WORKSHOP ITEM - Jon Haukaas, Director of Public Works
Title
UPDATE ON THE TRUNK HIGHWAY 65 CORRIDOR STUDY
Background
MnDOT, in partnership with Anoka County and the cities of Ham Lake, Blaine and Spring Lake Park has initiated a study with the goal to examine a range of cost-effective roadway alternatives to address capacity, access, mobility, and safety issues along the corridor. The limits of the study has been identified as along TH 65 from approximately County State Aide Highway (CSAH) 116 (Bunker Lake Boulevard) to CSAH 10. This includes an analysis of potential west frontage road alignments between 99th Ave NE and 109th Ave NE. A focus on planning and environmental analysis will speed the start of any future projects in the study area.
A 2005 Environmental Assessment identified the need for interchange improvements to replace signalized intersections on TH 65. One interchange was built in 2008 at TH 65 and 125th Avenue (CSAH 14), with two additional traffic signals replaced with overpasses at 121st Avenue and 129th Avenue. Results from this and other previous studies along Hwy 65 are now considered out of date due to the increased business development and increases in population along the corridor. Also previously developed solutions are too costly to develop with current funding levels.
The 2017 Principle Arterial Conversion Study showed TH65 and TH242 as the worst in the state. Traffic volumes on TH65 are as high as 65,000 cars per day - higher than 35W to the east. TH242 has received funding due to similar studies having been completed by Hennepin County and the City of Brooklyn Park.
Current Project Work
The study began August 2018 and will be completed in February 2020. MnDOT has selected HDR as the project consultant. The project management team will conduct a significant amount of public outreach and involvement to gather input on the project and corridor needs.
An abbreviated list of project deliverables includes:
• Tier 1, 2, 3 Screening Matrix
• Planning and Environmental Linkages Questionnaire
• Three Frontage Road concepts
• Two each Preliminary Conceptual Intersection and/or Interchange Designs at two interchange locations
• Seven high volume intersection locations
• Two Conceptual Layouts and cost estimates
• Traffic Data Reports
• Draft and Final Technical Memorandum
City staff will maintain a high level of involvement with the project management team throughout the study period. The City Council will be able to comment and influence the recommendations of the report before it is finalized so that we are not ‘locked in’ to any decisions we have not been a part of.
Financial Impact
The total cost of the study is estimated at approximately $800,000. Anoka County has committed to contribute $100,000 toward the cost of the study. The City of Blaine has equally committed $100,000 to the study due to our addition of the west frontage road investigation.
Recommendation
Provide feedback on the project and the level of involvement from the City of Blaine.