To the Editor,
I have great news to report about legislation addressing the gridlock on Highway 65 and rebuilding 105th Avenue near the National Sports Center.
My bill ordering the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to study traffic flow and safety improvements on Highway 65 from County Highway 10 to Bunker Lake Blvd, including the notorious 109th Avenue intersection, has been included in a joint House/Senate compromise transportation budget bill. The focus of the legislation is to decrease congestion and make long overdue improvements in this area.
If the proposal as currently written is approved in both the House and Senate, it will head to the Governor's desk for his signature.
Legislation I’m sponsoring that would reconstruct 105th Avenue has also been included in both the House and Senate capital investment proposals. The bill would change the street near the National Sports Center from five lanes to four, complete with a median, turn lanes, sidewalk, trail, landscaping, lighting, and the consolidation of access driveways. Since the street is the most significant access point to state-owned property, state investment for 105th Avenue is critical.
As you know, this is a long overdue project. Presently, there is no safe way for kids to cross from the soccer fields to the Sports Center without virtually shutting the street down, especially when the USA Cup is in town.
Blaine residents have told me repeatedly fixing these two roads are top priorities. They are busy, at times dangerous, and are in need of significant improvement.
While I can't promise anything, at this point of session the Highway 65 and 105th Avenue proposals could not be in a better position for legislative approval at the State Capitol. With session scheduled to end on May 22, I will be sure to keep you updated on the latest developments. And for the most up-to-the-minute Capitol news, please subscribe to my email update at www.house.mn/37b and click on “email updates list” to join.
Sincerely,
State Representative Nolan West
Blaine