Because of that it’s been slow going on parts of this major thoroughfare recently. An Anoka County road project is taking place as crews improve a busy corridor in the city.
“It’s a pavement preservation,” said Joe MacPherson of the Anoka County Transportation Department.
This mill and fill construction project is taking place from 109th to 125th Avenue. It includes better road markings and new striping.
“When this project behind me is done you’ll have a nice smooth pavement to drive on,” MacPherson said as he stood next to Lexington. “That noise from the cracks, that feel from the cracks in your car, will be gone. Now this type of project doesn’t completely get rid of those cracks. Since we’re not going all the way down to the gravel base there will still be the cracks that will profligate back through. But that thud you feel, that dip you feel, will be gone on this project.”
As Blaine continues to blossom and grow, upgrades to major arteries like Lexington are paramount.
“It’s a great corridor right off of 35W connecting with a lot of residential areas to bring a lot more commercial development to this area,” said Anoka County Commissioner Julie Jeppson…”We know what it’s like to be reactive when it comes to transportation, when it comes to traffic safety. Being reactive is not what we at the county or the engineers department hope to achieve. We want to be proactive.”
“We want to make sure that we’re doing proper maintenance projects at an interval that makes sense with the road and the conditions,” MacPherson said. “This road’s approaching that 15 to 20-year mark and it’s time to do something to it.”
Signal of growth
A sure signal of growth is the addition of more signals. Part of this project includes a new light at 122nd and Lexington.
“Not only is that light great for these businesses and access to the business, it will end up allowing access into a very, very large neighborhood called The Lakes,” Jeppson said.
Jeppson knows that cone zone delays are a hassle but also necessary for residents and businesses in the North Metro.
“Road construction in Minnesota is painful,” Jeppson said. “There’s so much of it going on right now. We just ask for everybody’s patience and grace as we get these projects done because they really are to make your life better. They really are to get these businesses up and coming, and successful and to get you to visit them in a safe productive way.”
MacPherson is happy with the mild fall weather – which has been good for road construction in the Twin Cities.
“This year was really a blessing,” MacPherson said. “We started early this year. It’s one of our largest programs in the history of Anoka County.”
According to MacPherson, the latest road construction project he’s been a part of in Anoka County was a few years ago around Christmas.
