Frequently Asked Questions

Manning Avenue is a high-mobility road that runs north/south through Washington County. It provides access to several neighborhoods, residences, schools, and businesses, as well as a direct connection to I-94.

The current volume of traffic is nearing a point at which a two-lane roadway can no longer operate efficiently and safely. The expected growth and development in this area will generate enough traffic to require a four-lane facility.

A three-lane facility has been considered but would not be able to safely accommodate the volume of traffic anticipated with the future growth in the area.

Properly spacing intersections, combining access points, and separating the roadway with a raised median will help to improve safety and mobility along the corridor. We will work with property owners regarding their individual access needs. Properties will not lose their access, although the access may be combined in some cases. No property will be landlocked.

A center median (4 to 6 inches high) will help increase roadway functionality and safety by separating opposing traffic, while reducing vehicle conflict points and traffic congestion.

The Manning Avenue corridor is wide and flat, and there’s nothing in the physical design that can effectively slow traffic down without seriously compromising safety or diverting traffic elsewhere onto less safe routes. Therefore, we need to design roadway features to safely accommodate the speeds that we expect drivers to choose based on the topography and surroundings.

Roundabouts, as well as other traffic control alternatives, will be evaluated at major intersections. The traffic control type selected for major intersections will be determined using criteria such as traffic volumes, operations, safety, and cost.

Realigning TH 5 to connect to the CSAH 14/Manning Avenue intersection would consolidate two intersections (TH 5/Manning Avenue and CSAH 14/Manning Avenue) into one, thereby simplifying intersection access. This alternative also includes realigning Manning Avenue to provide a more continuous and efficient north-south route. From a system standpoint, this alternative yields the highest reduction in vehicle-hours traveled in the area and helps improve operations on local roads.

The County will acquire permanent and temporary easements for roadway improvements, utilities, and trails, though the extent and location are yet to be determined. Significant effort will be placed on developing a solution that minimizes impacts to private property.

The County does not assess properties for roadway improvement projects. Our project partners at the City of Lake Elmo, Baytown Township, and West Lakeland Township each have their own assessment policies.

An 8-foot multi-use trail on both sides of Manning Avenue will be evaluated. Appropriate pedestrian crossings will be included at the controlled intersections.

An environmental review will be performed, though impacts to natural resources are expected to be minimal.

A noise study may be performed as part of the environmental review process, in accordance with applicable state and federal requirements. The study would include monitoring current noise levels, modeling future noise levels, and analyzing potential mitigation alternatives.

Several public open houses and information meetings are planned, and individual meetings will be accommodated upon request. Project-related newsletters and e-mail updates will be distributed, and the project website regularly updated as the project progresses. You may also contact Frank Ticknor, Washington County project manager, at 651-430-4319 or frank.ticknor@co.washington.mn.us with questions.