TH 212 & CSAH 44 Roadway Design in Chaska, MN

SRF provided planning and engineering services to create a transportation connection between TH 212, CSAH 44, and downtown Chaska. Key project elements included the construction of three new roundabouts, a ramp and loop connection to TH 212, two miles of CSAH 44 reconstruction, a new pedestrian bridge over TH 212, regional stormwater ponding, and ADA-accessible multi-use trails along CSAH 44.

The City of Chaska defined important design goals, which included integrating safety into the design, meeting high water quality standards, providing necessary vehicular throughput, and enhancing trail amenities for pedestrians and cyclists.

Significant water resources in the project area required careful planning to prevent erosion and minimize flooding risks. The east end of the project has a significant reduction in elevation and drains to Chaska Creek. The design incorporated a series of water treatment ponds, bioretention basins, and a large retaining wall to protect sensitive waterways, including Chaska Creek, and adjacent natural areas. Extensive landscaping was installed along this important gateway corridor to enhance aesthetics and ecological balance.

As part of the design process, SRF developed a 3D visualization model to educate the public on design alternatives. During construction, survey and inspection staff used the model to reduce the need for physical stakes in the field, improving project efficiency. The project used Critical Path Method (CPM) schedules to maintain transparency of potential issues, enabling proactive change management. As a result, the project was completed on time and with contract changes of less than 1% of the original bid price.

During construction, SRF, the contractor, and the City partnered in weekly communications with stakeholders and adjacent property owners to ensure construction activities did not adversely affect access to surrounding properties.

The design addressed complex factors, such as the presence of power transmission towers, minimizing environmental impacts at Chaska Creek, and ensuring safety-focused intersection and pedestrian crossing treatments for a planned school in the area. The design team collaborated with various regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with all requirements and processes in a timely manner.

This project demonstrated many years of collaborative planning, design, and construction to successfully engage numerous agencies and the public. The County, City, and SRF collaborated to create a partnership dedicated to improving the community by providing safe and efficient transportation systems and community amenities. With political support, cooperation from the County and MnDOT, and the hard work of local leaders, the TH 212/CSAH 44 Interchange project was a success and contributed to the future value of the engineering profession.

Resource links:
City of Chaska, MN
2023 Environmental Assessment Worksheet
MnDOT: Integrating Freight in Statewide Planning and Programming 2023
Carver County Watershed Management Organization 

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