Washington County outlines safety options and grants for County Road 15/Trunk Highway 61 intersection

Washington County project manager Ryan Haves briefed the Forest Lake City Council on an intersection safety and multimodal access project at County Road 15 and Trunk Highway 61, presenting two build options and the countyfunding status.

Haves said the county has secured two construction grants: "a regional solicitation grant for just over $1,600,000, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation local partnership program grant for another $1,000,000," totaling "just over $2,600,000." He told council members the project aims to reduce crash frequency and severity, "provide safe, clear, and accessible crossings for multimodal users, and maintain acceptable vehicular operations for both today and future traffic goings."

The project team presented a signalized intersection and a single‑lane roundabout as the two primary alternatives. Haves said traffic forecasting shows both alternatives can accommodate future demand; the roundabout model offered less side‑street delay and lower vehicle speeds. "Speed and pedestrians don't mix," said one county traffic engineer during the presentation, arguing a roundaboutwould physically slow vehicles. Haves and county staff noted emerging research does not categorically favor one treatment for pedestrian protection but emphasized that roundabouts typically reduce vehicle speeds through an intersection.

Council members asked about access to a northeast quadrant lot and whether a median or right‑in/right‑out restriction would be required. Haves said the developer has been informed that access is likely to be right‑in/right‑out in either build scenario because the parcel sits too close to the main intersection to accommodate turn lanes safely. He also said the county would evaluate pedestrian crossing aids (such as rectangular rapid flashing beacons) if the council desired them, but did not propose those be standard on the roundabout crossings.

On schedule, Haves said the project team expects to complete design and environmental work in 2026–27 and, barring acceleration through local partnership funding arrangements, to construct in 2028. He told the council the county could consider advancing construction to 2027 if partner agencies fronted reimbursement timing constraints, though that would require up‑front funding until state reimbursement was available.

Haves closed by asking the council for feedback and said the county will return for a formal resolution of support and to develop an MnDOT approval layout before final design.

What happens next: The project team will consider council feedback, refine a preferred alternative, and return to the city for a resolution of support before submitting final layouts to MnDOT and continuing environmental and design work in 2026–27.