Hwy 3 & 19 Multimodal Transportation Study
Background
Purpose of Study - The purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate potential grade-separation concepts that would promote and enhance non-motorized transportation and build a more cohesive community. The study was identified in the transportation plan as a priority to look at modal integration issues. Recently an opportunity to apply for a transportation grant (TIGER) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) was presented. Award of a grant could potentially fund a significant part of a multi-million dollar project to improve modal integration in this corridor. The study is necessary in preparing a competitive grant application and gaining support from project partners. However, like other programs funded through the ARRA, the funds need to be encumbered relatively soon.
Background - TH 19 and TH 3 present various transportation challenges to travelers in the Northfield area. The expanse of the highways and speed of vehicles moving through the area create obstacles in connecting pedestrians and bicyclists to and from different parts of the City. In particular, non-motorized mobility needs to be improved to connect northwest Northfield and St. Olaf to the downtown, as well as across TH 19. Given the traffic volumes and the width of highway to cross, a grade separated non-motorized crossing has been recommended in the City’s Transportation Plan.
Additionally, the north and south junction intersections of TH 19 and TH 3 are currently near congested or congested during the morning and evening peak travel periods of the day and are forecasted to be congested in the future. The City is planning for a future transit hub to be potentially located near the southwest quadrant of the south junction of the intersection in close proximity to the Mill Towns Trail and existing rail line. The City is underway with this study to carefully consider how all modes of traffic and transportation users will be able to safely and efficiently access the future transit hub in conjunction with completion of the TIGER funding application. This is especially important given the high traffic volumes on TH 19, short distance between the railroad tracks and the TH 19 / TH 3 intersection, and heavy truck traffic in the area. This project is considering the feasibility and configuration of potential grade separated concepts of TH 19.
Major Components of the Project Include:
Transit Hub/Trail Head Plans – The City of Northfield has plans underway to construct a multi-purpose facility on Laurel Court, providing parking, shelter, and traveler information. This facility will provide connections to the Mill Towns Trail, adjacent parks and city trails, and downtown. In addition, the proximity of this facility to the existing rail line may provide an opportunity for passenger rail service in the future.
Intersection of TH 3/TH 19 – This intersection has long been the focal point for transportation in Northfield. With lack of other routes, most vehicular traffic is funneled through this intersection, causing peak hour delays for local and regional travelers. As the community continues to grow, traffic volumes are expected to rise accordingly. This intersection will not be able to serve the growing travel demand and substantial vehicle queues will become more prevalent. Growing queues have the potential to choke off access points to downtown and Laurel Court businesses as well as elevate safety concerns at the at-grade railroad crossings. Recent Mn/DOT improvements on TH 3 make capacity improvements at this intersection unlikely.
Downtown/Water Street Pedestrian Demand – While the intersections of TH 3 and TH 19 are equipped to provide a controlled pedestrian crossing, there is a growing and unmet demand for connectivity between downtown and the northwest area of town. The City has received numerous requests for an improved crossing to better promote non-motorized connectivity across TH 3.
Union Pacific and Progressive Rail Crossings – These at-grade crossings of TH 19 experience significant train activity, upwards of 20 trains per day. While protected by gates and lights, these crossings present safety and operational constraints for motorized and non-motorized travelers. As TH 19 serves as the primary connection to I-35, the extent and longevity of delay caused by the at-grade crossings present a barrier to the economic vitality of the community.
Malt-O-Meal Plant and Pedestrian Crossing – Located within the study area, the Malt-o-Meal plant is located south of TH 19 while its primary parking areas are located north of TH 19. As a result, there is substantial pedestrian activity across TH 19 on a daily basis with concentration of pedestrians at regular shift changes. Mn/DOT’s Northfield Area Access Management and Safety Plan recommended a grade separated pedestrian crossing at TH 19/Orchard Street.