Engagement summary and study alternatives update

In July and August, we gathered feedback from the public on several potential improvements for Hwy 8, also known as alternatives, with two public meetings, an online survey and by attending several community events. Over 115 people attended the two public meetings, over 500 people filled out the survey and we spoke with over 160 people at community events. The study team is currently evaluating and refining the alternatives using evaluation criteria and feedback received from the public.

If you missed the survey deadline or couldn’t make the public meetings, you can still share your feedback by leaving a comment or question or reaching out to the study team. You can sign up for email updates to stay up to date on this study.

Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback on the alternatives with us. We will share more information in early 2026 when the evaluation and study recommendations are completed.

Outreach events

Wannigan Days

We engaged with approximately 54 people at Wannigan Days in Taylors Falls on Sat, July 19. A theme that emerged from our conversations was the public's desire for improvements to both vehicle flow and pedestrian safety, particularly for recreational users. Feedback frequently highlighted the dangers for pedestrians and bicyclists, especially in the area of Interstate Park and the Taylors Falls downtown area.

Brinks Market

We spoke with approximately 30 people at a pop-up event at Brinks Market in Chisago City on Wed, July 23. At this event, the public identified safety issues at several intersections along the study area and asked about the maneuverability of large trucks and freight through roundabouts.

Harmony in the Park

We engaged with approximately 50 people at the Harmony in the Park event in Lindstrom on Wed, July 23. A central theme of the conversations was the need to improve safety for students and other pedestrians who regularly cross Hwy 8, alongside broader concerns about traffic flow and construction logistics.

Center City Days

We spoke with approximately 30 people at Center City Days on Sat, July 26. A key theme that we heard was the community's desire to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety while carefully considering how any road improvements, such as roundabouts or passing lanes, would affect local access and traffic speeds.MnDOT staff talking with members of the public at Brinks Market.

Public meetings

Chisago Lakes Library public meeting

We hosted a public meeting at the Chisago Lakes Library on Mon, Aug. 4, which was attended by approximately 80 people. An important theme of the evening was the public's desire for safety and mobility improvements that are both effective and considerate of local impacts, particularly concerning roundabouts and the expansion of passing lanes.

We hosted a second public meeting in Taylors Falls on Wed, Aug. 6, attended by approximately 35 people. A central theme of the meeting was the public's desire for a comprehensive, long-term solution to the highway’s issues, with specific attention paid to traffic flow, safety, and the needs of both residents and visitors.

Members of the public listening to MnDOT staff present at the Hwy 8 meeting at the Chisago Lakes Library.