The SRF team was selected by the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority to design the Apple Valley Transit Station and two transit stops for the implementation of Bus Rapid Transit service along Cedar Avenue in the City of Apple Valley. The transit station and station stops are key components in the next generation of transit along the Cedar Avenue corridor. SRF worked in conjunction with the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, City of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Metropolitan Council, Metro Transit, and Dakota County Regional Rail Authority on this complex project.

SRF provided construction administration and oversight for the Apple Valley Transit Station, which had a construction value of $12.5 million. Challenging construction issues included:

• Accelerated construction schedule
• Traffic control on Cedar Avenue
• Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) funding
• Multiple stakeholder interests

SRF assisted the owner’s representative with the construction observation of the Running Aces Harness Track and Card Room, which included a 5/8-mile race track, 3/4-mile new roadway, more than 1,100-vehicle parking lot, multiple building pads and public utility extensions. Specific services included:

• Review and coordination of Requests for Information, shop drawings, and revisions to site plans.
• Weekly site visits to attend construction meetings and observe previous work completed.
• Review of monthly pay requests and input regarding and approval of site work completed.
• Assistance in coordinating proposed improvements with adjacent landowner.
• Coordination of permitting efforts with the County Highway Department.
• Review of testing results from geotechnical consultant and assistance with appropriate plan revisions as required.
• On-site review of landscape work and review of plantings for warranty replacement.
• Assistance in coordinating wetland mitigation and permitting with local watershed district.

When the University of Minnesota decided to bring football back on campus, SRF designed the infrastructure and landscape improvements needed to make the project a success for the University and the City of Minneapolis. SRF worked closely with the University, architect, construction manager and City to develop site improvements and landscaping that would effectively support the stadium and improve the natural environment around the stadium.

While developing the site, SRF helped orchestrate several construction stages to clear space for the stadium and reconfigure several major roadways. Providing adequate parking space and allowing safe access through/around the site for students, staff, University of Minnesota event and Minnesota State Fair event users during construction was a unique aspect of the project. A parking plan was developed that included construction of several temporary parking lots along with the addition of a number of new permanent lots. In addition, with the help of the University, weekly web updates were utilized to apprise site users of various construction activity and designated parking, pedestrian, and vehicular traffic routes through the site.

Award

• 2010 ACEC Engineering Excellence Grand Award & National Finalist

The Dakota Rail Regional Trail is a planned 28-mile regional trail that will ultimately extend from Wayzata to New Germany. SRF worked with Three Rivers Park District and Carver County to prepare master plans and subsequently provided design and construction services. Highlights of the constructed Phase I of the trail include at-grade trail crossings, four bridge rehabilitation projects with custom railings, five new trail bridges, trailhead development and system-wide signage, and trail rest areas. Reuse of existing railroad ballast material for trail base in Phase I resulted in construction cost savings and improved construction efficiency.

Highlights of SRF’s construction activities include:

• Coordination with numerous private utility relocations.
• Working with the BNSF Railroad within the City of Wayzata.
• Coordination with MnDOT, Hennepin County, and several cities for the at-grade trail crossings.
• Significant coordination with stakeholder cities as well as the Lafayette Country Club.
• Close observation of erosion and sediment control devices to ensure compliance with the SWPPP and NPDES permit.
• Close observation of the trail, sidewalk connections, and pedestrian curb ramps to ensure compliance with ADA guidelines.

In addition, the close proximity of the project to Lake Minnetonka required consistent observation to ensure the requirements of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District were met during construction.

Hennepin County constructed approximately two miles of paved trail in the Cities of Medina and Loretto. SRF was responsible for the contract administration and construction observation of grading, base, bituminous paving, concrete walk, concrete curb and gutter, modular block wall, storm sewer, water main, and pavement marking. The project used federal funds, requiring that all documentation and testing meet federal requirements. The following are some of the complex items:

• Staging construction in an urban area.
• Working within restricted construction limits.
• Coordinating the relocation of private utilities.
• Maintaining frequent communication with local businesses.
• Coordinating with the Canadian Pacific Railway, Three Rivers Park District (trail owner), and Hennepin County Transportation Department (lead agency).
• Closely coordinating with the contractor to maintain access to businesses and residents throughout construction.
• Inspecting erosion and sediment control devices to ensure compliance with the SWPPP and NDPES permit.
• Inspecting sidewalks, trails, and pedestrian ramps to ensure compliance with ADA guidelines.
• Successfully completing the FHWA project audit.