The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and their partners initiated the Northwest Metro Mississippi River Crossing Feasibility Analysis Study to quantify the need for increased capacity, study a range of improvements on the existing system as well as new alignments, and to understand the impacts created by investment.

Bolton & Menk was a major partner on this effort with another consulting firm. Together, our team compiled previous studies and community plans that identified needs for improved river crossing capacity; analyzed the impact of land use patterns and projected population and employment growth on mobility and access; developed a clear understanding of the travel patterns of existing users at three regional Mississippi River crossings at Highway 101, 169, and 610; quantified the benefits and costs of numerous improvements; developed an understanding of how travel patterns may change within the context of planned and new improvements, including a new river crossing; created and evaluated high level concepts to address operational issues; determined if a new river crossing is both technically and economically feasible; and identified potential next steps.

This completed study allows MnDOT and impacted communities to make an informed decision about a potential future bridge crossing and other transportation investments in the NW Metro.