5.1. SR 03-12-1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

· Recognize the needs of the central business district by offering flexible parking and other traffic design standards. 3. GOAL: Explore the possible need and alignment for an east-west corridor. POLICIES: Establish a joint committee with representation from the City of Elk River, Sherburne County, Big Lake Township, Anoka County, Wright County, City of Otsego and Mn/DOT and citizen representation and Park and Recreation Commission involvement in exploring the need for an east-west route. In selecting any potential corridor, the following criteria has been suggested by the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee; aa Be sensitive to existing residential developments, environmental areas, wetlands, existing public parks, and open space. bo A route should assist in alleviating anticipated traffic problems from roads that are identified as being deficient in the transportation system. Existing roadways and right of way shall be used as much as possible to minimize costs for right-of-way acquisition. d. The selected route should fit into the County's transportation plan. C. CURRENT STATUS Although no interstate freeways pass through the City, there is access to Interstate 94 appraximately seven miles south via State Highway 101. Portions of U.S. Highway 101 are currently a two lane; however, Highway 101 is scheduled for upgrade to a four lane. U.S. Highways 10 and 169 converge at Elk River and intersect with Highway 101 in a south central location of the City. Highways 10 and 169 serve as major arterials serving the City in an east-west and nodh-south alignment. (See Figure 8-A for a description of route classifications.) The existing County Highway system provides access to the Central Business District and other activity centers. County Roads 1, 12, 13, 21, 32, and 33 are considered minor aderials while others are considered collectors. Figure 8-A displays the existing transportation system. The existing network is often perceived as awkward and insufficient with respect to traffic movement across the City. The primary concern is with the lack of east-west corridors and a lack of strategic north-south corridors. Furthermore, as development continues along Highways 169 and 10, additional traffic will create unacceptable levels; necessitating various road improvements. D. LONG RANGE PLAN The draft Transportation Plan calls for an integrated network of major and minor arterials, collectors and local streets to serve the City. The City recognizes a need for an east-west corridor to better serve projected traffic volumes. Since the major and minor arterials are currently in place, the transportation plan focuses on necessary collector links to tie the existing system together. Other considerations of the transportation plan include local streets, a parking system, frontage roads, public transportation, and park and ride facilities.