Item Description:
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Authorization to request a variance from MnDOT standard for State Aid Operation related to Lowry Avenue (CSAH 153) Reconstruction (CP 2140800), State Project 027-753-021 and State Project 141-020-145
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the County Engineer is hereby authorized to submit a formal variance request to the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) according to the Minnesota Administrative Rules for State Aid Operation Chapter 8820, part 8820.9936 (Minimum Design Standards, Urban New or Reconstruction Projects) to allow 10-foot lanes in lieu of 11-foot lanes with the urban reconstruction of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 153 (Lowry Avenue) from CSAH 23 (Marshall Street) to Washington Street Northeast.
BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, that upon approval of the requested variance by the MnDOT Commissioner, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners hereby indemnifies, saves and hold harmless the State of Minnesota and its agents and employees of and from claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or by reason of the urban reconstruction of CSAH 153 (Lowry Avenue) from CSAH 23 (Marshall Street) to Washington Street Northeast in the accordance with Minnesota Rules 8820.9936 and further agrees to defend at its sole cost and expense any action or proceeding commenced for the purpose of asserting any claim arising as a result of granting this variance.
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Background:
Hennepin County, in conjunction with the City of Minneapolis, is preparing plans for the urban reconstruction of CSAH 153 (Lowry Avenue) from CSAH 23 (Marshall Street) to Washington Street Northeast. Through project development, the project team has determined that people walking, biking and rolling along the corridor would benefit from the implementation of narrower (10-foot) lanes in combination with other safety improvements. Since this roadway does not meet MnDOT’s interpretation of the state aid rules for use of 10-foot lanes, a variance is required.
Current Request:
This request seeks authorization to request a variance from Minnesota Administrative Rules for State Aid Operation Chapter 8820, part 8820.9936 to allow 10-foot lanes in lieu of 11-foot lanes with the reconstruction of Lowry Avenue between Marshall and Washington streets NE.
Impacts/Outcomes:
This action supports the county’s Mobility 2040 goals, climate action and disparity reduction efforts by improving accessibility, mobility, and safety for multimodal transportation users.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval