NW Metro River Crossing Presentation

The Northwest Metro River Crossing Analysis study has been completed and Paul Morris of SRF Consulting and Jennifer Wiltgen of MNDOT will make a presentation of the report, answer questions, and outline next steps.  Council member Debra Musgrove represented the City on the Study Committee.  Representative John Heinrich helped sponsor legislation that funded this study and he has been invited to the meeting, along with Anoka County Commissioner Matt Look.  Both MNDOT and Anoka County will be important partners moving forward with this project.
 

Project Overview (excerpts from the Executive Summary)
Population growth and development in the northwest Twin Cities Metro area has driven the need to evaluate regional traffic demand and guide future investment in the area. The Northwest Metro Mississippi River Crossings Feasibility Analysis was commissioned to update what we have learned from previous studies, re-engage cities and counties and understand the need for increased Mississippi River crossing capacity.

Throughout the past 20 years, numerous investments have been made on area roadways along with significant growth and changes in land use. Growth in this region will continue beyond 2040, resulting in additional congestion to the roadway network and the existing Mississippi River Crossings in this region. The Minnesota Legislature authorized funding for this Northwest Metro River Crossings Feasibility Analysis so MnDOT can complete a technical review of the existing crossings, travel patterns and demands and explore ideas for increasing capacity.

Area of Analysis
The existing Mississippi River crossings on Highways 101, 169 and 610 are approaching/exceeding capacity and experience several hours of congestion daily. Serving a total of more than 200,000 vehicles per day, these river crossings are key for commuter traffic, but they also serve as main routes for freight vehicles and recreational users.
The feasibility analysis does not include project recommendations. It is a fact-finding investigation and the first of several steps in the project development process. The primary goals of the feasibility analysis are to assess the project’s community and transportation context, identify the locations and sources of congestion, understand stakeholder perspectives and define a range of potential solutions to mobility challenges.
 
Findings and Next Steps
This feasibility analysis revealed the following important findings:
• The four concepts evaluated in this analysis all produced a benefit-cost ratio that is technically feasible.
• Additional analysis is needed (particularly with safety) that was not a part of this analysis that should be included in the next phase of analysis, if one were to occur.
• The question of jurisdiction for a new river crossing is not addressed in this analysis.
This analysis concludes with laying out a process stakeholders could use if there is interest in moving forward with improvements.
The following are necessary elements for advancing projects:
• Identify a champion for leadership (no recommendation at this time)
• Adopt a vision to determine improvements that align with local goals
• Establish a prioritization plan for implementing projects in the vision
• Facilitate public involvement to incorporate additional voices
Advancement of mobility improvements in this area will require additional study, environmental review process and funding for implementation

Please see the attached documents that include the final study and appendices.

60 minutes for presentation and discussion.

N/A

Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator

For information only at this time.