Anoka County Approves $3.9 Million Round Lake Boulevard Signal and Safety Upgrade

Anoka County has approved a $3.9 million infrastructure project to modernize a critical 1.5-mile stretch of Round Lake Boulevard, also known as County Highway 9, spanning the cities of Anoka and Andover. Officially designated as Anoka County Project 002-609-023, the initiative targets aging traffic signal equipment while improving safety, accessibility, and traffic flow along one of northern Anoka County’s most heavily traveled corridors.

County transportation officials estimate that approximately 25,000 to 30,000 vehicles use this section of Round Lake Boulevard each day, making it a priority for long-term safety and operational improvements.

A Two-Phase Construction Plan

Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026, with work divided into two coordinated phases.

The first phase focuses on traffic signal modernization and ADA compliance, with crews upgrading six key intersections. This work is expected to take roughly two months, and temporary traffic signals will be installed as needed to maintain vehicle movement and pedestrian access during construction.

Once the signal work is complete, the project will move into its second phase, which includes a bituminous mill and overlay. This resurfacing effort will extend from Bunker Lake Boulevard north to 149th Lane NW, improving pavement conditions and extending the service life of the roadway.

Intersection-by-Intersection Improvements

The project includes work at six intersections along Round Lake Boulevard:

• Roosevelt Street and 135th Avenue NW: Full signal reconstruction
• 136th Avenue NW: Full signal reconstruction
• Bunker Lake Boulevard NW (County State Aid Highway 116): Full signal reconstruction
• 138th Lane NW: Full signal reconstruction
• 140th Lane NW: Signal revision and update
• 143rd Avenue NW: Signal revision and update

In addition to signal hardware upgrades, pedestrian curb ramps at each intersection will be reconstructed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards, improving access for residents with mobility challenges and visual impairments.

Modern Technology for Safer Intersections

All six intersections will be equipped with Flashing Yellow Arrow technology for left turns. Flashing yellow arrows provide drivers with clearer guidance on when left turns are permitted, reducing confusion and lowering the risk of crashes involving turning vehicles.

The project also includes the installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals, which use audible tones and vibrating push buttons to assist pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired. These systems are increasingly required in public right-of-way projects to ensure equitable access.

To further improve traffic operations, the upgraded signals will be hardwired into the Anoka County Traffic Management Center. This connectivity allows county engineers to monitor traffic conditions in real time, adjust signal timing remotely, and respond more efficiently to congestion, crashes, or special events.

Funding and Intergovernmental Cooperation

The $3.9 million contract is funded through a combination of County State Aid Highway funds and Anoka County property tax dollars. Because the corridor spans multiple jurisdictions, Anoka County entered into Joint Powers Agreements with the cities of Anoka and Andover in October 2025.

Under those agreements:

• The City of Anoka will contribute $266,540
• The City of Andover will contribute $351,020

Anoka County will cover the remaining balance and oversee overall project management, design, and construction.

Coordinated Regional Investment

County officials note that the timing of the Round Lake Boulevard improvements is intentional. The project is strategically coordinated with the MnDOT Highway 10 Add-a-Lane project, which is also expected to conclude in 2026. Together, the two projects modernize a major intersection of regional corridors, helping the transportation network keep pace with continued growth in traffic volumes and development in northern Anoka County.

By combining signal modernization, pedestrian accessibility upgrades, and roadway resurfacing, the Round Lake Boulevard project represents a comprehensive investment in safety, mobility, and long-term infrastructure reliability for residents, commuters, and businesses in both Anoka and Andover.

MinneapoliMedia