Memo Sidewalk System Review
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CITY OF HOPKINS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 4, 1993
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Lee Gustafson, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Sidewalk/Trail System Review
The city Council is being asked to review and comment on the
enclosed sidewalk/trail plan and planning study. Staff
would like to use Council's comments in preparing the final
draft of the plan. The plan has already been reviewed by
the Park Board, and is scheduled to be reviewed by Zoning
and Planning on February 23. If the plan is well received
at these reveiws it will be scheduled to come back before
Council on March 2 for final reveiw and approval.
. Staff would also like to take the opportunity to have
. Council comment on the alternatives for the 8th Avenue
regional trail connection. These comments will be used when
discussing the final design of the regional trails with
Hennepin Parks. The alternatives are illustrated on the
attached letter from Barton-Aschman Associates, consul tant
for Hennepin Parks.
The main reason for establishing a plan is to identify areas
where sidewalks and trails are needed so people are aware of
this when redevelopment opportunities arise. For example,
it is very important that a plan be approved by the City
Council prior to upgrading a county Road where local
participation is required. If a plan has been approved
prior to upgrading a County Road, the county will help fund
sidewalks or trails even if there were none existing. If a
plan has not been approved prior to upgrading, the county
will not participate in the funding of sidewalks and trails
if none existed prior to construction.
The plan presently calls for the existing sidewalks. to
remain in the central and Harley Hopkins areas. The plan
recognizes that it is nice to have these sidewalks remain in
place, however, they are not that significant that they need
. to be identified as major walkways. It would be staff's
~ intent to address sidewalk issues within these areas as the
. need arises.
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February 4, 1993
page 2 /,/"0
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The attached Barton-Aschman letter identifying different
alternatives for the 8th Avenue connection has been reviewed
by staff on a number of occasions. staff feels that
alternative' "0" is the best choice at this time since it
does not reduce the number of parking stalls on 8th Avenue
and yet still provides an identifiable connection. However,
when the reconstruqtion of 8th Avenue occurs .in the future,
staff will be taking a'hard look at Alternative "e" to see
if that would best fit our overall needs. staff would like
the eounqil to review this matter to determine if there is
concurrence with staff's recommendation on using alternative
"0" at this time.
Please keep in mind that the sidewalk/trail plan is, as the
name implies, a plan. It in the
future as the need arises.
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. Barton-Aschman Associates, Inc.
111 Third Avenue South, Suite 350 Phone: (612) 332-0421
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 Fax: (612) 332-6160
USA
December 1, 1992
Lee Gustaphson, Public Works Director
City of Hopkins
City Hall
1010 South First Street
Hopkins, MN 55343
Re: Hennepin Parks Trails--Eighth Avenue Connection
Dear Lee:
As was discussed in our meeting and subsequent telephone conversation, there is interest
. in providing a connection between the proposed north and south temporary LRT trails
via Eighth Avenue.
We have developed five alternatives that can be considered to accomplish this task. The
studied segment for the alternatives is the Eighth Avenue segment north of Main Street,
as this portion provides the most restrictive section. Alternatives include:
No Build--Informational signing that indicates the presence of a second trail would be
provided at the trail head with no direct link shown. Bicycle traffic patterns could be
studied, with one of the build alternatives implemented at a later date, if required.
Alternative A --Parking is eliminated on the east side. A one-way bicycle lane is added
along the curb; the travel lanes are shifted east and a southbound bicycle lane added
between the travel lanes and a row of parallel parking. The existing section
(approximately 45 feet) can accommodate the proposed section.
Alternative B-- The west row of parking would be replaced by a two-way bicycle lane.
Some type of raised barrier would be required between the bicycle and vehicle lanes.
The existing section can accommodate the proposed section.
Alternative C-- This option would require widening the existing section to at least 50 feet.
CUrb and gutter would need to be removed, sidewalks narrowed, and light standards and
. sign relocated. Lane dimensions would meet minimum standards.
(l)) '.
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Barton-Aschman Associates, Inc. -
December 1, 1992
Page 2
Alternative D--This alternative incorporates a shared pedestrian and bicycle facility.
Neither sidewalk on Eighth Avenue north of Main Street is wide enough to
accommodate both pedestrian and bicycle traffic. A minimum of eight feet of clear area
is required, in addition to striping and signing. This facility could be placed on either
side of the road, with the west side preferred.
Attached are sketches of the four build alternatives for your review. Each has
advantages and disadvantages listed. We prefer the implementation of Alternative A
due to its minimal construction and cost impacts and conformance to AASHTO
standards.
Also included is an aerial photograph with proposed routing through the Dodge dealer I
rental area. A minimum width roadway connection from 18th Avenue to the alley has
--- been provided. Please call me with comments regarding this arrangement, as we would
,- like to set up meetings with the property owners soon.
Please review the alternatives with those responsible for the affected facilities and .
respond to Hennepin Parks with the direction the city would like to pursue in this area.
Feel free to call if you have any questions.
Yours truly,
/)Jy4&,\t
David W. Filipiak, P.E.
Senior Associate
DWP:dmv
Enclosures
cc: Del Miller, Hennepin Parks
Mike Henry, Hennepin Parks
Barry Warner, Barton-Aschman
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PRELIMINARY SIDEWALK/TRAIL PLANNING STUDY
HOPKINS, MINNESOTA
JUNE 10, 1992'
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I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to analyze needs of pedestrian and bicycle
transportation in the City of Hopkins and to develop an overall plan to guide
future sidewalk/trail decisions.
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II. INVENTORY
A. Destinations
For the purpose of this study, destinations were defined as the
locations that pedestrians and bicyclists most often come from and
go to. Destinations within the City include: parks, schools,
. churches, other public facilities such as post office, libraries,
residential concentrations such as multi-family developments,
major employers, and retail/business districts. North, south,
east and west beyond the City limits were also included as
important destinations.
B. Existing Sidewalk/Trail Facilities
Hopkins has a mixture of sidewalk/trail types throughout the City.
The downtown and centrally-located residential neighborhood have
traditional sidewalks on both sides of the streets. Most other
neighborhoods have sidewalks only along major routes. Some off-
road trails exist, primarily in park sites. Some segments of
major roadways have a bike lane striped along both sides.
Two former railroad corridors traverse Hopkins from west to east and
are recognized as regional trail corridors.
The review of existing facilities also included foot paths created
by usage, indicating the need for pedestrian facilities.
C. Road System
The major traffic carrier in Hopkins include two intermediate arterials,
State Highways 169 and 7; and five minor arterials, Minnetonka
. Boulevard, Hopkins Crossroads (73), Shady Oak Road, Blake Road, and
Excelsior Boulevard.
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III. ANAL YSIS
After reviewing the existing destinations, sidewalks, and road' systems in
Hopkins, the following issues have been identified.
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1. Incomplete or lack of pedestrian/bicycle facilities along routes between
destinations.
2. On-road bike lanes along major roadways with very high traffic
volumes.
3. Inconsistent design character along a trail route (width, surfacing, on-
road/off-road, etc.).
4. Need for better trail and route identification.
5. Need for a connection between two regional trail corridors
6. Need for safe crossings of major roadways.
7. Need for timing and procedural coordination between City and property
owners along regional trail corridor. The regional trail is obstructed,
prohibiting immediate access to a larger system.
,~ 8. Need fo: .coordination of trail issues between Hopkins and neighboring 0
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J IV. RECOMMENDED TRAIL CORRIDORS
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J Based on the location of destinations, roadway system, and existing facilities,
I several routes were selected as important corridors for pedestrian and bicycle
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. use. The two intermediate arterials, Highways 7 and 169, were not
J considered as potential corridors due to the high volume of traffic. The
following is a brief summary of the study corridors:
a
.I Corridor A.D.T. Value to System Special Issues
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] 1. Blake Road 7100-20,600 Only N-S corridor Highway 7 and
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] on east side of Excelsior Blvd.
.. town crossings
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,. 2. Excelsior Blvd. 16,000-24,000 Primary E-W Road improvm't &
Corridor through beautification
town plans currently
~ underway; Hwy 169
crossing
j 3. Minnetonka Blvd. 11,500-11,900 Only E-W corridor Coordination with
~ on north side of St. Louis Park & C
Highway 7 Minnetonka
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4. Shady Oak Road 12,900 Shared border wI Narrow, congested
Minnetonka corridor; coord.
with Minnetonka
5. Hopkins 4000-9700 Major N-S corridor Hwy. 7 crossing;
Crossroads/17th west of Highway coordination
Avenue North 169 and north of with Minnetonka
Excelsior Blvd.
6. Oakridge Road/ --- Major N-S corridor Excelsior Blvd.
5th Ave. N./. west of Hwy 169 crossing
Railroad Blvd.!
6th Ave. S. -
7. Mainstreet/ 6000-10,900 Major pedestrian Too congested
Washington Ave. N. corridor for bicycle use
8. North frontage Rd. --- Major E-W corridor Heavy intersection
of Highway 7 north of Highway 7 movements at
12th Avenue
9. 11th Ave. (So. of 6500-13,000 Only N-S corridor Intersection w/
. Excelsior Blvd.) west of Hwy 169 Excelsior Blvd.
& So. of Excelsior
10. Smetana Drive 2450-5500 Link to Shady Oak Coordination w/
Beach and Mtka. Minnetonka
Trails
11. Minnetonka Mills --- Hwy 169 crossing Continuity of
Rd.!2nd St. N.E. north of Excelsior corridor
Boulevard
12. 3rd St. S./2nd St. --- Hwy 169 crossing Continuity of
S.! Blake Trail South of Excelsior Corridor
Boulevard
13. 5th St. S./2nd 4650-5500 Connection between ---
Ave. S. major corridors;
14. St. Louis St.! --- Potential linking Excelsior Blvd.
Monroe Ave. of major corridors crossing/
intersection
alignment
15. Minor connectors: --- Local access to ---
Cambridge St. major corridors
Tyler Ave. N.
. Westbrooke Way
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V. PLAN CONCEPTS
After evaluating the proposed trail corridors, a Sidewalk/Trail Plan was
developed which is illustrated on the graphic dated 10 June 1992. The
concepts included in the plan area discussed in this section.
A. Trail Design Vocabulary
Throughout this study, three trail design types are utilized, on-road
bike lane, sidwalk, and off-road bike/hike trail. These are each
defined as follows:
1. The on-road bike lane isa 10 foot wide (optimally), one-way
lane on each side of a travelled roadway for use by bicycles.
It is defined by the curb or edge of pavement on one side and
a white, solid painted line on the other. Signage should identify
the lane as a bikeway. For additional identification, a bicycle
symbol can be painted directly on the pavement. Wherever on-
u street bike lanes are proposed, the removal of anyon-street
parking is also implied.
The plan specifically does not include routes with a diminished 0
J design profile such as allowing on-street parking along a route
- signed as a bike route. Consistency in design character is
I important for the safety of bicyclists and motorists.
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J 2. A sidewalk is a 6' (minimum) wide paved surface for use by
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J pedestrians located within the R.O.W. It is separated from the
") travelled roadway by a curb and possibly a grass boulevard. In
III this proposed plan, the sidewalk can be on one or both sides of
'4 a road, depending on usage.
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a 3. An off-road bike/hike trail is an 8' minimum width two-way
.I trail way for use by both bicycles and. pedestrians. The route
, does not have to parallel a roadway, but if it does, at least 20'
of separation is typical.
~ B. Traffic Volume
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" Traffic volume is a major factor in the design of a bicycle route.
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~ Based on the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Bikeway Design
Manual, generally, a roadway with no on-street parking and an average
-'I daily trip (ADT) count of less than 6000 meets the criteria as an
~ acceptable (fair) bike route. If the ADT is much higher, the roadway
.i is not deemed acceptable for the average cyclist's skills and needs and
j a separated bike path is required (such as a bike/hike trail).
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B. Traffic Volume (continued)
This guideline has been applied to the study corridors in Hopkins with
a few exceptions. 1.) 17th Avenue North has an ADT of just over
6000, but, because of the existing urban residential character, an off-
road bike/hike trail is probably not feasible along this segment. 2.)
Smetana Drive has an ADT of less than 6000; however, both ends of
Smetana Drive enter Minnetonka where there are either existing or
proposed off-road trails. In order to maintain a consistent physical
design character, an off-road bike/hike trail is proposed.
C. Downtown
Typically throughout the proposed plan, the study routes include bike ~
lanes with pedestrian walks. However, Mainstreet is an important
local access corridor where the presence of vehicle parking and
shoppers is important. It does not work well as a throu2'h corridor for
bicycles due to conflicts with parked cars, signal lights and pedestrian
traffic. Therefore a parallel route for bicycles is proposed along 1st
Street. This concept can be reinforced with signage~
D. Regional Trails
.. Hopkins is fortunate to be traversed by three former railroad corridors
. that are recognized as regional trail corridors. The southern two
corridors pass through Hopkins from southwest to northeast. The
northern corridor enters Hopkins. from the northwest, but the historic
connecting point with the southern route was lost during the
construction of Highway 169/Excelsior Boulevard interchange. A new
connection route that is most conducive for crossing Excelsior
Boulevard is 8th Avenue South. This plan would eliminate 76 on-street
parking spaces along 8th Avenue, but the intersection with Excelsior is
basically only a 3-way intersection without free right turns and,
therefore, a better design for handling bicycle traffic through the two
other crossings at 5th and 11 tho The property southwest of this
intersection of regional trails would have great potential as a trail
head. This site is also being considered as a possible location for the
old depot.
The segment of the southern regional trail corridor between 8th
Avenue South and Monroe A venue South runs alongSide Excelsior
Boulevard. It is recommended that the proposed Excelsior Boulevard
off-road bike/hike trail and the regional trail be combined along this
segment with adequate opportunities for connections to destinations
along Excelsior Boulevard.
E. Coordination With Neighboring Communities
The proposed sidewalk/trail system is very exterritorial, with
. connections to the neighboring communities at 15 points. Four
. \ connections to St. Louis Park are planned at Knollwood, Cambridge
. Street, Regional Trail Corridor, and Excelsior Boulevard. Two
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E. Coordination With Neighboring Communities (continued)
connections to Edina are planned at Blake Road and 7th Street West.
Nine connections to Minnetonka are planned at both ends of Smetana
Drive, all three regional trail corridors, Excelsior Boulevard, both ends
of Minnetonka Boulevard and Hopkins Crossroad. To ensure continuity
of trail design and routing, coordination with the neighboring
communities is recommended.
F. Existing Sidewalks
There are a couple of residential neighborhoods in Hopkins that
were built at a time when sidewalks along all or almost all
streets was the norm. While more recent residential development
standards no longer include complete sidewalk systems, it is felt
that the sidewalks in the older neighborhoods are an integral part
of the neighborhood character and should remain and be maintained.
Missing sections of sidewalk in an otherwise complete route should be
constructed to complete the route.
;,;;;;;; G. Foot Paths
It is not possible to foresee every need of pedestrians and cyclists; ,
. however, the presence of worn paths is often evidence of significant 0
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two years that the type of usage be evaluated (bike and/or
,I pedestrians) and that the appropriate facility be constructed.
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.. VI. IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITIES
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_J The implementations tasks included in the proposed sidewalk/trail plan
J generally fall into three categories: administrative, minor physical, and
. major physical. Administrative tasks include working with property owners to
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.~ coordinate leases, easements, R.O. W. acquisition, the restriction of on-street
J parking, meetings with neighboring communities, etc. Minor physical
j improvements include striping bike lanes, signage and filling in small gaps in
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"" sidewalk routes. Major physical improvements include construction of off-
j road trails, complete new sidewalk routes, etc., and intersection
". improvements necessary to accommodate trails.
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1 The theories behind a recommended prioritization of projects is as
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] 1st Priority - Major trail projects related to road improvement
'1 plans currently underway, e.g., Excelsior Boulevard
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I off-road bike/hike trail. Exclesior Boulevard
i upgrading and beautification plans are currently
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1 underway and, hopefully it is not too late to C
..1 incorporate the proposed off-road bike/hike trail.
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2nd Priority - Trail projects which involve only.administrative and
minor physical tasks which effect the greatest srain,
e.g., Regional Trail Corridors. By simply removing
parked vehicles and other storage from the
northwest end of the northern regional trail
corridor, the entire corridor is open from downtown
Hopkins into Minnetonka. By restricting parking,
signing and striping 8th Avenue South, the
connection of the two regional corridors can be
made.
3rd Priority - Other trail projects that involve only administrative
and minor physical tasks, e.g., 1st Street North,
17th Avenue, Minnetonka Mills Road on-road bike
lanes. Most of the proposed on-road bike lanes can
be realized by restricting parking, signing and
striping the streets.
4th Priority - Major trail projects that need to be coordinated with
major road improvements, e.g., off-road bike/hike
. trails. The proposed off-road bike/hike trails
typically occur along very busy roads with full
development on both sides of the roadway, such as
Shady Oak Road and Blake Road. The construction
of an off-road bike/hike trail can be a major
project often involving the acquisition of land.
While these trails are badly needed, the
implementation is facilitated by coordinating it
with a scheduled road improvement project.
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