Trunk Highway 8

Chisago County is leading a project to identity a long-term solution to improve safety and mobility along U.S. Highway 8 from I-35 in Forest Lake to Karmel Avenue in Chisago County. The project team is looking at a few options for a new corridor design, which needs to address safety and mobility issues, while taking pedestrian and bicyclist needs into consideration.

Next Steps

• Confirm preliminary design alternative to carry forward
• Complete Environmental Review Process
• Complete wetland delineations and soil conditions

Currently, work is being done on the environmental review, traffic analysis, hydraulics and preliminary design of the corridor.

FAQs - Natural Environment

• What is being done to minimize impacts to the natural environment?

FAQs - Public Involvement

• How is the public being informed about the project?

FAQs - Right-of-Way

• Will all or parts of my property along Highway 8 need to be acquired? if so, how will I be contacted?
• Will there be any assessments to my property? FAQs - Right-of-Way

FAQs - Safety and Mobility

• How do motorists use Highway 8 today?
• What challenges or concerns have been identified along Highway 8?
• What types of safety improvements are being considered along Highway 8?
• How will access be "managed" along the corridor?
• What is a "median" and what benefits could it provide to Highway 8?
• Will I lose my driveway access to Highway 8?
• Will additional travel lanes be added to Highway 8?
• What additional accommodations will be made for pedestrians and bicyclists?
• Are roundabouts part of the solution?

Overview:

Chisago County's Trunk Highway (TH8) Reconstruction Project hosted its second open house on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Forest Lake. The open house was well attended by more than 100 area residents. Project staff hosted the event to share project progress, communicate how alternatives were evaluated, and to keep up the momentum for this important project. The large turnout and input received from attendees demonstrated the substantial interest in seeing this project continue to move forward.

What We've Heard:  View Open House 2 Boards (PDF)

• General concerns regarding access and safety on Trunk Highway 8 and associated side streets.
• General questions regarding the projects expected timeline.
• "Consider the addition of an access road from Deer Garden Lane to Karmen Avenue."
• "Consider the inclusion of an underground culvert for bicycle and pedestrian use at the intersection of Trunk Highway 8 and County Highway 23."
• "I love the 4-lane separated highway concept. Consolidating access points should also make a big difference."
• "Please don't use Reduced Conflict Intersections (RCI). They don't seem practical for this project."
• "Please consider the seasonal businesses along this road project like mine when you are scheduling road closures."
• "Love it! Appreciate the safety aspect. Hopefully less noisy rumble strips."
• "I am very concerned about the noise impact as well as impacts to the lakes."