewashta Manor area Dear Council I would like to express my concern about the proposed access closures for Highway 7 from the Minnewashta Manor area I applaud MNDOT' s attempts to make Highway 7 a safer highway for all of us to travel, however not at the cost of risking our lives and our quality of life in the Minnewashta Manor area I can not support the current proposal from MNDOT, and wish to advise you, my elected representative, of my concern and lack of support for this proposal. MNDOT's Plan calls for making Sandpiper Trail the main access point for our area I would urge you to come in the morning traffic hours and try and get on Highway 7 from Sandpiper. This can be a frustrating and dangerous experience and can take as long as 5 minutes for one car to gain access to Highway 7 going east. If snowing or siippery it bec:omes worse. if a car would iike to go west, this is can be even more frustrating and more dangerous. Even with the improvements planned for Sandpiper, the sight lines for cars wishing to go east will be blocked by the cars in the turn lanes wishing to go west By MNDQT's calculations, the cars using this access points would be more than doubled, causing traffic to back up into the residential areas and causing unsafe conditions for school children waiting for the bus and morning walkers. MNDOT is thinking only of it's jurisdiction. Chanhassen muSt think about the cascading affects this will have. Is Chanhassen ready to make improvements to Sandpiper Trail and the other roads that will be affected by the increased volumes of traffic? When these improvements do occur, how will traffic be routed then? This plan severely limits options now and well into the future. MNOOT has stated that it will take longer for emergency vehicles to access points in our area While MNOOT may be comfortable with this, I am not In the current configuration in the unfortunate case of an accident or even a fender bender at the access point. this would block emergency vehicles as well as all access for school buses, delivery trucks etc. This does not even take into account that many people could be blocked access to their homes or to work. The area that is being considering to have the biggest impact (the Sandpiper Trail access) is also home to a wetlands and wildlife. What is the impact to this. I enjoy the geese, goslings, ducks and babies that nest there every year. The raccoon's, turtles and deer that like to call this area home will impact the traffic as well. Children use the pond for skating and sledding. Many people use the area for snowmobiling & cross country skiing. Has MNDOT taking the safety of these factions into consideration. If not, I would hope that the Chanhassen City Council Does. During the public hearing at the January 26th Council Meeting, MNDOI' was given many options to review and directed to come back to the council with other options. These options included lengthening the left turn lane at Oriole and a reconfiguration of the area in general, a reduction of the speed limit in the area, keeping Washta Bay road open, and reopening the highway 41 access. It appeared that MNOOT had a reason why every option that was presented would not work. I appreciate the councils consideration and direction to MNDOT to try harder and come up with other alternatives using the publics input CITY OF' CHANHASSEM illrn@~~\VlrnrID FEB 1 0 1998 1:lIr.1l1l=~D~ m:PT ('~ .. ", ./ I am asking you, the members of the Chanhassen City Council, to continue your resolve to a fair resolution to this matter. I am asking that you continue to push MNDOT for reasonable alternatives that will satisfy all parties concerned. I also ask that you are not influenced by MNDOT's budget bushwhack to get this project done in the year 2000. If the improvements do not happen in the year 2000 because you are being diligent and listening to your constituents, I applaud you and will continue to support you. Sincerely '-7kCLLRY ljJ(Jcf/tC~ &J ~ J 5/96" ~I\ "0,: ~~ IVlIllIll;O,:;)VLa. ~...t-'C.I L1lll;OIIL..... II C.11;:)~VI LQ,L1....11 Metropolitan Division Waters Edge Building 1500 West Count)' Road B2 Rosc\lille, MinncsOu. 55113 FACSIMILE TRANSl\1ITTAL CITY OF CHAlHISSEN oorn@rn~wrnlID MAR 1 :!. 1998 Seod~r o o o o o o o o ENGlNEERIN8 DEPT. o o o (Please send return facs to number checked) Main Facsimile (Lower Le"el~}.{ail 'Room): Division Staff(1Sl Floor): Asst.Div.EngrIDir. Area (lst Floor): percits(lst Floor): Dispatch (1st Floor): State Aid/Public Affairs(lst Floor): Maintenance (1st Floor): AccounlitIglPurchasmg(3rd Floor: r - I1 r oor: Personnel (3rd cor): Righl of Way (3r4:'Floor): Employee Dev~lopment (3rd Floor): . . i-,...."..""~..- .lilI't~' '~;'MO"I'I'''''''~~'X''':'' :':~!~~~\~l!~~ ' :~~==-~~~lm~~r~~~, )~:~~~'~::~~;:U:::.ac.~'H~w~:W:'t~~~~1~t.:::-.:v; ~~ltc:~it~~=~~~t~..~if40~ DATE I'1Iff"tA 10, 11ff ;+fo. ,ot;. getJ ~e,.) Clv~~ J,~ '~eSo\ . fl~ I Jl.,Jel "',,/l?r J'1" /Dor t TO LOCATION FROM LOCATION Fac:s No. Q'37- '11S-~ f"'{j h.e~r Ci'~1 I Phone 5"gz -/2. 9? Id YolJJef 1;" j'uelt-IH'IJ ~ 2/. /99i :e/Qt r;; ~1:ESSAGE c.,~ , IJ PAGES TO FOLLO\V (Rev. 2-10-95 drl) !'.lain Switchboard Tel. No.: (612) 582-1000 All Equal Opporruniry Employer '*tllOI!i~i:, ::" ~ ... - ! ~ ~ ~~ ~'lP#'''' Minnesota Department of Transportation Metropolitan Division Waters Edge 1500 West County Road 82 Roseville, MN 55113 March 10 1998 Responses to questions and issues raised at the January 26,1998 Cbanha.ssen City Council Meeting, relating to ~tia1 access "h''',ges to Highway 7. By Paul Kachelmyer, Mn/Dot Highway 7 Project Manager. 582-~29a Neighborhood with access to Oriole Avenue, Sandpiper Trail, and Washta Bay Road: Mn/Dot believes that the left turn in and left turn out movements at the Oriole Avenue intersection present more potential for serious accidents than at any other intersection between Highway 41 and Minnewashta Parkway. Mn/Dot proposes to limit access at Oriole to right turn in and right turn out, by extending the median island on Highway 7 past this intersection. Mn/Dot has changed its previous proposal to eliminate the access to Washta Bay Road. Mn/Dot no~ proposes that the Washta Bay Road intersection remain open, w~th some improvements. Recent proposed changes by the cities of Shorewood and Chanhassen are expected to Significantly improve the safety of this intersection Leaving Washta Bay Road open will significantly reduce the increases in traffic volume that had been predicted at the Sandpiper Trail intersection. A number of questions and issues were raised at the city council meeting. They were as follows: 1. What factors does Mn/Dot feel contribute to making the Oriole Avenue intersection so potentially hazardous ? 2. How many accidents have been reported at the Or.io~e Avenue intersection? 3. Could the existing- left turn lane on Highway 7, to Oriole Avenue, be lengthened, and would that make it safer? An equal opportunity employer 4. Could the two westbound traffic lanes on Highway 7 be merged together sooner so that traffic is merged before it reaches the Oriole Avenue intersection? 5. Could the two westbound traffic lanes on Highway 7 be changed from merging to the left to merging to the right to reduce the incidence of through traffic driving into the left turn lane for Oriole Avenue? 6. Could the Oriole Avenue Ineerseceion be mcved further wese eo eliminate some of the problems that exist at its present locaeion? 7. Could access from 64th street be opened to Highway 41 to offer alternative access to the neighborhood? 8. Could the Washta Bay Road int.ersection be left opened if improvements are made to it? 9. Could large street signs be placed on Highway 7 to better sign where the side streets are. Could they be placed in advance of the int.ersections ? 10. What is the present length of the left turn lane to Sandpiper Trail? Could the left turn lane be made longer ? 11. Could the speed limit on Highway 7 be lowered? 12. Could the speed limit on Highway 7 be more vigorously enforced? 13. What is the history of accidents at Sandpiper Trail? 14. Why is the Sandpiper Trail intersection considered to be safer than the Oriole Avenue intersection. 15. For the proposed alternatives, what are the projected traffic volumes at the affected intersections both daily and during the peak traffic hour? Responses: 1. 'What factors does MnJDot feel contribute to making the Oriole Avenue intersection so potentially hazardous ? Experience has found that it takes very few additional complications to make a situation hazardous. where there is already the combination of a high volume of traffic moving at high speed. ~f more than one traffic "movement" must occur in one area. the potential for accidents is greatly increased. Several traffic movements presently occur on Highway 7 in the vicinity of Oriole Avenue. The traffic volume on Highway 7, in the vicinity of Oriole Avenue, is approximately 17; 000 vehicles per day, and the speed limit is 50 miles per hour. It is anticipated that the traffic volume will continue to increase in the future. At Highway 41, Highway 7 is a four lane divided highway. Immediately west of highway 41, the two lanes of westbound Highway 7 traffic begin to merge to one westbound lane. The merging takes place over a distance of approximately 1000 feet. This distance is less than half of the standard merging distance of 2100 feet that is recommended by deSign standards for similar situations. Merging of lanes on a highway is typically a Potentially hazardous maneuver in itself. This section of Highway 7 has experienced numerous serious accidents related to the marging traffic, inclUding a fatal accident. During periods of congestion, merging takes longer and. more of it would tend to occur near the end of a merge lane. This would be in the vicinity of Oriole Avenue. Highway 7, in this vicinity, is also on a curve that takes the highway south of the wetland on the north side of the highway, just west of the merge area. In the merge section, the highwa.y actually makes two opposing curves in the shape of a loose "S". Lake Linden Drive presently accesses the highway approx~ately in the middle of the merge section. The City of Shorewood has agreed to close off this access point. Oriole Avenue presently has full access to Highway 7 at a point approximately 800 feet west of the highway 41 intersection. This location is approximately 200 feet before the end of the merge section. The left turn lane for Oriole Avenue is approxiJ:nately 100 feet long plus 100 feet of taper. A standard length left turn lane is 300 feet long plus 180 feet of taper. Residents have reported that through traffic sometimes drifts into the lefe turn lane, creating the potential for serious rear ending accidents. Part of the reason why through traffic may do this, is that the ~eft turn lane is on the outside of the second part of the liS" curve of the merge area. There is a tendency for vehicles to drift to the outside of such curves. The question was raised as to if the left turn lane could be lengthened to reduce ~his potential. There is space to lengthen the left turn lane by approximately 100 feet. However, it is anticipated that the tendency for through traffic to drift into the left turn lane, would be greatly increased by any lengthening of the turn lane. This is because lengthening the turn lane would require the removal of the raised concrete median island which exists just before the turn lane. The median island is on the outside of the "S" curve. and serves as a guide for the through traffic as to where the through lane goes. If the median island were removed, the tendency for the through traffic to drift to the outside of the curve. the left turn lane, would be increased. Thus, the raised median island is a safety feature which Hn/Dot does not wan t to remove. When westbound vehicles on highway 7 enter the left turn lane for oriole Avenue, at nigh~, ~he headligh~s of the vehicles shine into the eastbound traffic in such a way as to appear to the eastbound traffic that a vehicle is coming at them head on ,in their lane. This occurs due to the curve in the highway at this location. There have been cases of eastbound vehicles swerving to avoid what they believe to be an imminent accident. The grade of Oriole Avenue approaching Highway 7 is very steep, approximately 6%. This steepness has two negative effects. The first is that acceleration potential during slippery conditions is greatly hindered. Vehicles turning left out of Oriole onto Highway 7 need to rapidly accelerate during gaps in traffic flow on the highway. If they are hindered in their acceleration, the approaching vehic~es on the highway, driving at 50 mph, have very little distance to try to stop, or maneuver, to avoid hitting them. The second is that sight distance is reduced. The height of the drivers eye in a car stopped on Oriole, at Highway 7, is several feet lower than bottom of the tires of vehicles east of the intersection, on Highway 7, headed west. Westbound Highway 7 is on a downhill grade of east of Oriole Avenue. The level of Highway 7 drops approximately 9 fee~ in the 600 feet before it reaches Oriole. A driver on Oriole. waiting to make a left turn, is looking up at vehicles on Highway 7 as they are acce~erating and merging, heading west, and therefore has reduced ability to gage the speed and intentions of those vehicles. Ha/Dot feels that the combination of all the above faotors creates a very hazardous situation at the Oriole Avenue intersection. MD/Dot feels that limiting aCOess to right turn in an4 right turn out will greatly reduce the potential for serious accidents at the intersection. 2. How many accidents have been reported at the Oriole Avenue intersection? There are reporte4 to he approXimately two to three acci4ants per year at the intersection. Local residents report many "near misses" at the intersection. 3. Could the existing left turn lane on Highway 7, to Oriole Avenue, be lengthened, and would that make it safer? As was mentioned in the response to question number 1, there is space to lengthen the left turn lane by approximately 100 feet. However, it is anticipated that the tendency for through traffic to drift into the left turn lane, woul4 he greatly increase4 hy any lengthening of the turn lana. This is hecause lengthening the turn lane would. require the removal of the raised concrete median island which exists just before the turn lane. The median island is on the outside of the "S" curve, an4 serves as a guide for the through traffic as to where the through lane goes. If the median island were removed, the tendency for the through traffic to drift to the outside of the curve, into the left turn lane, would be increased. 4. Could the two westbound traffic lanes ou Highway 7 be merged together sooner so that traffic is merged before it reaches the Oriole A venne intersection? As was mentione4 in response to question number 1, the existing merging takes place over a distance of approximately 1000 feet. This distance is less than half of the merging distance of 2100 feet that is recommended by design standards for s~ilar situa.tions. Merging of lanes on a highway is tYPically a potentially hazardous maneUVer in itself. This section of Highway 7 has experienced numerous serious accidents related to the merging traffic, inClUding a fatal accident. It is noc fe~t tha.t the merging ~ength cou~d be sa.fel.y shortened in order to take place before it reaches the Oriole Avenue intersection. 5. Could the two westbound traffic lanes on ffighway 7 be changed from merging to the left to merging to the right to reduce the incidence of through traffic driving into the left turn lane for Oriole Avenue? Merging highway traffio ~o the right is oonsidered to be a more hazardous movement, whioh would require a longer distanoe to aooomplish, than merging to the left. This is due to what a d:t'iver must do to look to oheck for 1m opening in traffic before merging. When drivers are merging to the left they look over their left shoulders, through the drivers side window, to see if there is a gap in the traffic. When drivers of cars are merging to the right they must look through the right and rear windows to see if there is a gap in the traffic. Drivers of trucks, busses, and vans however must use side view mirrors to see the same area. To see clearly, and merge safely, is thus, more hazardous for them. It is anticipated ~ha~ ~here would be a significant increase in merging accidents if the merging to the left movement were changed to merging to the right at this location. Mn/Dot would therefore not advocate changing the merge at this location. 6. Could the Oriole Avenue Intersection be moved further west to eliminate some of the problems that exist at its present location? The intersection could be moved approx~ately 600 to 800 feet to the west to make it a muoh safer intersection. The cost of such a relocation is est~ted to be between $300,000 and $400,000. Extensive work would be needed on the Highway, drainage dicches, and underground utilities, to accomplish this. The relocated Oriole Avenue would have the negative impact of going through the back yards, and closely alongside, existing homes. 7. Could access from 64th street be opened to Highway 41 to offer alternative access to the neighborhood? This alternative was investigated by Mn/Dot and the Public Wo~ks staff for the City of Chanhassen, and is not supported by eicher at this time. Factors affecting this decision: Mn/Dot would only support a "right turn in" movement at this location. Other movements would be expected to cause safety problems on Highway 41. The existing driveway to the Supercunerica gas station and the shopping mall is less than 200 feet from where the entrance to 64th street would be located. It is expected that conflicts would. exist, and accidents would occur, between vehicles leaving the Superamerica driveway and vehicles entering the 54th street access point. The land where the extension of 64th street would go is currently privately owned. The steepness of the terrain, and a water quality pond at the base of the hill, would cause difficulties in constructing an extension of 64th street. The extension would have to be a one way street. Traffic signing alone might not be effective in controlling wrong way traffic. It is estimated that Purchasing needed property and constructing the extension would cost approx~tely $300,000. 8. Could the Washta Bay Road intersection be left open if improvements are made to it? Yes. Mn/Dot originally proposed. closing the Washta Eay Road connection to Highway 7 when it was thought that Pleasant Avenue, across the Highway, would remain open. Pleasant Avenue and Washta Bay Road are offset from each other by approximately SO feet. The city of Shorewood has recently approved the clOSing of the connection of Pleasant Avenue to Highway 7. The closing of Pleasant Avenue will reduce the complexity of the Highway intersection with Washta Bay Road. Washta Eay Road currently has a steep uphill grade to Highway 7. North Manor Road connects to Washta immediately at its intersection with Highway 7. factors reduce the safety of this intersection. at its approach Bay Road almost Eoth of these The Public Works Staff for the city of Chanhassen haa agreed that if the Connection of Washta Bay Road to Highway 7 is left in place, that they will flatten the approach grade of Washta Bay Road, and close the connection with North Manor Road. 9. Could large street signs be placed on Highway 7 to better sign where the side streets are. Could they be placed in advance of the intersections ? Once the number of access points along Highway 7 are reduced, this can be done. 10. What is the present length of the left turn lane to Sandpiper Trail ? Could the left turn lane be made longer ? The present length of the left turn lane is approx~ately 250 feet with 100 feet of taper. The closing of the access to Wood Drive will enable the left turn lane to Sandpiper to be lengthened to approx~ately 400 feet plus 100 feet of taper. 11. Could the speed limit on Highway 7 be lowered? No. This is a frequently made request by people or communities along highways. Experience has found that people tend to drive the speed that they feel safe. Most of Highway 7 meets 60 mph design standards. . The posted speed limit is so mph. What has been found to occur in areas where speed limits have been lowered is that some people drive slower, and many continue to drive faster( at the "speed they feel safe". The difference in speed between the vehicles then tends to result in accidents. 12. Could the speed limit on Highway 7 be more vigorously enforced? Yes. Enforc~ent of speed li~ts by police is one of the main reasons why many people will abide by them. However, the State Patrol has very limited personnel available for such speed limit enforcement on roads like Highway 7. County and city police can also enforce traffic laws on the highway. 13. What is the history of accidents at Sandpiper Trail? There have been no reported accidents at the Sandpiper Trail intersection with Highway 7, in the past 5 years. 14. Why is the Sandpiper Trail intersection considered to be safer than the Oriole Avenue intersection. The Sandpiper Trail intersection has a number of mOre desirable charac~eristics: -Highway 7 is straight and level at this location. -Sight distance is very good in both directions. -No other nmovementsn are being made by vehicles on Highway 7. -The approach grade on Sandpiper is fairly flat. 15. For the proposed alternatives, what are the projected traffic volumes at the affected intersections both daily and during the peak traffic hour? See attached traffic charts: Existing Daily Traffic Volumes October 1997 b cy ~ ~ uJ ~ = ~ o ~ 41 ~ s...:. j;f "i ~ r Projected Daily Traffic Volumes With restriction at Oriole Ave to right turn in and right turn out. , l." i"l ry ~ ~ ,0 ~ L&J ~ .... a: o ~. qf. ~ J-.;. {;j ~ ~ 41 .' \ . Existing Peak Hour Traffic Turning Movements November 1997, 5-6pm Note: These volumes are approximately twice as many as the morning peak hour. ~ ~ 41 ~ s..;. {;f ~ ~ Projected Peak Hour Traffic Turning-- Movements With restriction at Oriole Ave to right turn in and right turn out. I LlJ ~ .... t% o ~. ~ ~ J-.;.. j;f ~ .~ 41 .._.......... . .....llI.U'....'V '" "'UVIII I U^-V.L, ..,JV.t!. .1..JUO ITldr..LL ~O .L,)':::>'.:l l"'.Ul .,....'-'01:, (I) Oor~ Minnesota Department of Transportation MQtropolitan Division Waters Edge , 500 West County Road 82 Roseville, MN 55113 S~l1dcr (Ple:.L.;e ~amd return facs to number checked) Mll.in Fl\csi.m.il.- (Lower Level-Mail Room): 582-1131 Division Sta.ff(lst Floor): 582.1166 Asst.Div.EngrfDir. AreA (lst Floor): 582-1302 Permits(1st Floor): 582-1454 Dispatch (lst Floor): 582-1533 StAle Aid/PUbllc; Affain(lst Floor): 582-1368' Maintenanee (lst Floor): 582.1008 Accollnlin~/P\l~hAsinl! 3rd Floor): 582-1239 p - ~i 3rd Floor: 582-1308 Pet~onnel (3rd Floor): 582.1009 Right of Way (3rd Floor): 582-1496 o Employ~e Development (3rd Floor): 582-1534 ~::'~'c?f_ -: . DATE M.(,k /2 J l't'tt LOCA TION A..,-f4 t~^CfJ,J Facs No. '13/- '1152. CAta1t AasteJ4J c'.ty t~,;ue-er k,d 1I.t>.c.Ael.,..".,r Phone SC2- JZ9i MIA Ibo t -, f TO LOCATION. FRO~i IA w,- n,1J,~du- f"~~ r/! ~r ,11e"; . MESSAGE ~M~ l~/. j; lJt,/tI 1; 'ltJ~N 7 ~}t1' ~f :" Ae''''~ ' V Me J:. IV rI" vo... / PAGES TO FOLLOW (Rev. 6-2~.96 drl) I-.~ ~ual oppoi't~iai':y 'am?lo/~r 3 p ~bin S\\"itchbO;1rd TeL ~o-: (612) 582-1000 I'lL I "u r LMI'II'I.ll'I\J ,) ;'UU I M r- dX .OlL-:::>OL-l")UO Mar lL .~~ Ij:~~ ~.02 Minnewashta Heights neighborhood Arbor Lane, Cypress Drive, Dogwood Avenue, Fir Tree Avenue, Greenbriar Avenue. At the January 26, 1998 meeting; the Chanhassen City Council passed a motion to a.pprove the proposals that Mn/Dot had made for intersection improvements and access elosures for this neighborhood. Those proposals are: Arbor Lane: Add a right turn lane for the eastbound Highway? to southbound Arbor Lane movement. Widen the turning radiuses on ArboJ:' Lane to allow easier turning ability for school busses. Cypress Drive: Close access to Highway 7. Dogwood Avenue: The Dogwood Avenue Access remains open and might possibly be moved 100 feet west. The issue of possibly moving the intersection was to be further reviewed by city staff. Fir Tree Avenue: Close access to Highway 7. Greenbriar Avenue: Widen the turning radiuses on Greenbriar Avenue to allow easier turning ability for school busses. Review of possibility of moving the Dogwood Avenue access 100 feet west: The city public works staff and Hn/Dot have further reviewed this possible move, and currently do not feel that the intersection should he moved as part of this project. It was fo~d that moving the intersection 100 feet west would reduce sight distance for vehicles at Dogwood by approx~ately 1.5. seconds. This is due to the curve in Highway 7 to the west. Moving the intersection location was ini tial.l:y proposed by a resident as a me~hod of encouraging a greater splitting of traffic between Elm Tree Avenue and Dogwood Avenue. IYIe. I KU t'LHI\lI'Hl\IlJ -:> ~UU I H t- ax : ol:..::'-::>(f2- 1-5U8 Mar 12 '98 13:59 P.03 Due to the exis~ing location of the Freeman's Pa~k ent~ance, it was not conside~ed safe to propose movi.ng the Do~ood entrance ~ess the 100 feet. The city staff favors monitoring the traffic flow after the access closures have been made at Cypress Drive and Fir Tree Avenue. If it is then considered de$irable to move the entrance, it could be moved a sho~ter distance, after the Freeman's Park entrance is eventuallY closed. ...... "'u I '-"'~I~J.I~U V vUU I n rd.J<. .OlL-::>CSL-l')UCS Mar Ii '~~ Ij:S9 P.04 Leslee Curve The city council directed the city staff to look into the possibility of working with Mn/Dot to share in the funding of the construction of left turn lanes at this site. The city staff and Mn/Dot have tentatively agreed to a proposal which will result in left turn lanes being constructed at Leslee Curve and Pipewood Curve. Tbe proposal is considered to be a "win-wino situation for both the City and Mn/Dot. Mn/Dot is willing to Commit to leaving the intersections open and funding the entire cost of constructing left turn lanes. In exchange. the city is willing to Commit to doing some of. the work which Hn/Dot had proposed at some street connections to the Highway. That work is as follows: 1. Increase turning radiuses at Greenbriar Avenue. 2. Close access at Fir Tree Avenue. 3. Close Access at Cypress Drive. 4. Accept responsibility for any future moving of Dogwood Avenue, if it is later deter.mined that it should be moved. 5. Raiss the approacb grade at Washta Bay Road, and close off tbe connection of North Kanor Road to that intersection. This work can be done at a relatiVely small cOst to the city because the city is Planning the construction of a trail this year along Highway 7 in the area of these streets. The city doing the work at the streets this year will prOvide several benefits: 1 . The trail in these arsas will not have to be torn up and reconstructed if Mn/Dot were to do the street Work in the year 2000. 2. The trail will not have to be cloeed while Hn/Dot would be doing its project. 3. The access closures and intersection ilnprov_ents Will be accomplished two years earlier than if they would be done by MIl/Dot. The city has also agreed to attempt to facilitate obtaining some of the right of way needed to construct left turn lanes at Leslee Curve and Pipewood Curve.