Posted: 7/17/02

Columbus reviews traffic issues

Branden Peterson
Staff Writer

Hundreds of Forest Lake and Columbus residents who rush home from a long day of work, may soon get relief from their time wasting daily ritual of traffic congestion once they reach TH-97.

Columbus Townshipís economic development committee met Wednesday, July 10, to hear results of a study by URS Corporation on forecasted development in the area, and its affects on traffic.

The presentation soon turned into a discussion between EDC and Town Board members, URS Corp., and Mn/DOTís Lynn Bly.

Main concerns related to the TH-97 corridor, starting in Columbus Township, on CR-23 and extending to TH-95 in Scandia.

Columbus Township agreed to participate in the Highway 97 Task Force study in cooperation with Mn/DOT, Anoka County, Washington County, Forest Lake, and Scandia.

The URS study began in August of last year, and finished in June. Wednesday nightís EDC meeting presented results of the study.

Bly of Mn/DOT, Jack Forsund and JoNette Kuhanu discussed several ideas to EDC and town board members.

ìYou have incredible potential for future development,î Forsund admitted.

Board members agreed, but several wanted to see what the presenters felt needed to be done to aleve traffic problems at the cause of growth.

Ideas such as closing Clear Lake Road, proposing a freeway exit to CR-4 in Hugo, expanding several roads and creating new interchanges were discussed.

True, problems are forecasted to increase, but Bly reminded present problems with traffic congestion at the TH-97 bridge during peak rush hour times will soon be easing.

Bly announced stoplight and left turning lane installation at the area was set to begin the first week of August.

Population and business growth can only bring more vehicles through the area, and Columbus Town Board Chairman Melvin Mettler understood decisions will need to be made soon in order to plan ahead for inevitable traffic increases.

ìWe are concerned that this area is prime property for development.î Mettler said.

ìWe need to look at ideas, and talk with our neighbors about possible plans.î

Mn/Dot representative Bly and URS Corp couldnít agree more.

Using the Maple Grove area as an example of communities working closely together, Bly and URS explained the importance of planning a proper road infrastructure between communities is critical to the projectís success.

With several options and ideas to work with, URS, Mn/DOT, and Columbusís EDC have much to work for. For the time being, area residents must continue to deal with ever increasing traffic problems.

Effective planning now hopes to accommodate the problems of the future.

ìTravelers and traffic are like water,î URSís Forsund explained. ìThey always find a way to get through.î

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