The
North Creek Greenway will be a 14-mile trail system that connects Apple Valley, Eagan, Lakeville, Farmington and Empire Township. It will provide critical links to major regional destinations such as Lebanon Hills Regional Park and the Minnesota Zoo.
Project objectives
This project will construct one segment of the North Creek Greenway between County Road 42 and 147th Street, including a tunnel beneath County Road 42. This segment will connect to future sections that will provide connections to nearby destinations such as Eastview High School, Johnny Cake Ridge Park and Regatta Park, among others.
The project will also construct a new, 10-foot-wide, paved trail that will travel parallel to County Road 42 between Flagstaff Avenue and Pilot Knob Road. The trail will be constructed on the south side of County Road 42. The design will provide for a wide boulevard between the roadway and the trail.
Pedestrian and bicycle safety prioritized
Dakota County's
2018 Pedestrian and Bikeway Study noted incomplete walking and bicycling networks. These gaps in walking and bicycling networks heavily impact vulnerable populations who do not drive. The trail gap along the south side of County Road 42 was identified in the study as a priority.
The proposed project and pedestrian and bike trails will connect downtown Apple Valley to surrounding destinations and neighborhoods, creating a healthy and safe route for pedestrians and cyclists.
County Road 42 is a multilane divided highway with daily traffic volumes exceeding 28,000 vehicles per day. The traffic on County Road 42 can conflict with pedestrian and bicyclist needs to cross the road due to perceived and real safety concerns. The project will construct a safe, tunnel crossing for pedestrians and cyclists that anticipates the future buildout of the North Creek Greenway to the south. It will also construct connections to the trails on each side of County Road 42.
Designed with future needs in mind
The planned multiuse trail on County Road 42 is located within an area that is currently lightly developed. The project will be designed to anticipate the future needs of the area. This includes expanded development and the potential for future expansion such as turn lanes and intersections. This will ensure the trail and tunnel crossing are enough to meet future needs and demands.
The project will also provide for the management and treatment of stormwater to meet regulatory needs as well as the county's greenway water quality objectives.
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Complete a project feedback form
Anticipated project schedule
Design and right-of-way acquisitions are ongoing. Construction of facilities will be coordinated over the next several years with land development south of County Road 42.
Contact
If you have questions, contact Joe Morneau, project manager, at 952-891-7986 or
joe.morneau@co.dakota.mn.us.