City Council Meeting Date: September 8, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: David Bennett, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Title
Review and Discussion of Highway 3 Unsignalized Intersection Multi-Modal Review Study.
Body
Action Requested:
City Council discusses and provides input on proposed intersection improvements on Highway 3.
Summary Report:Council Discussion & Feedback
Council is not being asked to select a preferred design. Staff is seeking initial feedback on:
What concerns, priorities, or opportunities come to mind from the presentation? What might be missing?
What additional information is needed to better understand the options and tradeoffs?
If MnDOT has limited funding available for the broader project scope, how should lower-cost or phased improvements be considered while preserving opportunities for a more complete long-term solution?
Who should be included in future public and stakeholder engagement?
Council may not yet have answers to all these questions. The intent is to begin identifying issues that should guide further analysis, public engagement, and coordination with MnDOT.
Summary Background
Highway 3 serves an important state and regional transportation function while also operating as a major street through Northfield. It carries people and goods through the region, but it must also provide safe and practical access to neighborhoods, schools, businesses, parks, trails, emergency services, downtown, and the riverfront.
The corridor is also one of the most significant physical barriers between the east and west sides of the community, particularly for people walking, biking, rolling, or accessing transit. Decisions made through the upcoming MnDOT project-development process will influence safety, access, and community connectivity for several generations.
MnDOT is beginning planning and scoping for three major bridge projects:
2032 Highway 3 bridge replacement over the Cannon River;
2033 Highway 3 bridge ...
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