Rich Valley Greenway Master Plan Central Greenway Connectivity Study Dakota County Planning Commission February, 2017
Rich Valley Greenway Master Plan
Dakota County Greenway Vision Establish a County-wide system of interconnected greenways that provide multiple functions: corridor-based recreation non-motorized transportation infrastructure ecologically functioning habitat improved water quality
Dakota County Greenway Vision
Collaborative Process
Master Plan Purpose & Outcomes Identify preferred greenway trail alignment Guidance for greenway development Metropolitan Council designation as a regional trail/greenway Grade separated crossings analysis & cost estimates Natural resources recommendations Cultural resources interpretation
Project Process November 2015-February 2016: Collect data, Natural and Cultural Resources analysis, Open House #1 February-March 2016: Analyze Alternatives, Stakeholder Outreach, Develop recommendations April 2016-February 2017: Draft Master Plan completion and review, Open House #2 March-June 2017: Final Master Plan completion and approvals
Public and Stakeholder Input Technical Advisory Group (TAG) : Eagan, Inver Grove Heights Project website Stakeholder outreach St. Thomas Becket Church Xcel Energy Several school and neighborhood inquiries made requesting feedback Open Houses February 16, 2016 & Spring 2017
Master Plan
Master Plan Concept
Segment 1 Lebanon Hills Park to Rich Valley Blvd
Segment 2 Rich Valley Blvd to Mississippi River Regional Trail
Alternative 117 th Street
Natural Resources
Water Resources
Transportation Grade-separated Crossings South Robert Trail at the Highline
Transportation Grade-separated Crossings Continuous, multipurpose trail Grade separated crossings: Recommended at all arterial road crossings Create fluid trail experience Reduce conflicts with motorized traffic Hwy 52 RR underpass
Transportation At-grade Crossings Continuous, multipurpose trail At grade road crossings at minor streets
Phasing and Priorities First Priority Build western greenway alignment along Highline corridor Lebanon Hills Park connection Eagan neighborhoods S. Robert Trail overpass Second Priority Cliff Road trail Rich Valley Park connection Trail through Flint Hills Resources land Long Term Trail through southern Inver Grove Heights
Phasing and Priorities
Next Steps Spring 2017 Public Review www.hkgi.com/projects/dakota Summer 2017 Adoption by County Board Fall 2017 Submit to Metropolitan Council Questions?
Central Greenway Connectivity Study
Study Purpose Identify bikeway connections between 6 greenways
Project Purpose & Goals Identify bikeway connections between greenways, particularly for Class A Cyclists Inventory existing bikeway facilities in central Dakota County that connect regional greenways Assess conditions of existing facilities Identify opportunities for improvements Make recommendations for short and long term improvements
Cyclist Types Class A Cyclist Advanced, Experienced...commuting/utility and touring Class B Cyclist Basic, "casual, novice, occasional, recreational" Class C Cyclist Children, pre-teen Source: AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, Draft April 1995
Existing Conditions
Short Term Improvements (1-5 years) 1. Establish Greenway Linking Routes 2. Add directional signage 3. Add Bike Route signs to Greenway Linking Route 4. Enhance intersections with Sharrow bike markings 5. Convert McAndrews road design from 4 to 3 lanes with shoulders between Johnny Cake and Pilot Knob 6. Ensure consistent snow removal along Greenway Linking Route shoulders
Short Term Improvements
Long Term Improvements (5-20 years) 1. Complete trail gaps on Cliff and McAndrews 2. Add painted bike lane along Dodd Road 3. Construct trail along Dodd Blvd south of 120 th Street 4. Make paved trail connection between Dodd Rd and Blvd 5. Shoulders are designed for bicyclists along Greenway Linking Route 6. Add wayfinding signage
Long Term Improvements
Project Schedule November 2015 January 2016: Base Mapping/Existing Conditions January February 2016: Study Opportunities/Draft Recommendations, Open House March 2016 Spring 2017: Develop Report, Submit to Dakota County Board for approval