Project technical staff have
been working on this issue for the past 2 years or so with Mn/DOT and other
traffic engineers. An incredible amount of data has been gathered, and
traffic simulations have been prepared to determine if the proposed ramps will
serve all traffic coming south on I-35W to Lake Street and from Lake Street
heading north. This component of the Project has been analyzed from every
possible perspective. For the past several months we have been
meeting with both Mn/DOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for
the sole purpose of concluding this issue.
Regarding southbound , traffic
coming from westbound I-94, eastbound I-94 and southbound I-35W will all be able
to use this exit to Lake Street. Restrictions will not be imposed anytime
of day and there will not be a requirement for the rebraiding of existing lanes,
as was once considered (e.g. bridging travel lanes to eliminate traffic having
to merge).
Regarding northbound, the
entrance to I-35W will be permitted. Some modifications in the current
freeway design will need to occur in order to relieve congestion trouble
spots. This does not involve adding capacity to the freeway, but would
include measures to better manage traffic flow. Recent work has
concluded that the entrance will not need to be restricted in either the
short or long-term as was once envisioned. Rebraiding of existing lanes is
also not necessary.
Recent postings have raised
this point as a flaw in the Access Project, I hope this clarifies that these
ramps will not be restricted and will not require expensive rebraiding
measures. Creativity on the part of our technical team has ensured that
both ramps will serve all movements no matter what time of day and without
outlandish cost or freeway modification.
Thank you,
Tom Johnson
Tom Johnson
Transportation Consultant
SMITH PARKER P.L.L.P
Phone: 612-344-1400
Fax: 612-344-1550
E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
