7.1. SR 05-05-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk Elk River Comp ehensive Plan River Issues and Opportunities The previous section of this chapter provided an overall description of the transportation network as it exists today. This section identifies the various issues associated with the network and identifies opportunities for addressing concerns. A number of issues and concerns related to roadways were identified as part of this planning process. Concerns noted as part of this process and as part of the previous plan are described below along with opportunities to address the concern. Final recommendations or policies that have been adopted through previous studies have more detail in the Future Improvements section. Congestion on MnDOT Roadways Congestion continues to be a problem on US 10 and US 169, especially during peak travel periods and during the weekend. Both US 10 and US 169 link the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota. As such, there is commuter, freight and recreational traffic using these roadways on a regular basis. This mix of traffic can also contribute to the congestion experienced by users. US 10 and US 169 are both principal arterials that provide continuous travel flow. US 10 is an east - west route and US 169/TH 101 is a north -south route. These routes are part of a limited number of arterial facilities that provide a continuous connection. Because there are few alternatives, traffic will continue to primarily use these routes to get through the area. Additionally, because there are few alternatives to these routes, local residents /businesses are also required to use these routes for short trips or to use circuitous routes through local streets. MnDOT has recognized the problems on both US 10 and US 169 for well over a decade. Serious efforts were initiated to identify improvements on both the corridors in the early 2000s. The City of Elk River and Sherburne County were a part of those efforts. Generalized concepts suggested that these roadways eventually be converted to freeway facilities to accommodate projected traffic demands. Interim improvements in some locations were also identified. Following the completion of the generalized plans, MnDOT, the City and the County, along with input from property owners and stakeholders, developed specific improvements for the corridors that were documented in two environmental assessments. The intent of these improvements is to make the roadways less congested, to develop supporting frontage/ backage roads for local trips and to improve safety by eliminating or improving the existing at -grade intersections and driveways. Along with proposed improvements identified for US 10 and US 169, the City of Elk River and Sherburne County have the opportunity to develop or preserve local north -south and east -west corridors. Traffic Diversion through Neighborhoods Residents are concerned that as MnDOT roadways become more congested, motorists will look for alternative routes that take them out of the congestion and keep them moving — even if it is a less direct route. However, a majority of the through traffic (traffic not destined to stop in Elk River) is not likely to divert to other roadways unless it is a county road simply due to the existing roadway network. Because of the way Elk River has developed, in small sections at a time and in a more rural style, there are very few continuous north -south and east -west routes that have been developed, and even fewer are owned by the city. The few continuous routes that exist are generally state or county roadways which are intended to accommodate heavier traffic volumes. While this does not mean that residential areas are not disturbed by traffic, there are few city streets that are going to experience major traffic flows from through traffic as a result of congested MnDOT roads. Chapter 6: Transportation / 57