Washington County retained SRF to complete the preliminary and final design and environmental documentation for the CSAH 2 reconstruction in Forest Lake, which included the I-35/CSAH 2 interchange. This congested minor arterial roadway acts as the only local connection to and from I-35 in Forest Lake and also serves the City’s primary commercial district. This visionary project not only addressed the safety and mobility issues along the corridor, but also provided for streetscape amenities that produce a gateway feel into the City of Forest Lake.
SRF conducted a subarea study to evaluate traffic pattern shifts associated with a variety of additional roadway network alternatives. Specifically, our team evaluated these alternatives using Washington County’s Travel Demand Model. For each alternative, we were able to identify increases and decreases on portions of the roadway network as well as understand which traffic patterns shift to alternative routes. During preliminary and final design, SRF conducted the traffic operations analysis and simulation of this highly congested, high-crash arterial corridor using Synchro/SimTraffic and PTV Vissim. In addition to developing and evaluating concepts at the I-35/CSAH 2 interchange, various access management principles were recommended and modeled to understand the project benefits to the safety and operations of the corridor. Improvements near I-35 included a new diamond interchange at CSAH 2 and a new overpass at CR 83. Additionally, various forms of intersection control including traffic signal control and roundabout control were considered along the corridor. Ultimate CSAH 2 improvements included raised medians and channelized turn lanes for access control, sidewalks, trails, enhanced pedestrian crossings, and five new traffic signals. All technical work was presented to stakeholders in an easily understand format that allowed for informed decision-making.
SRF also provided construction administration on this $30 million federally funded project. The project included construction of two new bridges, extensive roadway improvements, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, signal improvements, and business access improvements. We worked closely with Washington County staff to provide:
- Contract administration
- Construction observation
- Materials sampling and testing
- Quality control orders of inspection, administration, and materials acceptance procedures
- Quality control and bridge walking plans layovers
- Contract change management
- Project close-out
- Detailed public relations and traffic control plans
Roadways
Traffic and Technologies