Item Description:
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Authorization to submit a variance request for a one lane one-way street for the Lake Harriet Parkway paving project (CP 2240800, SAP 027-600-012), superseding Resolution 25-0273
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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 through the State Park Road Account, from the Minnesota Department of Transportation State Aid Operations Rules Chapter 8820.9946, to allow one lane one-way street in lieu of two through lanes between the following stations: 10+33.83 to 22+63.36; 54+47.00 to 84+47.10; and to allow minimum road width of 15.6 foot in lieu of 21.0 foot total width with no parking for one-way roads between the following stations: 10+33.83 to 11+65.75; 14+72.40 to 15+37.22; 17+99.06 to 18+60.61; 19+21.82 to 19+63.52; 20+28.85 to 22+63.65; 54+47.00 to 65+29.51; 67+34.12 to 69+37.99; 74+06.53 to 75+05.98; 76+08.67 to 77.10.90; 78+38.56 to 82+42.98; 83+96.85 to 84+47.10; and to allow minimum road width of 23.7 foot in lieu of 29.0 foot width with parking on one side for one-way roads between the following stations: 11+65.75 to 14+72.40; 15+37.22 to 17+99.06; 18+60.61 to 19+21.82; 19+63.52 to 20+28.85; 50+29.32 to 54+47.00; 65+29.51 to 67+34.12; 69+37.99 to 74+06.53; 75+05.98 to 76+08.67; 77+10.90 to 78+38.56; 82+42.98 to 83+96.85; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon approval of the variance by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners hereby indemnifies, saves and holds 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 reconditioning of Lake Harriet Parkway from Roseway Road to 42nd Street W in accordance with Minnesota Rules 8820.9946 and further agrees to defend at their sole cost and expense any action or proceeding commenced for the purpose of asserting any claim arising as a result of the granting this variance.
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Background:
The City of Minneapolis, in coordination with Hennepin County and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, is preparing plans to repave Lake Harriet Parkway from Roseway Road to 42nd Street W. The parkway is currently owned by the Park Board and operated by the city. The current design includes one-lane in one direction with parking permitted on one side. Concurring with provisions associated with the State Park Road Account funding and design criteria, Lake Harriet Parkway is subject to State Aid Rules which require two lanes for one-way roads and a minimum width of 21 feet for one lane roads with no parking and 29 feet for one lane roads with parking. The city and Park Board have demonstrated an interest to maintain the current road design and width for multimodal safety and operational purposes.
Hennepin County is required to request the variance since the county is the fiscal sponsor on behalf of the City of Minneapolis. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources awarded funding to the city through the State Park Road Account, which is affiliated with the County State Aid Highway fund.
This resolution would supersede Resolution 25-0273 that was adopted on July 29, 2025. The previous resolution did not provide the detailed station description of the project location that the variance applies to.
Current Request: This request seeks authorization to rescind Resolution 25-0273 and authorization to request a variance from Minnesota Administrative Rules 8820.9946 to allow one lane one-way roads and reduced road width of Lake Harriet Parkway from Roseway Road to 42nd Street W.
Impacts/Outcomes:
This action supports the efforts of our partner agencies by improving accessibility, mobility, and safety for multimodal transportation users.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval