3.0 Existing0B Transportation System
This section inventories the existing transportation facilities in Anoka County. This initial step in transportation planning provides an understanding of the components and performance of the existing transportation system and existing planned improvements to the system.
3.1 Roadway1B System
3.1.1 Existing7B Network The existing roadway transportation system in Anoka County is shown in Figure 3-1. This system includes roadways under the jurisdiction of Mn/DOT, Anoka County, and local communities. The southern, more urbanized, portions of the county have a dense roadway system with higher concentration of arterial streets, which primarily function to provide mobility (see Section 3.1.2). The rural northern portions of the county are less dense, dominated by two-lane roadways. Anoka County’s many lakes, wetlands, parks, the Rum River and the Mississippi River, and other sensitive environmental resources have, in many cases, precluded roads from being built on a continuous alignment. The result is that Anoka County has few direct north-south, or east-west continuous roadways that offer cross-county access. Major freeways serving Anoka County include interstate highways I-35W, I-35E, I-35, and I-694. Traffic service is also provided by US Highways (US) 169 and 10, and State Trunk Highways (TH) 47 and 65. There are roughly 790 route miles of highway (excluding township and local roads) in Anoka County, 423 of which are on the county highway system [County State Aid Highways (CSAHs) and County Roads (CRs)]. Table 3-1 summarizes the mileage of existing highways by jurisdictional classification. All interstates, US Highways and State Trunk Highways are under Mn/DOT jurisdiction. CSAHs and CRs are under Anoka County jurisdiction, while Municipal State Aid Streets (MSAS) are under local entity jurisdiction and township roads under the jurisdiction of Linwood Township.
TABLE 3-1 Mileage of Highways in Anoka County by Jurisdictional Classification—2007 Jurisdictional Classification Route Miles Lane Miles
Interstate (Mn/DOT) 23.2 103.3
U.S. Highway (Mn/DOT) 18.8 85.9
State Trunk Highway (Mn/DOT) 57.8 191.9
County State Aid Highway (CSAH) (Anoka County) 314.96 695.9
County Roadway (Anoka County) 108.01 233.7
Municipal State Aid Streets (MSAS) (Local Jurisdictions) 273.5 610.8
Total 790.9 1921.5
Source: Mn/DOT Statewide Mileage and Lane Miles by Route System within Each County Report, June 1, 2007.
ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-1 DECEMBER 2008
Isanti County Legend 72 73 47 76 28 Bethel 24 36 237TH AVE NW 70 St. Francis 71 81 13 229TH AVE NE 77 103 26 Interstates E
N
T 75 S 85
W 221ST AVE N E T 89 24 74
N N A
W
D Chisago R
N
66 V US Highways U W L
R
D N B
D County
E 86
D
R
Sherburne G 22
V A
R L
5 D Linwood B
Nowthen O County E 15
E
C 65 82 East E State Highways G N R
E D 65 E V K Bethel V L I A
R L B 22 VIKI Oak NG W N
G BLVD NW M I 17 U K N I V County State Aid Highways (CSAH)
T Grove R 22
S
H
G 163 9
U 67
A
B County Roads 64 181ST AVE NW Anoka 27 68 83 63 County 59 58 Columbus 173RD AVE NW 58 18 7 Andover CROSS E Local Roads TOWN BLVD N N A 47 E T
RM S S Ramsey 78 18 C TR Ham Lake A ON
M G AV 60 161ST E NW O 62 W TANCE BLVD N B 20 CONS E T
W N
W
L
O
56 N
V
N D
P
D
Wright E D V
N V L 23 V B
A W L N 61 E B N County H OW
E 57 T SS T R 7 10 K O D 35
116 A R
B L E E C 16 52 K U D N
N A
N L
E
U
K V
ER L NW O A A D R
K R
E BL V E
N N u 116 BLVD
E O m BUNKER LA K
10 T
G
R N
I
i X
E 79 v
E 35W
V e L
A MAIN r ST NW 14 MAIN ST H 14 0 1.5 3 6 Miles
T 125TH AVE NE Washington 7 Coon Rapids 65 53 County 1 11 153 54 18 M 17 1 inch = 3 miles i s 109TH AVE NE 35E s 78 12 is T Anoka s 35W ELM S 14 ip 51 Blaine
p S Centerville i R E 11 Lino Lakes V 84 iv A
23 H e R BIRCH ST r 3 D 34 T E 0 K 2 610 10 LA 49 21 10 ASH ST Hennepin 132 32 1 County Circle Pines 8 Lexington Spring Lake Park 47 35 6 Fridley Ramsey County 694 1 4 102 Hilltop
2 Columbia Heights
Figure 3-1 ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN Existing Roadway Network
Last Updated: 05/27/2009
3.1.2 Functional Classification Roadways serve two primary functions—providing access to land uses, and providing mobility to travelers. The functional classification of a roadway depends on its ability to serve the competing functions of land access and mobility. The Metropolitan Council has developed definitions and criteria for roadway classification within the seven-county Metropolitan Area based on function1. This functional classification system, which includes four classes, is summarized below: Principal arterials (includes interstate freeways)—Provides the greatest speed for the longest uninterrupted distance, with access control. Minor arterials (A Minor and B Minor)—Provides a combination of mobility and access with reasonable speed for some extended distance, with some access control. Collector streets—Collects traffic from local roads and connects them with arterials; usually lower speed for shorter distances. Local streets—Consists of all roads not defined as arterials or collectors; primarily provides access to land with little or no through movement. The general relationship between mobility and access is shown in Figure 3-2. Principal arterials primarily move traffic, thus providing the highest level of mobility. Local streets, on the other hand, primarily provide access. Collectors and minor arterials generally serve some combination of both providing access and mobility. Figure 3-3 shows the existing functional classification for all roadways in Anoka County as recognized by the county, Mn/DOT, and Figure 3-2 the Metropolitan Council. Access vs. Mobility The current distribution of functional classification for Anoka County highways is shown in Table 3-2. Most of the county system is classified as either minor arterials (15 percent) or collectors (13 percent) with local roadways making up the majority of mileage (68 percent).
1 Source: 2030 Transportation Policy Plan, Appendix F, Functional Classification Criteria, adopted December 15, 2004 ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-3 DECEMBER 2008
Legend 72 73 47 76 28 Bethel 24 36 Principal Arterial 237TH AVE NW 237T H AVE NE 70 St. Francis 71 81 13 229TH AVE NE 77 103 26 E A Minor Arterial: Augmentor
N
T 75 221S S 85 W T AVE NE 89 24 74 T
N N
A A Minor Arterial: Reliever
W
D R N Chisago V
L U
R
66 B D
D
E 86 74 County
R
G 22
A A Minor Arterial: Expander R
5 D
O Nowthen E 65
E
Oak C 15 Linwood East E G N
Sherburne E Grove D 65 13 V A Minor Arterial: Connector K Bethel L
A L B County G 22 N W I VIKING BLVD K N N I W V T 22 17 B Minor S N O H 163 W
G 9 T
U 67 H A E Major Collector B N 18 64 B 1ST AVE NW L V 27 Columbus D 63 58 68 N 59 BROADWAY AVE NE Minor Collector 63 W 18 CROSSTO A WN 19 RM 47 7 58 BLVD NE S Ramsey T 18 Interstates RO N Ham Lake
G 78 60 B 20 CONSTANCE BLVD NE 62 L 1ST AVE V 16 NW 56 W
D Wright N US Highways
N
E Andover 23 County W V E A 61 5 N 57 H T R
83 7 35 10 116 D State Highways
E E 18 16 K N A
L
65 52 E 9 V
BUNKER LAKE BLVD NW E A County State Aid Highways (CSAH)
116 BLVD N N BUNKER LA KE O 10 T
18 G N I County Roads 31 79 X
Coon Rapids E 35W L 14 14 MAIN ST
169 MAIN ST NW 125TH AVE NE Local Roads
E
N 53 54
10 D 11 R
1 153
18 N O Washington S 17 35E 109TH AVE NE IS D 12 County A ELM S T Anoka R 14 87 51 Lino Lakes Centerville 52 49 S
11 E
V
Blaine 23 34 A
H
3 T 0 610 10 35W 2 49 21 0 1.5 3 6 Miles ASH ST Hennepin 132 10 32 1 County Circle Pines 1 inch = 3 miles 8 108 Lexington Spring Lake Park 47 8 6 106 Fridley 35
694
102 4 1 Hilltop
2 Columbia Heights
Figure 3-3 ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN Functionally Classified Roadways
Last Updated: 09/08/09
3.1.3 Typical Roadway Sections TABLE 3-2 Mileage of Highways in Anoka County by Functional The general criteria for the design of a road Classification—2007 depend in part on its functional classification Percent of and its location, either urban/suburban or Functional Class Miles Roadways rural. The typical cross-section describes requirements for width of traveled way, Principal Arterials 82 4% median type and width, curb, or shoulder Minor Arterials 309 15% treatment, sidewalks/trails, bicycle lanes, and clear zones. The county’s recommendations Collectors 268 13% for these designs are to ensure a safe and Local 1,434 68% efficient highway system for the motoring Source: Mn/DOT Statewide Mileage and Lane Miles public. by Route System within Each County Report, June 1, 2007.
Urban/Suburban29B Arterial and Collectors The county’s recommended roadway cross-section for an urban/suburban four-lane divided arterial is shown at the top of Figure 3-4. The typical right-of-way requirement for the four- lane divided is approximately 120 feet and includes two travel lanes in each direction, outside shoulders, enough width to accommodate turn lanes within the median at intersections, runoff and drainage, and a sidewalk and trail system on one or both sides of the road.
Rural30B Arterials and Collectors The county’s typical roadway cross-section for a rural two-lane roadway is shown at the bottom of Figure 3-4. This typical cross-section requires approximately 120 feet of right-of- way and includes one travel lane in each direction, outside shoulders, drainage area, and trail on one or both sides of the road. The typical cross-sections identified in Figure 3-4 are two examples of several the county has for a variety of roadway configurations.
3.1.4 County10B Roadway Spacing Table 3-3 provides spacing guidelines developed by the Metropolitan Council and Federal Highway Administration that aid in the planning of future transportation systems within developed and developing areas.
TABLE 3-3 Spacing Guidelines for Functionally Classified Roads
Land Use Characteristics Principal Arterials Minor Arterials Collectors Local Streets
Developed Areas 2 to 3 Miles 1/4 to 1/2 Mile 1/8 to 1/2 Mile As Needed to Access Land Uses
Developing Areas 3 to 6 Miles 1 to 2 Miles 1/2 to 1 Mile As Needed to Access Land Uses
Source: Metropolitan Council, 2030 Transportation Policy Plan, Appendix D: Functional Classification Criteria, 2009 and Federal Highway Administration, Highway Functional Classification Guidelines, 1989.
ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-5 DECEMBER 2008
Typical Urban 4-lane Divided Roadway
120’ TYPICAL RIGHT-OF-WAY
4’ 4’ MIN MIN 2’ 5’ 8’ 12’ 14’ VARIES 14’ 12’ 8’ 8’ 2’ WALK SHOULDER THRU LANE THRU LANE 4’ (MINIMUM) THRU LANE THRU LANE SHOULDER TRAIL TO 15’ (MAXIMUM)
Typical Rural 2-lane Roadway
120’ TYPICAL RIGHT-OF-WAY
8’ VARIES 8’ 12’ 12’ 8’ VARIES 8’ TRAIL DRAINAGE AREA SHOULDER THRU LANE THRU LANE SHOULDER DRAINAGE AREA TRAIL TYPICAL AROUND TYPICAL AROUND 30’’ 30’
Source: Anoka County Highway Department
Figure 3-4 ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN Typical Anoka County Roadway Cross-Sections
A review of the spacing of north-south minor arterials along two roadways, CSAH 14/Main Street in the south and CSAH 22/Viking Boulevard in the northern part of the county, provided a general understanding of the current spacing in the county. Along CSAH 14/Main Street, the average spacing of minor arterials was over one and one half miles, more than the recommended spacing of one-quarter to one-half mile for developed areas. The average spacing for minor arterials along CSAH 22/Viking Boulevard, in the northern developing area of the county, was a little over three miles. Again, this is more than the recommended one to two miles spacing for developing areas based on Table 3-2. Review of the spacing of functionally classified roadways in the study area demonstrates that the lack of arterials causes: a concentration of traffic (and thus higher traffic volumes) on the few arterials that do have continuity across the county such as TH 65, CSAH 9/Round Lake Boulevard, and CSAH 17/Lexington Avenue, and higher than expected volumes on much of the local street system.
3.1.5 Traffic1B Volumes The existing traffic volumes for the county system are shown in Figure 3-5. The existing volumes are based on year 2000 traffic counts for state and county jurisdictional roadways, the last year for which consistent volumes are available. These volumes were also used as the baseline for Anoka County’s Travel Demand Model that was used to develop forecast 2030 traffic volumes (see Section 5.0).
3.1.6 Traffic12B Operations Congestion is usually measured in terms of level of service (LOS). For roadway segments, average delay and speed enter into the LOS determination along with other factors. LOS measures the quality of traffic service, and may be determined for each roadway segment on the basis of delay, congested speed, volume to capacity (v/c) ratio, or vehicle density by functional class. The various LOSs for roadway segments are defined below and shown on Figure 3-6: LOS A describes primarily free-flow operation at average travel speeds, usually about 90 percent of the free-flow speed for the arterial classification. LOS B represents reasonably unimpeded operations at average travel speeds, usually about 70 percent of the free-flow speed for arterial classification. LOS C represents stable operations; however, ability to maneuver and change lanes in mid-block locations may be more restricted than at LOS B, and longer queues, adverse signal coordination, or both may contribute to lower average travel speed of about 50 percent of the average free-flow speed for the arterial classification. LOS D borders on a range in which small increases in flow may cause substantial increases in delay, and hence, decreases in arterial speed. LOS D is often used as a limiting criterion for design purposes.
ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-7 DECEMBER 2008
Legend
8 5
6 6 2
9 72 6 3
6
5 700
0 1,85 6 76 0
5 0 1
5 Year 2000 Average Daily Traffic Volumes 5 5 430 28 1,025 1,025 1 7 Bethel 00 24 625 1,400 7 8 ,6 9 0 0 36
0 5
2 0
, 237TH AVE N 0 71 3 5 W 6 , 65 0
5 5
1 12,345
70 0 0 State System
St. Francis 0
5 6 2,025 1,900 280 750 800 0 7 0 0 77 0 7 2 0
4 5 26 6 13 W 85 600 0 2 2 229TH AVE NW 229TH AVE N , E 5 8 N 0
2 1 0 4 0 0 92 , 12,345 County System 9 R 6 4 3 1 0
D 5 925 1 0 ,6 5 , 24 R 89 1,000 5 74 1 1 75
, 2 5 625 2 A 0 9 0 3 D ,450 5 0
3 0 5 0 Chisago 7 3 5 E , 3 0 3 6 , 5 , 6
2 2 3
C E
1 2 4 0 2 1 1,050 1,250
0 N 335 , 6 , 7 County 1 2 5 3,55 0 0 4 D 0 7
V
8 L 0 5 Nowthen 0 0 E 0 B
0 0 7 , N 22
Oak 6 Linwood L 2 5 East 9 9
1 47 E
4 D
175 4 Sherburne Grove 2 H T V 2 Bethel L
E
, 0 B 2 9
,4 B 2,400 00 0 County 2,850 3,250 5 0 0 G 22 0 5 , ,9 IN 0 1 T 1 IK 0 S V 2 3,95 400 3,1 6 0 3, 50 3,450 3,300 A 3, 9 30 0 163 22 E 0 9 0 17
0
5 4 5
0
4 7
, 1 0 0 , 5 5
1 , 66 0 5 3 0 4
5 7 6 1
, , 2 0 2
1 7
105 6 0 5
3 4 7 850 8 1 750 0 1 68 , 5 975 725 625 64 6 5 0 850 1
7 0 0
5 181S 2 5 T AVE NW Columbus
, 700
0
7 W
4 700 0
1 ,
3 7
,
N 5 4 2,750
1 7 2,22 8 5 2,900
173 ,
RD AVE N T
W 63 0 9 7 3,200 50 18 1
E
0 0 6 S 0 ,
0 2
2 BROADWAY AVE 4 0 NE
8 N
, 00
1 8 2,5
0
5 N , CROSSTOW
0 2 5 I 0 2 2 0 N T
9 0 6 8
D BLVD NE
, S
5 0
2 5
0
3
7 R
Ramsey 0 78
, 2
5 C
25 9
1 E
2 5 4 18
A
, Ham Lake
V 0
0
9 5
0 1,075 M 0 9 5 9
8 3, 7 60 62 8 3 000 O 2 , 2,500 2 , W , 1, 5 4 0
3
T 1 0 0 0 6 0 5 N 0 ST AVE 4 161 NW O , 4 8
, 1,800 1 0 0 2 61 P
Wright D 0 2,700 LV 0 0
0
0
8 0 2 0
B Andover
,
0 0 0 0 5 0
0 ,
2 23 7 5 1,40 , 1 0 0 5
1 7 6
W
County 10 Y , 6 , 6
0 2 , 7 , 0 9 1 ,
3
N
E 3 4 1 5 0 3 2
0 2 0 0 4 1 S 5
, E , 1 2 5 0 0 0 2 1
M 3 3 V 32 , 0 7 35 0 0 0 2 5 , , 4 A A 0 3 0 0 6 4 2,500 1,
R 0 600 Interstates 9 0 16 0 0 , 0 H
5 6
0 6
T 7 0
, 52 0 3
7 5
3,00 8 0 0 5 0
5 2 875
1 , , 116 3 0 7 5 5 2 0 6 1,27 , 6 0 43 4 ,75 00 3 8 6 0 4 0 57 88 5,500 5, 3,800 3,350 4 0
6 80 0 116 5 US Highways 2
0 5 ,
5 2
0 4 , 0
7 0 5
, 5 0 0 ,3
5 9 4
6 8 2 2 24 200 , 6
, 3 9 7 0 5 28 5 7 0 , 0 0 E 0 7 0 5 1 7 0 V 7 35W Coon Rapids , 0
A State Highways , 10,250 15,700 2 8,750 3,500 3,900 5 2,800 169 H 14 T 7 MAIN ST NW 125TH AVE NE 7 0 0 0
8 0 5 0
0 0 0 54 0 65 7 0 5 , 5 6
3 9 ,
1 0 , 9 , 5 0
2 5 0 , 5, 4 17 7 0 0 County State Aid Highways (CSAH) 5 4 1 0 2 0 0 0 5 1 2 82 , 5, 6 4 7 5 7 0 , 7
5 5 0 7
0 0 4 0 0 1 5
4 0 0 4 3 , 7
5 3 3 4 0 3 5
, 3 , 0 6 7 7
7
, 0 1 1 5 , 4 Washington
0 1 6 0 2 3 8 , 4 700 R , 4 0 0 3 0 2 5,600 D 35E 0 4 6,500 2,100 County Roads 5 2,000 0 4 , 0
7 0 12 0 6 County , 0 0 E 3,650 0 5 6 5 0 K
, 0 Anoka 1 2, 6 5 150 6 , 0 A , 6 1 , 7 2
5 4 5 L 0 0 0 0
0 5
10 5 0 Centerville Local Roads 2 6,750 0 Lino Lakes 3
3,0 ,
0 00 0
3 2 ,
5 1 5
7 0 6, 4 1 7 23 0 , 50 0 0 3,500 0 13 6 ,1 0 20 0 , Blaine 2,350 7 7, 34
8 0 0 , 0 62 8 0 40 5 0 0 0 6 2
30 5 , 160 0 ,9 1 , 3 6 5 5 34 7 , 0 0 35W 2 40 5 2 1 C 7 0 1.5 3 6 Miles 8 O 3,300 4 4 U 3 4 0 N 0,0 6,000 6,900 5,100 4,600 3,300
8 T 0 0 , Y 0 1 Hennepin 8 2 R 0 5 O ASH ST
0 9 AD 3 10 County 8 ,8 1 inch = 3 miles 0 5,800 Circle Pines 0 0
2 Lexington
9
6
0
3
8
0 4 0 0
0 8 5 Spring Lake Park
0 ,
, 3 4
0 1
1 3,450
2
0
, 0 0
5
0 Fridley 4
0 0
5 4
,
0 9 7
2 , 3
1 3
694 120640
5
, 7 5 2,700 0 47
5 Hilltop , 7
5
0 0
5 65 7 Columbia Heights
Exhibit 3-5 ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN Existing Year 2000 Traffic Volumes
Last Updated: 07/20/2009
LOS E is characterized by significant delays and average travel speeds of one-third of the free-flow speed or less. LOS E is sometimes accepted as limiting for design criterion when restricted conditions make it impractical to consider a higher LOS. LOS F characterizes arterial flow at extremely low speeds. Intersection congestion is likely at critical signalized locations with high delays and extensive queuing. LOS F is never used as a design standard. It represents a condition that is intolerable to most motorists.
3.1.7 Existing13B System Deficiencies For this Plan, capacity deficiencies on the Anoka County system were determined by comparing existing volume to capacity (v/c) ratios. Figure 3-6 The v/c ratio is based on the traffic Level of Service volumes on the roadway divided by the actual capacity of the segment. The capacity of the segment is a function of the type of roadway and the cross-section, i.e., the number of lanes. Figure 3-7 documents the current number of lanes for all county highways. Table 3-4 shows the relationship between LOS and v/c. TABLE 3-4 Relationship between v/c and LOS Consistent with the Metropolitan Council, the county has established the LOS D/E boundary (approaching LOS v/c congestion to congested) as the performance measure for A < 0.65 identifying locations that merit attention. Figure 3-8 shows road segments on the county system that currently B 0.65 – 0.75 experience these conditions during peak conditions (v/c C 0.75 – 0.85 greater than 0.95 in the peak hour, which correlates to a LOS E). D 0.85 – 0.95 E 0.95 – 1.05
F > 1.05
ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-9 DECEMBER 2008
Legend 47 72 76 28 Bethel 24 36 2-lane Urban 70 St. Francis 71 13 77 103 26 2-lane Rural 85 89 24 74 75 Chisago 4-lane Undivided 66 86 County 5 22 Nowthen 15 4-lane Divided Oak 65 East Linwood Sherburne Grove 65 Bethel 6-lane Divided County 22 17 22 163 Interstates 9
64 US Highways 68 Columbus 63 58 18 State Highways Ramsey 47 7 78 18 Ham Lake 60 County State Aid Highways (CSAH) 20 62 56 Wright Andover County 61 23 County Roads
83 57 35 10 116 Local Roads 16 52 65
116 10 31 79 Coon Rapids 35W 10 169 14 14 53 10 54 1 11 17 18 Washington 78 35E 12 County Anoka 87 10 51 Lino Lakes Centerville
Blaine 23 34
610 10 35W 0 1.5 3 6 Miles 49 21 Hennepin 132 32 1 County Circle Pines 1 inch = 3 miles 8 Lexington Spring Lake Park 47 Fridley 35
694
1 Hilltop
2 Columbia Heights
Figure 3-7 ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN Number of Lanes on County Roads
Last Updated: 05/27/2009 47 72 76 Legend 28 Bethel 24 36 70 Level of Service (LOS) St. Francis 71 13 77 103 26 LOS A
85 89 24 74 75 LOS B Chisago 66 LOS C 86 County 5 22 Nowthen LOS D Oak 65 East 15 Linwood Sherburne 65 Grove Bethel LOS E County 22 17 LOS F 22 163 9
64 27 68 Columbus Interstates 63 58 18 US Highways Ramsey 47 7 78 18 Ham Lake 60 20 62 State Highways Wright 56 Andover 61 23 County County State Aid Highways (CSAH) 57 35 10 83 116 16 52 County Roads 65 116 Local Roads 10 31 79 10 Coon Rapids 35W 169 14 53 10 54 1 11 17 18 Washington 78 35E 12 County Anoka 87 10 51 Lino Lakes Centerville
Blaine 23 34
610 10 35W 49 21 0 1.5 3 6 Miles Hennepin 132 32 1 County Circle Pines 1 inch = 3 miles 8 Lexington Spring Lake Park Source: Anoka County’s Travel Demand Model 47 (Parsons Brinkerhoff, March 2008) Fridley 35
694
1 Hilltop
2 Columbia Heights
Figure 3-8 Year 2000 Congested ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN Roadway Segments (PM Peak Hour)
Last Updated: 08/06/2009
3.2 Anoka County Transit System Anoka County provides its own county transit system, actively participates in ongoing transit planning at the regional level, and leads transit development outside the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. This section outlines the county’s transit planning activities, services, and facilities. Within the county, public transit serves a variety of travel markets, including commuters going to downtown Minneapolis and other major employment centers; on-demand trips required by elderly, disabled, and other transit-dependent individuals; and local transit trips. Multiple transit operators provide service ranging from express bus routes to specialized access to social services. Anoka County’s Transportation Management Office (TMO) assists employers by coordinating transit service for employees to major job locations. At the regional level, Anoka County participated as a stakeholder in the Metropolitan Council Transportation Policy Plan 2030 Transit Master Plan Study. The county, through its Regional Railroad Authority, is also an active member on the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB). At the regional and collar-county level, Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority has maintained a leadership role on the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) since the 1990s, developing the state’s first commuter rail line which is scheduled to begin service in late 2009. The county continues its leadership role in statewide transit planning through membership in the Northern Lights Express (NLX) Joint Powers Board, working with other counties between Minneapolis and Duluth to restore intercity passenger rail service between the two port cities.
3.2.1 Coordination14B with Other County and Regional Transit Plans The Anoka County Transit System Plan (October 2004) provides an inventory, analysis, and future vision for transit services within Anoka County. Section 3.2.2 summarizes the key elements of the Transit System Plan. Section 3.2.3 documents the existing transit service in the county, which reflects changes to the transit system that have occurred since completion of the Transit System Plan. Finally, Section 3.7.4 provides a summary of the county’s transit vision, as documented in the Transit System Plan. The Metropolitan Council prepared the 2030 Transit Master Plan, a component of the Transportation Policy Plan (TPP), during the timeframe that this Plan was developed. The regional transit plan is intended to guide future transit investment and implementation decisions for the Metropolitan Council’s seven-county planning area. Nearly all of the mobility- impaired corridors identified in this Plan appear as proposed transitways in the Metropolitan Council TPP 2030 transit system plan, reinforcing the need for multimodal solutions within these congested corridors. Preliminary recommendations made in the Council’s 2030 Transit Master Plan that potentially affect the Anoka County’s transportation system are summarized in Section 3.7.4. As part of the TPP Transit Chapter, the Metropolitan Council has determined that it will respond to five distinct transit market areas defined by population and employment density and the number of transit-dependent people. The county includes parts of Market Areas 2, 3 and 4.
ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-12 DECEMBER 2008
3.2.2 Key15B Conclusions from the Anoka County Transit System Plan
Transit31B Travel Trends The majority of current transit travel within Anoka County is focused on the southern portions of the county—particularly the communities of Anoka, Coon Rapids, Blaine, Spring Lake Park, Fridley, and Columbia Heights. Limited express transit service is also available in Circle Pines, Hilltop, Lexington, Lino Lakes, Centerville, and Columbus. The Anoka County Transit System Plan documents that approximately three percent of home-based (commuter) trips choose transit—a relatively small share of the travel market. The largest travel market destinations for trips leaving Anoka County are northern Hennepin County and northern Ramsey County.2
Transit32B Coverage The southernmost portion of Anoka County is well-served by transit, as reflected in Figure 3-9. Generally, the county’s fixed route transit system serves most areas with densities exceeding five persons per acre, with some exceptions in northwestern Blaine and southeastern Andover.3
Intermodal3B Connectivity The Anoka County Transit System Plan rated the level of intermodal connectivity among transit, bicycle, and pedestrian systems within the county as low to moderate (when the plan was completed in 2004). The Transit System Plan also noted that many existing park-and- ride facilities are only realistically accessed by automobile, with the exception of some of the facilities in Coon Rapids. Since that plan was completed, intermodal connections have increased. Section 3.4 provides an updated assessment of intermodal connectivity, reflecting 2008 conditions, and a future assessment based on known transit and trail plans.
Service34B to Traditionally Transit-Dependent Populations The least wealthy households are generally concentrated in the south and southwestern portions of the county, which are the areas currently best served by transit. The disabled population in Anoka County is generally concentrated in the southern half of the county with pockets of high concentrations (greater than three persons per acre) in Anoka, Coon Rapids, Blaine, Fridley, and Columbia Heights.4
3.2.3 Existing16B Transit System Inventory The transit system serving Anoka County consists of a network of services provided by different agencies and operators. The majority of the county’s transit service is provided by the Anoka County Traveler (ACT) and Metropolitan Council Metro Transit. Interim express bus service prior to the initiation of Northstar commuter rail service is provided by the NCDA’s Northstar Commuter Coach and the Ramsey Star Express. Existing fixed routes that are operated by each agency are shown in Figure 3-9 and described in Table 3-5; this figure and table also illustrate the concentration of fixed route transit service in the southern part of the county.
2 Source: Anoka County Transit System Plan, October 2004, p. 26. 3 Source: Anoka County Transit System Plan, October 2004, p. 56. 4 Source: Anoka County Transit System Plan, October 2004, p. 56. ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-13 DECEMBER 2008
Legend 47 72 76 28 Bethel 24 36 Transit Routes 70 St. Francis 71 13 77 103 26 Express, Metro Transit
85 89 24 74 75 Express, NStar Corridor Dev. Auth. Chisago 66 86 County 5 22 Local, Anoka County Traveler Nowthen 15 Oak East Linwood Sherburne Grove Local, Metro Transit 65 65 Bethel County 22 17 Park and Ride 22 163 9 Interstates 64 68 Columbus 63 58 18 US Highways
Ramsey 47 7 78 18 Ham Lake State Highways 60 83 20 Wright 56 62 Andover 61 23 County State Aid Highways (CSAH) County
57 35 10 116 County Roads 8 88 16 52 8 88 65 856 8 Local Roads 5
8 2 10 5 116 0
9 8 8 10 5 52 35W 0 Coon Rapids 14 8 14 851 5 854 8 6 29 8 8 8 51 854 53 8 8 52 50 10 54 85 11 85 8 1 4 5 17 1 18 4 8 78 8 Washington 8 35E 8 6 12 County 0 Anoka 8 5 54 87 0 8 1
9 5 10 3 Centerville
2 7 8 250 Lino Lakes 0 1.5 3 6 Miles 8
8 2 6 852 0 Blaine 23 34 88 8 10 21 8 8
2 1 inch = 3 miles 8 8 35W 5 0 831 25 5 6 5 7 2 2 8 49 2 8 32 0 60 1
Hennepin 1 4
County 2 47 8 8 Circle Pines 5 Lexington
2 0
1 Spring Lake Park 0
4 1
5 8 35
Fridley 4
2 0 1 8 25
694
9
2 8
1 1
0 0
8 Hilltop 1 1 80 11
8 Columbia 1
1 141 4 Heights
Figure 3-9 Existing Transit System by ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN Route Type and Service Provider
Last Updated: 05/27/2009
The county’s transit system is largely oriented to express commuter service for workers destined for the downtown Minneapolis, downtown St. Paul, and the University of Minnesota. These express routes are not operated on weekends. Publicly-provided, demand response service is provided also throughout Anoka County. Metro Mobility and ACT provide dial-a-ride service in southern Anoka County. Anoka County Traveler provides dial-a-ride service in the northern portion of the county on a more limited basis than is available the southern part of the county.
TABLE 3-5 Existing Transit Routes Serving Anoka County by Provider and Route Type Route Weekday Saturday Sunday Route Number Provider1 Type Service Area Trips Trips Trips 801 ACT Local N/A 29 0 0 805 ACT Local N/A 27 21 0 831 ACT Local N/A 25 0 0 250 MT Express Minneapolis 65 0 0 255 MT Express St. Paul 6 0 0 275 MT Express St. Paul 6 0 0 288 MTS2 Express Minneapolis 11 0 0 766 MT Express Minneapolis 67 0 0 850 MT Express Minneapolis 51 0 0 851 MT Express Minneapolis 16 0 0 852 MT Express Minneapolis 37 17 0 854 MT Express Minneapolis 21 0 0 860 MT Express St. Paul 9 0 0 10 MT Local Minneapolis 191 121 67 11 MT Local Minneapolis 102 78 72 118 MT Local Univ. of MN 4 0 0 141 MT Local Minneapolis 12 0 0 25 MT Local Minneapolis 69 14 0 262 MTS Local St. Paul 6 0 0 4 MT Local Minneapolis 151 125 74 824 MT Local Minneapolis 6 0 0 829 MT Local Minneapolis 12 0 0 856—Ramsey Star Express NCDA Express Minneapolis 8 0 0 888—Northstar Commuter Coach NCDA Express Minneapolis 16 0 0 1-ACT=Anoka County Traveler; MT=Metro Transit; and NCDA=Northstar Corridor Development Authority, MTS=Metropolitan Transportation Services 2-Funding provided through the Metropolitan Council’s Metropolitan Transportation Services (MTS) Department; the route is operated by Metro Transit Source: Metropolitan Council’s “Bus Routes - Twin Cities Metropolitan Area GIS Data Layer,” last updated June 10, 2008.
ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-15 DECEMBER 2008
Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) In 2008, the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) was formed by five Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Counties—Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington. CTIB, which evolved from the former Metropolitan Transit Development Board (MTDB), is a joint powers authority composed of the counties through their regional railroad authorities. This organization has authorization to plan and implement transit within the counties participating in the ¼ cent sales tax passed in 2008. While CTIB does not own or manage any specific transit services, the Board is responsible for distributing the sales tax funds that enable or enhance high-capacity transit services within the participating counties.
Anoka36B County Traveler (ACT) The ACT—the county’s own transit provider—provides both fixed route and dial-a-ride service in the southern portion of the county. Three fixed routes are operated throughout portions of Anoka, Blaine, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, and Fridley, shown on Figure 3- 9 and described in Table 3-5. ACT’s dial-a-ride service provides curb-to-curb transportation service in coordination with existing ACT fixed routes. Metro Mobility, a service of Metro Council, contracts with ACT to provide dial-a-ride service within the communities of Fridley, Columbia Heights, Hilltop, and Spring Lake Park. In the northern part of the county, dial-a-ride is the only transit service option available. The ACT primarily focuses on providing mobility within the county and does not provide service beyond county borders. This agency’s service does provide connectivity to other services, including Metro Transit and other regional services (e.g., Northstar Commuter Coach and Ramsey Star Express), for those traveling outside the county.
Northstar37B Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) In preparation for the planned initiation of commuter rail service, the NCDA operates two commuter coach lines in Anoka County, both offering peak hour service during weekdays to downtown Minneapolis. More information about the Northstar Commuter Rail Service, scheduled to open in late 2009, is provided in Section 3.7. The Northstar Commuter Coach provides weekday service through Anoka County via Elk River to downtown Minneapolis (shown as Route 888 on Figure 3-9). The Northstar stops at park-and-ride lots in Elk River and Coon Rapids (at the Riverdale shopping development) and travels from the 5th Street Transit Station in downtown Minneapolis during peak hours. The Ramsey Star Express Commuter coach service originates from the municipal parking facility located in the Ramsey Town Center (shown as Route 856 on Figure 3-9). This route also terminates at the 5th Street Transit Station in downtown Minneapolis. Buses for both the Northstar Commuter Coach and the Ramsey Star Express offer amenities, including comfortable seating, power outlets for laptops, overhead reading lights, and storage compartments. This route may also be replaced in the future by Northstar Commuter Rail.
ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-16 DECEMBER 2008
Northern38B Lights Express Joint Powers Authority The Northern Lights Joint Powers Authority is leading the planning effort to provide transit service between Minneapolis and Duluth on the existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway Cambridge line. When completed, this intercity passenger rail service would intersect the Northstar Commuter Rail service at Coon Rapids Junction in Coon Rapids, completing the route into downtown Minneapolis on the Northstar line. The Northstar line, planned to begin service in late 2009, terminates at the Minneapolis multimodal station, with connections to the existing Hiawatha Light Rail Transit (LRT) line, Central Corridor LRT line (under development), and planned Southwest Corridor LRT line. One of the issues to be addressed in planning for Northern Lights Express service is the number of at-grade rail crossings with Anoka County roadways. The BNSF line crosses every Anoka County road north of US 10 at grade. Only one grade separation on US 10 at CSAH 14/Main Street is currently programmed. As planning progresses, the need to grade- separate some or all of the crossings will need to be evaluated, particularly if high-speed operation is specified. At meetings with individual community staff, the county also recommended that local jurisdictions take steps to buffer sensitive land uses such as new residential developments adjacent to the now lightly-used rail line in preparation for its planned intercity passenger rail use.
Metro39B Transit Metro Transit operates several routes within Anoka County, including fixed route express and local service. These routes, shown on Figure 3-9 and described in Table 3-5, primarily provide linkages outside the county while also providing limited service within the county. Express Route 288 is a noteworthy service separately funded by the Metropolitan Council’s Metropolitan Transportation Services (MTS) department, operated by Metro Transit. The route operates between Forest Lake and downtown Minneapolis, with a pick-up in Columbus, via the I-35W corridor. Started in January 2008, this one year demonstration route was developed to provide relief at the crowded 95th Avenue park-and-ride lot in Blaine, and as a response to the August 2007 collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis. Ridership demand and available funding during 2008 will factor into decisions about the long-term future of the route. This route is anticipated to be a precursor to future Rush Line bus rapid transit (BRT) or rail service.
Human40B Services Human service providers are also assisted by transportation services that respond to the needs identified by social service agencies. Through the Anoka County Traveler, these agencies provide door-to-door, dial-a-ride services primarily for medical-related trips focused on meeting the needs of elderly and disabled individuals. Agency supporters and participants include the county’s Community Social Services and Mental Health programs, Anoka County Community Action Program, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Greater Twin Cities United Way, American Red Cross, and local advocacy groups Rise Inc. and Achieve Services. The county also supports a Volunteer Transportation Program that provides rides to and from medical, dental, and appointments with social services for seniors (60+) and clients receiving services from Anoka County
ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-17 DECEMBER 2008
3.2.4 Transit Support Infrastructure
Transit41B Advantages Transit service—both fixed route and demand response—is supported by a variety of transit facilities and advantages. There are approximately 51 miles of bus-only shoulder lanes and two miles of ramp meter bypasses. In total, there are twelve high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) ramp meter bypasses located in Anoka County. As shown on Figure 3-10, most of the existing shoulder lanes are located along US 10, TH 47/University Avenue, and CSAH 1/Coon Rapids Boulevard. Team Transit, an informal collaboration between Mn/DOT, the Metropolitan Council, and transit operators, continuously expands the region’s network of transit advantages over state-jurisdiction roadways throughout the Metropolitan Area. Team Transit facilities include segments of shoulder bus lanes, HOV bypass ramps at congested freeway interchanges, intelligent transportation system elements including extended green time for buses at traffic signals, and park-and-ride/park-and-pool lots at strategic locations on the regional roadway network. The county and local communities have also collaborated to develop shoulder bus lanes in cooperation with transit operators on the county road network. Segments of CSAH 1/Coon Rapids Boulevard are an example of such facilities developed by Anoka County, the City of Coon Rapids, and Metro Transit.
Park-and-Ride42B System Within Anoka County, transit support facilities include park-and-ride locations throughout the south, southwest, and southeast areas of the county, intermittent segments of bus shoulder lanes, HOV bypass ramps, traffic signals with transit priority features, and basic amenities including shelters, benches, and signed bus stops. Twelve official park-and-ride sites are located in Anoka County (one of which is a park-and-pool lot without transit service—in East Bethel). This includes the region’s largest park-and-ride station—the Foley station in Coon Rapids—which features an exclusive bus on-ramp to the TH 610 bridge. Transit hubs are located at Town Center in Ramsey, Northtown shopping center in Blaine, and University Avenue at 40th Street in Columbia Heights. New Northstar commuter rail stations are also under construction in Anoka, Coon Rapids, and Fridley in preparation for the initiation of rail service in late 2009.These locations are shown on Figure 3-9. Table 3-6 provides details about each lot, including the number of available parking spaces.
ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-18 DECEMBER 2008
Legend 47 72 76 28 Bethel 24 36 70 St. Francis 71 13 77 103 26 Transit Advantages 85 89 24 74 75 Busway Chisago 66 86 County 5 22 Meter Bypass Nowthen Oak 65 15 Linwood East Shoulder Lane Sherburne 65 Grove Bethel County 22 17 Ramp Meter Bypasses 22 163 9 Interstates 64 68 Columbus 63 58 US Highways 18
Ramsey 47 7 78 18 Ham Lake State Highways 60 20 Wright 56 62 County State Aid Highways (CSAH) Andover 23 County 61
83 57 35 County Roads 10 116 16 52 65 Local Roads
116 10 31 79 10 Coon Rapids 35W 169 14 53 10 54 1 11 17 18 Washington 78 35E 12 County Anoka 87 51 35W Lino Lakes Centerville 0 1.5 3 6 Miles
Blaine 23 34 3 10 610 1 inch = 3 miles 49 21 Hennepin 132 32 1 County Circle Pines 8 Lexington Spring Lake Park 47 Fridley 35
694
1 Hilltop
2 Columbia Heights
Figure 3-10 ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN Transit Advantages
Last Updated: 05/27/2009
TABLE 3-6 Existing and Future Park-and-Ride Lots in Anoka County # Name Address City Capacity
1) 7th Avenue & Garfield 7th Avenue & Garfield Anoka 80
2) Northtown Transit Center 85th Avenue & Jefferson Blaine 366
3) 95th Avenue & I-35W 95th Avenue NE & I-35W Blaine 1,011
4) St. Genevieve Church 7087 Goiffon Rd. Centerville 50
5) Running Aces Harness Park I-35 & CSAH 23 Columbus 300
Foley Boulevard between Coon Rapids Coon 6) Foley Boulevard 1,243 Boulevard and East River Road Rapids
Northdale Boulevard & 123rd Avenue Coon 7) Riverdale 455 NW Rapids
8) Church of St. William TH 47 and 61st Avenue NE Fridley 50
9) St. Phillip's Lutheran Church TH 65 & W. Moore Lake Drive Fridley 20
10) St. Joseph's Church Elm Street & Rice Lake Drive Lino Lakes 12
US 10 between Ramsey Boulevard. 11) Ramsey Town Center Ramsey 603 and Armstrong Boulevard
East Bethel Ice Arena (not TH 65, between 205th Avenue and 209th East 12) 53 served by transit) Avenue Bethel
Anoka Northstar Station North th 13) 2718 4 Ave. Anoka 377 & South Lots1
14) Fridley Northstar Station1 Main Street NE and 60th Avenue NE Fridley 621 1-Construction for the Anoka and Fridley Northstar stations began in 2008. Source: Metropolitan Council’s Park-and-Ride Lots GIS Data Layer, last updated May 8, 2008.
3.3 Parks3B and Trails/Natural Resource Areas Information for this section was obtained from Anoka County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive System Plan.
3.3.1 Existing18B Regional Trail Network Many bicycle and pedestrian trails located within Anoka County are purely recreational, traveling in loops through the county’s park facilities. However, several longer, regional trails connect Anoka County communities to one another and to other residential, commercial, and recreational opportunities. (Figure 3-11 shows existing recreational and regional trails). These regional trails, owned and managed by the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department are listed below: 1. Rice Creek West & North Regional Trails 4. Central Anoka County Regional Trail 2. Mississippi River Regional Trail 5. Rum River Regional Trail 3. East Anoka County Regional Trail 6. Coon Creek Regional Trail ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-20 DECEMBER 2008
Legend 72 47 76 28 Bethel 24 36 Regional Trails, Existing 237TH AVE NW Cedar Creek 70 St. Francis 71 13 NHA 229TH AVE NE 77 103 26 Bikeways in Anoka Co. (Reg., County, Muni.) E
N
T 75 S 85 W 221ST AVE NE T
89 24 N Paved Trail N
D A
V R Chisago
66 L 74 U
B
D
E County W 86 G Non-paved Trail
N R
D 5 Nowthen O 15 R E Oak Linwood 22 E Y G East
R N Bike Lane
E Sherburne A Grove D 65 K V E Bethel L A L
L B County 22 C G VIKING BL IN 17 V IK One-way Bike Lane D V Carlos N 22 W Avery WMA
W 163 9 N One-way Shoulder >= 5'
T
S 181ST AVE NW E H 64 65 N G 27 Columbus D
U V W L Shoulder >= 5' A 63 68
N 58 B
B 173 BROADWAY AVE NE
RD AVE NW T 18
E S CRO S R
N
S E
N TOWN BLV I D T V
47 N I D 7 E S Other R Ramsey R
C E 78 18 E Ham Lake A V L
W T M ET N 60 O K Lamprey W 20 T
N Regional Parks E 161ST 56 AVE NW O 62 Pass WMA
V
D
P
Wright A Andover V H BL 23 County T 7 N 61 OW 57 SS T 10 83 O 35 B R U Interstates C C 16 N An en 52 K ok tra E a C l R LA NW oun K E BLV D ty E
116 N
116 US Highways
E V
10 E A
V
A
N
H
31 O C
T
T 35W C 7 10 Coon Rapids State Highways o 125TH AV G r E NE
14 N o e 14 I 169 MA C IN ST NW X e n A e k E A n n n L 1 M o 53 o t i k k r ss a k County State Aid Highways (CSAH) is C 10 e a s e a l ip ou r 11 65 54
CO pi n C C
ON R ty n o
i o u Washington R v o 17
A e n P r C Rice C 35E I reek t County Roads D 78 12 y County S 09TH AV T Anoka BL 1 E NE ELM S Chain of L VD 87 akes NW 10 51 Lino Lakes Centerville Local Roads
S
E
V Blaine 23 34 A BIRCH ST H
T 0 C 2 610 O 10 35W UN 49 TY 21 R ASH ST OAD 32 1 Hennepin M A 1 is 0 s n i o County s k s a i Circle Pines p C p Lexington o i u Ri R ce n i
t C v re y ek Spring Lake Park e West r 0 1.5 3 6 Miles Fridley 47 35
r e y t v i 694 n 1 inch = 3 miles
R E
u i N
o
p
T
C
p
S
i
a
s
N
k
I
s Hilltop i
o
A
s 1
n
s M
i A
M 2 Columbia Heights
Exhibit 3-11 ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN Existing Trails & Bikeways
Last Updated: 07/20/2009
As shown in Figure 3-11, all existing regional trails are located in the southern half of the county—the area that is most developed and serves the majority of the population. Most regional trails were developed within the past ten to fifteen years5. Recent improvements to the system include a tunnel under TH 65 and a pedestrian bridge over Mississippi Street, both on the Rice Creek West Regional Trail. The county also has implemented an inspection program to maintain the integrity of the trails. Some regional trail corridors need rehabilitation—including the lowland areas of the Rice Creek North Regional Trail that have experienced damage from invasion of plant and tree roots.
3.3.2 Planned19B Regional Trail Network The Anoka County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive System Plan documents plans for the addition of 85 miles of regional trails. The county’s planned trails, shown in Figure 3-12 are intended to provide critical links between the regional parks, and local connections to city trails and neighborhoods. The regional trail system will continue to be a high priority for the county park and recreation capital investment program. At this time, it appears that collaboration amongst the county, local communities, and outside funding agencies is the most promising way for planned and proposed trails to get built. By partnering with local communities, the county has already been able to increase development and construction of trails corridors. The Central Anoka County Regional Trail Corridor was built in coordination with the City of Andover, the Anoka County Highway Department, and the Parks Department. Improvements to the trail were made in conjunction with improvements made to CSAH 116/Bunker Lake Boulevard. The City of Andover and the Anoka County Highway Department funded the trail. The Highway Department and the Parks Department installed the trail and provided reimbursement funds when available6. The Anoka County Highway Department’s practice is to construct trail and/or sidewalk on all newly constructed or reconstructed roadways. The result is that approximately two to three miles of new trail or sidewalk are constructed by the Highway Department every year.
3.3.3 County Stormwater Pollution Program Environmental stewardship is a regular component of the county's roadway construction and reconstruction program. The county implements the provisions of its Stormwater Pollution Program, adopted in March 2003, in compliance with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II regulations. The NPDES regulations are part of the federal Clean Water Act, a comprehensive national program for addressing polluted runoff. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is ultimately responsible for the quality of the nation's water, Anoka and other Minnesota counties coordinate with Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which administers the program in the state. Recommendations for physical improvements to the county's roadway network include implementing the runoff and drainage requirements of the county's policy.
5 Source: Anoka County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive System Plan, 2006, p. 5-23. 6 Source: Anoka County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive System Plan, 2006, p. 5-23. ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-22 DECEMBER 2008
Legend 72 47 r 76 e E 28 iv Bethel 24 Regional Trails a 36 R Cedar Creek s 237TH AVE N 237T VE NE t m W H A C A 70 u 13 71 NHA n St. Francis R o 229TH AVE NE u o 77 Regional Existing 26 n k 103 E t a rth Anoka N y No T 75
S W 85
89 24 N County 221ST AVE NE T Nort Regional Proposed
N h
a A
D
A
y n k C
V o o t u R n k L o ty a Chisago
n 74 U B 66 n
D u E A
o G 86 County Regional Parks t
R s C 22
5 O a Nowthen E 15 E W
G N Oak East Linwood
E
D Sherburne North Anoka K E R Grove 65 A Bethel N L D County Y VIK V Interstates County R ING BLVD NW BL 22 A 17 E G L IN Carlos C 22 IK V Avery WMA US Highways
W 163 9
N
T
S 181ST AVE NW E H 64 65 N State Highways G Columbus D
U V W
L
A 63 68 N 58 B
B BROADWAY AVE NE
173RD AVE NW T r 18
E S
e m C R R N E
v County State Aid Highways (CSAH)
N u OSSTOWN i I 78 B T V L I
R D R V NE D S 47 R Ramsey R
C E 18 E Ham Lake A 7 V TL 60 M ET County Roads
O K Lamprey
W a
83 20 T
N k
56 O 62 Pass WMA
o
D Wright 61 P Andover n V y Local Roads L A 10 B t 23
County W t A n M n N s N W is ok 57 O a u sis a E SS T E o O s Co V 52 C 35 A i R pp un Central i R ty H C 16 iv ounty T e Anoka C 7 r Central 116 VD N W m r 116 BUNKER LAKE BL Anoka County u e v R i R
10 E Bunker H V ills - Rice A 79 C 35W C ree 10 Coon RapidC s k C H hain of Lak 17 T o es 169 r
7 e o 14 MAIN ST C A NW e 125TH AVE NE n n A e o k 0 1.5 3 6 Miles M k n n is a k 53 o t s C e r is o e k a s u 10 r C ip n a l O p t C 65 54
O i y 11 C
N R n
R iv o o A o
P e u Washington ID r 78 C S 109TH AVE N Rice Cr n 35E 1 inch = 3 miles B E eek t LV 12 y County Anoka D ELM S T Chain of La NW 87 kes 10 51 Lino Lakes Centerville 1 S
E
V
Blaine A 23 34 BIRCH ST
H
T 0 610 10 35W 2 49 21 A ASH ST n 32 1 Hennepin M o is k s a i County s C s i o Circle Pines p u Lexington p n i t R y ic R e
i C v reek e West Spring Lake Park
r Fridley 47 35 r e y t v i 694 n
R E u
i N
o
p
T
C
p
S
i
a
s
N
k
I
s Hilltop i o
1 A
s
n
s M
i A
M 2 Columbia Heights
Exhibit 3-12 ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN Existing & Proposed Regional Trails
Last Updated: 05/27/2009
3.4 Existing4B and Planned Intermodal Connectivity—Roadways, Transit, and Bicycle / Pedestrian Facilities An intermodal trip involves more than one type of transportation, such as walking and transit, bicycling and transit, or driving and transit (see Figure 3-13). Intermodal connections within Anoka County include twelve park-and-ride lots, four transit centers, and multiple parking facilities located along six regional trails. New Northstar commuter rail stations under construction in Anoka, Coon Rapids, and Fridley will expand intermodal travel options. In addition, intermodal connections are supported with bike lockers at the Riverdale park-and- ride Lot in Coon Rapids; bike racks on buses, transit shelters, and short- and long-range parking facilities at the Anoka County Airport; and taxi service. Currently, one regional trail connects to an existing park-and-ride lot (Bunker Hills—Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Trail connects to St. Joseph Church), with the future Central Anoka Regional Trail connecting to two more park-and- ride locations (St. Genevieve Church and Ramsey Town Center). Anoka County, through their Transportation Management Organization (TMO), also provides assistance to local employers and commuters to explore different choices for transportation, such as carpooling, vanpooling, telecommuting, transit, biking, walking, or flexible work hours. It is the TMO’s goal to help make commuting easier, healthier, and more enjoyable. The TMO’s Bicycle Guide provides information on intermodal transportation alternatives, such as bike-n-riding by bus and train, including details on how to load bikes onto the bus or Figure 3-13 train, safety reminders, and Possible Intermodal Connections information on the Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program. The availability of intermodal choices will continue to be reviewed to support growth within the county This includes ensuring the Anoka County transportation system has intermodal facilities of adequate size and number of locations to accommodate potential users at an acceptable level of service and planning for connections to facilities for non-motorized modes of transportation to encourage intermodal use.
ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-24 DECEMBER 2008
3.5 Aviation5B Anoka County’s general aviation airport is a reliever for the Metropolitan Airport Commission’s (MAC) regional airport system. The Anoka County Blaine Airport (Janes Field) is the largest reliever airport in the MAC reliever airport system. Reliever airports provide an alternative to the Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP) International Airport for private and corporate flights, thereby increasing safety and efficiency and easing congestion at the MSP airport. In addition to the Anoka County Blaine Airport, five other airports serve as relievers to the MSP airport. The Anoka County Blaine Airport is under the jurisdiction of the MAC. This airport is classified as an Intermediate Airport based on the State of Minnesota classification and a Minor Airport by the MAC (Metropolitan Council’s Metropolitan Development Guide – Aviation Chapter) with a 4,855-foot north-south runway, and a 5,000-foot east-west runway that is equipped with an instrument landing system. The airport supports more than 90,000 takeoffs and landings annually; 490 aircraft are based at the airport. In addition, Surfside Seaplane Base is located on Rice Lake in Lino Lakes. Locations authorized for seaplane operations are designated in Minnesota Rules 8800.2800. The following lakes and rivers within Anoka County are authorized seaplane locations: Centerville Lake Mississippi River Coon Lake Mud Lake George Watch Lake Otter Lake Lake George Peltier Lake Ham Lake Pickerel Lake Howard Lake Reshenau Lake Linwood Lake Rice Lake Martin Lake Round Lake
The location of the Anoka County Blaine Airport and all designated seaplane locations are shown in Figure 3-14.
3.6 Freight This section provides an overview of freight activity within Anoka County. A detailed Technical Memo addressing county freight elements and issues is included in Appendix B.
3.6.1 Anoka20B County Freight System Figure 3-15 provides the locations of freight facilities within Anoka County, as well as the type of facility. The figure also identifies freight facility clusters, which denote concentrations of freight activity in the county and surrounding areas. As shown in Figure 3-15, a portion of the Twin Cities regional freight system lies within the county. The system is composed of two modes—the region’s principal arterial highway system and two BNSF Railway lines. BNSF is a Class I railroad, the category for railroads with over one million dollars in annual operating revenue.
ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-25 DECEMBER 2008
Legend 47 72 76 28 Bethel 24 36 70 Authorized Landing Sites for St. Francis 71 13 Martin 77 Seaplane Operations 103 26 Lake
85 89 24 74 75 Chisago Airports 66 Lake 5 George 86 County Linwood Lake 22 Nowthen 15 Oak 65 East Linwood Interstates Sherburne Pickeral 65 Lake Grove Bethel County 22 17 US Highways 22 163 9 State Highways Coon 64 68 Lake Columbus 63 58 County State Aid Highways (CSAH) 18
Ramsey 47 7 County Roads 18 Ham Lake 78 Mud 60 Local Roads 20 Howard Lake Wright 56 Ham 62 Andover Lake 61 Lake County 23 57 Round 10 83 35 116 Lake 16 52 65
116 10
31 10 Coon Rapids Surfside 35W 14 169 S1e4aplane Base 53 Peltier 10 Lake 11 17 54 1 18 George Watch Lake Miss Washington iss 35E ip 12 County p Anoka County Centerville Anoka i 87 R Blai5n1e Airport Lake iv 10 Lino Lakes Centerville er Rice Lake Blaine 23 Reshanau Lake 34
610 10 35W 49 21 0 1.5 3 6 Miles Otter 132 32 Hennepin 1 Lake County Circle Pines 1 inch = 3 miles 8 Lexington Spring Lake Park 47 Fridley 35
694
1 Hilltop
2 Columbia Heights
Figure 3-14 ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN Anoka County Aviation Locations
Last Updated: 05/27/2009 Source: Anoka County’s Freight Analysis (Barton Consulting, October 2008)
Figure 3-15 ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN Anoka County Freight Facilities
The BNSF mainline on which Northstar commuter rail service will operate is an east-west route connecting the major Midwest transportation hub in Chicago with the Port of Seattle and the Pacific Rim. The rail segment within the county includes a junction with the northern (Cambridge) BNSF line, on which Northern Lights Express passenger rail service is planned. This line provides a direct rail linkage between the Twin Cities and the Port of Duluth. As shown on Figure 3-16 the rail freight system is linked by highway “freight connectors” to freight handling facilities located in adjoining counties. A freight handling facility moves freight from one mode to another, typically from rail to truck, air, or barge. Intermodal containers and trailers shipped by Class I railroads are handled at three facilities: the CP Rail Shoreham Yard, the Triple Crown/Union Pacific loading yard in Minneapolis, and the BNSF Intermodal Hub in St. Paul. Access to the Mississippi River waterway system is at the Upper Harbor in Minneapolis. Terminals at the MSP Airport handle air freight and parcels for delivery and pick up services to the county. Figure 3-16 shows the location of the intermodal hubs, the port of Minneapolis, and airports. A major intermodal freight corridor has evolved along US 10 in the county (see Figure 3-16). This corridor includes clusters of industrial development including the Anoka Enterprise Park and other manufacturing facilities in Anoka, and a concentration of light industrial uses in Ramsey. A major distribution center and trucking terminal anchors the central portion of the corridor. The large concentration of warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution facilities in Fridley forms the southern portion of the corridor. The principal arterial highways form the 7 freight connectors. F
3.6.2 Highway21B Trucks move goods on the network of national, state, and county roadways. Goods movement in Anoka County occurs on major arteries: US 10, US 169, TH 47, TH 65, TH 610, I-35 East and West, and I-694.
3.6.3 Rail All 42 at-grade highway rail crossings in the county are ranked in terms of crash prediction by Mn/DOT, as required by federal regulation. The ranking of each crossing is based on a numerical score derived from a formula to calculate a degree of risk. The formula is mandated by the Federal Railroad Administration and considers average annual daily traffic at the crossing, the number of daily trains, their average speed, posted vehicle speed limits, the number of tracks, and the total number of accidents. The top (worst case) rankings are listed in Table 3-7. A program to improve BNSF (and Northstar) railroad crossings on Sunfish Lake, Ramsey, and Armstrong Boulevards is under consideration.
7 Freight connectors are defined as: “roadways that tie together elements of an intermodal freight transportation system. Connectors link major freight activity nodes to arterial highway systems, and enable efficient networks serving ports, rail intermodal yards, airports and other freight intensive nodes” (Source: Mn/DOT Twin Cities Metro Area Freight Connectors Study, 2006). ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-28 DECEMBER 2008
Source: Anoka County’s Freight Analysis (Barton Consulting, October 2008)
Figure 3-16 ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN Anoka County Freight Connectors
TABLE 3-7 Mn/DOT Top Ten At-Grade RR Crossings Crash Prediction Ranking for Anoka County # of Train Vehicle # of Total RR Location City AADT Trains Speed Speed Tracks Crashes Rank BNSF TH 47 & TH Anoka 19,699 49 75 30 2 5 1 169/Ferry St. N. BNSF CSAH 132/85th Ave. Coon 8,240 63 79 40 2 2 2 NW Rapids BNSF CSAH 83/Armstrong Ramsey 6,230 49 79 55 2 5 3 Blvd. NW BNSF CR 74/221st Ave. NW Oak 2,662 14 50 55 1 4 4 Grove BNSF CSAH 4/4th Ave. Anoka 4,170 49 75 30 2 2 5
BNSF MSAS 119 Coon 3,366 49 75 30 2 1 6 Rapids CP Stinson Blvd. Columbia 9,647 8 30 35 1 2 7 Heights BNSF CSAH 22/Viking Blvd. Anoka 7,838 14 50 50 1 3 8 NW
BNSF CSAH 78/Hanson Coon 6,129 49 75 40 2 2 9 Blvd. NW Rapids
BNSF CSAH 56/Ramsey Ramsey 6,933 49 79 55 2 2 10 Blvd. Source: Mn/DOT Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations
3.6.4 Air Although MSP International Airport handles freight and parcel delivery outside Anoka County, a major manufacturer of medical devices with corporate offices in Fridley relies heavily on overnight delivery of their products, often for next day surgery. Timely highway access to MSP by its freight carrier is critical to meeting customer delivery deadlines. The expansion of operations at the Anoka County Blaine Airport may create the potential for future specialized air freight service to this and other niche markets.
3.6.5 Freight24B Mobility Issues 1. Emerging changes to the global and national supply chains resulting from continuing high energy costs and increased congestion on national highway and railway systems will affect the long-term operations of the regional freight system and businesses. The Metropolitan Council’s 2030 Transportation Plan includes a recommendation for a regional freight system study, which will provide direction for strategic public investments. This study would provide an opportunity to incorporate county-specific data on freight flows, goods movement by truck on the county highway system, demand for additional freight handling facilities, and identify freight-related investment needs.
ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-30 DECEMBER 2008
2. The I-35 East corridor is adjacent to large tracts of land available for development for industrial uses. This corridor, which experiences congestion during peak periods of traffic, is not programmed for substantial capacity improvements. As these tracts of land are developed in the future, inclusion of an adequate internal roadway system for truck circulation and access management for truck access should be coordinated through the county, local communities, and Mn/DOT. This Plan identifies CR 84/Otter Lake Road for expansion to CSAH 23/Lake Drive in Lino Lakes and Columbus to assist in this effort. 3. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funds a program for improving designated intermodal freight connectors, the roadway linkages between a freight terminal and the nearest connection to the National Highway System. An opportunity for such a designation exists for CSAH 1/East River Road, and/or TH 47/University Avenue south of I-694. These two routes connect the cluster of freight facilities in Fridley, south of I-694, with the CP Rail Shoreham Yard just south of the Anoka County line in Minneapolis. Trucks use both routes from the two freight clusters to access I-694 and the National Highway System. Mn/DOT has requested FHWA funds for a route between the Shoreham Yard and I-94 in Minneapolis. The Plan recommends a corridor study in the short term. TH 47 is planned for turnback from Mn/DOT to the county, also in the short term. Designation of both CSAH 1/East River Road and TH 47 as intermodal freight connectors in conjunction with the corridor study would present an additional funding source to improve roadway connections handling increasing truck traffic moving goods between the intermodal terminals and I- 694, along with I-94, also a major link in the National Highway System and one used extensively for goods movement within Anoka County.
3.7 Regional25B Transportation Improvements The Transportation Policy Plan (TPP) incorporates the transportation policies and plans that support the Metropolitan Council’s Regional Development Framework and describes the Council’s approach to investments through the year 2030. The plan focuses on the needs of the metropolitan highway system of freeways and expressways that are classified as principal arterials or A minor arterials. The TPP includes one project within Anoka County: preservation of right-of-way for a new Mississippi River crossing in the City of Ramsey.
3.7.1 Metropolitan26B Council Adopted Studies In addition, the TPP includes a listing of corridor plans that have been adopted by the Metropolitan Council. The corridor plans for transportation facilities within Anoka County include: TH 65 Traffic Operations Study—“The Council reviewed the study in August 1999 and found the construction of an additional mixed-use through lane with the urban area to be consistent with regional policy, but inconsistent with regional policy for the section within the Permanent Rural Area.” 8
8 Source: 2030 Transportation Policy Plan, Appendix G, Functional Classification Criteria, adopted December 15, 2004. ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-31 DECEMBER 2008
Northstar Commuter Rail Corridor Advanced Corridor Plan—“The Northstar Corridor is an 80-mile rail corridor, between downtown Minneapolis and St. Cloud. The planned commuter rail line would operate on the existing BSNF rail line and includes twelve stations and a maintenance facility. The Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA), a joint powers board, was formed in 1997 to develop the service. The NCDA is comprised of local elected officials from three counties, county regional rail authorities, cities, and towns along the corridor. A commuter rail feasibility study and a major investment study (MIS) have been completed. Adopted by the Council in January 2001.”9
3.7.2 State26B Transportation Improvements In February 1999, Mn/DOT began identifying key state transportation corridors and ultimately adopted the interregional corridor (IRC) system in January 2000. As part of the State Transportation Plan, the goal of the IRC system is to enhance the economic vitality of the state by providing safe, timely, and efficient movement of goods and people between and among regional trade centers. There are two high priority IRC corridors in Anoka County: US 10 and I-35 (I-35W and I-35E). Below is a brief summary of the corridor studies completed for the high priority corridors and their recommendations. TH 10 Corridor Management Plan—Mn/DOT completed the US 10 Corridor Management Plan (CMP) on a 48-mile section of US 10 between I-35W in Ramsey County and Highway 24 in Clear Lake, MN, under the Interregional Corridor Program. The plan recommended: Converting the corridor to a six-lane freeway from CSAH 9/Round Lake Boulevard in Coon Rapids to US 169 in Elk River Expanding the corridor to an eight-lane freeway from I-35W in Mounds View to CSAH 9/Round Lake Boulevard in Coon Rapids Reducing and/or consolidating a number of access points, or intersections along the corridor; and Converting at-grade intersections to interchanges at the following locations within Anoka County: US 10 Interchange at Jarvis Street US 10 Interchange at CSAH 83/Armstrong Boulevard US 10 Interchange at CSAH 56/Ramsey Boulevard US 10 Interchange at CSAH 57/Sunfish Lake Boulevard US 10 Interchange at Thurston Avenue US 10 Interchange at Main Street US 10 Interchange at TH 47
9 Source: 2030 Transportation Policy Plan, Appendix G, Functional Classification Criteria, adopted December 15, 2004. ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-32 DECEMBER 2008
I-35 Corridor Management Plan—Mn/DOT completed the I-35 Corridor Management Plan in 2005. The plan includes recommendations for improvements for the I-35 corridor from the I-494/I-694 Twin Cities Beltway to TH 48 in Hinckley. The plan recommended the following improvements within Anoka County: Expand I-35W from US 10 to Lexington Avenue to eight lanes Expand I-35W from Lexington Avenue to CSAH 14/Main Street to six lanes Expand I-35 from I-35W/E split to TH 97 to eight lanes Expand I-35E from Ramsey CSAH 96/County Highway G to CSAH 14/Main Street to six lanes Interchange/Overpass Improvements: I-35E Interchange at Anoka CSAH 14/Main Street I-35W Interchange at CR J/Lake Drive I-35 Interchange at TH 97 CR 53/Sunset Avenue Overpass at I-35W New Interchange at Anoka Northerly Bypass (CR 140/80th Street) I-35W Interchange at CSAH 23/Lake Drive (completed) I-35W Interchange at CSAH 17/Lexington Avenue (completed)
3.7.3 County27B Transportation Improvements The Anoka County Five-Year Highway Improvement Plan provides a tentative schedule for roadway projects for the years 2008 through 2012 (pending annual County Board budget approvals). Types of projects included in the plan are: Rehabilitation—Includes overlays, crack sealing, bridge maintenance, surface treatments, and other miscellaneous roadway repairs. Traffic Management and Spot Improvements—Projects such as signal installation and maintenance, signage, striping and pavement messages, access control, and school zone safety driver feedback signs. Right-of-Way Preservation—Involves purchasing land and property rights owned by private interests through direct purchase. Corridor Reconstruction—Reconstruction projects often involve adding lanes to an existing corridor or adding miles (length) to an existing corridor. Planning Studies—Includes corridor studies, environmental studies, and long-range studies to better plan for future construction projects. Consultant Services—Used in a variety of situations to complement the permanent County Highway Department staff; experts are hired as needed. The Five-Year Plan includes over eighteen corridor reconstruction projects, ten spot location improvements, an annual budget of $2.5 million for rehabilitation, and many miscellaneous studies and right-of-way acquisition activities. The location of the proposed construction projects and their corresponding years of construction are shown in Figure 3-17.
45B
ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-33 DECEMBER 2008
Source of Map: Anoka County Highway Department
Figure 3-17 ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN Anoka County 2008-2012 Planned Improvements
3.7.4 County28B Transit Improvements
Future43B Anoka County Traveler Service Figure 3-18 shows planned transit service in Anoka County in 2030. This includes future and proposed commuter rail and LRT lines, as well as Anoka County Traveler routes. The proposed Anoka Traveler fixed route service expansion and implementation schedule is the County’s initiative and is unfunded.
Future4B Northstar Corridor Development Authority Service Figure 3-18 also includes the Northstar Commuter Rail line, which will begin service in the fall of 2009. Once the commuter rail service is operational, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) intends to move the existing commuter coach service operating along US 10 to other corridors.
Northern Lights Joint Powers Authority The portion of the Northern Lights Express (NLX) intercity passenger rail service, between Minneapolis and Duluth, is shown in Figure 3-18. Early feasibility studies have been completed. The NLX Joint Powers Authority plans to continue evaluation of the corridor through more detailed conceptual engineering and the environmental process.
Future46B Metro Transit Service The Draft 2030 Transit Master Plan Study recommends a comprehensive study of several arterial corridors for mode and alignment, including I-35W North, TH 65/Central Avenue, and Rush Line (see Figure 3-19). The TH 65/Central Avenue corridor encompasses potential intercity passenger rail service via the NLX on the BNSF rail line paralleling TH 65 to the west, LRT on TH 65, and express bus service on TH 65/Central Avenue, similar to that currently offered by the Northstar Commuter Coach on US 10. Central Avenue south of I-694 is one of several highly-developed corridors with limited right-of-way available. The 2030 Master Plan recommends bus rapid transit be evaluated on this segment of Central Avenue, scheduled for turnback to Anoka County, to increase ridership by providing limited- stop service, implementing technology improvements to provide a faster trip, and using branding to differentiate the service from regular bus routes.
New47B Transit Funds and Potential for Expanding Transit Services As discussed in Section 3.2.3, the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) has authority to distribute a ¼-cent sales tax collected from five Metro Area counties, including Anoka, to fund transit projects. A distribution of this sales tax to Anoka County is being used to construct the Fridley Northstar Station (construction began in late 2008). Transit-related studies and activities are already underway or planned for the corridors described below: An Alternatives Analysis is being completed for the Rush Line Corridor. This corridor begins at Union Depot in downtown St. Paul, generally follows TH 61 and I-35 East and North for 80 miles to Hinckley. The Alternatives Analysis will consider the potential for commuter rail service and is a first step in securing Federal Transit Administration New Starts funding for transit improvements.
ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-35 DECEMBER 2008
Isanti County Legend 72 47 76 28 Bethel 24 Future & Proposed Fixed Guideway Transit Lines 36 237TH AVE NW Cedar Creek 70 St. Francis 71 13 NHA Cedar Future Northstar Commuter Rail Creek NHA 77 103 26 229TH AVE NE E N Proposed Northern Lights Express Rail Line
T 75 221ST AVE NE S 85 89 24 T N Proposed Central Avenue/TH 65 LRT/BRT Corridor A Chisago 74 R 66 U D County Anoka County Traveler Routes - 2030 Sherburne 86 W
N Linwood 5 Nowthen 15 Existing, 801 County D 22
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v A e 23 BIRCH ST r County/Blaine 34 H County Roads 10 T Airport 0 610 CO 2 UN TY 49 21 R ASH ST 132 OAD 32 1 Local Roads Hennepin 10 County Circle Pines 8 Lexington Spring Lake Park 47 35 Fridley Ramsey County
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Figure 3-18 ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 2030 Anoka County Transit Map
Last Updated: 05/28/09 Source: Metropolitan Council Proposed Final 2030 Figure 3-19 Transportation Policy Plan (December 2008) Metropolitan Council 2030 ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN Transitway System
Route 288, an express service from Forest Lake to downtown Minneapolis, via the I-35W corridor, began service in January 2008. This 1-year demonstration route was developed to provide relief at the crowded 95th Avenue park-and-ride lot in Blaine, and as a response to the August 2008 collapse of the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis in August 2007. Ridership demand and available funding during 2008 will factor into decisions about the long-term future of the route. Anoka County will study the NLX rail corridor, which parallels TH 65 through the entire county, beginning in late 2008. While this rail corridor is not specifically included in the Metropolitan Council’s recommendations for the agency’s 2030 Transit Plan, it parallels TH 65 and may be considered as part of that general travel corridor. The Metropolitan Council’s Park-and-Ride Facility Site Location Plan (May 25, 2005) reflects four additional park-and-ride lots that are planned to be constructed by 2030. Construction on two Northstar Commuter Rail park-and-ride lots began in 2008—one in Anoka and one in Fridley. Both of these lots will be operational by the time the Northstar Commuter Rail service begins in late 2009.
ANOKA COUNTY 2030 TRANSPORTATION PLAN 3-38 DECEMBER 2008