Rice Lake Road Corridor Improvement Project - Plan

Overview

There are several challenges facing the Rice Lake Rd (CSAH 4) corridor. First, Rice Lake Rd (CSAH 4) is experiencing significant congestion and delay at the intersection of Martin Rd (CSAH 9). Second, drivers on West Calvary Rd (CR 234) are experiencing significant delay when turning onto Rice Lake Rd (CSAH 4) including the added safety concern of high-speed vehicles on Rice Lake Rd (CSAH 4) driving through this intersection. And third, there is demand for new commercial and residential development along the Rice Lake Rd (CSAH 4) corridor which means the road corridor must be improved to support this future development.

St. Louis County is continuing to lead a planning and preliminary engineering process to improve the Rice Lake Rd (CSAH 4) corridor. This process will include a visioning exercise to consider additional improvements that could be added to the overall project that would provide a public benefit. This project is currently unfunded. The goal of this process is to develop a competitive project that would successfully obtain Federal funding through discretionary grant programs.

Proposed improvements include…

• Reconstruct Rice Lake Rd (CSAH 4) beginning at Ridgeview Rd (CR 694) and ending at a point ~2/3 mile north of Martin Rd (CSAH 9).
• Construct single-lane roundabouts on Rice Lake Rd (CSAH 4) at the intersections of West Calvary Rd (CR 234) and Martin Rd (CSAH 9).
• Construct left-turn and right-turn lanes on Rice Lake Rd (CSAH 4) at Ridgeview Rd (CR 694).
• Construct a new city street to connect West Calvary Rd (CR 234) and Martin Rd (CSAH 9).
• Construct a pedestrian/bicycle trail along Rice Lake Rd (CSAH 4) beginning at Technology Dr and ending at a point ~1/3 mile north of Martin Rd (CSAH 9).
• Construct a pedestrian/bicycle trail along Martin Rd (CSAH 9) beginning at Stebner Rd and ending at Stavenger Rd.

Project Goals

• Improve traffic safety for all transportation users at key intersections by utilizing proven safety countermeasures.
• Reduce traffic congestion and associated carbon emissions.
• Preserve the public’s previous investment in the function of Rice Lake Rd (CSAH 4) as a Minor Arterial.
• Create a roadway corridor that invites development resulting in new housing and jobs.
• Manage access through proven access management strategies including the creation of a new city street network.
• Support traffic calming to create an environment that is welcoming to all transportation users.
• Incorporate accessibility for active transportation users.