Carver County, in cooperation with MnDOT, has conducted a Hwy 212 Corridor Study to provide guidance for transportation improvements along Hwy 212 between the City of Carver and Norwood Young America. This study looked at lower-cost ways to make improvements to the corridor while working towards the long-term conversion of the corridor to a four-lane facility. The study identified investment needs and shown how they:
Address system performance on Hwy 212
Improve the safety of the corridor for motorists and pedestrians
Support local economic and community development along Hwy 212
Study schedule
Phase 1
The first phase of the study was completed in late 2015. The first phase explored various strategies for making improvements between Carver and Norwood Young America (e.g., safety improvements, access management, right-of-way, and design). As part of this effort, the study team was able to secure funding for safety improvements at Hwy 212/Co. Rd. 34 and Hwy 212/Co. Rd. 43. These improvements include “vehicle entering when flashing” signs, also known as “Rural Intersection Conflict Warning Systems (RICWS).” The signs are designed to warn vehicles when traffic is approaching or at an intersection. The signs will be installed in 2017.
Phase 2
The second phase of the study was completed in 2016. This phase included the design of a four-lane facility between the City of Cologne and Carver. The second phase also included a feasibility study in the City of Norwood Young America. The feasibility study explored pedestrian and bicycle improvements along the Hwy 212 corridor. The study also explored the feasibility of a pedestrian underpass and seeked grant funding.
