Osborne Road (CSAH 8) Corridor Study

Introduction

In late 2015, Anoka County initiated a study of the one mile section of Osborne Road between University Avenue (Highway 47) and Highway 65 to evaluate potential transportation improvements to the corridor that would benefit users of the roadway, as well as nearby residents.

Background

CSAH 8 (Osborne Road) is an important east-west corridor in southern Anoka County that connects the county roadway system (CSAH 1 - East River Road) to the regional roadway system (TH 47 and TH 65). Through the one mile corridor study area (from University Avenue to Highway 65), Osborne Road is also an important transportation route for local residents of Spring Lake Park and Fridley living adjacent to the roadway. While the roadway continues to serve a major travel function through the corridor, traffic volumes have actually decreased over the last several years and are actually lower now than they were back in 1986. Considering the decrease in vehicular traffic along the corridor, Anoka County decided to evaluate the roadway design (currently four-lanes) to determine if modifications could be made to make it more conducive to the needs of the neighborhood, particularly related to narrowing the travel-way to make it easier for pedestrians to cross.

Evaluation of Potential Improvements

One design concept that will be evaluated is a three-lane section, consisting of one travel lane in each direction separated by a continuous center-turn lane. This design is considered to be much safer than the existing design as it reduces the exposure of pedestrians crossing Osborne Road and it also would provide a paved shoulder that could accommodate disabled vehicles as well as other modes of transportation such as bicycling. In addition, the study is evaluating the current traffic control at the intersections to determine if they should be modified. Potential improvements that will be evaluated include roundabout applications. 

Public Outreach

During the study there will be two open houses to present information and obtain input from the public. The first open house will be held from 7 to 9 P.M. on February 9th at Woodcrest Elementary School, which is located within the study corridor at 880 Osborne Road NE At this meeting, information will be presented on the performance of the current roadway, including traffic operations, safety analysis, etc. In addition, information will be provided on alternative design concepts for the corridor. A brief presentation will be provided at 7:30 p.m. The primary intent is to obtain community input on what needs to be addressed and how the roadway corridor could be improved, not limited to the potential design concepts that will be presented at the meeting.

Study Outcome

The corridor study will produce a preferred roadway concept and final report that will allow the cities and county to pursue planning activities for the proposed one-mile corridor. Anoka County has hired the engineering and planning firm Bolton and Menk, Inc. to assist in these activities. It is expected that the study will be completed by the summer of 2016.

* Final Study Report - CSAH 8 Roadway Modification (PDF)