The Dakota County Principal Arterial Study addressed the future designation of some highways in the County as principal arterials. Principal arterials are highways that are planned or managed to provide time-efficient and safe travel over long distances for many motorists with emphasis on mobility over access. Freeways are principal arterials, but the study focused on non-freeway principal arterials.
The study identified future principal arterials in Dakota County to help provide a safe and efficient transportation system in the long term. Technical guidance encourages principal arterials 2-6 miles apart in developed suburban areas and 6-12 miles apart in rural areas. Other considerations included traffic volumes, connections to other principal arterials, and the ability to support freight.
Highways included in the study:
- County Road 63
- County Road 28
- Minnesota Highway 3
- Minnesota Highway 149
- County Road 23 (Cedar Avenue)
- County Road 70
- County Road 74
- Minnesota Highway 50 - U.S. Highway 61
- County Road 86
Recommendations Map
Principal Arterial Study Executive Summary
Principal Arterial Study Final Report
Final Report Appendix A: Segment Details
Subarea meeting information and resolutions/letters of support
Completion of the study included regular coordination with relevant cities and townships, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Scott County and the Metropolitan Council. As conclusions and recommendations were forming, the study team met with focus groups representing four subareas. The links below provide background on the subarea meetings and later official resolutions of support. The Dakota County Board officially adopted the study on Oct. 23, 2018.
Principal Arterial Display Boards
Principal Arterial Meeting Handout
Principal Arterial Segment Matrix
East Area Meeting Presentation (Nov. 30, 2017)
South Area Meeting Presentation (Dec. 13, 2018)
North Area Meeting Presentation (Jan. 4, 2018)
West Area Meeting Presentation (Jan. 8, 2018)
Resolutions & MnDOT Letter