Project Background

Bottineau Boulevard (C.R. 81) was originally constructed as part of the state's Trunk Highway system. The roadway was last graded and paved in 1957 and is considered to be in fair to poor condition, according to a Hennepin County report on roadway condition. The report finds that the roadway is in need of reconstruction of the roadbed rather than repaving. In addition, stormwater is not adequately treated along the corridor.

Issues such as inadequate turn lanes and multiple access points compromise traffic flow and safety. Additional lanes at key intersections along the corridor are needed to provide the necessary through movement of vehicular traffic to enhance safety and provide lane continuity and reduction in delay for C.R. 81 and cross-streets.

Proposed Roadway Design

The proposed design includes reconstruction to a six-lane roadway footprint with intersection improvements, curb, gutter, and storm sewer from 47th Avenue North in Robbinsdale to C.R. 30 in Maple Grove. The Crystal segment will be comprised of four lanes with a shoulder. Improved access management and side street/frontage road connections will increase safety. Improved intersection capacity will reduce delay and congestion.

Plans include improvements to intersections and portions of most cross streets. Improvements include the addition of dedicated turn lanes. Pedestrian safety features, such as pedestrian refuges and crosswalk striping, are also included in the design for most intersections. Existing traffic signal systems will be replaced with new state-of-the-art systems including pedestrian phase "count down" timers, except as prohibited by the proximity to the railroad. Other pedestrian improvements such as lighting, crossing timing, and connectivity to local systems will be addressed. The roadway will improve water quality and stormwater conveyance systems with new curb, gutter, and storm sewer as well as new stormwater ponds.

These improvements will necessitate property and right of way easement acquisition at several areas along the corridor, with the most significant property impacts occurring at the major intersections and along frontage roads. The process of acquiring property necessary for the project, including compensation, will follow all applicable state laws and federal regulations. Property acquisition will not begin until each project has been funded and the appropriate environmental documentation has been completed.