Northfield Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting Date: July 15, 2026
To: Members of the Northfield Transportation Advisory Committee
From: David Bennett, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Title
Highway 3 Intersection Study
Body
Action Requested:
NTAC discusses and provides input on proposed intersection improvements on Highway 3.
Summary Report:
As part of the 2025-2028 Northfield Strategic Plan, creating an improved pedestrian and biking crossing plan for TH-3 is identified as a strategic initiative. In addition, at the July 2025 NTAC meeting MNDOT provided an update that they will be scoping the 2032 TH 3 Bridge Replacement over the Cannon River and 2033 Bridge Replacement over the UP-Railroad Tracks.
To complement the work planning with MnDOT, the City reviewed four intersections on TH3. The primary goal of this traffic analysis is to identify potential traffic control and/or geometric changes that can be considered to improve multimodal accessibility and safety along the corridor, especially for pedestrian and bicyclist movements across TH 3 as stated in the City’s Strategic Plan (2025-2028). The intersections include:
• TH 3 and Greenvale Avenue West
• TH 3 and Saint Olaf Avenue West
• TH 3 and Riverview Dr
• TH 3 and Heritage Drive/Cannon Lane
The study reviews existing roadway corridor characteristics which include Roadway Functional Class, Typical Roadway Section, Speed Limits, Traffic Control, and Pedestrian & Bike Facilities.
TH-3 & Greenvale Avenue
To improve intersection safety along with walking and biking multiple improvement options review reviewed. All options include extension of a trail to the TH-3 Railroad Bridge.
Option 1 - Traffic Signal
Option 2 - Roundabout
Option 3 - Curb Extension with Side Street Stop Control and RRFB
TH-3 & St. Olaf Avenue
To improve intersection safety along with walking and biking multiple improvement options review reviewed.
Option 1 - ¾ Access (No east-west across TH-3)
Option 2 - Roundabout
TH-3 & Heritage Drive/Cannon Lane
To improve intersection safety along with walking and biking multiple improvement options review reviewed.
Option 1 - Traffic Signal
Option 2 - ¾ Access (No east-west across TH-3)
Riverview Drive
The police department identified issues with access onto TH-3 for emergency response especially during high traffic times.
Option 1 - Emergency Vehicle Hybrid Beacon (this option could also function as pedestrian beacon.
Option 2 - Traffic Signal (this would also allow emergency vehicles to signal the light)
Bolton-Menk will present the overview of the study, the next steps would be coordination with MnDOT upcoming bridge improvement projects and meeting with the public.
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
Northfield Strategic Plan
Alternative Options:
Discussion Only
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines: Continue coordination with MnDOT