95-038 - 04-04 - Supporting Legislative Action to Alleviate Congestion on I-394 at Penn Ave 1\��V 1 u e.� V�� �..-� { i — ���..
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Member ��� introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
�� RESOLUTION SUPPORTING LEGISLATIVE ACTION TO ALLOW MnDOT
TO ALLEVIATE CONGESTION ON I-394 AT PENN AVENUE
WHEREAS, in 1975 legislation was passed that limited the number of travel
lanes on I-394 as a means of increasing usage of the High Occupancy Vehicle lanes,
of I-394; and
WHEREAS, the total traffic volumes utilizing both east bound and west bound
I-394 have far exceeded the original projections even though the usage of the HOV
lanes has exceeded projections, with approximately 50% of all passenger trips
during the A.M. peak hour on I-394 using the HOV lane; and
WHEREAS, this increase in usage combined with the design restrictions at
Penn Avenue have resulted in significant congestion in both directions in the
vicinity of the Penn Avenue exit resulting in increased traffic congestion and
a reduction in air quality; and
WHEREAS, there are also a si�gnificant number of times when there are major
events taking place in downtown Minneapolis in the evening and the HOV lane can't
be switched in time to respond to the in-bound congestion; and
WHEREAS, MnDOT has developed preliminary plans .for a solution that would
have two main components: 1) addition of a third land in each direction, and
2) construction of an additional noise wall and/or increased height of existing
noise walls, responding to the need for increased traffic capacity, without
causing adverse noise impacts; and
WHEREAS, there is growing support for removing the restriction at Penn
Avenue to improve traffic flow; and
WHEREAS, legislative action is required to allow MnDOT the flexibility
to implement a solution that alleviates the congestion in a manner that also
responds to concerns from nearby residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Golden
Valley, that the Council supports with the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce position
statement on I-394/Penn Avenue Congestion and recommends that the original I-394
legislation be amended to allow MnDOT the opportunity to design and construct a
solution that will provide a third traffic lane in each direction and appropriate
noise mitigation measures.
Bl ai r Tremere, t4ayor
ATTEST:
Shirley J . Nelson, City Clerk
T motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was seconded by Member
and upon a vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor
th leof: and the following voted against the same:
wh�ereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the
M�r and his signature attested by the City Clerk.
T0: MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Larry Dowell , Chamber President will be at the meeting at 6:30 PM to
speak to the issue.