Anoka County Infrastructure Overhaul: Major Roadwork Projects Transforming Local Commutes

Anoka County Infrastructure Overhaul: Major Roadwork Projects Transforming Local Commutes

Anoka County is undertaking several significant infrastructure projects aimed at improving traffic flow, safety, and accessibility across the region. These initiatives include the Highway 10 Ramsey Gateway Project, Viking Boulevard Reconstruction, and 44th Avenue NE Bridge Rehabilitation. Here's an overview of each project:

Highway 10 Ramsey Gateway Project

Overview:
The Highway 10 Ramsey Gateway Project is a multi-year, $140 million reconstruction effort led by Anoka County, the City of Ramsey, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). The project aims to enhance safety and traffic flow by replacing signalized intersections with grade-separated interchanges and adding a new frontage road system.

Key Components:

• New Interchanges: Construction of two new interchanges at Ramsey Boulevard (County Highway 56) and Sunfish Lake Boulevard (County Highway 57). These interchanges will feature bridges over Highway 10 and the BNSF railway, with roundabouts at the ramp intersections.
• Frontage Road System: A new frontage road system will be built between the two interchanges to remove direct access points from Highway 10, keeping local traffic off the main highway.

Current Status:

• Sunfish Lake Boulevard Interchange: Completed and opened in November 2024.
• Ramsey Boulevard Interchange: Under construction, with completion and opening scheduled for Fall 2025.
• Frontage Road Construction: Ongoing, with completion expected in Fall 2025.

Impacts:

• Ramsey Boulevard Closure: Ramsey Boulevard is closed between Highway 10 and Riverdale Drive through Fall 2025, with detours in place.
• Trail Closures: The Mississippi West Regional Trail near Highway 10 and Ramsey Boulevard is also closed until Fall 2025.
• Ramp Closures: Drivers should anticipate periodic overnight and weekend ramp closures as crews complete bridge and pavement work.

Viking Boulevard Reconstruction

Overview:
Anoka County, in partnership with the City of Oak Grove, is reconstructing Viking Boulevard NW (County Highway 22) between the Rum River Bridge and Lake George Boulevard NW.

Improvements:

• Pavement and Curb Replacement: Replacing existing bituminous pavement and curb with new concrete pavement and curb.
• Shoulder Installation: Adding bituminous shoulders to improve safety and accommodate cyclists.
• Left-Turn Lanes: Adding left-turn lanes at 197th Avenue NW and Blackfoot Street NW to enhance traffic flow.

Timeline:
The project is part of Anoka County's 2025 construction projects list, with work scheduled to continue through November 2025.

44th Avenue NE Bridge Rehabilitation & Road Construction

Overview:
This project involves the rehabilitation of the 44th Avenue NE bridge over the BNSF Northtown Rail Yard and the reconstruction of the adjacent roadway between East River Road and Main Street NE. The project is a collaboration between Anoka County, the City of Fridley, and BNSF Railway.

Improvements:

• Multi-Use Trail: Creation of a multi-use trail between East River Road and Main Street NE along 44th Avenue NE.
• Bridge Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation of the bridge over the BNSF Northtown Rail Yard to ensure structural integrity.
• Signal Replacement: Replacement of the traffic signal system at East River Road to improve traffic management.
• Pavement Reconstruction: Reconstruction of the roadway approaches to the bridge to enhance ride quality and safety.

Timeline:
Construction began on March 24, 2025, with a detour in place. The project is scheduled for completion in November 2025.

For real-time updates and detour maps, visit Anoka County’s Construction Weekly page: anokacountymn.gov

These projects represent a significant investment in Anoka County's infrastructure, aiming to improve transportation efficiency and safety for all users.

MinneapoliMedia