Item Description:
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Authorization to request a variance from MnDOT standard for State Aid Operations for CSAH 153 Reconstruction (Phase Two), CP 2140800 (S.P. 027-753-021)
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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 for State Aid Operations Chapter 8820, part 8820.9956 (Minimum Vertical Clearances for Underpasses) for State Project 027-753-021, County Project 2140800, to keep the existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) railroad bridge underpass with a vertical clearance of 13 feet 6 inches in lieu of the required 14 feet 6 inches minimum for Urban Design vertical clearance, as stipulated, following the roadway reconstruction project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon approval of the requested variance by the Commissioner of 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 granting of the variance, 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 the granting of this variance.
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Background:
History: The county, in collaboration with the City of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the Metropolitan Council, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, will reconstruct County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 153 (Lowry Avenue) from Marshall to Johnson streets. The project is being completed in phases with Phase One (Washington to Johnson streets) beginning construction this year. Phase Two (Marshall to Washington streets) is currently being designed with construction anticipated to begin in 2026. Phase Two includes work under a BNSF railroad bridge that has a vertical clearance one foot lower than the required minimum. The project will not rebuild the bridge and the roadway elevation is not changing. As a result, a variance for the project is requested.
Current Request: This request seeks authorization to request a variance from Minnesota Administrative Rules for State Aid Operations Chapter 8820, part 8820.9956 to allow a reduction of the required vertical clearance to 13 feet 6 inches in lieu of the required minimum 14 feet 6 inches for Urban Design vertical clearance, as stipulated.
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