Construction

ACTT Workshop: Minnesota
June 14-16, 2004, Minneapolis, Minnesota

[Archived] Chapter 3: Workshop Meeting Details

Mn/DOT and FHWA hosted the ACTT Workshop on June 14 to 16, 2004, at the Crowne Plaza Northstar Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Approximately 100 individuals representing a variety of interests were in attendance. A list of workshop attendees is presented in Appendix A.

In discussions held prior to the workshop, the following seven skill sets were selected for this project:

• Right-of-Way and Utilities.
• Structures.
• Construction.
• Innovative Contracting.
• Geotechnical/Materials.
• Traffic/ITS/Safety/Public Relations.
• Environment.

A description of each skill set is included in Appendix B.

3.1 Opening Session

The workshop began with opening remarks from:

• Carol Molnau, Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota and Commissioner of Transportation.
• Al Steger, FHWA Division Administrator for Minnesota.

Each of the participants introduced themselves. This was followed by a project overview by Tom O'Keefe, the Mn/DOT Area Manager, and John Griffith, the Mn/DOT Project Manager. David Huft, Research Program Manager for SDDOT, then conducted the "Why ACTT? Why Now?" presentation. The opening day concluded with a bus tour of the project area with stops along I-35W at the 58th Street pedestrian overpass and Highway 62 at the Penn Avenue and Portland Avenue interchanges.

3.2 Workshop Process and Recommendations

The second day began with an overview of the Minneapolis Municipal Consent public hearing held the night before. Next, the skill teams met to discuss ideas. Before lunch, the general session reconvened to share initial ideas. After lunch, the skill set teams continued developing ideas and intermingled with other teams to ask questions and share ideas. On the remainder of the second and early part of the third day, the teams prepared final recommendations.

Each skill set team completed reporting forms, which are included in Appendix C, and presented their recommendations to the group. Summaries of the group discussions and the top recommendations presented from each skill set are included below. Mn/DOT's action for each recommendation is also shown.

3.2.1 Right-of-Way and Utilities

The Right-of-Way and Utilities Skill Set focused much of its discussion on ways to improve or accelerate the project. The four main topics included overall coordination, process, resources, and new initiatives. The Right-of-Way and Utilities Skill Set developed the following recommendations:

Overall Coordination (Goals 2.2.1.b - Coordination and 2.2.1.c - Project Schedule)

• Set up a right-of-way and utility layout meeting early on in the project.
  • Action: Mn/DOT normally performs early coordination and will do so for this project.
• Have early involvement with the utility office for utility right-of-way purchases.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will meet with utility owners at 30 percent completion of the final design.
• Stage and prioritize the right-of-way acquisition based on critical parcels and construction staging.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will prioritize parcels.
• Obtain authorization to proceed with the total takes before signed Environmental Assessment (EA) and Municipal Consent. (Mn/DOT must assess the risk involved to proceed.)
  • Action: Mn/DOT is proceeding with one hardship case but will wait for municipal consent, since funding limitations will not allow for early acquisitions.
• Conduct early railroad coordination with Canadian Pacific Rail, Progressive Rail, and Mn/DOT Rail Office.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will provide early coordination.
• Determine utility and right-of-way issues at proposed locations of MSE walls.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is currently addressing these issues.
• Define a footprint to obtain adequate right-of-way and proceed with acquisition in order to avoid future restarts of the acquisition process.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will establish a worst-case footprint and move forward.
• Coordinate any right-of-way turnback commitments early in the process.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is currently preparing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Richfield for Madison Park right-of-way turnback; Mn/DOT will initiate right-of-way setback and turnback discussions for frontage roads.

Policy (Goals 2.2.1.d and 2.2.1.e - Utility Relocations)

• Purchase right-of-way for utility relocations.
  • Action: Mn/DOT can purchase minor amounts of right-of-way for utility relocation, but policy prevents large-scale acquisitions for utility relocations. Mn/DOT will attempt to acquire right-of-way early so all utilities have the opportunity to relocate before construction.
• Obtain as many title orders as possible early on in the process. Identify critical path parcels to help prioritize the titles.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is currently obtaining titles and attempting to prioritize.
• Use Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE).
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate if SUE should be performed for this project.
• Examine the consultant contracting process more to determine streamlining opportunities.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is using a "turn key" approach for right-of-way services for this project.
• Acquire Peter's Billiards:
  • Access management.
  • Damages.
  • Land sales and acquisition.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will attempt to acquire early to allow the owner the opportunity to have the new building ready once the existing building needs to be removed. Mn/DOT will also try to address access management.

Resources (Goal 2.2.1.c - Meet Project Schedule)

• External:
  • Coordinate interagency agreements.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate the feasibility of this.
  • Use more fee review appraisers.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will use more if needed.
  • Establish and execute contracts for regulated waste assessments and removals as early as possible.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is shifting to a policy of performing this work prior to construction.

New Initiatives (No specific goal)

• Raise appraisal waiver limits even higher for minimum damage acquisitions (MDA).
  • Action: Mn/DOT will consider this.
• Use relocation and acquisition incentives.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will consider if needed (would require FHWA approval).
• Consider state statute revisions to allow for a 30-day quick-take period.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is not ready to pursue.
• Conduct acquisitions prior to completion of the environmental documentation process.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is proceeding with hardship cases; Mn/DOT will perform a risk assessment for others.
• Implement more CADD (Geopak) in platting and description writing.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will perform as appropriate.
• Look at the right-of-way area as a system to allow for flexibility in contracting.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will perform as appropriate.
• Migrate more rapidly to electronic data and document management and REALMS systems.
  • Action: Mn/DOT anticipates implementation by early 2005.

3.2.2 Structures

To facilitate accelerated construction of this project, the Structures Skill Set divided recommendations into three broad categories: bridges, retaining walls, and materials. There were also recommendations and discussions directed towards specific bridges and ways to construct them faster and more efficiently. The Structures Skill Set developed the following recommendations to be considered during final design:

Bridges (Goals 2.2.2.a - Reduce Construction Time, 2.2.2b - Bridge Types, and 2.2.2.e - Cost of Structures)

• Use drilled shaft or piling option for segmental bridges at pier locations.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate during final design.
• Use precast substructures.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate during final design.
• Use higher-capacity piles.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate during final design.
• Have an early contract for the 42nd Avenue Bridge and Diamond Lake Road Bridge located on the north segment of the project.
  • Action: Funding currently not available.
• Use precast decks.
  • Action: Not current Mn/DOT practice.
• Install MSE abutment walls.
  • Action: Not current Mn/DOT practice, but will evaluate for this project.

Specific Bridge Recommendations (Goal 2.2.2.c - Review Precast Section Placement)

Bridge 27V75 (Ramp from I-35W South to TH-62 West) Segmental versus Steel

• Precast Segmental Concrete:
  • Complete construction by July/August 2007. (Assumed September 2005 letting.)
• Steel:
  • Have a steel-only contract 8 months prior to the beginning of construction so all material is onsite to build immediately.
  • Complete construction by fall of 2006. (Assumed September 2005 letting.)
  • Determine if a box section or I-section should be used.
• Determine the critical path of construction to see when this bridge needs to be complete and open to traffic.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will use a Critical Path Method (CPM) for this project.

Bridges 27V73 and 27V66 (Ramp from I-35W North to TH-62 East)

• Design bridges to be the same type and size.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will do this.

Bridge 27V68 (TH-62 East over I-35W)

• Add a span in order to square off the end of the bridge.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will adjust the skew angle of the abutment.

Bridge 27V74 (I-35W and TH-62 over CP Railroad)

• Fabricate bridge structure offsite and install all at once:
  • Use Conspan structure.
  • Salvage existing substructures.
  • Action: Mn/DOT must obtain railroad concurrence for bridge type.

Retaining Walls (Goals 2.2.2.a - Reduce Construction Time, 2.2.2.b - Wall Types, and 2.2.2.e - Cost of Structures)

• Install MSE walls at all possible locations.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is implementing this.
• Install sheet pile protection at storm sewer locations instead of supporting retaining wall on piling.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is evaluating this.
• Slipform rail on the MSE walls.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is evaluating this.
• Specify cast-in-place (CIP) walls (from a preapproved list) in the plans, but allow for two or three other specific options including:
  • Modular block/crib walls (current policy may not allow).
  • Precast walls.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate this during the final design.

Materials (Goal 2.2.2.a - Reduce Time)

• Use high-performance concrete (HPC) on bridge decks to eliminate the need to overlay.
  • Action: Mn/DOT currently uses when appropriate.
• Use high-performance steel (HPS) where appropriate.
  • Action: Mn/DOT currently uses when appropriate.
• Use self-consolidating concrete (new to Mn/DOT).
  • Action: Mn/DOT currently uses when appropriate.
• Determine what type of rebar will be appropriate for this project:
  • Purple coated.
  • Stainless steel.
  • MMFX Steel.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate this during the final design.
• Determine the options for lightweight fill. There may be possible settlement issues.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate this during the final design.

3.2.3 Construction

The Construction Skill Set's discussion to facilitate accelerated construction on this project resulted in final recommendations from three broad categories: CPM, innovative contracting techniques, and alternate material specifications. The following recommendations were developed:

Critical Path Method (Goals 2.2.2.a - Project Staging, 2.2.3.e - Minimize Closures, 2.2.2.f - Minimize Traffic Impact, 2.2.2.i - Minimize Duration, and 2.2.2.j - Complete Segments during One Season)

• Prepare a preconstruction CPM.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will use CPM for this project.
• Identify the critical paths and methods to compress:
  • Find out the advantages if 8-week closures are fully utilized.
  • Determine if design changes will compress the critical path.
  • Evaluate the content of Stage 0 and Stages 1-4 to optimize the critical path.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will use CPM to perform these evaluations.
• Transition the CPM to the contractor. This involves:
  • Contractor review during post bid, preaward phase.
  • Contractor provides regular (monthly) updates during construction phase.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is interested in pursuing this.

Innovative Contracting Techniques (Goals 2.2.2.f - Minimize Impact to Traffic and 2.2.2.c - Contractor Staging Area)

• Use the A+B (Cost + Time) bidding method. Multiple Bs could be used for interim milestones.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate this.
• Use incentives and disincentives for interim stages and closures.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate this.
• Use interim milestones for completion dates.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate this.
• Identify the staging areas outside of the proposed right-of-way. Can Mn/DOT purchase additional right-of-way for staging areas? (Only if for transportation needs.)
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate this.
• Include user costs for road closures.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate this.

Alternate Material Specifications (Goals 2.2.2.b - Alternate Material Types and 2.2.2.h - Minimize Cost)

• Evaluate the use of high early strength concrete where appropriate. For critical areas like crossovers, mixes are available that can be opened within 4 hours.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will consider this based on CPM analysis.
• Evaluate the use of precast pavement where appropriate.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will consider this based on CPM analysis.
• Evaluate the use of unsealed concrete pavement joints to reduce time and cost.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will consider this based on CPM analysis.
• Evaluate the use of dual-coated epoxy dowel bars as opposed to stainless steel dowel bars. Dual-coated dowel bars are less expensive and more available.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate this during the final design.
• Determine the parameters for grading materials to allow reuse of onsite materials
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate this during the final design.
• Determine the retaining wall requirements for precast, MSE, continuous diaphragm (not feasible if tie-back extends beyond right-of-way), and cast-in-place.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is currently evaluating this.

3.2.4 Innovative Contracting

The Innovative Contracting Skill Set's discussion to facilitate accelerated construction on this project resulted in these recommendations:

General Recommendations

• Reallocate funding to fund the entire project with a letting in Fall 2005.
  • Action: Mn/DOT's current funding will not allow this.
• Establish one contract for the project.
  • Use advance contracts for bridges and other work that does not affect the mainline traffic, if necessary.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate this using CPM and funding availability.

Project Delivery Method (Goal 2.2.4.a - New Contracting Methods)

• Use the Design-Build philosophy once the design is between 30 percent and 95 percent complete:
  • Mn/DOT would need to complete a constructability study.
  • Contractor would design and implement the staging and traffic control.
  • Use a stipend for the staging and traffic control.
  • Use the Design-Bid-Build (D-B-B) method with contractor designed staging/traffic management as a best-value selection criterion.
  • Action: Mn/DOT has been using D-B-B since an earlier construction start with Design-Build is not possible due to funding limitations. Mn/DOT is on schedule with the 30 percent design during the Fall of 2004.

Procurement Process (Goal 2.2.4.b - Refine A + B)

• Use A+B (Cost + Time) bidding:
  • Develop a ramp closure matrix showing the maximum closure times.
  • Establish a cost per day ($/day) pricing for ramp closures and mainline closures and evaluate the bids based on minimizing closure times.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will use CPM to evaluate this and will consider A + B bidding and Contractor Peer Review.

Final Recommendations (Goals 2.2.4.c - Better Utilization of State Personnel and 2.2.4.d - Decision Making Process)

• Use CPM scheduling and monitor regularly.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will use CPM for this project.
• Use incentives/disincentives for early completion of major movements.
  • Include ramps, flyovers, and traffic switches.
  • Use substantial incentives so the contractor will go after them.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate the use of incentives based upon CPM analysis.
• Examine the use of lane rental (full or temporary lane closure).
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate the use of incentives based upon CPM analysis.
• Hold a mandatory Pre-Bid Conference.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will use a mandatory prebid conference.
• Have Mn/DOT conduct post-award workshops and regular meetings on:
  • Partnering.
  • Scheduling.
  • Utilities.
  • Submittals.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will consider this.
• Use Subsurface Utility Engineering and Master Utility Agreements.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate if SUE and Master Utility Agreements should be used for this project.
• Develop an oversight team organizational chart.
  • Determine when to use consultants, such as material testing, Segmental Bridge Inspection, and schedule reviewers.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate this during the final design.
• Use a construction management system:
  • Link the contractor's document control to everyone involved.
  • Connect the field information to a database.
  • Allow the parties involved to easily have access to the schedule.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will consider this.
• Employ escrow bid documents.
  • Action: Mn/DOT normally requires this on large projects.
• Establish a dispute resolution board (DRB).
  • Action: Mn/DOT will do this.
• Consider dedicating key experts/senior staff full-time to the project to speed up decisionmaking.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will dedicate appropriate staff to the project.

3.2.5 Geotechnical/Materials

The Geotechnical/Materials Skill Set's discussion to facilitate accelerated construction on this project resulted in the following recommendations:

General Recommendations

• Implement early utility location/relocation coordination with local entities.
  • Action: Mn/DOT normally performs early coordination and will do so for this project.
• Identify future improvements desired by utilities, the CP Railroad, Progressive Rail, and Metro Transit early in the process.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will perform early coordination.
• Define the Project Team, Communication Protocols, Reviews, Meetings, etc.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will define these.
• Hold progress meetings with the geotechnical group every 3 months.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will hold regular monthly meetings involving all design groups.
• Provide an MSE wall training course for bridge, construction, and materials groups.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will provide the appropriate training.

Major Issues (Goals 2.2.5.a - New Methods/Materials and 2.2.5.d - MSE Walls)

• Assume the use of MSE walls until proven otherwise. Other wall options, in order of preference, include:
  • Continuous diaphragm walls (Not feasible since the tie-backs would extend outside of Mn/DOT's right-of-way.)
  • Soldier piles lagging, soil nailing (Not feasible since the tie-backs would extend outside of Mn/DOT's right-of-way.)
  • Cast-in place (Used when other wall types are not feasible.)
  • Action: Mn/DOT has already completed this evaluation.
• Recognize the paving limitations on this project due to seasonal constraints resulting in multiple (yearly) mobilizations.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will use CPM to optimize staging and minimize multiple mobilizations.
• Use precast pavement panels to help accelerate the schedule when critical.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will consider this for isolated areas based upon evaluation with CPM.

Structure Foundations (Goals 2.2.5.a - New Materials/Methods and 2.2.5.c - Vibration Monitoring)

• Determine structural loads early to aid in the design.
  • Action: Mn/DOT normally does this.
• Use spread footings unless they are proven inadequate to minimize deep foundation needs (15 percent cost savings on the bridge).
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate spread footing use for bridges and cast-in-place walls.
• Use a load test and constructability contract to confirm high-capacity foundations prior to letting.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will do this if the design identifies a need for high capacity foundations.
• Eliminate end slopes under bridges by using MSE walls.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will consider this.
• Eliminate bridge abutments by using pile bents to the beams with MSE walls.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate this.
• Specify drilled piling to eliminate vibration problems.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will consider this.

Wall Recommendations (Goals 2.2.5.d - MSE Walls and 2.2.5.b - New Material Testing)

• Investigate eliminating walls when a 1 vertical to 2 horizontal slope is possible.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate this.
• Use a performance specification for walls from an approved list with a contractor design.
  • Action: Mn/DOT currently uses this for certain wall types.
• Expand the list of approved MSE wall systems.
  • Action: Mn/DOT has an open application process.
• Construct temporary embankments with geofoam fill to reduce slope requirements.
  • Action: Vertical slope designs will be evaluated.
• Use intelligent grading, compaction, and documentation.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is currently considering this.

3.2.6 Traffic/ITS/Safety/Public Relations

The Traffic/ITS/Safety/Public Relations Skill Set's discussion to facilitate accelerated construction on this project resulted in the following recommendations:

General Recommendations

• Incorporate the costs associated with traffic management, work zone safety, and public relations as standard components of construction estimates.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is not currently able to allocate construction funding to operations.
• Use a cost estimation validation process (risk management).
  • Action: Mn/DOT is currently not set up to do this, but should obtain other State DOT information to access.

Work Zone Safety (Goals 2.2.6.a - Incident Management System and 2.2.6.c - Work Zone Congestion)

• Use an Incident Management Plan:
  • Action: Mn/DOT will develop a plan and consider the following as either Mn/DOT or contract bid items:
  • Freeway Service Patrols: Provide construction funding to fund a Freeway Incident Response Safety Team (FIRST). (Mn/DOT will consider this.)
  • Dedicated State Patrol: Pay the State Patrol to be onsite during critical times and after traffic switches. This is currently done on most major projects. Work with State Patrol to get more officers in the Metro. (Mn/DOT normally does this.)
  • Heavy equipment for incident clearance: Have appropriate equipment available on the job site for incident removal, barrier fixes, etc. (Mn/DOT will consider this.)
  • Establish emergency pull-offs. (Mn/DOT normally does this.)
• Establish safety goals and measures, including:
  • Number of crashes.
  • Incident clearance times.
  • Number of worker injuries.
  • Mn/DOT will evaluate this.
• Use contractor incentives:
  • Create incentives for new and innovative ideas to reduce project time, improve safety, and reduce the impacts to motorists.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will consider this.
• Provide Work Zone Safety education:
  • Establish extensive coverage of work zone safety through the media, including print, television, Web, and radio.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate this. However, this requires additional funding and resources beyond the current practice of limited press coverage.
• Improve special provision effectiveness:
  • Provide support and training for enforcement of special provisions.
  • Include penalty language and enforce it.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will do this.

Traffic Management (Goals 2.2.6.c - Work Zone Congestion and 2.2.6.d - Lane Closures)

• Maintain existing Traffic Management Systems (TMS) during the construction phase:
  • Use portable Changeable Message Signs (CMS) that are controlled remotely from the traffic management center for real-time traffic information.
  • Maintain camera coverage for incident detection.
  • Maintain non-intrusive detection for traveler information and traffic management.
  • Explore construction-area ramp-metering policies.
  • Establish wireless communications to the traffic management center.
  • Establish contractor disincentives for traffic management systems being out of service.
  • Explore using additional traffic management center staff to support construction projects.
  • Train construction staff on the importance of traffic management systems.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will consider the use of a temporary TMS for this project.
• Define an alternate route:
  • Complete a systemwide alternate route assessment prior to project staging decisions.
  • Add a temporary third lane to Highway 100 between 36th Street and I-394.
  • Make improvements to the local streets and intersections.
  • Improve the signal timing on parallel arterials.
  • Provide resources and staff to local communities if needed.
  • Provide camera coverage on alternate routes during construction.
  • Action: Mn/DOT currently not able to allocate funding outside the trunk highway system.
• Regional construction coordination:
  • Coordinate construction and lane closures with all adjacent projects, including city and county projects.
  • Coordinate with maintenance activities.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will coordinate with other agencies to the extent reasonable.
• Weekend closures:
  • Keep the I-35W mainline open as a first priority.
  • Use historical volumes to determine when TH-62 closures should occur.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will do this.

Travel Demand Management (Goal 2.2.6.f - Work Zone Cost Growth)

• Promote reverse transit with additional express bus service.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will coordinate with Transit providers.
• Explore the possibility of additional park-and-ride lots.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will coordinate with Transit providers.

Public Relations (Goal 2.2.6.b - Media Relations)

• Develop a strategic communications plan that is integrated with:
  • Road design plan.
  • Traffic operations during construction.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will consider this.
• Develop a communications budget:
  • Establish an adequate budget (up to 1 percent of the project) for communications activities.
  • Budget can be used for advertising, setting up focus groups, etc.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will consider this with construction activities.
• Coordinate public relations messages:
  • Make sure everyone involved (Mn/DOT, contractors, city, etc.) is on "theme/message" in terms of Public Relations.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will coordinate this.
• Provide strong internal communication:
  • Lane closures should not take place unexpectedly or with short lead times.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will evaluate the use of this.
• Conduct mandatory media training for construction staff.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will consider this.

3.2.7 Environment

The Environment Skill Set's discussion to facilitate accelerated construction on this project resulted in the following recommendations:

Water Quality During Construction (Goal 2.2.7.e - Water Quality)

• Use innovative Best Management Practices (BMPs), such as the use of Polyacrylamide.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will identify a wide range of BMPs for use on the project and include them in the bid documents.
• Require a Certified Erosion Control Specialist onsite to conduct regular inspections.
  • Action: Current Mn/DOT specifications require the contractor to have this. Mn/DOT has partnered with the University of Minnesota to provide training.
• Monitor the outfall to Diamond Lake for erosion runoff either by Mn/DOT or the contractor via a performance specification.
  • Action: Mn/DOT currently has a contractor in place to provide monitoring before, during, and after construction.
• Provide contract pay items for payment of erosion control work and remobilizations.
  • Action: Mn/DOT currently has numerous contract pay items for both the installation and maintenance of temporary and permanent erosion control features.
• Expand the water resource plan notes to include areas to avoid for staging needs.
  • Action: Mn/DOT currently identifies sensitive areas within a plan set. These notes can be expanded to include staging areas.
• Educate the contractor on the importance and sensitivity of erosion control.
  • Action: Mn/DOT's current requirement for a Certified Erosion Control Supervisor addresses this.
• Construct sedimentation ponds prior to construction, such as a pond at Diamond Lake.
  • Action: Mn/DOT normally specifies this in a plan set. Mn/DOT intends to excavate a temporary pond within the existing sediment delta at Diamond Lake and install an upstream grit chamber early in the project.

Water Quality After Construction (Goal 2.2.7.e - Water Quality)

• Market the project benefits of water quality features (for example, perform modeling of Diamond Lake to confirm results).
  • Action: Mn/DOT has already held public meetings regarding the current monitoring efforts at Diamond Lake and will disseminate the results of the ongoing monitoring.
• Maintain grit chambers on a regular schedule that satisfies the manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Action: Both the contractor (during construction) and Mn/DOT (after construction) will clean the chambers before performance would become impaired.
• Use high-efficiency street sweeping or other technologies.
  • Action: Mn/DOT currently performs sweeping, with a pick-up broom, once per year in conformance with the Mn/DOT MS4 application.
• Investigate the partnership opportunities for future storm water tunnel improvements north of 39th Street.
  • Action: Mn/DOT and the City of Minneapolis are jointly funding this study.
• Maintain storm water ponds on a regular schedule.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will perform pond maintenance for Mn/DOT owned ponds on a regular schedule.
• Provide long-term water quality monitoring for Diamond Lake.
  • Action: Mn/DOT currently has a contractor in place to provide monitoring before, during, and after construction.

Air Quality During Construction (Goals 2.2.7.a - Air Quality, 2.2.7.c - Ozone, 2.2.7.c - Fine Particulates, and 2.2.7.d Air Toxins)

• Perform public education and outreach for air quality pollutants.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will consider providing this information via a newsletter or the project Web site.
• Require construction mitigation by using newer equipment and cleaner-burning fuels.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will consider this.
• Exceed the minimum requirements to meet air quality issues.
  • Action: This is always a goal for Mn/DOT projects.

Noise During Construction (Goal 2.2.7.a - Air Quality)

• Investigate the allowable hours of work within each city.
  • Action: Current Mn/DOT practice requires this information in the bid documents.
• Install new noise walls early when feasible.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will specify this as the project staging allows.
• Construct the combined retaining/noise wall systems simultaneously.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will specify this as the project staging allows.

Noise After Construction (Goal 2.2.7.a - Air Quality)

• Work with the neighborhoods to understand shadowing from noise walls, noise benefits, and aesthetics.
  • Action: Current Mn/DOT practice is to remonitor noise levels after construction. The results of this could be shared with the community.
• Use concrete pavement tining that minimizes noise impacts.
  • Action: Current Mn/DOT practice is to specify the Astro-grass drag, which is one of the quietest concrete textures available.

Community Impacts (No specific goal)

• Construct pedestrian and bike trails early when possible.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will specify this as the project staging allows.
• Obtain financial support and partnership for the 66th and Portland Street improvements, such as left-turn lanes.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is not currently able to allocate funding outside the trunk highway system.
• Implement aesthetic design guideline enhancements within the Mn/DOT maximum participation (for example, noise walls).
  • Action: Mn/DOT will implement the aesthetic design guide and provide enhancement money consistent with Mn/DOT's Cost Participation Guidelines.
• Consider constructing the 46th Street transit station concurrently with the project.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is not able to allocate funding for the transit station since funding for transit improvements must be allocated by the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC). Mn/DOT will continue to work with MTC to construct the station concurrently with the project.
• Consider expanded bus service during construction and future investment for park-and-ride facilities adjacent to the corridor.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will continue to work with Metro Transit and other transit providers to develop an action plan for this corridor during construction. Mn/DOT currently cannot pay for bus service with trunk highway funding.
• Provide creative land replacement compensation for parkland impacts.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is currently preparing an MOU with the City of Richfield for the Madison Park right-of-way land exchange.
• Provide a communication plan during construction, including Web site updates.
  • Action: Mn/DOT normally provides media briefs and construction information on the Web site.
• Consider terraced retaining walls to provide vegetation opportunities and breaks in the visual impacts of the proposed retaining walls.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is proposing terraced retaining walls at the 60th Street Pond location to allow vegetation installation. Mn/DOT will continue to evaluate opportunities to allow for landscaping within the project limits.
• Provide landscaping near the proposed retaining walls viewed by residences.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will continue to evaluate opportunities to allow for landscaping within the project limits. Typically, Mn/DOT prepares a landscaping plan for implementation 1 to 2 years after construction.
• Consider identifying parking areas for construction workers away from local neighborhoods.
  • Action: Mn/DOT normally restricts the locations in which contractors' personnel are allowed to park.
• Consider life estate for right-of-way.
  • Action: Mn/DOT policy does not allow this.

Other Environmental Items (No specific goals)

• Prepare an environmental commitment tracking system.
  • Commitments made during planning and design.
  • Commitments followed through and/or modified during construction.
  • Commitments made after construction (maintenance).
  • Action: Mn/DOT will consider this if additional funding and resources can be secured for this purpose.
• Consider the protocols for ensuring that contaminated materials are not incorporated into the project.
  • Action: Mn/DOT's current specifications restrict the use of contaminated materials.
• Explore the partnership opportunities to meet mitigation requirements and enhancements (for example, interagency agreement for wetlands).
  • Action: Mn/DOT is evaluating this at a policy level. If implemented, it will be considered for application on this project.
• Evaluate the risk of litigation for non-compliance.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is evaluating this at a policy level. If implemented, it will be considered for application on this project.
• Provide a commitment to public education.
  • Action: Mn/DOT will consider this if additional funding and resources can be secured for this purpose.
• Consider a cost/risk assessment for the project.
  • Action: Mn/DOT is evaluating this at a policy level. If implemented, it will be considered for application on this project.