Hwy 371 and Hwy 210 — Baxter Intersection Improvement Project

Alternative 2A was fully evaluated as part of the project’s formal review process. It was not advanced because traffic modeling showed that it would result in greater congestion and longer backups than the current conditions on a typical weekday. Alternative 2A would retain two signalized intersections along Highway 371, which would contribute to ongoing delays.

Further engineering analysis also revealed that this option would create a steep downhill grade from the railroad crossing to the Excelsior Rd. signal. This would require drivers to slow down and stop while traveling downhill, which can increase safety risks. A similar situation exists on Highway 15 at Veterans Dr. in St. Cloud, where the steep grades approaching the signalized intersection have contributed to a higher crash rate.

MnDOT reviews and retimes traffic signals on a five-year cycle, with the most recent update at the Highway 210 and Highway 371 intersection completed in August 2024. Between these scheduled reviews, MnDOT also monitors signal performance and responds to citizen concerns as needed.

Signal retiming helps improve overall traffic flow within the limits of existing traffic volumes and roadway design. However, it cannot fully resolve the congestion that occurs at the Highway 210/371 intersection, nor can it address the spacing constraints between Highway 210 and Excelsior Road. In addition, delays caused by the frequently used BNSF rail crossing, located just 100 feet south of the intersection, will continue to impact traffic operations regardless of signal timing adjustments.

If the City Council votes to approve the buttonhook design, then the project team will complete the final design, with construction occurring in 2028 and 2029. 

BNSF Railroad has given MnDOT direction to leave space for a second track. The current bridge length shown on the layout accommodates a second track.   

Yes, alternatives that included a tunnel under the railroad were evaluated as part of the process. The water table is very high in this area which made those alternatives impractical.   

Construction staging plans will be finalized during the project’s final design phase, so detailed information on staging and traffic control is not yet available. MnDOT is coordinating with the railroad to potentially establish a temporary crossing just east of the existing one. This would allow traffic to stay on Highway 371 while the new bridges are being built.

The study team developed travel time graphics comparing existing travel times compared to travel times with the buttonhook. Click the images below to view details: 

Buttonhook interchanges are typically considered in areas with limited right of way and closely spaced frontage roads. Examples of nearby buttonhook interchanges are noted below. 

The primary advantage of the Buttonhook option is that it maintains direct access to both Excelsior Rd. and Hwy 210 while eliminating the signals on Hwy 371.  All the other alternatives evaluated had major impacts on direct local access from Hwy 371 or Hwy 210.  A summary of the alternatives and the tradeoffs was provided at Open House three: Public meeting boards