Transportation Issues

Existing conditions

  • Significant improvements made to the regional system (I-494 and I-394) over the last 30 years, yet congestion still occurs in certain locations during peak times.
  • Safety and capacity improvements have been completed for Cty. Rd. 101 but are still needed for other County roads such as Shady Oak Road, Cty. Rd. 73 and Cty. Rd. 101, north of Minnetonka Boulevard and south of Hwy. 7.
  • The local roadway system has operated efficiently and is important to preserve as population increases and congestion worsens.
  • Transit and multi-modal investments are needed to offset congestion on area roadways.

Implications and needs

  • Need to identify areas where congestion problems will affect the overall transportation system and plan for improvements.
  • Need to promote expanded transit opportunities with Metro Transit and plan for the future Southwest Corridor LRT with the county.
  • Encourage developments that provide opportunities for multi-modal transportation use (i.e., mixed-use or compact development may encourage walking/biking and transit use).