The meeting delved into the details of the planned upgrades for 82nd Street, which is set to transform from a gravel road into a paved two-lane undivided roadway. This project includes the construction of a 10-foot trail on its north side. The initial bids for this project came in approximately $2.5 million below the engineer’s estimate, signaling potential cost savings. The construction is scheduled to begin with preliminary off-road improvements this fall, with completion expected by 2025. Upon opening, the new roadway is anticipated to handle a traffic volume of 4,000 to 6,000 cars per day, a substantial increase from the current count of about 1,000 vehicles.

Another project discussed involved improvements to Highway 5 and Highway 11, aimed at enhancing safety and capacity. The project, which includes a roundabout at a critical intersection, is estimated to cost $9 million, funded entirely by state and federal grants. The construction will proceed in stages, with a temporary bypass lane planned to ensure access during the roundabout’s construction. Environmental considerations, such as the impact on the endangered rusty patched bumblebee, were also highlighted, emphasizing the need for specific mitigation measures.

The meeting also addressed improvements to Rolling Acres Road and the intersection with Bavaria. With traffic expected to increase by up to 50% due to ongoing development, the council discussed plans to enhance both vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow. The project also plans to reroute current access to Highway 5 from the Arboretum’s north side to 78th Street in Chanhassen, in coordination with the University of Minnesota.

Concerns from local residents about the roundabouts at Tamarack Trail and Interlocken led to design modifications. These changes included reducing the size of the Tamarack Trail roundabout and adjusting the Interlocken roundabout’s design speed and footprint. Discussions also focused on the contentious sidewalk along Rolling Acres Road, where a property owner opposed construction due to a proposed temporary easement and grading concerns. The city is considering extending the sidewalk to improve access to pedestrian facilities, balancing community needs and property owner concerns.

Lastly, the council explored habitat conservation efforts related to the rusty patched bumblebee, particularly in the context of the Arbor Maria Transportation Project. Discussions included the potential donation of city-owned land parcels to Carver County, which would then transfer them to the University of Minnesota for habitat restoration. The council weighed the benefits of environmental mitigation against the history of land donations being subsequently sold, emphasizing the need for a conservation easement to protect the land.