8.f) Staff Report-Th 97 Bridge ImprovementSCANDIA
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: February 17, 2015
To: City Council
From: Kristina Handt, Administrator
Re: TH 97 Bridge Improvement at I-35
Background:
The City of Forest Lake has asked us to support their efforts for funding to update the TH 97
Bridge at I-35 and add ramps at Cty Rd 83. Since many Scandia residents frequently use this
interchange as access to the freeway, the Council may want to consider offering support.
Issue:
Should the City of Scandia join other communities in supporting updates to the TH 97/I-35
interchange and addition of ramps at Cty RD 83?
Proposal Details:
A resolution supporting bonding funds from the state for $25 million to improve the 97/35
interchange is included in your packet. The City Engineer has also provided additional
information in his report.
Some concern has been expressed by Scandia residents with the diverging diamond design. A
specific design for the interchange has not been finalized but as you can see in the slide show
presentation from Feb 4th (included), this option did score the highest. Additional Diverging
Diamond information is available on the MNDOT website at
http://www.dot.state.mn.us/roadwork/divdiamonds.httnl
A video is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L-8z7v1VEc
Fiscal Impact:
None associated with approving the resolution.
Options:
1) Approve the Resolution 2-17-15-06
2) Amend and then Approve the Resolution 2-17-15-06
3) Do not pass the Resolution 2-17-15-06
Recommendation:
Option 1.