Sponsor: Public Works
Title
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State Aid Variance Request for Little Canada Road Improvements
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Recommendation
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1. Request a variance from the Minnesota Department of Transportation Aid Operations Rules Chapter 8820.9936 (Minimum Design Standards, Urban; New or Reconstruction Projects) to allow a reduced design speed in lieu of the required 30 miles per hour minimum.
2. Indemnify, save, and hold harmless the State of Minnesota and its agents and employees of and from claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or by reason of the reduced design speed for the Little Canada Road Improvements Project in accordance with Minnesota Rules 8820.9936 and further agrees to defend at their sole cost and expense any action or proceeding commenced for the purpose of asserting any claim arising as a result of the granting of this variance.
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Background and Rationale
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Ramsey County is partnering with the city of Little Canada and the Minnesota Department of Transportation to make improvements along Little Canada Road (CSAH 21) from Lakeshore Avenue to the east I-35E ramp terminal (SP 6280-407, SP 062-621-012). The city of Little Canada is the lead agency for the project. The proposed improvements include a raised pedestrian crosswalk for the eastbound Little Canada Road (CSAH 21) approach to the west ramp terminal roundabout. Minnesota Rules for State Aid Operation 8820.9936 require a minimum design speed of 30 miles per hour for urban reconstructed roadways. The proposed raised crosswalk requires a reduced design speed in lieu of the required 30 mile per hour minimum to accommodate the raised crosswalk. Therefore, a variance from Minnesota Rules for State Aid Operation 8820.9936 is needed.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
This is a pedestrian safety improvement project. The racial equity impact with this request is unknown.
Community Participation Level and Impact
Little Canada had public engagement for the project. In addition, Ramsey County had three open houses for the adjacent County Road C project (Lexington to Little Canada Road) and Little Canada was present to represent their project at these open houses
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Ramsey County is participating in the costs of this project (approximately $1.955M county funds for the $10.91M project total), but this variance will not have a significant cost impact.
Last Previous Action
On November 25, 2025, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved the 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (Resolution B2025-218).
Attachments
1. Location Map