Welcome
Welcome to the Northern Anoka County River Crossing Study web site. This site is your official source for up-to-date information about the study. This web site will be updated as new information is available. Check back frequently to stay informed about the project and opportunities to participate in the planning process. We look forward to your feedback.
Study Overview
The Anoka County 2030 Transportation Plan and the 2030 comprehensive plans of the Cities of St. Francis and Oak Grove suggested a need for additional Rum River crossing capacity in the northern portion of Anoka County. This was the result of projected future capacity issues identified on existing river crossings at CSAH 22 (Viking Boulevard) and CSAH 24 (Bridge Street) due to the planned
growth in St. Francis, Oak Grove and Nowthen.
The purpose of the Northern Anoka County River Crossing Study was to determine if additional Rum River crossing capacity was needed, and if so, what general corridor locations should be considered, what type of facility was needed, and who should be the responsible agency for the facility.
Through the analysis conducted as part of the Northern Anoka County River Crossing Study, the need for a new river crossing was eliminated based on the demonstrated ability of the existing river crossings at CSAH 22 and CSAH 24 to handle future traffic volumes with some capacity improvements. Because there was not a need identified for an additional river crossing in the project area, the full scope of the Northern Anoka County River Crossing Study was no longer needed. However, through discussions with the study's Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), Anoka County and the Cities of St. Francis, Oak Grove and Nowthen, it became apparent that additional analysis of the future needs and timing of improvements to CSAH 22 and CSAH 24 would be beneficial.
CSAH 22
Since the existing CSAH 22 river crossing is able to handle future traffic with improvements, there is a need to prepare CSAH 22 by laying the groundwork for future growth through an access management plan. This plan will determine the future access along CSAH 22, with an assumption that it will be a future principal arterial, from a half mile west of TH 47 to a half mile east of CR 78.
CSAH 24
CSAH 24 will also need improvements to handle forecasted traffic growth. The river crossing study concluded that a 3-lane roadway section may provide adequate capacity between CSAH 24/28 and CSAH 9. An analysis of the 3-lane roadway to ensure it is able to meet future traffic, safety and operational needs while minimizing impacts on surrounding properties will be completed. A concept layout will be developed for consideration and future implementation. In addition, a discussion of the timing and triggers requiring implementation of these improvements will conclude this study.
Study Area
The original Northern Anoka County River Crossing Study focused on a study area that included the communities of Oak Grove, St. Francis and portions of Nowthen, from CSAH 22 on the south to the northern county border on the north.
The remaining analyses of improvement needs to CSAH 22 and CSAH 24
will focus on these areas:
- CSAH 22 from a half mile west of TH 47 to a half mile east of CR 78
- CSAH 24 from CSAH 24/28 to CSAH 9
Below is a link to the initial Issues Map for the study area. Additional information will be added to the issues map as the study evolves and more information is gathered.
