Hwy 8 study – Chisago City to Taylors Falls

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We are studying Hwy 8/Lake Blvd. from Chisago City to Taylors Falls to understand what needs and opportunities exist in the study area to inform future projects along the highway, including a pavement resurfacing project planned for 2032.

This study will look at ideas to improve vehicle safety and mobility, access management as well as safety and connectivity for people walking, biking, and rolling along and across the road. We will engage with local partners including Chisago County, Chisago City, City of Lindstrom, Center City, City of Shafer, City of Taylors Falls, and Chisago Lake, Shafer and Franconia Townships. Elected officials, residents, businesses, commuters, commercial operators, and other users will also be engaged.

Hwy 8 study map showing an orange line between Karmel Ave in Chisago City and Hwy 95 in Taylors FallsView full-size map

Summary of work

  • Assess and document existing conditions
  • Engage with people to share their transportation experiences
  • Identify transportation needs and opportunities in the study area
  • Develop and evaluate recommended ideas for improvements and get public input
  • Develop next steps for advancing potential improvements
  • Create a project development plan to inform and guide future projects along Hwy 8

Get involved

As a part of this planning study, we will be gathering input from community through public meetings, events and surveys.

We are studying Hwy 8/Lake Blvd. from Chisago City to Taylors Falls to understand what needs and opportunities exist in the study area to inform future projects along the highway, including a pavement resurfacing project planned for 2032.

This study will look at ideas to improve vehicle safety and mobility, access management as well as safety and connectivity for people walking, biking, and rolling along and across the road. We will engage with local partners including Chisago County, Chisago City, City of Lindstrom, Center City, City of Shafer, City of Taylors Falls, and Chisago Lake, Shafer and Franconia Townships. Elected officials, residents, businesses, commuters, commercial operators, and other users will also be engaged.

Hwy 8 study map showing an orange line between Karmel Ave in Chisago City and Hwy 95 in Taylors FallsView full-size map

Summary of work

  • Assess and document existing conditions
  • Engage with people to share their transportation experiences
  • Identify transportation needs and opportunities in the study area
  • Develop and evaluate recommended ideas for improvements and get public input
  • Develop next steps for advancing potential improvements
  • Create a project development plan to inform and guide future projects along Hwy 8

Get involved

As a part of this planning study, we will be gathering input from community through public meetings, events and surveys.

  • Study alternatives

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    Starting in the fall of 2024, the Hwy 8 study team engaged with the public and conducted a technical review of the study area to understand the existing conditions and needs. We have since developed several potential improvements, also known as alternatives, to address those needs to improve safety and mobility for people who drive, walk, bike or roll on or across Hwy 8.

    The approximate location of the potential improvements can be seen in each of the maps. The tables summarize how each improvement can address the study needs. The tables also identify possible tradeoffs or challenges for each improvement.

    In 2032, MnDOT plans to complete a pavement resurfacing project on this segment of Hwy 8. The Hwy 8 study will recommend a range of potential improvements that may be incorporated into the 2032 pavement resurfacing project or other future construction projects in the study area.

    The Hwy 8 study area has been organized into four segments.

    • Segment 1: Chisago City (Karmel Ave./Wyoming Ave. to Lincoln Rd.)
    • Segment 2: Lindstrom (Lincoln Rd. to Olinda Trail N)
    • Segment 3: Center City (Olinda Trail N. to Andrews Ave.)
    • Segment 4: Shafer to Taylors Falls (Andrews Ave. to Hwy 95/Bench St.)
    A map of the Hwy 8 study area showing each of the 4 separate segments.View full-size map


    Segment 1: Chisago City (Karmel Ave./Wyoming Ave. to Lincoln Rd.)

    A map of segment 1 of the Hwy 8 study area showing the alternatives through Chisago City. View full-size map


    In addition to these potential safety improvements, Chisago County will construct a roundabout at Karmel Ave. (2027-2029).

    Potential improvements Tradeoffs
    Add crosswalks and median islands to improve pedestrian/bicycle safety. Added crosswalks may result in more vehicle delays.

    Expand Hwy 8 from 2 to 4 lanes (2 lanes in each direction) from Karmel Ave. to Lincoln Rd. to alleviate future congestion.

    Potential property impacts, expensive, and less safe and comfortable for pedestrians and cyclists.

    Convert stoplight to roundabout at Lofton Ave., Shoquist Ln., and Lincoln Rd. to improve safety for all users.

    Potential property impacts and expensive.

    Install either a roundabout or stoplight at Sportsman Dr. to improve safety for all users.

    		 Potential delays for vehicles on Hwy 8 and expensive.
    Consolidate driveways along Hwy 8 to improve safety and traffic flow. Potential increase in travel distance to access properties on Hwy 8.

    Install medians along Hwy 8 to improve safety for vehicles and safety and comfort for pedestrians and cyclists.

    		 Fewer opportunities for vehicles to make left turns or cross Hwy 8.
    Signal timing improvements at existing stoplights. May increase vehicle wait times.


    Segment 2: Lindstrom (Lincoln Rd. to Olinda Trail N)

    A map of segment 2 of the Hwy 8 study area showing the alternatives through Lindstrom. View full-size map


    Potential improvements Tradeoffs
    Add crosswalks and median islands to improve pedestrian/bicycle safety. Added crosswalks may result in more vehicle delays.
    Consolidate driveways along Hwy 8 to improve safety and traffic flow. Potential increase in travel distance to access properties on Hwy 8.

    Convert signal to roundabout at Lincoln Rd. and Olinda Trail N to improve safety for all users.

    		 Potential property impacts and expensive.

    Rapid rectangular flashing beacons at Park St. and Maple St. to enhance pedestrian safety at crosswalks and increase visibility.

    		 Potential vehicle delays.
    Signal timing improvements at existing stoplights. May increase vehicle wait times.


    Segment 3: Center City (Olinda Trail N. to Andrews Ave.)

    A map of segment 3 of the Hwy 8 study area showing the alternatives through Center City.View full-size map


    Potential improvements Tradeoffs
    Add crosswalks and median islands to improve pedestrian/bicycle safety. Added crosswalks may result in more vehicle delays.
    Install medians along Hwy 8 to improve safety for vehicles and safety and comfort for pedestrians and cyclists. Fewer opportunities for vehicles to make left turns or cross Hwy 8.
    Convert existing signal to roundabout at Olinda Trail N to improve safety for all users. Potential property impacts and expensive.
    Install either a roundabout or stoplight at Irene Ave. to improve safety for all users. Potential delays for vehicles on Hwy 8 and expensive.
    Convert existing stop sign to roundabout at Andrews Ave. to improve safety for all users. Potential property impacts and expensive.
    Signal timing improvements at existing stoplights. May increase vehicle wait times.


    Segment 4: Shafer to Taylors Falls (Andrews Ave. to Hwy 95/Bench St.)

    A map of segment 4 of the Hwy 8 study area showing the alternatives through Shafer, Franconia and Taylors Falls.View full-size map


    In addition to these potential safety improvements, a roundabout will be constructed at Redwing Ave. and Hwy 8 in the Shafer area in 2029. There are two existing roundabouts in this segment of Hwy 8.

    Potential improvements Tradeoffs

    Passing lanes to help drivers overtake slower vehicles more safely and quickly, reducing travel time and collision risk.

    		 May result in increased vehicle speeds.
    Mumble/rumble strips to reduce run-off-road and head-on collisions. Can result in noise complaints from nearby residents.

    Convert existing signal to roundabout at Hwy 8/Hwy 95 to improve safety for all users.

    		 Potential property impacts and expensive.
    Signal timing improvements at existing stoplights. May increase vehicle wait times.


    Next steps

    The study team will evaluate and refine these alternatives using evaluation criteria and feedback received from the public. We will share more information when the evaluation and recommendations are completed.

    If you haven’t already, sign up for email updates(External link) to stay up to date on this study.

  • Engagement summary and study area needs

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    In fall 2024, the Hwy 8 study team gathered public feedback on existing conditions along Hwy 8 from Chisago City to Taylors Falls. We hosted an in-person public meeting, attended three community events in the study area and facilitated stakeholder meetings. We also had an online comment map for people who were not able to attend our in-person events.

    At the in-person events, a map of the study area was used to discuss conditions and document concerns. The online comment map allowed participants to share comments and concerns for specific issues. During the initial engagement phase, we identified 167 site-specific comments and concerns, including:

    • Vehicle safety concerns: 47 comments
    • Challenging access points: 27 comments
    • Walking safety concerns: 20 comments
    • Biking/rolling safety concerns: 5 comments
    • Positive comments/what's working well: comments 4
    • Destinations traveled to: 1 comment
    • Freight/truck safety concerns: 1 comment
    • Other: 60 comments

    At the in-person events the study team also asked about top concerns for traveling on Hwy 8. Participants used 10 marbles to identify their top concerns. More than 130 people participated. The results were:


    A graphic displaying the top five concerns for highway 8 users: difficulty turning on/off highway 8, peak hour traffic issues, vehicle speeds, safer highway 8 crossings for people who walk, bike or roll, and safer biking options.


    • Difficulty turning on/off Hwy 8: 224 marbles
    • Peak-hour traffic issues: 176 marbles
    • Vehicle speeds: 158 marbles
    • Safer Hwy 8 crossings for pedestrians, bicyclists and other wheeled users: 149 marbles
    • Safer biking options: 127 marbles
    • Safer Hwy 8 crossings for drivers: 101 marbles
    • Safer walking or rolling options: 81 marbles
    • Pavement conditions: 79 marbles
    • Sightline/visibility issues: 68 marbles
    • Lighting: 50 marbles


    A photo of the the marble activity that was use to collect top concerns from highway 8 users.


    The study team also engaged with local agencies and partners, including representatives from Chisago County: Chisago City; Lindstrom; Center City; Shafer; Taylors Falls; Chisago Lake, Shafer and Franconia townships; Chisago Lakes School District; East Central Regional Development Commission; Chisago Lakes Chamber and the Highway 8 Task Force. The agencies and partners also discussed conditions and shared their concerns.

    Input from these discussions and engagement opportunities will be used to develop ideas for improvement, which will be shared with the community for additional feedback during a second engagement phase in summer 2025.


    Study area needs

    We also conducted an analysis of the existing conditions of Hwy 8 which included gathering and analyzing existing community plans, traffic counts, crash history and road operations. Based on the analysis and public input, we identified the following needs for the study area:

    • Walkability/bikeability:
      • It is difficult for pedestrians and bicyclists to safely cross Hwy 8.
      • Traveling along Hwy 8 is difficult for pedestrians and bicyclists due to gaps in the trail network.
    • Vehicle safety:
      • The study area has crash rates that exceed the statewide averages.
    • Vehicle mobility:
      • Hwy 8 is an important route for campers, large vehicles and freight. The MnDOT Metro District Freight Plan has identified this highway as needing safety improvements.
      • Longer wait times at side streets in the future due to anticipated traffic increases.
      • Over half of the study area was noted to have denser driveway spacing than what is typical on MnDOT roads.
    • Environmental considerations:
      • Many lakes, wetlands and floodplains are located throughout the study area, which could be impacted by road construction.


    Get involved

    Sign up for email updates to receive information on how you can share your input and stay up to date on this study. You can still share your feedback by leaving a comment or question or by reaching out to the study team.

  • Study update

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    We gathered feedback from the public on the current conditions of Hwy 8 with a public meeting, community events and an online comment map in September and October. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences of using Hwy 8 with us.

    The study team is currently analyzing and summarizing the current conditions of the road and the feedback received from the public. We will use this information to develop ideas for improvements and get feedback from the public later in the study.

    The comment map closed on Sun, Oct 27. If you missed the deadline or couldn’t make the public meeting, you can still share your feedback by leaving a comment or question or reaching out to the study team.

    Sign up for email updates to receive information on how you can share your input and stay up to date on this study.

  • Meetings and events

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    Public meetings and events

    Upcoming

    Information on upcoming meetings will be posted as details become available. Sign up for email updates to receive information on upcoming meetings and opportunities to provide feedback on this study.

    Past

    Aug 6, 2025: In-person meeting, Taylors Falls Community Center

    Aug 4, 2025: In-person meeting, Chisago Lakes Area Library

    July 26, 2025: In-person outreach, Center City Days, Center City

    July 23, 2025: In-person outreach, Harmony in the Park, Lindström

    July 23, 2025: In-person outreach, Brinks Supermarket, Chisago City

    July 19, 2025: In-person outreach, Wannigan Days, Taylors Falls

    Oct. 6, 2024: In-person outreach, Franconia Art and Farmers Market, Franconia Sculpture Park

    Oct. 1, 2024: In-person meeting, Lindstrom City Hall

    Sept. 14, 2024: In-person outreach, Shafer Days

    Sept. 13, 2024: In-person outreach, Chisago City Farmers Market, Moberg Park

    Public meeting accommodations

    MnDOT invites and encourages participation by all people in their programs, services and activities. If you need an ASL, a foreign language interpreter, or documents in an alternative format (such as braille, large print or in a different language) at no cost, please email your request to Janet Miller at ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us or call 651-366-4720. Relay service: 711.

    If you need any other reasonable accommodation to participate (such as seating modification or auxiliary aids), please email your request to Accessibility.DOT@state.mn.us or call 1-833-400-8432. Relay service: 711.

  • Accessibility

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    Americans with Disabilities ActSpeakers and raised arrows on APS signals provide information about the intersection to pedestrians with hearing and visual impairment.
    Speakers and raised arrows on APS signals provide information about the intersection to pedestrians with hearing and visual impairment.

    All MnDOT projects - both new construction and rehabilitation projects - must include evaluation to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Components can include, but are not limited to adding curb cuts, truncated domes and accessible pedestrian signals. Read about MnDOT's transition plan to comply with the ADA.

    Specifics for this study


    • Determine what accessibility improvements are needed for a 2032 construction project.
Page last updated: 14 Aug 2025, 10:29 AM