State Aid Standards Development

March 2010

STATE AID AUTHORITY / RESPONSONSIBILTY

• Authorized by Minnesota Statutes 162• Rules Chapter 8820 Include Design Standards • Standards Apply Only When Using State Aid Funds • The purpose of the state-aid program is to provide resources

from the Highway Users Tax Distribution Fund to assist local governments with the construction and maintenance of community-interest highways and streets on the state-aid system.

DEVELOPMENT OF STATE AID POLICY

• Developed Through a Peer Driven Process:

– Rules are Developed by 21 Member Advisory Committee of Elected Officials and Engineers.

– Variance Committee of 5 Elected Officials and Engineers Recommends Approval / Denial of Variance Requests.

DEVELOPMENT OF STATE AID STANDARDS

• Standards are Derived From AASHTO (National) and adapted by MnDOT for State Highways, then adapted by State Aid for Major Local Roadways.

• Mn County Engineers Association and City Engineers Association of Mn Review and Update Standards Regularly.

• State Aid Division Solicits Suggestions for Rule Revisions From Everyone.

EVOLVING FLEXIBILITY

• In 1986, 12’ lanes required on all MSAS routes. Now only for > 40 mph.

• Allow parking in outside lanes during off peak if LOS D is met during peak hour.

• Developed bike path standards and roundabout design criteria.

• Allow landscaping items up to 5%.• Minimal reconditioning standards.

APPLY COMMON SENSE

• State Aid Standards Do Promote Movement of People and Freight, Accessibility, Safety, Driver Expectation, and Wise Use of Funds , but –

• State Aid Standards Do Not Discourage or Obstruct Sound Engineering Judgment In Any Specific Situation

BALANCE

• Type of Traffic• Surrounding Land

Use• Natural Environment• Safety• Promote Wise Use of

Funds

URBAN NEW / RECONSTRUCTION STANDARDS

• 8820.9936 Design Standards, Urban; New or Reconstruction Projects.

URBAN RECONDITIONING STANDARDS

• 8820.9946 Minimum Design Standards, Urban; Reconditioning Projects. Subpart 1. Two-way streets.

RESIDENTIAL BUMP-OUT AND TEARDROP

COMMERCIAL AREA BUMP-OUTS

PHALEN BOULEVARD – ST. PAUL

WEST RIVER ROAD - BROOKLYN PARK BEFORE

WEST RIVER ROAD - BROOKLYN PARKAFTER

SHEPARD ROAD – ST. PAUL

7th AVE. ROUNDABOUT – GRAND RAPIDS