Public Meeting: July 20, 2023
We presented these materials at a public meeting on July 20, 2023. People were asked to review and ask any questions.
If you were not able to attend, please review the materials and submit any questions and comments through the “Comments and Questions” section of this website. You can also contact Cindy Morgan at Cindy.Morgan@state.mn.us or 507-951-6593.
Crashes
In the past ten years, there have been 18 crashes at Co. Rd. 9
Among the 18 crashes:
- Three were north of Hwy 14 at the railroad crossing
- Three were run off the road, not specific to the intersection
Crossing or turning left across oncoming traffic is the number one risk at intersections like Hwy 14 and Co. Rd. 9. This type of crossing has more conflict points, which leads to more frequent and severe crashes.
J-turn Intersection
What is a J-turn?
A J-turn is an intersection type used to decrease risk of fatalities and injuries. With a J-turn, drivers from the side street only have to be concerned with one direction of traffic on the highway at a time. Drivers only need to wait for a gap in one direction at a time to cross.
What are the benefits?
Improved safety: Studies show an 86 percent reduction in fatalities and a 46 percent reduction in injury crashes where J-turns are used.
Faster to build: J-turns can be designed and built in approximately one year. Interchanges typically take 3-5 years.
Lower cost: J-turns are a fraction of the cost of building an overpass or interchange
How are they used?
Motorists approaching divided highways from a side street are not allowed to make left turns or cross traffic; instead, they will turn right onto the highway and then make a U-turn at a designated median opening. This reduces conflict points and increases safety.
Intersection Design
From Hwy 14: Motorists approaching from Hwy 14 are allowed to make left turns onto Co. Rd. 9.
From Co. Rd. 9: Motorists approaching Hwy 14 from Co. Rd. 9 are not allowed to make left turns at the intersection where they do today. Instead, motorists will turn right into a wide left turn lane and then make a U-turn at a designated median opening.
Features
- Fewer conflict points
- Increased safety
Construction Stage 1
Construction will occur in two stages; inside lanes and outside lanes. The contractor will determine which stage will occur first. However, the bridge improvements at Hwy 57 will start with the inside lanes. Once construction begins, vehicles will not be able to cross or turn left onto Hwy 14 from Co. Rd. 9. One lane of traffic in each direction on Hwy 14 will be open throughout construction.
Stage one construction will include:
- Median U-turns and left turn lanes at Co. Rd. 9*
- High-tension cable median barrier installation*
- Bridge approach panels
- Overlay
*When these items are complete, stage 2 will begin, even if stage 1 bridge and overlay work is still being done. This will minimize the need for the Co. Rd. 9 detour.
View full-sized image
View full-sized image Construction Stage 2
Construction will occur in two stages; inside lanes and outside lanes.
The contractor will determine which stage will occur first. However, the bridge improvements at Highway 57 will start with the inside lanes. Once construction begins, vehicles will not be able to cross or turn left onto Highway 14 from County Road 9. One lane of traffic in each direction on Highway 14 will be open throughout construction. When construction is complete, vehicles will be able to use the J-turn to access Highway 14 and County Road 9.
Stage two construction will include:
- Right turn lane extensions and “porkchops” at County Road 9
- Bridge approach panels
- Overlay
Detour Route
What to expect
Vehicles to the north of Hwy 14 will be detoured west on Co. Rd. 34 to southbound 200th Ave./Airport Dr. N to Hwy 14. Vehicles to the south of Hwy 14 will be detoured west on Co. Rd. 10 to Co. Rd. 25/Airport Dr. S to Hwy 14.
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