Laserfiche WebLink
31 <br />As a narrow, linear downtown wedged between Highway 10 and <br />the Mississippi River, Downtown Elk River lacks routes to “loop <br />back” around to get to a destination. This east end of downtown <br />particularly struggles with this, as missing a destination means <br />having to navigate the Parrish Ave/Hwy 10/Rail Line intersections. <br />As part of the reconstruction of Main Street, there are <br />opportunities to establish both simple and innovate “loops” at <br />either end of downtown, while also establishing clear gateways. <br />At Main Street and Lowell Avenue, a mini roundabout would <br />offer this circulation, create a modest welcome feature to <br />downtown, and realign the intersection. To the east, a more <br />complex intersection may warrant an interim solution, while more <br />significant opportunities are explored (see pg X). A U-turn loop <br />back feature could be added just before the parrish intersection, <br />allowing vehicle U-turns while preserving access from Parrish <br />Avenue and into the Bank of Elk River. Within this feature could <br />be a modest art of signage feature, welcoming in visitors. While <br />untraditional, the city of Columbia Heights recently implemented <br />a similar feature. <br />Key Outcomes <br />• Conduct a design and operation feasibility study for the Main St/Parrish Ave intersection U-Turn design, as part of the Main Street reconstruction project. <br />• Reconstruct both intersections as part of the Main Street reconstruction project, implementing public art, signage, or other gateway features. <br />DOWNTOWN <br />Entrances and Gateways <br />Main St & Lowell Ave Mini Roundabout Main St & Parrish Ave Interim Design <br />MAIN STREET MAIN STREET <br />Bank of Elk River <br />Milestone Orthodontics <br />Cretex <br />Granite Shores <br />H <br />W <br />Y <br /> <br />1 <br />0 <br />PARRISH AVELOWELL AVEU-Turn loop back design in Columbia Heights <br />Page 101 of 157