Broadway Avenue - County Road 2, Forest Lake
A New Vision
Washington County and its partners are coordinating transportation improvements with various organizations within the City of Forest Lake. The goal is to create a corridor that yields a safer, more efficient transportation system, as well as one that allows for streetscape enhancements that will be inviting for consumers, motorists and pedestrians alike, and complements the character of the Forest Lake area.
Project Background
Broadway Avenue is the main arterial that runs east-west through the heart of Forest Lake. The roadway serves as a primary connection to the regional transportation system for the Forest Lake area; it also facilitates access to a multitude of business, commercial and residential properties. Broadway Avenue currently has an Average Daily Traffic (ADT) of nearly 30,000 vehicles per day at the Interstate 35 interchange, with projected growth up to 40,000 to 50,000 ADT. The traffic volumes, coupled with numerous access points along the corridor, have lead to congestion and safety issues and the highest crash rate for this type of roadway in Washington County. In addition to capacity and safety concerns, the infrastructure is deteriorating. Washington County and its partners recognized these concerns and have made significant efforts to secure funding for roadway improvements.
Project Partners and Study Overview
Washington County began a fresh look at improvement opportunities along Broadway Avenue in Forest Lake in the fall of 2007. As part of this process, a Transportation Design Review Committee (TDRC) comprised of Forest Lake business owners, residents, city staff and county personnel worked together to establish project goals; identify local issues and community concerns; and provide valuable input on corridor alternatives.
The TDRC reviewed multiple alternative designs that were subsequently presented to businesses and property owners as well as the general public. With the aid of technical advice and public input, the TDRC was successful in identifying the major components of a corridor solution that includes:
- a wider bridge at Broadway Avenue over Interstate 35;
- a back-age road to provide alternative access to several local businesses;
- a new bridge on 11th Avenue Southwest (CR 83) to aid in relieving congestion on Broadway Avenue, while providing an additional east-west connection over the interstate.
These major components have been integrated into a comprehensive roadway alternative that will meet the needs of business owners, local residents, commuters and visitors. It will improve the safety and mobility of the roadway, provide safer access to businesses, and accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians with convenient trails, sidewalks and clearly marked crossings.
A Project Management Team (PMT) and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) comprised of staff from the City of Forest Lake, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration and Washington County, was formed to guide the overall study process. The PMT and TAC review technical analyses, consider input from the TDRC and public, and evaluate concept alternatives to aid in developing a preferred roadway concept.
The PMT completed a Sub-Area Traffic Study in the Forest Lake area. The purpose of the sub-area study was to assess larger transportation system issues to frame the context of future improvements along West Broadway Avenue.
The PMT and TAC are in the process of completing the environmental documentation and refining the preliminary geometric layout.The next phase will move into design plans.
Public and Agency Involvement
Public participation continues to be an integral part of this project. Presentations, open house forums and a public hearing for the environmental process will be scheduled in 2010. Notices will be mailed to residents and business and property owners, and will be posted on this website. Please check back for upcoming events!
No meetings currently scheduled.
For a detailed list of previous public meetings follow the link on the sidebar.
Project Contact:
Jane Krebsbach
Design Coordinator
11660 Myeron Road North
Stillwater, MN 55082
651-430-4330 or jane.krebsbach@co.washington.mn.us
