WHAT IS THE OLD TH 14 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT?
WHERE?
Old Trunk Highway 14 (Elm Avenue) is being reconstructed throughout the
Waseca city limits.
WHO?
The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the City of Waseca are partnering
on this project. After completion, the road will be turned back to Waseca County by
MnDOT and will no longer be under the state’s jurisdiction.
WHEN?
Anticipated timeline:
Preliminary Design Finalized – Fall 2015
Final Design Complete – Spring 2016
Begin Construction – Summer 2016
Final Completion – Late Fall 2017
WHY?
The Highway 14 bypass means that Old Highway 14 (Elm Avenue) is no longer
needed to carry highway traffic. MnDOT is turning over Old TH 14 to Waseca County
jurisdiction. MnDOT is obligated to improve transportation and drainage infrastructure
to current standards before turning over ownership to the County. The City is taking
the lead role in designing the infrastructure improvements within city limits. The
reconstruction project is an opportunity to make needed utility, drainage and
transportation improvements in response to local resident and business owner needs
now that Old TH 14 no longer carries as much thru traffic.
Old Trunk Highway 14 Improvement Project
What input are we seeking on the preliminary design?
The Waseca City Council has reviewed the preliminary design for Old Trunk Highway 14 that
is shown here tonight. Most of the road will be reconstructed with two driving lanes and bike
lanes going in both directions. Generally, the road is not proposed to be widened as part of
this project.
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What do you like about the proposed design?
What would you change about the proposed design?
Which alternative bike lane design for downtown best meets Waseca’s needs? Why?
What else do you want the City to know about Old TH 14?
In downtown, the City Council has asked the public to weigh in on two design alternatives.
These are described below.
2nd Ave NW
Old US 14
On-street
Parking
Old US 14
2nd Ave SW
Off-Corridor Bike Lane
• Preserves nine parking spaces between
State Street and 2nd St W.
• Re-routes bicyclists onto 2nd Ave N and
2nd Ave S via 2nd St E and 2nd St W.
• Requires additional directional signage
on route
• Requires restriping of all roads on route
• Bicyclists on route ride adjacent to
parked cars, putting bicyclists at risk of
being “doored”
• Route has greater potential for conflicts
between bicyclists and vehicles during
turns at intersections (five intersection
crossings are required)
• Bicyclists may still use the through route
on Old Trunk Highway 14 via the traffic
lane or sidewalk.
• Route requires a MnDOT variance for
parking lane width.
• Parking lane width costs would be
covered entirely by the city.
Old Trunk Highway 14 Improvement Project
Old US 14
2nd Street E
State Street
Old US 14
Old US 14
2nd Street W
2nd Street W
Old US 14
2nd Street E
State Street
2nd Ave NW
2nd Ave SW
Continuous Corridor Bike Lane
• Removes ten parking spaces between
State Street and 2nd Street W.
• Allows bicyclists to travel continuously
along Old Trunk Highway 14
• Reduced risk of “dooring” because
bicycle lanes are not adjacent to
parked cars
• Lower risk of conflicts between
bicyclists and motor vehicles because
bicyclists do not need to make turns
• Greater convenience for bicyclists
• Enhanced safety at signalized State
Street (TH-13) crossing.