Project background
The Hwy 13 corridor in Savage and Burnsville has been studied several times during the past two decades. The demands on Hwy 13 are due to its function as the primary east-west connection between Hwy 169 and I-35W south on the Minnesota River. In addition, efficient freight access from Hwy 13 to the Ports of Savage and local industrial companies serving the Twin Cities metro area is critical for statewide economic success. The road also functions as the gateway to both the cities of Savage and Burnsville.
We engaged with people who lived near, worked along and regularly used Hwy 13 between Savage and Burnsville to collect feedback on improvements to the corridor. Our goals were to better understand the needs and opportunities of the corridor, develop new alternatives for Hwy 13 and reach consensus on a long-term vision for improvements. Through our engagement, we learned that the following improvements are needed:
- Better traffic flow and drive time
- Less congestion and fewer traffic delays
- Improved sidewalks, trails and pedestrian crossings
- Better access to/from local streets/frontage roads and Hwy 13
- Better truck access to the Ports of Savage especially in the Dakota Ave. intersection
We have completed the study and identified a range of alternatives for the road. The first step of implementation was the interchange construction at the intersection of Dakota Ave. and Hwy 13. Next up, preliminary engineering will begin on remaining Hwy 13 construction that resulted from the study. That project will include reconstruction of Hwy 13 between Quentin Ave. in Savage and Nicollet Ave. in Burnsville. Work is tentatively scheduled for 2027-2028.