Frequently Asked Questions
Need for project
What improvements will be made to the highway?
The construction project will resurface pavement that has deteriorated while also allowing for the replacement of failing drainage infrastructure on Hwy 11/State Ave between CR 5 and Hwy 313/Cedar Ave, and also on Hwy 313/Cedar Ave between Lake St and Hwy 11/State Ave.
Why are roundabouts included in this project?
- The roundabout will reduce traffic back-ups and improve traffic flow through the Cedar Ave/Hwy 313 intersection:
- The Cedar Ave/Hwy 313 roundabout will increase safety by eliminating broadside (t-bone) crashes and naturally slowing vehicles down as they enter town from the west
- Roundabouts can also provide safer pedestrian and bike crossings
- For more information and resources about roundabouts, visit mndot.gov/roundabouts
Why are sidewalk and trail improvements included in this project?
- The existing sidewalks were last constructed over 50 years ago and are in need of accessibility improvements to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Anytime that MnDOT is constructing a project in a city, they must review the existing sidewalks adjacent to the highway and make improvements so they comply with current ADA standards
- It will improve pedestrian and bike connectivity for local businesses, residences, and schools where sidewalks do not exist today
What are the benefits of roundabouts?
- Reduces traffic delay on side streets
- Slows traffic at intersections to 15 – 30 MPH and makes it safer
- Easier and safer for pedestrians and bikes to cross
- Shorter distance that pedestrians/bicycles are exposed to traffic
- Only one direction of traffic to look for
- Allows for additional landscaping, signs, and other amenities
- For more information you can visit MnDOT’s roundabout page (insert link- https://www.dot.state.mn.us/roundabouts/)or the Federal Highway Administration’s intersection safety page ( insert link-https://highways.dot.gov/safety/intersection-safety)Reduces traffic
Bike/Pedestrian Access
How does a pedestrian safely cross a roundabout?
- When pedestrians are crossing, drivers should come to a complete stop and wait until pedestrians are at least one lane past the lane they are in.
- Pedestrians should cross only at crosswalks, and always stay on the designated walkways
- Pedestrians should cross roadways one direction at a time, using the median island as a halfway point where you can check for approaching traffic
- Drivers should never pass another vehicle that has stopped or is slowing down at a crosswalk
- For more information about pedestrians and roundabouts, visit mndot.gov/roundabouts/pedestrians
Why is MnDOT adding sidewalks/trails on Highway 11?
Currently, the sidewalk on the west/south side of Highway 11/State Avenue is in poor condition and will be reconstructed to meet state and federal accessibility standards. The proposed asphalt trail on the east/north side of Highway 11/State Avenue is a multiuse trail, which will provide: a wider path, a smoother riding and walking surface, and safer experience for pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages and abilities traveling along the corridor.
MnDOT also anticipates increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic along Highway 11/State Avenue from residences and businesses to the event center, high school, and hockey arena. The proposed improvements will provide a safe and accessible route for people on either side of the road..
Can we delay ADA improvements, or get a waiver to skip them?
No, they are required with any highway construction project
How does a bike safely use a roundabout?
- Like motor vehicles, bicyclists must obey the rules of the roundabout as they proceed through the intersection.
- Bicyclists can choose to ride through the roundabout with traffic or walk their bicycles using the pedestrian crosswalks
- Bicyclists should use extra caution when transitioning from bike paths, roads and sidewalks
- Bicyclists are considered pedestrians if they are lawfully operating their bike on a sidewalk or crosswalk
- For more information about bicyclists and roundabouts, visit mndot.gov/roundabouts/cyclists
Are roundabouts safe for pedestrians and bicycles?
Roundabouts slow traffic down, shorten pedestrian crossing distances, and allow pedestrians to cross only one direction of traffic at a time. These are proven countermeasures that reduce pedestrian crashes
Project design
Can oversized vehicles use roundabouts?
The roundabouts are designed to accommodate vehicles of all sizes; including emergency vehicles, buses, farm equipment and semi-trucks with trailers. Like standard intersections, motorists must give large trucks extra space while turning in a roundabout
- Roundabouts are designed with an interior area specifically designed for trucks called a truck apron
- It’s a raised section of concrete around the central island that acts as an extra lane for large vehicles and vehicles with trailers. The back wheels of the oversize vehicle can ride up on the truck apron so it may easily complete the turn
- The concrete truck apron is raised slightly in order to discourage use by smaller vehicles
- Visit the roundabouts page to learn more about oversized vehicles and roundabouts
Property impacts
Will a property owner be compensated for loss of land, restructure of entrances/exits, loss of access points, loss of land value or disruption to parking flow?
A qualified appraiser will estimate the market value of the State's proposed land acquisition
As a property owner, what are my rights for property that is being impacted by a public improvement project?
MnDOT's Office of Land Management provides a "Guidebook for Property Owners". The guide outlines the laws and procedures MnDOT must follow in the land acquisition process. You can find it at mndot.gov/row
Project development
Does the City have to approve the project?
Yes, the Warroad City Council will need to provide municipal consent for the proposed improvements
When will the project take place?
The corridor will be reconstructed in 2024-2026