Winter 2020-21 Hometown Messenger

PUBLIC WORKS

City receives $2 million in state bonding for Highway 169 pedestrian overpass In October, the Minnesota Legislature passed the 2020 Bonding Bill, which will pave the way for a much-desired pedestrian bridge over Highway 169. The city received $2 million toward a new trail bridge crossing near Gateway Drive/ Quarry Lake Park and Southbridge. The overpass will connect to parks, residential areas, commercial businesses, employment opportunities and industrial areas. Elements include path, trail and sidewalk construction, wayfinding and right-of-way. Construction is tentatively planned for 2022. The $2 million funding toward the trail bridge is part of a $1.87 billion state infrastructure bonding bill. The trail bridge is consistent with state policy goals, including regional transportation, safety and security, destination access, competitive economy, healthy environment and integrated modes of transportation. Construction anticipated to start on Ridge Creek Park, Memorial Park bridge The City Council is anticipated to award bids for the long-awaited park construction projects. In October, the city opened bids for construction of the new Ridge Creek Park and realignment of the Prior Lake Outlet Channel. The project includes constructing a regional trail, boardwalk and channel realignment at Ridge Creek Park. The project is estimated at $4 million. The city is also moving forward with replacing the pedestrian bridge at Memorial Park. The bridge, which connects to the Minnesota Valley State Trail, was removed in 2015 due to structural concerns. If bids are approved, construction could start this winter on both projects.

Safety, congestion improvements coming to Canterbury Road in 2021 A main Shakopee thoroughfare is getting major improvements as part of a $15.2 million reconstruction project to improve safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. In 2021, Scott County plans to reconstruct Highway 83 (Canterbury Road) between Fourth Avenue and Highway 169. The improvements will address existing operational and safety issues, as well as better support redevelopment along the corridor. Trails will be added on both sides of the highway between Fourth Avenue and the Highway 169 intersection, closing several gaps in the city’s trail system. This fall, utility companies are relocating underground utility lines in preparation for construction on County Highway 83/Canterbury Road to start in 2021.

“This is a significant north-south corridor for the city, and we are missing vital sidewalk and trail connections,” said Assistant City Engineer Ryan Halverson. The trails will connect to the new 12th Avenue trail that runs east to Quarry Lake Park and complete the pedestrian network in the area. Canterbury Road is an important freight route, providing access to the Valley Green Industrial Park. Plans call for reducing access points and adding new turn lanes to ease congestion between Highway 169 and 12th Avenue. The project will add a second right turn lane to the southbound 169 ramp and several turn lanes at 12th Avenue. Halverson said the city is also working to address congestion issues on 12th Avenue east of 83 with an improved layout and driveway access management. Canterbury Park will have a new racing and event access at Unbridled Avenue, a new public road constructed this summer north of the park. A digital messaging sign will be installed to assist with event traffic and improved wayfinding signage will guide motorists through the area.

ABOUT THE PROJECT Scott County will reconstruct Canterbury Road to a four-lane divided highway with turn lanes and dedicated pedestrian and bicycle trails. Schedule Construction is anticipated to start in the spring and continue until 2022. Traffic Impact While construction will be phased, Canterbury Road is expected to close for portions of the project. 12th Avenue will remain open with local access available to all businesses.

Also included in the project are upgrades to beautify the corridor by adding vegetation and undergrounding overhead utility lines to create a more attractive corridor. “We want Canterbury Road to not only drive better, but also to welcome visitors to our community,” Halverson said. While the project was spurred in large part by the Canterbury Commons development, Halverson said the city and county have studied the corridor many times over the years. It builds on recent city-county improvements in the area. A portion of the project will be funded from the Canterbury Common TIF District.

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