Elk Run
Pine Island, MN
Project Type: Mixed Use
Development Overview
Tower Investments is proposing a 2,325 acre master planned development in Pine Island, MN. The core of the development is a proposed world class, 1.7 million square foot bio-business park that will capitalize on the site's proximity to the Mayo Clinic Headquarters and the University of Minnesota.
An Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) was prepared by G-Cubed to study the environmental impacts of the development. The AUAR study area included the 5,000+ acre southern portion of the city where Elk Run is proposed. The city envisions development within the study area to contain the 1,700,000 square foot bio-business park plus approximately 1,500,000 square feet of commercial/retail space, over 1,500 single family homes, a new high school, and a 75 acre healthy living campus.
Project Scope
Spack Consulting prepared the traffic impact section of the AUAR. A key component of the traffic impact study was leading a task force with Pine Island, Olmsted County, and MnDOT staff to determine and address the traffic impacts of the large development.
Long term traffic analyses were prepared to determine the traffic impacts of full development within the study area. The study area was broken into 35 traffic analysis zones (TAZs) and daily traffic volume forecasts were prepared for 27 roadway corridor segments. These long term forecasts will be used in developing new interchange concepts for the Highway 52 corridor within Pine Island, as well as developing a robust roadway network for the southern portion of Pine Island.
A detailed traffic impact study was prepared for the first phase of development, which is anticipated to be completed by 2013. Twenty-eight intersections were analyzed during the evening peak hour for the existing conditions, no-build conditions, and build conditions. A detailed mitigation plan was developed, including the conceptual design of a new interchange to accommodate the traffic from the first phase of development.
Accomplishments
The traffic impact study prepared for the study area was a component of the final AUAR. The AUAR was approved in 2008 and ground was broken for the first phase of Elk Run in August, 2008. Mr. Spack continues to advise Pine Island through MnDOT's final design of a new interchange on Highway 52 at County Raod 12. It is anticipated the interchange will be constructed in 2009 and open to traffic in 2010.