Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch) today received a hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee for three crucial road projects in Senate District 28, aimed at improving safety and infrastructure for the region.
“These road improvements will not only enhance safety for our community members but also stimulate economic growth and development in our region,” Koran said. “By investing in our infrastructure, we’re investing in the future of North Branch and Chisago County. These projects are critical steps in enhancing the region’s transportation infrastructure, benefiting residents and businesses alike.”
North Branch City Administrator Renae Fry testified in support of Senate File 340, while Chisago County Commissioner Marlys Dunne, Chisago Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Katie Malchow, and Chisago County Administrator Chase Burnham testified in support of Senate File 1354.
The three projects presented in the hearing are as follows. All projects are contingent on the commissioner of management and budget determining sufficient resources from non-state sources.
- Senate File 340: Provides $4 million for an Interchange at Interstate Highway 35 and 400th Street in North Branch. This project is part of a regional transportation plan that will ultimately address traffic and safety issues. 30,000 cars travel under the existing bridge each day; 20,000 cars travel over it each day; and 15,000 cars move on and off each day. The traffic affects downtown North Branch as well. The city has already invested $4 million into the project.
- Senate File 1354: Provides $5 million to reconstruct and expand eight miles of Highway 8. Reconstruction may include expanding segments to four lanes, constructing or reconstructing frontage and back roads, and realigning local roads. Highway 8 is a vital thoroughfare, but one of the most dangerous highways in Minnesota. It is often referred to as the ‘Highway of Death.’ There were 1084 accidents from 2012-2021, more than 200 accidents in 2022 alone, and already 54 critical incidents this year.
- Senate File 1539: Provides $1.5 million for preplanning of an Interchange at Interstate Highway 35 and County State-Aid Highway 19, also known as the Stacy exit. The project includes reconstruction of the interchange and associated city streets up to and including the intersection of County State-Aid Highway 30, and preplanning for a bridge replacement. The growth in the area has made the existing bridge obsolete; it even lacks pedestrian access.