Request for Committee Action

2017-01195 - Hiawatha Trail Gap: Layout approval and easements (October 6, 2017) - Approving the layout for the construction of the Hiawatha Avenue Trail Gap between East 28th Street to East 32nd Street.

2017-01195 - Hiawatha Trail Gap: Layout approval and easements (October 6, 2017) -  Authorizing negotiation with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to acquire a Limited Use Permit for the Hiawatha Trail Gap Project.

2017-01195 - Hiawatha Trail Gap: Layout approval and easements  (October 6, 2017)  -  Authorizing negotiation with private property owners to acquire easements and additional right-of-way, if necessary, for the project.

Hiawatha Avenue was reconstructed in 1999 with a 12-foot wide concrete trail on the west side of the corridor. In 2004, the construction of the Hiawatha Light Rail Transit (LRT) line, now operating as the Blue Line LRT, significantly reduced the width of this trail. It is now functioning as a standard sidewalk between 28th Street and 32nd Street. This design change created a gap in the regional trail network and limits the bicycle connectivity along the corridor. Public Works recommends constructing a 10-foot bike trail and a 6-foot sidewalk on the east side of Hiawatha Avenue between 28th Street and 32nd Street, fully within MnDOT right-of-way, to restore the bicycling connection that once existed and provide a new parallel facility for pedestrians. MnDOT has been engaged throughout the layout development and is supportive of the project. In October 2017 the Minneapolis City Council approved the layout for this project and authorized staff to negotiate with property owners for needed right-of-way.  Construction is planned for Fall 2018.

The purpose of this letter is to authorize proper city officials to enter into a Limited Use Permit Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to allow for construction and operation of the trail on MnDOT right-of-way. The following terms are standard to MnDOT LUPs and pertain to duration, use, construction, and maintenance:

• The permit is valid for 10 years and may be renewed at that time. 
• MnDOT reserves the right to terminate the agreement at any time with 90 days notice. 
• Only trail related infrastructure (pavement, signs, etc.) will be allowed in the corridor. 
• The city is expected to operate and maintain the trail (this will be re-evaluated when the city negotiates the bi-yearly MnDOT maintenance agreement).   
• The city is also expected to identify and remediate any contaminated soils that are disturbed. 
• The city agrees to remove the trail (and retaining wall) at no expense to MnDOT if the LUP expires or if MnDOT terminates the agreement. 

MnDOT recognizes the importance of this proposed non-motorized transportation facility and acknowledges that this trail is an appropriate use of MnDOT right-of-way.

Attachments:

1. Project location map

2. Limited Use Permit Resolution