MnDOT outlines Highway 8 Phase 2 study, seeks public input ahead of 2032 resurfacing

Amy Jefferson, project manager with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, opened a public briefing on the Highway 8 Phase 2 study and described the project area, schedule and outreach plan. "My name is Amy Jefferson. I'm the project manager from the Minnesota Department of Transportation on this project," she said, and asked participants to complete an online survey that is scheduled to close on the 24th.

MnDOT staff said the corridor study covers roughly 14 miles and that some sections are slated for resurfacing in 2032; the agency is identifying spot safety improvements that could be coordinated with that resurfacing. Jefferson and MnDOT presenters outlined alternatives including converting signals to roundabouts, adding medians or refuge islands, constructing multi-use trails and adding turn lanes. The presentation stressed pedestrian and bicycle safety, protection of wetlands and the need to coordinate with parallel projects (for example the Osceola Bridge replacement and other county projects).

The presentation noted known crash and congestion hot spots, including Lincoln Road and Lindstrom’s downtown, and said any recommendations would consider existing pavement condition and traffic volumes. "We have documented crashes involving pedestrians and bicycles also in the downtown area," a MnDOT presenter said during the briefing.

MnDOT closed by announcing next steps: additional project-working-group meetings, a tentative October 21 working-group meeting, a final public open house in November and a final report that will capture preferred recommendations. Residents and council members were encouraged to submit comments now so the study team can incorporate local priorities into designs for the 2032 resurfacing window.