What
is the scope of the entire project?
The purpose of State Highway 610 is to alleviate the current and future traffic
demands in the northern Twin Cities Metro suburbs. Once completed, Highways
610 and 10 will connect Interstate 94 and Interstate 35W through the cities
of Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids, Blaine and Moundsview. Highway
610 also will serve as a parallel route to I-94, providing an alternate route
for vehicles crossing the Mississippi River. Existing Highway 610 currently
ends on the west at Highway 169 in Brooklyn Park. This leaves about five miles
to be completed through Maple Grove to reach I-94. Interchanges exist along
the current freeway and additional ones are planned in Maple Grove to provide
access to homes and local businesses.
What will
be constructed next?
While some Federal and state funding has been dedicated to the corridor, not
enough funding is yet available to complete Highway 610 itself. Due to this
lack of money, the projects that will occur over the next few years will move
roads and utilities out of the right of way so that freeway construction can
begin at a future date with much less impact to residences, businesses and
the traveling public.
The next project
will start construction in June or July 2005 and do the following:
- Realign and add lanes to County Highway 81
- Construct the long-planned connection of Elm Creek Boulevard to County Highway
81
- Relocate various utilities, such as power lines and sanitary sewer
- Add to Maple Grove's water supply system
This project is anticipated to last until late 2007 or early 2008.
The following project
will relocate nine or 10 power line towers between Hemlock Boulevard
and Jefferson Highway to make overpass construction possible. This
is expected to be done between late 2005 and late 2007 based on scheduled
power outages along that line.
The next project
is anticipated to spend the remainder of the available funding to build
overpasses and noise walls along the corridor so that Highway 610 construction
will have less impact on the Maple Grove neighborhoods. This construction
could start in early 2007.
Staging Maps - 8.5" X
11" 567k pdf file, 11" X
17" 597k pdf file
What is the
timeline for completion of the State Highway 610 corridor?
Based on current funding constraints, mainline Highway 610 construction is
currently planned for between 2015 and 2020. However, several advocacy groups
in the northern Twin Cities Metro area are actively seeking funds to begin
construction of mainline Highway 610 much earlier. Mn/DOT is working to develop
road plans by the end of 2008 so if money is dedicated to the project, work
could begin sooner.
Will there
be any noise walls?
Noise walls will be built between the new Elm Creek Boulevard and Jefferson
Highway on both sides of the Highway 610 corridor near residential neighborhoods.
Most noise walls will be constructed to 20 feet high (above the freeway elevation).
These walls will serve as a barrier to lessen noise levels from the projected
Highway 610 traffic. The noise wall locations are shown on Figure C-2 within
the Final Environmental
Impact Statement, Appendix C (Noise Mitigation Plan).
What will
they look like?
The walls will be constructed of concrete posts and timber planks. Sketches
are shown in the TH 610 Aesthetic Design Guide.
What about other amenities like pedestrian and bicycle paths?
Highway 610 construction will accommodate existing and planned park, city and
county trails. A commuter bike trail will be created on the north side of Hennepin
County Highway 81. A Three Rivers Park District planned regional trail crossing
will consist of a pedestrian bridge that will cross County Highway 81 and State
Highway 610 in the vicinity of Elm Creek. Another pedestrian bridge is planned
at Nathan Lane. Sidewalks also will be provided at all planned local road overpasses
and interchanges.
Is there
any special accommodation for transit?
A Park and Ride lot is planned at the future interchange of Zachary Lane with
Highway 610.
How will
local roads connect with Highway 610?
There will be interchanges along the corridor where drivers will have access
to local business and residential areas. These interchanges are planned at
Zachary Lane, County Highway 81 near Elm Creek Boulevard, the future Maple
Grove Parkway near existing Ranchview Lane and at Interstate 94. Links to photos
of the various sections can be found on the State Highway 610 home web page.
http://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/610
Will Highway
610 continue beyond Interstate 94?
Highway 610 will end at Interstate 94; however, Hennepin County plans to extend
the road to connect with County Highway 30, west of Lawndale Lane.
Who was involved
in the road’s planning and design?
Anoka County, Hennepin County, Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park and Coon Rapids were
invaluable partners with Mn/DOT in the design and construction of Highway 610.
Was there
any public involvement or chance for the public to comment?
Various public hearings and open houses were held throughout the years of project
development. Many meetings were held during the development of the environmental
impact statements. Other open houses in Maple Grove were held during the past
few years to communicate progress with the project.
What will
the connection with Interstate 94 in Maple Grove look like and where
is it?
The planned interchange is expected to allow full movements between Highway
610, Interstate 94 and the Hennepin County connection to County Highway 30.
The design for this interchange was developed in the early 1990s and is not
expected to be able to handle the updated traffic projections. Mn/DOT is currently
working with Hennepin County and Maple Grove to modify the layout design. Regardless,
the interchange will be built near the area where 101st Avenue crosses Interstate
94.
Where do I get more
information? - contact info. |
