“It is awful and it’s time that it gets fixed,” said US Representative Tom Emmer.
Because the road is outdated and unsafe, Emmer and other politicians approved another $4 million to upgrade the intersection of Highway 65 and 117th Avenue in Blaine. This project is expected to start in a couple years and will be a game-changer in the North Metro area.
“I think Blaine is going to continue to grow,” Emmer said. “You’re 70,000 residents right now. We’re in the largest city in the sixth congressional district. It’s also kind of like the Bloomington on the other side. I just think the opportunities that are here for recreation, for commerce, just for raising your family. It’s just going to continue to blossom – especially when you have more efficient and safe access in and out.”
“Massive project”
Emmer, along with city and county officials, gathered in Blaine on a breezy spring day in early May. They were ecstatic that Highway 65’s future makeover now has full funding.
“This is a massive project that in lightning speed in governmentville, raised over $200 million,” said Anoka County Commissioner Julie Jeppson. “That is an incredible feat in a very, very short amount of time.”
These days the drive on 65 is often incredibly slow with frequent delays.
“Minnesota State Highway 65 carries the same number of cars daily as I-35W does through the city of Blaine,” said Blaine Mayor Tim Sanders.
A trip on 65 can be frightening and risky – ten of Minnesota’s most dangerous intersections are on this north-south road.
Blaine police have received over 15,000 calls for service on the highway in the past five years and there have been over 400 accidents in that span.
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