About this study
Hwy 169 study location map.
We are conducting a multi-modal study of Hwy 169 between Golden Valley and Brooklyn Park.
Regional transportation investments have shifted away from providing additional highway capacity for single occupancy vehicles to alleviate congestion toward highway investments that manage congestion and support efficient and reliable travel options via a system of regional transitways, active transportation, a network of managed lanes (branded E-ZPass), and more sustainable development patterns.
A multimodal Hwy 169 is needed to maintain mobility supporting existing and future job and activity centers, access to services and community, and to allow communities along the road to become more sustainable and nationally competitive.
State and regional transportation plans identify this section of Hwy 169 as:
- An important road for mobility and infrastructure improvements. This study builds on results from MnDOT Managed Lane System studies.
- Recognized by state and community leaders as a critical link for educational institutions, businesses, and interregional freight and passenger transportation.
- A principal arterial and part of the state highway system with this section of the road carrying annual average daily traffic of 60,000-75,000 vehicles.
Summary of work
- Performing outreach with the public throughout the study with additional input from a policy advisory committee and community advisory group
- Examining current road conditions and modeling future scenarios
- Drafting a purpose and need statement based on the public engagement and input received. A purpose and need statement explains why an agency is undertaking a project or a program of projects and what its objectives are. The “need” identifies transportation problems or deficiencies. The “purpose” is a broad statement of the intended transportation results and other related objectives to be achieved by a proposed transportation improvement.
- Exploring alternatives and winnowing down alternatives with two rounds of screenings
- Document the study process and findings for conformance with future National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) projects