Thisweek Online

First phase of road connecting Cliff Road underpass, Highway 13 planned for 2005

Posted: 4/11/03

by Tad Johnson
Thisweek Newspapers
The businesses affected by the first phase of an extension to County Road 5 learned of the cityís intention to pursue the project during Mondayís regular city council meeting.

While improvements to roadways in the area west of Interstate 35W and north of Highway 13 have been discussed for the past 20 years, the council ordered that plans and specifications be completed for phase one of an estimated 4.3-mile parkway-type road connecting the Cliff Road underpass with County Road 5.

The 0.3-mile long first phase would be constructed on the south edge of the Knox Lumber, Patio Town and a portion of the Apple Valley Ready Mix properties west of Interstate 35W.

Todd Strand, president of Patio Town, while saying he opposed the road alignment since it will end the business at its current location, was also concerned about the timeline for which the business would be relocated.

After it was apparent the road alignment would not change, to accommodate relocation concerns, the council set as a proposed timeline:

ï completing engineering work in 2003,

ïÝright of way acquisition in 2004, and

ïÝconstruction in 2005.

Setting forth a two-year process would most likely allow Patio Town and the other businesses time to address their needs. Strand said the opening of its new Brooklyn Park location was a two-year process. He said it will be difficult to find a new site the would permit its heavy industrial use.

The proposed $3.64 million, 2005 construction would also give the city time to align its funding sources.

Council Member Charlie Crichton said the city doesnít have the money to do the project and it doesnít gain anything by doing it this year. He was more comfortable with the 2005 construction proposal. In 2005 county, state and federal funding sources may be in place for the total project.

Mitchell Rasmussen, director of engineering and infrastructure, said the connection was a key recommendation in the Highway 13 corridor study. It will address traffic, safety and I-35W ramp improvements.

ìThis has been in the cityís and countyís plans for such a long time,î he said.

To address potential relocation issues for the businesses, Rasmussen said the city will do its best to schedule the construction at a time when it has the least amount of impact.

Tad Johnson is at
tad.johnson@ecm-inc.com.

-- Check out this week's newspaper for more details.

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