Frequently Asked Questions

View our list of current construction projects.

The decision to repave or overlay a roadway is assisted by monitoring the Pavement Quality Index (PQI), which quantifies the pavement condition based on surface distress and wheel path roughness. Anoka County has a Pavement Quality Index (PQI) rating system that ranges from 0-100, with 100 being the best quality roadway. When a roadway drops below our minimum thresholds (which vary depending on the road), we either plan to repave it or reconstruct it. Each year, on average, we repave over 15 miles of the 420-plus miles of roadway owned and maintained by Anoka County.

The maintenance, including snowplowing, for the trails and sidewalks along Anoka County highways is performed by the city where the trail or sidewalk is located. If you have a concern about the maintenance or lack of snowplowing for a trail or sidewalk, you should report it to the respective city where it is located.

No. We are having the open house to get input from the public on the project, including input on the design. At the first open house for a project, we will often display the conceptual layout that was submitted as part of an application to receive funding for a project. While this may show potential improvement measures, such as access closures, medians, shoulders, etc., the decisions as to the specific improvements won’t be made until the public is engaged, which occurs during the design phase of the project.

The decision on when and where access closures occur is ultimately up to the owner of the road. In the case of Anoka County, we have developed access guidelines for the various roadway types in our system (i.e., arterials, collectors, etc.). We like to follow our guidelines when building or rebuilding roadways; however, we do look at each access location on a case-by-case basis.

Roundabouts are one of the options we consider when constructing or reconstructing an intersection. Research has shown that there are several advantages of a roundabout over a signalized intersection including less travel delay and fewer and less severe crashes. In determining what the appropriate traffic control is for a specific intersection, Anoka County conducts a thorough analysis to determine the most appropriate application. The first roundabouts on the County roadway system include locations in St. Francis along Bridge Street (CSAH 24) and in Columbus at the intersection of Kettle River Boulevard (CSAH 62) with Broadway Avenue (CSAH 18).

In Minnesota, the speed limits on all county roads are determined by the State Commissioner of Transportation. Results of the speed zone study can be that the speed limit stays the same, is lowered, or increased.

The County does not assess for roadway improvement projects. However, you should check with your individual city to determine whether there will be assessments.

Ever wonder why your road isn't being repaired? This video by the Minnesota Local Road Research Board, in conjunction with MnDOT, explains why roads go bad and why sometimes the worst roads aren't fixed first.