Council Moves Forward with Woodbury Drive Expansion Project
One resident, representing the business park at Woodbury Drive and Lake Road, spoke during a public hearing.
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Woodbury Drive is one step closer to being a four-lane highway with two new roundabouts following the City Council’s actions Wednesday night.
The council unanimously voted in favor of ordering the project and entering a cooperative agreement with Washington County.
Plans call for the road to be expanded from two lanes to four from Park Crossing to a quarter mile south of Bailey Road. Roundabouts are planned at Bailey and Lake roads.
Of the approximately $14 million cost of the project, about $3.5 million would fall to the city. However, more than $2 million of that figure will come from state aid funds, and about $243,000 will be paid through assessments, the bulk of that coming from the two nearby churches and Prestwick Golf Club. (An assessment hearing will be held at a later date.)
One resident spoke during a public hearing on the matter. Kelly Monkman, representing the business park at Woodbury Drive and Lake Road, expressed his concerns over cut-through traffic and reduced access once a raised median is built. What will happen to an existing irrigation system was also an issue for Monkman.
Community Development Director Dwight Picha said that when the business park was initially approved, there was an understanding that it would eventually have only right-in, right-out access from Woodbury Drive.
David Jessup, Public Works director, said those businesses could put in speed bumps as part of an effort to reduce people trying to avoid the roundabout.
Mayor Mary Giuliani Stephens, meanwhile, said the roundabout at the intersection could reduce the need for people to cut through.
Previous Coverage
Council Approves Woodbury Drive Expansion Plans
Two Roundabouts Planned For Woodbury Drive Expansion
Residents ‘Fired Up’ About Woodbury Drive Project
County Outlines Plans To Expand Woodbury Drive
Residents Get Last Chance To Chime In On Woodbury Drive Project
Pedestrian Safety: Another Go-Round on the Roundabouts
‘Hybrid’ Roundabouts Planned For Woodbury Drive Project
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In This article
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Prestwick Golf Club
9555 Wedgewood Dr, Saint Paul, MN -
Woodbury Public Works Department
2301 Tower Dr, Woodbury, MN -
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Kris Janisch
9:09 am on Friday, August 10, 2012
One thing I didn't include in this post is that the Eagle Valley Golf Course would technically be assessed, though the city would pay it off in one shot, unlike assessments for residents for roads, for example, which are paid off over 10 or 12 years. Councilman Burns actually asked the question, in light of the interest from at least one group in buying the course. http://patch.com/A-s7FP
Joe Salmon
9:28 am on Friday, August 10, 2012
I was under the impression that we would be burying power lines as redevelopment took place. However I notice in this drawing that a big power pole still exists. Secondly I just don't think roundabouts are the way to go.
Kris Janisch
10:04 am on Friday, August 10, 2012
Haven't heard a lot of discussion on utilities with this project. Good question Joe.
Paul Whackernutz
12:20 pm on Friday, August 10, 2012
The county said at the first and second public meetings that the power lines would not be buried due to the cost of doing so.
Kris Janisch
3:09 pm on Friday, August 10, 2012
Thanks for the info, haven't really heard that brought up at any of the public meetings or council discussions.
Susan Monty
7:41 pm on Friday, August 10, 2012
Maybe there will be less traffic on the road since people like me will generally find an alternate round to avoid those roundabouts entirely.
Kris Janisch
9:07 am on Saturday, August 11, 2012
Susan, do you think people still do that at Radio and Bailey?