Study findings and next steps

Study finding and next steps

The planning study for Hwy 169 from I-394 to 101st Ave. has been completed. We conducted this study to identify multimodal needs in the study area and to create a corridor improvement plan. MnDOT will use this plan as a roadmap to collaborate with local agencies and secure funding to guide future investments over the next 20 years, including multiple bridge repair projects in the short-term (1-9 years) timeframe.

Who we heard from

During our public engagement process, we heard from a wide representation of the communities along Hwy 169 through: over 1,400 survey responses, over 440 participants reached at six pop-up events, 30 public meeting attendees, 10,000+ project email distributed, and direct community feedback from six meetings with a Community Advisory Group.

Public input was used to develop study needs, develop concepts to address safety, mobility, and multimodal connections and shape recommended improvements. We are grateful to everyone who participated in this study.

Study needs

The study identified these needs:

  • Repair or replace bridges.
  • Reconstruct pavement.
  • Reduce fatal and serious injury crashes.
  • Improve traffic flow and reduce delays.
  • Improve connections and crossings for pedestrians and bicyclists across Highway 169.

Recommended improvements

We developed a range of improvement concepts for mainline Hwy 169, interchange/access, and multimodal. We evaluated individual improvements against technical evaluation criteria and those that had public support were grouped into improvement approaches based on the study needs they addressed – safety, mobility, and multimodal.

Below is a listing showing improvements by implementation timeframe. Additional funding will be needed to make the improvements identified in the implementation plan. MnDOT will continue working with local partners to advance projects by using this study as a road map for pursuing the additional funds that are needed.

Short-Term (1-9 Years)

Key Elements

  • Bridge projects on Hwy 169 at: I-394, Frontage Road, Bassett Creek, UP Railroad*
  • Mainline Improvements
    • Auxiliary lanes in both directions from 13th Ave. North/Plymouth Ave. North to 26th Ave./Medicine Lake Rd.
    • Install noise wall in both directions along Hwy 169 from 26th Ave. south approx. 0.7 miles*
  • Interchange and Multimodal Improvements
    • Hwy 169 at Betty Crocker Dr.*
    • Hwy 169 at Hwy 55*
    • Hwy 169 at 13th Ave. N/Plymouth Ave. North*
    • Hwy 169 at 26th Ave. North/Medicine Lake Rd. North

*Planned project included in MnDOT’s 10-year Capital Highway Investment Plan

Mid-Term (10-20 Years)

Key Elements

  • Mainline Improvements
    • Auxiliary lanes both directions from 26th Ave./Medicine Lake Rd. to 36th Ave.
    • Auxiliary lanes both directions from 49th Ave./Schmidt Lake Rd. to Bass Lake Rd.
    • Auxiliary lanes both directions from Bass Lake Rd. to 63rd Ave.
    • Auxiliary lanes southbound from I-94/694 to 63rd Ave.
    • Auxiliary lanes northbound I-94/694 to Elm Creek Blvd./Brooklyn Blvd.
    • Auxiliary lanes both directions from Co. Rd. 81/85th Ave North to 93rd Ave.
  • Interchange and Multimodal Improvements
    • Hwy 169 at 49th Ave./Schmidt Lake Rd.
    • Hwy 169 at I-94/694

Long-Term (20+ years)

Key Elements

  • Mainline: Managed lane (E-ZPass lane) from I-394 to I-94/694
  • Interchange and Multimodal
    • Hwy 169 at Betty Crocker Dr.
    • Hwy 169 at Bass Lake Rd.

Study report

Findings are documented in the Study Report (PDF) and Executive Summary (PDF).

Design Alternatives

The alternatives were broken down by segments because the study spans a 12-mile stretch of road with different needs. The corridor segments include:

  • Segment 1 (Hwy 169 from I-394 to 13th Ave./Plymouth Ave.)
  • Segment 2 (Hwy 169 from 13th Ave./Plymouth Ave. to I-94/694)
  • Segment 3 (Hwy 169 from I-94/694 to 101st Ave.)

Information on design options as presented at the public meetings are included below.

Highway 169 Mainline Alternatives

The project team looked at ways to make Hwy 169 safer and easier to travel. Ideas considered include:

  • Better strategies to manage traffic and reduce delays.
  • Adding more general-purpose lanes.
  • Adding managed lanes, like E-ZPass.
  • Adding auxiliary lanes to help with merging and exiting.

Interchange/Access Alternatives

To reduce congestion and make travel safer at important entry and exit areas, the study considered:

  • Removing or changing ramps.
  • Upgrading interchanges and ramps.
  • Exploring designs that work better for everyone — drivers, trucks, walkers, and cyclists.

Multimodal Alternatives

The study was interested in making it easier and safer for everyone to travel along and across Highway 169. This included:

  • Adding shared-use paths for walking and biking.
  • Improving crossings to meet ADA standards.
  • Upgrading transit connections.
  • Improving lighting.
  • Addressing gaps and planning for future needs.

Next steps

Major bridge work is needed along Highway 169. Eight bridges will need a deck overlay or replacement by 2035, and three more bridges will need work before 2050.

MnDOT will continue to work with local partners to prioritize improvements and move projects forward so future investments support the study’s purpose and need.

Short-term work will focus on preparing projects—especially those tied to the planned 2035 bridge investments - so they are ready when funding opportunities arise.

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