4.4. SR 03-15-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

lakes, rivers or creeks in the vicinity; no commercial or retail uses to displace). Therefore, . this potential interchange location is considered feasible. 4.7 CONSTRUCTION OF BYPASS Alternative bypass alignments are presented in Figure VI-2, Figure VI-3 and Figure VI-4. Safety and Mobility Benefits By separating through-traffic from turning traffic, a higher level of mobility is provided because of fewer interruptions to traffic flow. Increased safety is also achieved because of a significant decrease in the number of conflicts between turning vehicles and through vehicles. Therefore, this alternative would provide significant and mobility benefits. Environmental Impacts Figure VI-2 through Figure VI-4 present the proposed bypass locations. In general, the bypass alternative has significant environmental impacts. . AnokaJRamsey - Dense development in this area precluded consideration of a bypass. . Elk River - The Elk River bypass would require two Mississippi River crossings and additional right-of-way in Wright County (Figure VI-2). Existing development, the Elk River, wetlands and the BNSF railroad preclude the potential for the bypass within Elk River. .' . Big Lake - There were two potential bypass alignments in Big Lake (Figure VI-3). The northern alignment east of CSAH 5 in Sherburne County would require right-of- way in an area, as identified by the City, with significant future residential development potential and wetlands. It would also entail Elk River crossings. These were significant environmental impacts. The southern alignment does not have significant impacts on the Elk River, wetlands and future development. It also provided continuity to the Elk River bypass. Therefore, for the purpose of estimating construction costs, this alignment is the preferred bypass alignment for the area. . Becker - Similarly, there were two potential bypass alignments in Becker (Figure VI- 3). The northern alignment would require right-of-way from an existing golf course and an area, as identified by the City, with future potential for residential development. It also had significant wetland impacts due to its proximity to the Elk River. The southern alignment would require right-of-way from existing agricultural land. Therefore, for the purpose of estimating construction costs, this alignment was the preferred bypass alignment for the area. . Northstar Corridor Major Investment Study Conceptual Definition of Alternatives February 1999 VI-8