MPO Staff Report Technical Advisory Committee: March 8, 2017 MPO Executive Board: March, 2017

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1 MPO Staff Report Technical Advisory Committee: March 8, 2017 MPO Executive Board: March, 2017 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Update on the Kennedy and Sorlie Bridge Projects Matter of the Kennedy and Sorlie Bridges. Background: Sorlie: Oral Update as available. Kennedy: MnDOT held an Open House on Wednesday, March 1 st. Attached is the handout provided at the open house. MnDOT will receive concerns about farm equipment being able to move between the two communities. MnDOT stated they will work with local police and attempt to figure out something, if something is needed. This is the internet site for the project: Attached is some recent communication between Roland Young and NDDOT. ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS OF FACT: None SUPPORT MATERIALS: March 1 st meeting handout Correspondence

2 Project FAQ Will the bridge be open during construction? Yes, well mostly. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane in each direction for most of the project, however approximately 8 short-term detours of up to 3 days each will be needed during the project. Why is the center median being removed on the bridge? There isn t enough room on the existing structure to accommodate the shared use requirements for four driving lanes, a bike/ped path and shoulders. Why not build a new bridge rather than restore the existing Kennedy Bridge? All options were explored, but reconstruction was selected because of the age, condition, historic nature and overall costs to replace vs rehabilitate. Why is a shared-use path/bike trail being added on the bridge? Could it have been added outside of the truss similar to the Sorlie bridge? To provide a safe bike and pedestrian connection between the two communities. Because of the historic nature and the design of the current bridge, an additional structure was unfeasible. Why is the pier being replaced on the bridge? The soils along the existing pier have been very slowly sliding toward the river. While the existing pier and supports are designed to accommodate for this movement by making adjustments to the supports, the movement has reached the capacity of system and no further adjustments can be made, resulting in the need to replace the pier. Will there be an aesthetic lighting system similar to what was recently added to the Sorlie Bridge? There will be additional lighting installed, but at this time it won t display colors like the Sorlie Bridge. Stay Informed & Involved Website For more detail, including project details and maps: Updates Get the latest news and information by subscribing to updates. You ll recieve the current schedule of work, completed items, and upcoming impacts to motorists. Sign up on the project website or tj.melcher@state.mn.us We re In This Together Understanding the high impacts of summer construction on this important border crossing, most of the project will be constructed under traffic. Although occasional detours are required they will be limited in duration. Our goal is to reconstruct the Kennedy Bridge as safely and quickly as possible. MnDOT Contacts For further information on this project please contact: Paul Konickson Project Manager paul.konickson@state.mn.us TJ Melcher Public Affairs Coordinator tj.melcher@state.mn.us MnDOT - District Highway 2 West Bemidji, MN kennedy bridge East Grand Forks Construction kennedybridge

3 General Project Details 2017 March 1- Open House March 15: Construction begins 2018 Construction concludes A new look Impacts Lane closures Occasional short term detours Height / Weight restrictions Benefits Safer and longer lasting bridge Smoother and longer lasting bridge deck Safer walkway for pedestrians and bicyclists Cost $15.66 million (split between Minnesota and North Dakota) The new bridge deck will feature a dedicated lane for bikes and pedestrians. The existing structure of the bridge will be maintained, as the final design features a complete deck replacement, pier replacement, structural repairs and new lighting. The new layout features four lanes of traffic and adds an additional protected walkway that will connect the Greenway Trail on each side of the river

4 3/8/2017 Print Subject: From: To: Cc: Date: GF/EGF Roadway System Salwei, Steve S. Tuesday, March 7, :27 AM Roland Your recent E Mail to Ms. Martin was forward to Director Levi and myself. The department appreciates your interest in transportation infrastructure in the Grand Forks Area. By law, the MPO is responsible for all of the long range transportation planning within an MPO area. This area includes the Merrifield Road. As Director Levi indicated in his May 17, 2016 letter and again in his November 17, 2016 letter, the Grand Forks East Grand Forks MPO is currently doing an Interstate Study. As part of that study, they are looking at the impacts of what another river crossing would have on the Interstate system in the Grand Forks area. This study is currently ongoing. We encourage you to provide your comments and feedback on the study to Mr. Earl Haugen, MPO Executive Director as part of the Study input process. I have attached a copy of the May 17, 2016 and November 17, 2016 letters for your information. Thank You. Steve Salwei Transportation Programs Director North Dakota DOT From: Roland Young [mailto:ryoung@telproinc.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 28, :43 PM 1/3

5 3/8/2017 Print To: Martin, Laurie M. Cc: Al Wimpfheimer Arvin Kvasager Barry Wilfahrt Beau Bateman Blaine Soderberg C.T. Marhula Chuck Gunnerson Chuck Nelson Cory Vigen Corey Cleveland Dan Gowen Dan Fabian Dan Swingen Deb Kiel Dick Gleason mix.com>; Doug Iverson Earl Haugen Gary Malm Jim Bradshaw corp.com>; John Berthhold John Samdahl Keith Lund Nick Brown Nick West Paul Fladland Robert Drees Richard Sanders Steve Adams Chris Adams Steve Gander Mayor Brown Wally Cash Warren Strandell Tom Dennis Subject: GF/EGF Roadway System CAUTION: This originated from an outside source. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know they are safe. Ms. Martin, In light of the pending Kennedy Bridge Rehabilitation please relay this message to Mr. Grant Levi. Thank you, Roland This has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. Attachments doc pdf (144.14KB) 2/3

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