City of North Branch, Minnesota 55056, Chisago County, 651-674-8113, TH95/I35 Improvement Project Updates

The contractor began work on the project in November, 2009. The bridge will be open to traffic during construction. There may be periodic lane shifts during these operations.

Any questions concerning the project can be directed to Julie Dresel, North Branch City Engineer at (651)277-5224 or julied@ci.north-branch.mn.us. Julie will also be available after Chamber of Commerce Meetings, held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the American Legion. Periodic business information meetings will be held throughout the project. Check this space for upcoming meetings.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?
August 2010

All accesses are OPEN at the I-35/TH 95 interchange.
Right-in/right-out access is OPEN from TH 95 to North Branch Market Place near the Holiday Station. Full access to North Branch Market Place is open at Flink Avenue.
Westbound traffic leaving the Tanger Drive business area must now travel along 386^th Street to Falcon Avenue to the Falcon Avenue intersection with TH 95.
Sidewalk and center median work continues at the project.
Iron bridge railings are arriving later this month.

See the Construction Alerts! section for more detailed tentative schedules

1. WHAT IS PROPOSED? The City of North Branch, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT), is proceeding with improvements to the TH 95 Bridge at I -35 and along TH 95.

2. WHAT DO THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE? The plan includes replacement of the bridge to include two through lanes in each direction, and dedicated turning lanes in each direction. Pedestrian crossing improvements are also included. The project corridor begins 2,000 feet west of Falcon Avenue (County Road 68) and extends easterly across Interstate 35 to Oakview Avenue. Coordinated improvements include ramp widening, sidewalks, drainage improvements, signal reconstruction and relocation. The existing traffic signal at Tanger Drive will be removed. A new traffic signal will be constructed at Falcon Avenue. The existing intersection at Tanger Drive would be modified to a ¾ intersection (TH 95 westbound left turn to Tanger Drive allowed/northbound Tanger Drive to TH 95 westbound left turn not allowed.)

3. WHAT IS THE FUNDING FOR THE PROJECT? This project has received American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds, Federal High Priority Project (HPP) funds and Federal Area Transportation Project (ATP) funds. State, County and local funds will comprise the balance of the project costs.

4. WHAT IS THE PROJECT SCHEDULE? Construction began the week of November 16, 2009. The contractor is building the south half of the new structure first. The old structure will be demolished early summer 2010. Associated roadwork is occurring throughout the project.

5. HOW LONG WILL THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT TAKE? The City anticipates construction will take approximately 18 months. Traffic will be moved to the final configuration by November 20, 2010.

6. WILL THE BRIDGE BE CLOSED DURING CONSTRUCTION? NO. The City plans to keep the bridge open during construction. One side of the new structure will be constructed. Traffic will be routed onto the new structure. The old structure will be removed and reconstructed. Periodic closures and detours may be required, but the City plans to strictly limit those situations.

7. WHO MAY I CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS??

Julie Dresel, City Engineer
North Branch City Hall
6408 Elm Street
PO Box 910
North Branch, MN 55056
(651) 674-8113
julied@ci.north-branch.mn.us

Bridgitte Konrad, City Administrator
North Branch City Hall
6408 Elm Street
PO Box 910
North Branch, MN 55056
(651) 674-8113
bridgittek@ci.north-branch.mn.us

CONSTRUCTION ALERTS!!!!
August 2010

Upcoming Project Construction Schedule
subject to weather delays

Week of August 9, 2010

The north deck has been poured and is curing.
Median and sidewalk concrete construction is underway.
Construction begins at the approach panels to the north side of the bridge.