Improving safety and mobility along U.S. Highway 8 from I-35 to Karmel Avenue.
Minneapolis, MN – Chisago County is leading a project to identify and address safety and mobility issues along Highway 8 from I-35 in Forest Lake to Karmel Avenue in Chisago City. Highway 8 is an important interregional corridor that is vital to sustaining local commerce and energizing future economic growth. Chisago County will partner with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Washington County and SRF Consulting to identify long-term solutions that improve safety and mobility along this interregional corridor.
The first phase of the project will analyze a variety of alternatives along the corridor to help address safety and mobility issues, including the potential of upgrading Highway 8 to a 4-lane divided roadway. The project will also explore opportunities to add pedestrian curb ramps, crosswalks and a multi-use trail along Highway 8 between Forest Lake and Chisago City. Phase 1 will include a variety of opportunities for community members and stakeholder to share their perspectives at pop-up events, community open houses, the project website and targeted engagement events with local residents and businesses.
This summer, the project will host three pop-up engagement events designed to interact with residents in shared spaces along the corridor. These engagement events will take place at the City of Lindstrom’s Harmony in the Park concert series (Wednesday, July 10th from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 pm), Mike’s Bait on 8 (Friday, June 21st from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.) and the Chisago City Farmers Market (Friday, June 21st from 2:00p.m. - 5:00 p.m.). These events will offer opportunities for residents to learn more about the project and to share their perspectives about the future of Highway 8 between Forest Lake and Chisago City.
In recent years, the corridor has experienced several serious crashes, including four fatalities. Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) offered his support for this project stating, “It is important that we prioritize safety and mobility along the Highway 8 interregional corridor. In addition to improving safety, this project is an opportunity to analyze ways that Highway 8 can continue to promote regional commerce and economic growth into the future.”
Chisago County’s partner, SRF Consulting, will be a key asset in the project with their expertise in public engagement, traffic engineering and transportation planning.
For more information on this project, please visit our Highway 8 Page where you can sign up for project updates or contact Joe K. Triplett, PE, County Engineer, via email or phone at 651-213-8700.