Below is a general outline of the anticipated scope of work. However, the final scope of work will be negotiated with the successful proposer.

The goal of this project is to provide further analysis for two groups of Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Recommendations, including recommendations on Colton Blvd. and near Medicine Crow Middle School. This further public engagement, analysis, and cost estimates will determine if the projects are feasible.

The budget for this project is not to exceed $75,000. Project teams should include at least one planner and one engineer, given the type of analysis required.

The consultants should reference the Phase 1 and Phase 2 SRTS plans for full recommendation details.

Colton Blvd.

The recommendations from the SRTS Plans for Colton Blvd. (projects are listed both under Poly Dr. Elementary School in Phase 1 Plan and St. Francis Catholic School in Phase 2 Plan) are to:

• Remove left turn lane on Colton Blvd turning north on to 24th St W.
• Install curb extensions for the west and south legs with lane width reduction at the 24th St. W intersection.
• Reconfigure this intersection to provide for the safety of students walking and biking to school, including recommendations from the phase 1 SRTS plan regarding this intersection. (listed in Phase 2 plan)
• Reconfigure Colton Blvd. from 17th St. W to Rehberg Ln. to install a protected bicycle facility and place the existing on-street parking lanes next to the travel lanes
• Design intersection at 24th and Colton and future signal timing to accommodate protected bicycle facility.
• Design Colton Blvd. to a speed limit that provides for the safety and access of children walking and biking within the school zone.
• Install a school zone flashing beacon on Colton Blvd. between Lyndale and 20th St. W.
• Install a high visibility crossing, curb extensions, and an advanced traffic control device at Colton Blvd. & 21st St. W. Note: There is a project planned to pave 21st St. W which will likely include the curb extensions. The consultant should be aware of this effort and coordinate as needed.
• Install lighting along Colton Blvd. from 17th St. W. to Rehberg Ln. This will require a Special Improvement Light Maintenance District (SILMD), so a high level of engagement is required.

The following elements are already planned and do not need further analysis. These are included only for reference by the consultant.

• Install curb ramps where missing along Colton Blvd. This will be completed in 2027 and does not need further study.
• Install missing segment of sidewalk along the north side of Colton Blvd. between 21st St. W. and Woody Dr. This will be completed in 2027 and does not need further study.

Assessment and analysis of and engagement for the Colton Blvd. projects should include:

• Assessment of whether additional traffic counts are needed for analysis. The MPO has the ability to collect limited counts at the Consultant's direction. The type of data collection will be determined through discussion with the consultant.
• Assessment of whether speed data is needed for analysis. The MPO has the ability to conduct limited speed studies at the Consultant's direction. The type of data collection will be determined through discussion with the consultant.
• Assessment of whether the left turn lanes on the west and south legs of the intersection at Colton and 24th St. W are needed to maintain an acceptable sight distance. An alternative to evaluate would be to see if the lanes could be maintained by narrowing lane widths while still providing space for curb extensions. If bike lanes on Colton Blvd. are supported by the local residents, the proposed design should allow for the bike lanes.
• Engagement of the public, with specific outreach to the residents on Colton Blvd., to see if they support protected bike lanes on Colton Blvd., or another type of traffic calming that narrows the drivable width of Colton Blvd. The MPO will provide speed data to the consultant through a speed study conducted sometime around March 2026. This data will inform the need for traffic calming elements. This engagement should also include public vetting of any impacts to parking.
• Evaluate the potential effectiveness of an extended school speed zone from Lyndale Lane to 20th St. W. This should include research on effectiveness of other school speed zones that are approximately a mile in length in other cities. If this distance is too long based on the data, a refined extent should be suggested.
• Engagement of the residents on Colton Blvd. to assess their willingness to participate in a Special Improvement Light Maintenance District (SILMD). An SILMD can be created through a petition with signatures of over 50% of the property owners in an area, or the City can initiate it as long as fewer than 50% of the property owners file written protest. The Consultant will not be responsible for creating the district; rather they will be responsible for gauging residents' appetite in participating. This should include at least one mailing to residents on Colton Blvd., which could also be used to share information about other parts of the project.
• Analysis/observations of existing pedestrian/bicycle activity & crash history on Colton Blvd.
• Development of at least two planning level alternative designs for Colton Blvd including the recommendations in the Safe Routes to School Plans. Designs and recommendations may change from Safe Routes to School Plans based on further assessment and public input.
• Evaluation of any potential diversion impacts to neighboring streets, if new designs were to be implemented.
• Coordination with MET Transit to see if potential projects would impact their operations. MET currently has a route on Colton from Rehberg Ln. to 24th St. W.
• Development of planning level cost estimates for potential designs.
• Evaluation of any potential additional maintenance needs and costs because of new designs.
• At least two public meetings to gather public feedback.

Medicine Crow Middle School

The recommendations from the SRTS Plans for Medicine Crow Middle School that need further evaluation are to:

• Coordinate with MDT to study and install high visibility crossing and advanced traffic control signal at Main St . & Jerrie Ln .
• Design Jerrie Ln . and Key City Dr . to a speed limit that prioritizes the safety and access of children walking and biking within the school zone. Public input required.
• Install sidewalks along Jerrie Ln. and Key City Dr. Part of Jerrie Ln. is also unpaved and will require a Special Improvement District (SID).
• Install a protected bike facility on Lake Elmo Dr. from Meadowlark Ln. to Jerrie Ln. Public input required.
• When the subdivision to the east of the BBWA develops, study and install a shared-use bridge of minimum 14 feet width to give students living west of the BBWA access to the crossing at Main St. and Jerrie Ln.

Assessment and analysis of and engagement for the Medicine Crow projects should include:

• Coordination with MDT to evaluate an enhanced crossing of Main Street at Key City Dr./Jerrie Ln. The crossing study should include an evaluation for potential future crossings as Main Street is currently difficult to cross as a pedestrian.
• Development of 1-2 planning level designs of a possible crossing at Main Street and Key City Dr./Jerrie Ln. Development of planning level cost estimates for the crossing.
• Assessment of what and where additional traffic counts are needed for analysis. The MPO has the ability to collect limited counts at the Consultant's direction. The type of data collection will be determined through discussion with the consultant.
• Assessment of whether speed data is needed for analysis. The MPO has the ability to conduct limited speed studies at the Consultant's direction. The type of data collection will be determined through discussion with the consultant.
• Engagement with residents on Jerrie Ln. and Key City Dr. to evaluate their interest in sidewalk construction, street paving, and possible SID. A protest of 50% can kill a potential SID. The Consultant will not be responsible for creating the district; rather they will be responsible for gauging residents' appetite in participating. Engagement should include at least one mailing to the property owners, which could also be used to share other information about the project.
• Analysis/observations of existing pedestrian/bicycle activity & crash history in the area.
• Engagement of the public to see if they support protected bike lanes on Lake Elmo Dr. from Meadowlark Ln. to Jerrie Ln. (length of one block). This engagement should also include public vetting of any impacts to parking. This project would likely only be implemented if the bridge across the BBWA Canal could be implemented.
• Property owner research and stakeholder engagement to evaluate the feasibility of a bridge crossing the BBWA Canal and a planning level cost estimate. Recommend any easements needed.
• At least two public meetings to gather public input.

Additional activities completed by the consultant will include:

• Bi-weekly check-ins with MPO and City staff.
• Sending bi-weekly project status updates to staff, stakeholders, and local elected officials.
• Organizing/attending at least two meetings with each affected school (Poly Dr. Elementary, St. Francis Catholic School, and Medicine Crow Middle School). Meetings with Poly Dr. and St. Francis could be combined, based on the schools' availabilities.
• Attending and presenting at up to 5 meetings with local governing bodies during the adoption process. This process could take up to two months. These meetings can be attended virtually.
• Developing a report with project recommendations, planning level cost estimates, and a summary of public input.