Bolton & Menk, Inc.

Scope Of Work

In the Twin Cities south metro, County Highway 83 serves Prior Lake, Shakopee, and Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. In 2015, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) partnered with Scott County and the City of Prior Lake to address traffic challenges, congestion, and growth along the 1.5-mile segment between CH 42 and 82. Bolton & Menk completed roadway planning, traffic engineering, public outreach, permitting, and environmental documentation. We provided unique county highway design solutions, including a high-volume ramp system and a new one-way internal roadway, all to be constructed under a constant flow of more than 20,000 vehicles per day. To help with understanding of roadway changes, a full 3D model of the area around the project was developed. Once modeled, fly-through animations were produced to show the extensive changes happening.

Our team supported fast-tracked planning decisions and worked with stakeholders to balance many interests. We implemented innovative on-site environmental enhancements, including more than 18 acres of restored wetlands dedicated as conservation easement by SMSC.

The corridor now provides for Highway 83 traffic, including special event traffic entering and exiting the entertainment venues. Aesthetic and landscape design elements were integral to functional objectives, including traffic calming and recreational and safety goals served by new multi-use trails. This was a major accomplishment with the number of vehicles constantly passing through active construction zones, significant utility work, and pedestrian mobility and safety needs.