Twin Ports Interchange Reconstruction Project

Monthly Update Meeting

January 29, 2018

Project Components

Purpose of Project

Enhance safety by eliminating blind merges and left exits Moving left exits to the right

Relocating merges

Replace aging infrastructure Reconstructing weight restricted and non-redundant bridges

Reduces maintenance and closures

Eliminates some bridge structure

Improve freight mobility Allow oversize/overweight freight on the Interstate

Other Potential Benefits

Improved access at Courtland Street

Better bicycle and pedestrian connections

Safer and more comfortable spaces under the highway

Opportunity for aesthetic improvements

Online Travel Survey

Posted online from November 13 to December 11, 2017

Received 881 responses

Online Travel Survey Results

29%

20% 20%

17%

13%

1%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

Once per day or more Less than 1 day/week 1-2 days/week 3-4 days/week More than 5days/week

I don't travel thissection of roadway

How frequently do you travel through the Twin Ports Interchange area ("Can of Worms") consisting of I-35 / I-535 / US 53?

Online Travel Survey Results

44%

36%

14%

2% 2% 1% 1% 0.5%0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

Commute to workor school

Shopping/errands/appointments

Recreation/tourism

Hauling/distribution of

goods

Special events Home/Family All of the above Church

What is your primary purpose for traveling through the "Can of Worms"?

Online Travel Survey Results

32%31%

24%

12%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

Yes, occasionally (sometimeswhen I travel this area)

Yes, but rarely (only once in awhile)

No, I don't experiencecongestion or delay

Yes, frequently (every time Itravel this area)

Do you typically experience congestion or delay in these areas?

Online Travel Survey Results

71%

8% 6% 4% 3% 3%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Removal of blindentrance and exit

ramps

Less trafficcongestion

Better freight (truck)movements

Removal of trafficsignal

Improvesignage/wayfinding

Increase local access

In your opinion, what is the highest priority or greatest need for MnDOT to address when reconstructing these interchanges?

Online Travel Survey Results- Written Comments(339 responses)

57%

7% 6% 5% 4% 4% 3%

15%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Eliminate blindmerges, left exits,and short weaving

distances

Access to LincolnPark neighborhood

and to the water

Improve signage,wayfinding, and/or

lighting

Do nothing Improve mobilityfor freight traffic

Remove the trafficsignal

Improve pedestrianand bike

connectivity andaccess

Other

Please share any additional thoughts for MnDOT to consider about the challenges you experience in this area, or your ideas for improvements

Common Response Themes

Main Interchange Concepts

4 concepts presented at November open house Concept B

Concept C – Selected

Concept I

Concept O

Concept C Benefits Signal relocated to an expected location

Maintains all traffic movements

Minimizes Bridge Structure

Concept O -Eliminated

• Requires substantial right-of-way impact on Lower Michigan Street north of US 53

• Eliminates direct I-35 northbound to US 53 northbound movement

Concept I - Eliminated

• Complex bridges

• Most expensive

• No public support

Concept B- Eliminated

• 3 traffic signals

• Highest vehicle-hours of delay

Concept C – Selected

1905 Photo of RR Roundhouse along Garfield Avenue

Courtland Street Extension Issues

Contamination from railroad

Minimize impact to rail operations

Mixing of pedestrians/bicycles with rail operations

No at grade rail crossings allowed

Courtland Street Concept F

Courtland Street Concept H

Courtland Street Concept J

19th Avenue West

US 53 Option

W First St.

Superior St.

W. Michigan St.

W Second St.

Key - FillPreliminary Example

US 53 – Replacing Bridges by Using Roadway Fills

Options for art

Wide openings at streets for safe passage.

PRELIMINARY EXAMPLE

Project Map – I-535/GarfieldInterchange

Goals

• Reduced footprint

• Remove sharp curves

• Layout forthcoming

Next Steps

Advisory group to be formed Agency and public stakeholders

Upcoming events: Duluth Boat, Sports and Travel Show – February 14-18 at DECC

Monthly update meeting – February 26 Time and location to TBD

Watch website for details

Will send out e-mail notifications

Project Schedule

Questions

Thank You!