I-494/TH 62 Mnpass Managed Lane Concept Development Scope of Work (Final Draft – 11/17/14)

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

I-494/TH 62 Mnpass Managed Lane Concept Development Scope of Work (Final Draft – 11/17/14) I-494/TH 62 MnPASS Managed Lane Concept Development Scope of Work (Final Draft – 11/17/14) BACKGROUND Interstate 494 and Trunk Highway 62 experience significant, recurring congestion during peak periods. The 2012 Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) volumes for I-494 between TH 62 and the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport range from 72,000 to 160,000 vehicles a day. The 2012 AADT volumes on TH 62 between I-494 and the MSP Airport range from 89,000 to 106,000 vehicles a day. The Metropolitan Freeway System 2013 Congestion Report shows congestion on I-494 and TH 62 ranging from under an hour to greater than three hours at certain locations in the morning and afternoon peak periods. In recent years, MnDOT, along with other governmental agencies, has conducted a variety of long and short-term planning activities that establish a general policy framework for future operation and condition of the I-494 and TH 62 corridors. These planning initiatives and studies include: • 2010 Metropolitan Council 2030 Transportation Policy Plan • 2010 Metropolitan Highway System Investment Study • MnPASS System Studies 1 (2005) and 2 (2010) • 2012 CMSP III Study • 2014 Minnesota State Highway Investment Plan • 2014 TH 77 Managed Lane Study • 2014 I35W-I494 Interchange Vision Layout • MAC Study of I-494/TH 5 Interchange OBJECTIVE The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is requesting proposals to support MnDOT and its partners in the development and evaluation of MnPASS managed lane improvements, spot mobility improvements and other transit advantage improvements on the I- 494 and TH 62 corridors. The project area for the I-494 corridor segment is about 18 miles in length and includes the area between TH 62 on the west, to the MSP Airport on the east via TH 5. The project area for TH 62 corridor segment is about 12 miles in length and includes the area between I-494 on the west, to the MSP Airport on the east via TH 55. The goals for any recommended improvements to the I-494 and TH 62 corridors will include: 1. enhancing safety and mobility by providing congestion free options for bus transit, car/vanpools, and other commuters during peak rush hour periods 2. utilizing existing infrastructure, right-of-way and performance based design principles to the maximum extent possible, as well as other lower cost/higher return-on-investment strategies 3. coordinating implementation recommendations with other planned and programmed investments 1 4. enhancing or maintaining advantages for transit, including taxi cabs, airport park and rides, airport shuttles, ride sharing and non-motorized connections 5. increasing corridor person throughput and travel time reliability (both reliability related to recurring congestion and non-recurring congestion as demonstrated by SHRP 2 Reliability and Data Analysis tools – see: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/goshrp2/Solutions/Reliability/L02_L05_L07_L08_C11/Reliabil ity_Data_and_Analysis_Tools) 6. Improving and enhancing economic vitality The above goals will be subject to refinement based on stakeholder input early in the study process. All recommendations must be consistent with current state and regional transportation plans. SCOPE OF WORK Task 1: Project Management/Stakeholder Involvement This task focuses on effective communication of the project work to expedite the decision making process and maintain project schedule. It requires the Contractor to support MnDOT efforts to engage and involve local stakeholders and partners along the I-494 and TH 62 corridors. It assumes Contractor involvement for eighteen (18) months from Notice to Proceed, however, a majority of the work is expected to be completed within the first twelve (12) months of the project. The Contractor will be required to prepare a Project Management Plan. The Project Management Plan will be continually updated and will include such items as a summary of the project’s purpose and scope, schedule, project management approach and organization, and the Public Involvement Plan referenced below. The Project Management Plan will be submitted to MnDOT for review, revision and approval. Subtask 1.1: Technical Steering Committee The Technical Steering Committee (TSC) will consist of technical staff representing, but not limited to, the following stakeholders: • City of Minnetonka • Hennepin County • • City of Eden Prairie Metro Transit • • City of Edina Southwest Transit • • City of Bloomington Minnesota Valley Transit • • City of Richfield Metropolitan Council • • City of Minneapolis Metropolitan Airports Commission • • Scott County Federal Highway Administration • Dakota County The TSC will provide oversight and direction for the study and the Contractor Team. To involve the TSC, the Contractor will schedule meetings (suggested 1 per month) for the duration of the 2 project and develop agendas and meeting minutes for all meetings. Additional working group meetings and/or subgroup meetings may also be scheduled as needed. Subtask 1.2: Public involvement with I-494 Corridor Commission, I-35W Solutions Alliance, and Others. The Contractor will be required to prepare a Public Involvement Plan that will support MnDOT efforts to develop and maintain trust, awareness and understanding of the project among identified stakeholders, including the I-494 Corridor Commission, the I-35W Solutions Alliance, local agencies, transportation/transit advocacy groups and others along the corridor, as needed. The Public Involvement Plan will be continually updated and include a stakeholder database (mailing/contact list) and issues matrix. The matrix will identify audiences/audience segments, messages/talking points tailored to each audience/audience segment, communications goal(s)/strategies/tactics, desired outcomes and feedback concerning the effectiveness of the strategies/tactics employed. The Public Involvement Plan will be submitted to MnDOT for review, revision and approval. Subtask 1.3: Coordination with the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) Coordinate with the MAC for improved access and connection opportunities at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP) that are consistent with MnDOT policies and plans, and consistent with the MSP Long Term Comprehensive Plan (LTCP). Subtask 1.4: Progress reports The Contractor will be required to prepare quarterly reports of progress and such other reports related to stakeholder involvement as needed for the project. Subtask 1.5: Development of informational materials The Contractor will be required to assist MnDOT in the preparation of materials that can be used at various stakeholder meetings including, but not limited to handouts, Powerpoint presentations, and other informational materials and displays as needed. Subtask 1.6: Ongoing Internal Project Coordination The Contractor will be required to support efforts to update MnDOT internal functional groups, and meetings This includes the preparation of meeting agendas, meeting materials, and meeting minutes. Subtask 1.7: Coordination with TH 169 Transit and MnPASS Managed Lane Study The Contractor will be required to coordinate with the TH 169 Transit and MnPASS Managed Lane Study. This includes close coordination of forecasting and modeling methodology and 3 implementation, as well as concept development and evaluation. The Contractor will be required to attend study meetings and provide progress updates as needed. It also includes coordination and consistency with other MnPASS Managed Lane studies. Task 1 Deliverables and Deliverable Due Dates • Project Management Plan including a Project Schedule and Public Involvement Plan – Within 30 days of Notice to Proceed, maintained and updated throughout project • Quarterly Reports – within 30 days of the end of the quarter. Quarters are defined as Jan. – Mar., Apr. – Jun., Jul. – Sept., and Oct. – Dec. • Meeting Agendas – 3 days prior to scheduled meetings • Meeting Minutes – Within one week after meeting • Project one-pager (s), PowerPoint presentations and other informational materials/displays as needed – Within 30 days from Notice to Proceed. These will be maintained and updated as needed throughout the project • Attendance at key project meetings. All deliverables will be submitted in both electronic and hardcopy formats, unless otherwise notified by the MnDOT PM. All deliverables shall be provided to the MnDOT PM in native/original file type. All deliverables must be provided in “Plain Language”, as defined in Governor Mark Dayton’s Executive Order 14-07 which requires the Office of the Governor and all Executive Branch agencies to communicate with Minnesotans using Plain Language. As defined, Plain Language is a communication, which an audience can understand the first time they read or hear it, thereby providing Minnesotans better state services by reducing confusion, saving time, and improving customer satisfaction. To achieve that, the following steps must be taken: • Use language commonly understood by the public; • Write in short and complete sentences; • Present information in a format that is easy-to-find and easy-to-understand; and • Clearly state directions and deadlines to the audience. The Contractor shall ensure that all documents and content provided to MnDOT for posting on MnDOT’s public website, or shared electronically, meet the provisions the State of Minnesota’s Accessibility Standards: http://mn.gov/oet/images/Stnd_State_Accessibility.pdf including Minnesota’s accessibility standard for electronic documents. http://mn.gov/oet/programs/accessibility/electronic_documents.jsp. Also see: http://wwwdev.dot.state.mn.us/metro/consultants/adaplainlanguage.html
Recommended publications
  • Urban Freight Perspectives on Minnesota's Transportation System
    Urban Freight Perspectives on Minnesota’s Transportation System Metro District / Greater Twin Cities August 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 Freight Perspectives for MnDOT . 2 Steps Toward Continuous Improvement Ideas for Freight Transportation . 3 Themes and Findings from Business Interviews . 4 FREIGHT PERSPECTIVES FOR MnDOT 7 Overview: MnDOT Manufacturers’ Perspectives Projects . 8 MnDOT Metro District Urban Freight Perspectives Study . 9 Businesses Interviewed . 12 STEPS TOWARD CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT FOR FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION 13 FINDINGS FROM INTERVIEWS WITH FREIGHT- RELATED BUSINESSES IN THE METRO DISTRICT 17 Congestion’s Impact on Shipping, Receiving and the Last Mile . 19 Congestion Management . 22 Construction. 25 Pavement Conditions. 28 Snow and Ice . 30 Interchanges . 32 Intersections. 33 Lanes . .35 Interstate 35E Weight and Speed Restrictions . 37 Signage . 38 Distracted Drivers . 40 Bike and Pedestrian Safety Issues and Infrastructure . 41 Truck Parking . 43 Policies: Hours of Service for Drivers and Weight Restrictions for Trucks . 44 Use of Rail and Other Non-Highway Freight Transportation . 45 MnDOT Communications and 511 . 46 Unauthorized Encampments . 49 PROFILES ON FREIGHT INDUSTRY ISSUES 51 Profile: Businesses Cite Drivers’ Shortage as an Issue . .5552 Profile: Some Freight-Related Businesses Face Issues From Gentrification and Mixed-use Settings in Urban Areas . .53 APPENDIX A: MORE ABOUT THE URBAN FREIGHT PERSPECTIVES STUDY AND RESEARCH METHODS 55 APPENDIX B: LIST OF BUSINESSES INTERVIEWED 61 APPENDIX C: LIST OF PROJECT TEAM, INTERVIEWERS, DATA COLLECTORS, AND PROJECT PARTNERS 65 APPENDIX D: INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 69 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FREIGHT PERSPECTIVES FOR MnDOT Manufacturers and other freight-related businesses are an important customer segment for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and a critical component of the economy for the state and the Twin Cities area.
    [Show full text]
  • 2017 Transportation Economic Development Program Report
    2016 Report on the Transportation Economic Development Program February 2017 Prepared by: The Minnesota Department of Transportation The Minnesota Department of Employment and 395 John Ireland Boulevard Economic Development Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155-1899 332 Minnesota Street, Suite E200 Phone: 651-296-3000 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101 Toll-Free: 1-800-657-3774 Phone: 651-259-7114 TTY, Voice or ASCII: 1-800-627-3529 Toll Free: 1-800-657-3858 TTY, 651-296-3900 To request this document in an alternative format, please call 651-366-4718 or 1-800-657-3774 (Greater Minnesota). You may also send an email to: [email protected]. On the cover: The cover image contains two photographs of Transportation Economic Development projects in various stages of development. From top: North Windom Industrial Park access from trunk highway 71; Bloomington I-494 and 34th Avenue diverging diamond interchange. Transportation Economic Development Program 2 Contents Contents............................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Legislative Request ............................................................................................................................................................. 5 Summary .............................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Ranking Process & Criteria ..............................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Metropolitan Freeway System 2008 Congestion Report
    Metropolitan Freeway System 2008 Congestion Report Minnesota Department of Transportation Metro District Office of Operations and Maintenance Regional Transportation Management Center March 2009 Table of Contents PURPOSE AND NEED....................................................................................................1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................1 METHODOLOGY.............................................................................................................2 2008 RESULTS ...............................................................................................................4 EXPLANATION OF CONGESTION GRAPH ...................................................................6 2008 METRO CONGESTION FREEWAY MAP: AM .......................................................9 2008 METRO CONGESTION FREEWAY MAP: PM .....................................................12 APPENDIX A: CENTERLINE HIGHWAY MILES MEASURED FOR CONGESTION ....15 APPENDIX B: MAP OF AREAS WITH SURVEILLANCE DETECTORS .......................18 APPENDIX C: CHANGE IN VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED ...........................................19 Metropolitan Freeway System 2008 Congestion Report Purpose and Need The Metropolitan Freeway System Congestion Report is prepared annually by the Regional Transportation Management Center (RTMC) to document those segments of the freeway system that experience recurring congestion. This report is prepared for these purposes: • Identification
    [Show full text]
  • 7. Transportation
    7. TRANSPORTATION Regional Context Metropolitan Council Goals The City of South St. Paul’s transportation system consists of a The Metropolitan Council has established the following goals within the 2040 combination of streets, highways, transit, and trails/sidewalks and Transportation Policy Plan. Making progress must be considered within the regional context with which it is towards these goals will address the connected. This regional context includes both Dakota County and the challenges of the City’s transportation Metropolitan Council. Both have established policies that affect South system, as well as improve the overall quality of life. St. Paul’s transportation goals and objectives. The City is active in the 1. Transportation System Stewardship: review of both of these agencies’ policies as they affect the City and its Sustainable investments in the transportation system. transportation system are protected by strategically preserving, maintaining, and operating system assets. 2. Safety and Security: The regional As mentioned in the Policy Plan, the city believes that developing transportation system is safe and and preserving a complete and connected network of local streets is secure for all users. essential in accomplishing: 3. Access to Destinations: People and businesses prosper by using a reliable, affordable, and efficient multimodal » Reduced trips through signalized intersections, reducing delay transportation system that connects » Reduced exposure to crashes in general them to destinations throughout the region and beyond. » Reduced need to access higher speed and higher volume roadways, 4. Competitive Economy: The regional thereby reducing the likelihood of injury crashes transportation system supports the economic competitiveness, vitality, and » Reduced trip lengths, travel times, and fuel usage prosperity of the region and state.
    [Show full text]
  • Transportation
    Chapter Title: Transportation Contents Chapter Title: Transportation .................................................................................................................... 1 Transportation Goals and Policies ........................................................................................................... 2 Summary of Regional Transportation Goals ...................................................................................... 2 Minnetonka Goals and Policies ............................................................................................................ 2 Existing and Anticipated Roadway Capacity .......................................................................................... 6 Table 1: Planning Level Roadway Capacities by Facility Type ................................................... 6 Level of Service (LOS) .............................................................................................................................. 7 Table 2: Level of Service Definitions ............................................................................................... 7 Transit System Plan ................................................................................................................................... 8 Existing Transit Services and Facilities .............................................................................................. 8 Table 3. Transit Market Areas .........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Statistical Analysis of Vehicle Crash Incidents at the Minnesota USA
    Statistical Analysis of Vehicle Crash Incidents at the Minnesota USA Interstate 494 and Interstate 35 West Interchange using Chi-Square Statistic Goodness-of-Fit Testing Candace Roberts Department of Resource Analysis, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55404 Keywords: Vehicle Crash Incidents, Minneapolis I-494 and I-35W Cloverleaf Interchange, Contributing Factors, Chi-Square Goodness-of-Fit, Contingency Tables Abstract The Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA) Interstate 494 and Interstate 35 West cloverleaf interchange experiences a continued overcapacity daily traffic volume, creating the lowest safety ranking of highway interchanges in the metropolitan area. During a 10-year period from 2006 through 2015, an average 8.45 monthly crash incidents were reported. The majority of crashes occurred during good weather conditions and were attributed to driver behavior factors. This study utilized contingency tables and Chi-Square Goodness-of-Fit tests to determine associations and statistical equality of contributing factors that influenced crash incidents. Significant findings point to contributing factors for which improvements, in response to human behaviors, will help mitigate such occurrences at this interchange. Introduction However, this creates a juxtapositional situation as traffic interweaves lanes while Population growth in the Minneapolis simultaneously adjusting to decreasing (or metro area (USA) has been steadily increasing) speeds depending on exiting increasing over the past years (U.S. (or entering) pathway. Hotchin (2017) Census Bureau, 2018) and this has states, “…weaving is a problem that may increased demand on area infrastructure. lead to breakdown in traffic operation and Growing traffic volume produces stress on [lead to] more accidents.” aging highways and interchanges making The I-494 and I-35W cloverleaf traffic safety a concern.
    [Show full text]
  • Transportation
    6Transportation Introduction Report Organization The Transportation Plan is organized into the following The purpose of the Transportation Plan is to provide the sections: policy and program guidance needed to make appropriate transportation related decisions when development • Roadway System Plan occurs, when elements of the transportation system need • Transit System Plan to be upgraded or when transportation problems occur. The Transportation Plan demonstrates how the City of • Rail Service Plan Richfield will provide for an integrated transportation • Bicycle and Trail Plan system that will serve the future needs of its residents, businesses and visitors, support the City’s redevelopment • Sidewalk Plan plans and complement the portion of the metropolitan • Aviation Plan transportation system that lies within the City’s boundaries. • Plan Implementation The City of Richfield is responsible for operating and Transportation Vision and Goals maintaining the public roadways within the City Guidance for the development of the Transportation boundaries. Maintaining and improving this multi- Plan is provided by the Metropolitan Council’s 2030 modal transportation system is important to the ongoing Transportation Policy Plan (TPP). The Metropolitan economic health and quality of life of the City, as well as Council’s TPP includes five major themes that address for people to travel easily and safely to work and other regional transportation: destinations, to develop property and to move goods. 1. Land Use and Transportation Investments: Coordinate transportation investments with land Richfield Comprehensive Plan 6-1 Transportation 6 use objectives to encourage development at key To achieve this vision, the City of Richfield established nodes. seven goals and strategies for their implementation.
    [Show full text]
  • I-494/Hwy 62 Congestion Relief Study Put Together a Public Engagement Plan to Identify the Project’S Target Audiences, Goals, and Messages
    I-494/Highway 62 Congestion Relief Study Outreach Summary: Phase One March 2016 Prepared by: For: I-494/Highway 62 Congestion Relief Study - Outreach Summary: Phase 1 | March 2016 1 Contents 1.0 Project Background ........................................................................................................................... 3 2.0 Public Outreach Overview ................................................................................................................ 3 3.0 Phase I Activities ............................................................................................................................... 4 4.0 Phase I Findings ................................................................................................................................. 6 5.0 Other Outreach Activities ................................................................................................................. 8 6.0 Next Steps ......................................................................................................................................... 8 Appendices Appendix A: Public Engagement Plan Appendix B: Phone Survey Results Appendix C: Online Survey Results Appendix D: One-Page Handout I-494/Highway 62 Congestion Relief Study - Outreach Summary: Phase 1 | March 2016 2 1.0 Project Background The Metropolitan Council Transportation Policy Plan and MnDOT planning documents set forth a vision for a MnPASS priced managed lane network throughout the Twin Cities Metro area. Much of the early phases of that system
    [Show full text]
  • Transportation
    TRANSPORTATION I. Purpose of the Transportation Plan The purpose of this Transportation Plan is to provide guidance to the City of Belle Plaine, as well as existing and future landowners in preparing for future growth and development. As such, whether an existing roadway is proposed for upgrading or a land use change is proposed on a property, this Plan provides the framework for decisions regarding the nature of roadway infrastructure improvements necessary to achieve safety, adequate access, mobility, and performance of the existing and future roadway system. This Plan includes established local policies, standards, and guidelines to implement the future roadway network vision that is coordinated with respect to county, regional, and state plans in such a way that the transportation system enhances quality economic and residential development within the City of Belle Plaine. II. Transportation System Principles and Standards The transportation system principles and standards included in this Plan create the foundation for developing the transportation system, evaluating its effectiveness, determining future system needs, and implementing strategies to fulfill the goals and objectives identified. A. Functional Classification It is recognized that individual roads and streets do not operate independently in any major way. Most travel involves movement through a network of roadways. It becomes necessary to determine how this travel can be channelized within the network in a logical and efficient manner. Functional classification defines the nature of this channelization process by defining the part that any particular road or street should play in serving the flow of trips through a roadway network. Functional classification is the process by which streets and highways are grouped into classes according to the character of service they are intended to provide.
    [Show full text]
  • 2022-2025 Transportation Improvement Program to the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments APPENDIX C Streamlined TIP Amendment Process
    2022–2025 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE TWIN CITIES METROPOLITAN AREA May, 2021 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2022 - 2025 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM ........................................................... 1 SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................................ 1 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 2 Federal Requirements and Regional Planning Process .................................................................. 2 Public Participation Opportunities in Preparation of the Transportation Improvement Program ....... 5 Development and Content of the Transportation Improvement Program ......................................... 6 Estimating Project Costs ............................................................................................................... 10 Amending or Modifying the TIP ..................................................................................................... 10 Federal Legislation Changes ........................................................................................................ 11 Federal Program Areas in the Transportation Improvement Program ........................................... 12 Other Funding Sources ................................................................................................................. 13 2. REGIONAL PLAN AND PRIORITIES...........................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Transportation Committee Meeting Date: April 14, 2014 for the Metropolitan Council Meeting of April 30, 2014
    Business Item No. 2014-83 Transportation Committee Meeting date: April 14, 2014 For the Metropolitan Council meeting of April 30, 2014 Subject: Adopt 2030 TPP amendment adding and funding MnDOT Corridors of Commerce projects and approve 2030 TPP administrative modification for streetcars District(s), Member(s): All Policy/Legal Reference: M.S. 473.146, subd. 3 & 23 CFR 450.322 Staff Prepared/Presented: Arlene McCarthy, Director MTS (651-602-1754); Amy Vennewitz, Deputy Director MTS (651-602-1058); Mary Karlsson, Planning Analyst (651-602-1819); Cole Hiniker, Senior Planner (651-602-1748) Division/Department: Transportation / Metropolitan Transportation Services (MTS) Proposed Action That the Metropolitan Council: Accept the attached public comment report Adopt the attached amendment to the 2030 Transportation Policy Plan that: o Adds a project on Interstate 94 between Rogers and St. Michael and its funding o Adds and advances funding for completion of Trunk Highway 610 Affirm the amendment maintains the fiscal constraint and air quality conformity of the plan Approve the attached administrative modification for modern streetcars Background The action proposes both a formal amendment and an administrative modification to the 2030 Transportation Policy Plan (TPP). A formal amendment requires that the plan’s estimated project costs and funding continue to balance (called “fiscal constraint”) and air quality conformity is maintained. Administrative modifications allow for text changes and language updates that do not alter the plan’s fiscal constraint or list of projects. Background for the amendment is provided first, followed by background for the administrative modification. Proposed Amendment to include Interstate 94 and Trunk Highway 610 Projects and Funding The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) requested that the Metropolitan Council amend the 2030 TPP to include a new project and additional funding.
    [Show full text]
  • 50 Coolest Free Places in Dakota County
    50 COOLEST FREE PLACES IN DAKOTA COUNTY Dakota County is home to many interesting, free and sometimes surprising local attractions. Below are 50 of the coolest sites - in no particular order - based on recommendations from residents and my own travels throughout our scenic county. For an online version of these locations on Google maps, go to: https://bit.ly/2AiLO1s 1. Chimney Rock (near Hastings) Towering nearly 30 feet high, this rare sandstone pillar is the last of three water- and wind- sculpted spires still standing in Dakota County. Dating back 14,000 years to the time of the last receding glacier, Chimney Rock served as a landmark for settlers moving into the area in the 1800's. For decades Chimney Rock hovered near the top of a DNR list of unusual areas needing protection, and in 2012 it became the star attraction of a 76-acre wooded tract purchased by the DNR and Dakota County. The $80,000 in county funds came from a county bond issue approved by voters in 2002 to preserve farm and natural areas. For more info and directions: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snas/detail.html?id=sna02040 2. Pine Bend Bluffs (Inver Grove Heights) People are amazed to find this stunning 256-acre Scientific and Natural Area with its spectacular views of the Mississippi River Valley located just a few hundred feet off of Hwy 52/55 at 111th Street. Situated 200 feet above the river, the Pine Bend Bluffs SNA is one of the least disturbed sites along the river in the Twin Cities and is home to numerous rare and endangered species, including James' polanisia and butternut, kitten-tails and the red-shouldered hawk.
    [Show full text]