Hennepin County plans public outreach on 117/19 intersection project; Corcoran to monitor design and right‑of‑way costs

Hennepin County has advanced a preliminary concept to improve the County Road 117 and County Road 19 intersection at the northwest corner of Corcoran, and it will begin public engagement in July, county and city staff told the council.

Councilors were briefed that the county’s current concept includes a roundabout at the intersection and that the project received federal earmark support that increased the county’s interest in advancing design. The project is in early design and public engagement phases, with construction not expected until 2027. City staff said the preliminary city cost‑share estimate in the county materials is approximately 3.7–3.8% of the project as presently scoped; staff recommended watching the design and funding plan closely before making any binding fiscal commitment.

Council members asked staff to monitor pedestrian safety and trail crossings (the 3 Rivers regional trail runs east of County Road 19) and asked staff to relay concerns about how pedestrian crossings are sited relative to circulating traffic. Several councilors urged staff to press the county for interim safety measures at the intersection while design continues. Staff said it will participate in the county’s public engagement and keep the council apprised of right‑of‑way and maintenance proposals related to trail crossing and long‑term maintenance responsibilities.

No city vote or funding obligation was adopted at the meeting; staff emphasized the project remained under Hennepin County control and would require separate discussions and approvals before any city commitment.