A Detailed History
In 2014, MnDOT completed the U.S. Highway 10 Access Planning Study for Highway 10/169 through the Cities of Anoka and Ramsey, recommending a series of 20 projects. While generally supporting the recommendations made in the Highway 10 Access Planning Study, the City had concerns with some recommendations, including closure of the Fairoak Avenue intersection. For more information on the U.S. Highway 10 Access Planning Study click here. The complete study can be viewed here.
After the Highway 10 Access Planning Study, the City continued to study highway improvements, taking into account what was best for Anoka while still achieving regional goals. In 2015, the City adopted the Anoka Solution Plan, which included some changes from the Highway 10 Access Planning Study, including a Fairoak Avenue underpass of Highway 10/169.
The City and MnDOT planned to construct individual elements of the Anoka Solution Plan as funding became available. However, in July 2017, the City, MnDOT, and Anoka County agreed that moving forward with one project that includes both Fairoak Avenue and Thurston Avenue, providing schedule and budget benefits. The travelling public will benefit by having to endure just one, rather than two, separate projects.
The construction of the Highway 10/169 Improvement Project is expected to take place beginning in 2022 and ending in 2023.