Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Mississippi River Crossings Feasibility Analysis

Anoka, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Coon Rapids, Corcoran, Dayton, Elk River, Maple Grove, Osseo, Ramsey, Rogers, Otsego and St. Michael

Study complete

View the Northwest Metro Mississippi River Crossing Executive Summary (PDF). The full report and accompanying documents are available by request.

About this study

Mississippi River crossing in the northwest metro between Brooklyn Park and Elk River study location map

Mississippi River crossing study location map.

Click map for larger version.

MnDOT commissioned the Northwest Metro Mississippi River Crossings Feasibility Analysis to update previously conducted studies, re-engage the cities and counties and outline the need for increased river crossing capacity. This feasibility analysis was the first step of many required to identify future needs of the area. This effort was a fact-based, traffic investigation.

Growth in this region is expected to continue through 2040, causing additional congestion to the roadway network and existing Mississippi River Crossings in this region. The Minnesota Legislature authorized funding for this Northwest Metro River Crossing Feasibility Analysis to allow MnDOT to complete a technical review of the existing crossings, travel patterns and demands, and explore ideas for increasing capacity.

Summary of work

  • Stakeholder engagement and ideas for increasing capacity
Conclusion of this effort

The final document details the findings of the feasibility analysis but does not recommend a solution. The next steps for project partners are identified, and might include further analysis, environmental study, corridor studies and community engagement.

Past efforts

The Metropolitan Council completed the first study of the potential need for a new Mississippi River crossing in 1989. Later studies explored travel demands, possible new river crossing locations and the impact on the environment. All completed with community involvement. No consensus was reached.