Environmental documentation, design development, and land acquisition are underway. Once completed, construction is anticipated to begin in late 2025.

Note: This timeline has been updated since the fall 2023 public open house.

View Timeline

Project Funding Update: As of August 2024, $100M of the total $115M has been secured to fund the Highway 5 Improvements project. Additional state and federal funding opportunities are still being pursued to secure the remaining 13%. Carver County is committed to obtaining the funding needed to complete the project before construction starts.

Learn more about how we fund area improvements, which sources provide funding, and why it matters.

Develop Purpose and Need - Completed

What transportation needs are present in the study area?
(Vehicle safety, mobility/congestion, pedestrian and bicycle safety and connectivity, pavement condition)

What measures are used to determine if alternatives meet project needs?

• Early agency and stakeholder engagement
• Comprehensive data collection, including desktop and field surveys/investigations
• Review existing studies/reports
• Conducted detailed traffic and safety analysis
• Prepare purpose and need statement
• Define evaluation criteria

Develop and Evaluate Alternatives - In Progress

How can the transportation needs be met?

Which alternative(s) best meet the needs?

• Create concept alternatives, design options
• Develop screening/comparison matrix
• Screen and refine alternatives
• Identify preferred alternative

Prepare Environmental Assessment - In Progress

What are the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the preferred alternative?

What minimization measures and mitigation commitments can be used to reduce and offset anticipated impacts?

• Conduct environmental studies
• Consider regulatory/permitting requirements
• Evaluate impacts of preferred alternative
• Identify minimization/mitigation options
• Prepare combined Federal Environmental Assessment and State Environmental Assessment Worksheet
• Public/Agency review and comment period
• State Findings of Fact (Negative Environmental Impact Statement Declaration)
• Federal Finding of No Significant Impact

What types of Social, Economic, and Environmental Reviews will be conducted?

• Air Quality
• Aviation/Airports
• Business Impacts
• Contaminated Materials/Properties
• Cultural/Historical/Tribal Resources (Archaeology and Architectural)
• Environmental Justice Populations
• Fish & Wildlife
• Floodplains
• Geological/Groundwater Resources
• Land Use Compatibility
• Noise (Traffic & Construction)
• Right-of-way Acquisition
• Section 4(f)/6(f) - Parks/Rec. Sites
• Threatened / Endangered Species
• Visual Quality
• Water Body Modifications / Wetlands
• Water Quality

Following the completion of the noise analysis, residents and other stakeholders will be made aware of the results and necessary next steps.

In the meantime, to learn more about the noise analysis process, watch this helpful video from MnDOT.

A roundabout is being planned at Highway 5 and Commercial Avenue to slow traffic while providing safe and reliable access to businesses.

A pedestrian overpass is being planned at 78th Street to better connect the community to the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail.

A traffic signal is being planned at Park Drive/Kochia Lane to provide safe and reliable access for the surrounding neighborhoods.

A pedestrian underpass is being planned to better connect the community to Madelyn Creek Park.

Dual southbound turn lanes are being planned to manage traffic demands and accommodate the growing traffic volumes.

The expansion of Highway 5 from two lanes to four lanes is planned west from Highway 41 to Downtown Victoria to improve safety while adding capacity for growing traffic volumes.

The Highway 5 and Minnewashta Parkway intersection will be enhanced to include a permanent traffic signal. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum plans to move its main entrance to this intersection.

The City of Chanhassen has been reviewing Minnewashta Parkway between Highway 5 and Highway 7 with respect to pedestrian and traffic safety. Learn more about the City’s traffic and safety study and engagement for Minnewashta Parkway. 

The Lake Minnewashta crossing is planned to be widened from two to four lanes.

The existing causeway along Lake Minnewashta divides the lake from a neighboring wetland area. See the existing conditions below.

 Photo of Highway 5 and a neighboring wetland area.

A causeway bridge is being planned to connect Lake Minnewashta with the wetland area.

Rendering of the Highway 5 causeway bridge connecting a neighboring wetland area to Lake Minnewashta.

Plans for this intersection include a second left-turn lane for eastbound and westbound Highway 5 traffic, as well as a second through lane and second left-turn lane for northbound and southbound Highway 41 traffic. These improvements will help to better manage traffic demands and accommodate growing traffic volumes.

A pedestrian underpass is being planned east of the Highway 5 and Highway 41 intersection to connect the local and regional trail systems in the area.

Plans for this area include continuing the new trail along the east side of Bavaria Road from 82nd Street to Highway 5 and resurfacing the pavement on this stretch of Bavaria Road.

Rolling Acres Road is being planned for reconstruction as a two-lane, divided urban highway consistent with the AATP vision. The goal is to improve safety, manage access, and reduce vehicle speeds.

A roundabout at Tamarack Trail is planned to improve traffic flow, reduce vehicle speeds, and provide a safer way for drivers to make a U-turn.

A pedestrian underpass is being planned to route the trail under Rolling Acres Road. Separating the trail from the road will increase safety for people walking, bicycling, and rolling.

A roundabout is being planned to improve traffic flow, reduce vehicle speeds, and provide a safer way for drivers to make a U-turn.

The team is planning to repave this segment of the trail.