ST. PAUL – The Minnesota House of Representatives has approved legislation sponsored by State Representative Nolan West (R-Blaine) that would address traffic and safety concerns along Highway 65 in Blaine.
West’s legislation was included as part of a comprehensive transportation funding proposal that was passed on March 31.
“This bill has received strong support at every committee stop, and I’m pleased it was included in the transportation package and approved by the full House,” West said. “This is very positive news.”
According to West’s bill, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) must study traffic flow and safety improvements from County Highway 10 to Bunker Lake Blvd, including the 109th Avenue intersection. MnDOT would then evaluate options and costs for congestion improvements along the stretch of Highway 65 and report its findings to the Legislature.
The cost of the study is projected to be $600,000, and any amount left over from that appropriation would be used for design and property acquisition for the reconstruction project that would result from the MnDOT report.
“Highway 65 can be dangerous, and we need to figure out ways to not only improve the road but decrease congestion, especially at the 109th Avenue intersection,” West concluded.