Lake Elmo residents and the general public are set to have their say on the future of their roads. Washington County has extended an invite for a come-and-go session to take a peek at the proposed plans for the Highway 36 and Lake Elmo Avenue interchange. The open house will take place at River Valley Church, 5900 Lake Elmo Ave. N., from 4 to 6 p.m. on the upcoming Wednesday, Jan. 10, according to the Washington County's official website.
The planned project aims to smoothly address an array of issues plaguing the current infrastructure – the lack of spacing between intersections, increasing traffic jams, and safety hazards that have beset the thoroughfare. To boost the intersection’s safety, capacity, and overall functioning, authorities hope to directly engage with the community, garnering input and shedding light on the remaining options on the table.
Aside from vehicular improvements, the blueprint for the interchange also emphasizes alternative transportation, including better accommodations for cyclists and pedestrians, conforming to the Americans with Disabilities Act. While officials have underscored there will be no formal presentation at this gathering, the occasion serves as a platform for the exchange of concerns and ideas between citizens and planners.
Prospective designs are set to be hashed out throughout 2024, with shovels expected to hit the ground in earnest come 2026. Andrew Giesen, the design engineer, is the point of contact for those seeking further specifics—and can be reached at 651-430-4336 or via email at [email protected].
For those looking to do a deep dive into the project before the event, documentation and additional context can be conveniently accessed on the county's official website.
