Dakota County is working with the City of Eagan to create a safer corridor for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists and make roadway and trail improvements to Lone Oak Road (County Road 26) between Highway 13 and Interstate 35E in Eagan.
The project will resurface and modify the roadway from four and five lanes to three lanes between Pilot Knob Road (County Road 31) and I-35E. This includes one through lane in each direction and a center left-turn lane. The overall width between the curbs will not change. Expanded medians and updated pedestrian ramps will also be constructed.
The project will also include a corridor study and preliminary design that will inform a future reconstruction project of Lone Oak Road from Highway 13 (Sibley Memorial Highway) and Pilot Knob Road (County Road 31). This corridor is a critical component of the regional trail and transportation network, providing an east-west connection to the Minnesota River Greenway Trailhead, Pilot Knob Road and I-35E. A multi-use trail alignment will be evaluated as part of the corridor study along with improvements to drainage, intersection, lighting, pavement, storm sewer, water main and landscaping.
Open house - Tuesday, June 28, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Please join us for an open house on Tuesday, June 28, 4:30–6:30 p.m. at the Eagan Community Center (1501 Central Pkwy.). Initial findings on existing conditions and issues as well as possible future corridor improvements will be on display for review.
There will be no formal presentation. You can arrive at any time, and staff will be available to answer questions. You can also share your feedback using the interactive comment map or comment card. The public comment period will be open from June 28–July 8.
General Transportation Display Boards
Lone Oak Road Project Display Boards
Open House Frequently Asked Questions
Open House Summary
Comment on an interactive map
Safety concerns
Independent School District 197 and the City of Eagan identified several concerns near Pilot Knob Stem School including high vehicle speeds and pedestrian crossing safety. The planned resurfacing and reconstruction projects provide an opportunity to address these concerns.
Goals of the project
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Provide efficient and reliable vehicle mobility
- Implement safety improvements where applicable for all modes, including pedestrians, bicyclists, cars, transit and freight
- Provide a comprehensive network for multimodal transportation that is compatible with local and regional needs
- Establish water resources improvements to accommodate complex drainage and water quality treatment needs west of Pilot Knob Road
- Provide infrastructure improvements compatible with the natural and human environment
Fewer lanes could slow down drivers
Having fewer travel lanes could decrease speeds because vehicles can travel only as fast as the vehicle ahead of them. The raised pedestrian median can also make the roadway feel constrained.
Improving safety for drivers
Three-lane roadways can reduce vehicle crashes on suburban roadways by 47 percent compared to four-lane undivided roadways, according to the Federal Highway Administration. The proposal provides dedicated space for left-turning vehicles and more space between moving vehicles and pedestrians.
Ensuring good traffic flow
The proposed roadway changes provide more than enough capacity to handle projected traffic growth to 2040. Traffic counts at intersections during peak travel periods show that the proposed changes would not negatively impact traffic flow.
A dedicated left-turn lane means left turn vehicles won't block vehicles behind them while waiting for a gap in traffic approaching from the opposing direction.
Tentative project timeline
- 2022-2023: Preliminary and final engineering design, public engagement and right-of-way acquisition
- Summer 2022: Open House #1
- Winter 2023: Open House #2
- Summer 2024: Open House #3
- Summer 2024: Construction
Provide input
Sign up for project emails and give feedback
For assistance or more information
Stay up to date throughout the process by visiting this webpage. You can also contact the county's project manager if you have questions:
Tony Wotzka, Project Manager
952-891-7966
tony.wotzka@co.dakota.mn.us