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