While construction continues in Anoka on the Highway 10 project, neighbors report that the project hasn’t come without its problems.
ANOKA, Minnesota – Construction of the Highway 10 Anoka Project is causing some headaches to neighbors and drivers.
In 2022, work will begin to improve the roads and bridges along Highway 10 between Thurston Ave.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation said that, once completed, the project would “improve traffic flow and decrease traffic delays, as well as increase safety.”
The Ferry Street Bridge was demolished by crews in March. The ramp closure from Ferry St. onto WB Hwy 10 was extended through July.
The neighbors living near the Ferry Street Bridge have noticed some things.
“I’ve noticed that a lot people don’t seem to really know what they are doing as they go through the construction. It’s been a bit confusing. I live in a dead-end street and we have had about twice as much traffic as we usually do,” said Devin Sisco who lives down the road from the bridge. “They don’t know where they are going. They think this is a different route because the bridge has been damaged.
Signs warn drivers of the closure of the bridge, including one which reads “Road Closed.5 Miles Ahead, Local Traffic Only.” Some drivers feel that the signs could be more clear.
Glah Zelee is from Golden Valley, but he traveled to Anoka for a visit with his brother. He said that he got lost after crossing the bridge, and that it was “a bit confusing.” Everyone who comes on this side… there is no clear direction.”
Sisco said that in addition to drivers being confused on Ferry St. and the closure, a 10-minute trip to the grocery store will now take 20 minutes longer.
MnDOT was not available for an interview Sunday, but on the project’s website, MnDOT stated that the new interchanges would provide a “safer way to cross Hwy 10.”
Cathy Pennaz lives at the corner of N. Ferry St. & Maple Ln. She said: “I’m not sure. I think they’ll just drive through faster. At least they stopped at the stop sign. They’ll be able just to buzz through, so I think that it’s going to make things worse. It’s going be scarier here.”
Pennaz’s house has also been affected by the construction.
Pennaz said, “These old, big houses here… Every time they do anything on these roads, we take a beating.” “I had a part of my coffered roof fall yesterday or Friday, because the house shakes that much. It’s always some thing. It shook off our water heater. It bounced so much, it rattled our hot water heater until a pipe broke.”
There will be more road and ramp closings, but some of them only last a few short days. You can read about all the traffic effects here.
MnDOT suggests that those who are heading to the cabin and normally take Hwy 10 consider taking a different route. MnDOT stated that “major work on I-94 between Maple Grove to Clearwater is mostly completed providing two to four lane in each direction.”
The project to build Highway 10 Anoka is expected to be completed by spring 2024.
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