Item Description:
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Authorization to request a variance from MN Dept of Transportation standard for State Aid Operations related to CSAH 153 (Lowry Ave) Reconstruction (project 2140800, state projects 027-753-021 and 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 according to Minnesota Administrative Rules, Chapter 8820, for State Aid Operation Part 8820.9995 (Minimum Off-road and Shared Use Path Standards) to allow a 6-foot shared use path for a bridge underpass in lieu of an 8-foot shared use path with the reconstruction of County State Aid Highway 153 (Lowry Avenue) from County State Aid Highway 23 (Marshall Street) to Washington Street Northeast; and
BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, that upon approval of the variance by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, 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 reconstruction of County State Aid Highway 153 (Lowry Avenue) from County State Aid Highway 23 (Marshall Street) to Washington Street Northeast in accordance with Minnesota Rules 8820.9995 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 collaboration with the City of Minneapolis, is designing for the reconstruction of CSAH 153 (Lowry Avenue) from Marshall Street to Washington Street. People walking, biking and rolling along the corridor would benefit from continuity and connectivity provided by a narrower path (in lieu of a gap in the shared use path) under the bridge. Since this does not meet the state aid standards for a shared use path, a variance is required.
Current Request: This request seeks authorization to request a variance from Minnesota Administrative Rules 8820.9995 to allow a 6-foot shared use path in lieu of an 8-foot path 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