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September 11, 2021 <br />Page 91 <br />Next Steps <br />The Northwest Metro Mississippi River Crossing Feasibility Analysis developed four feasible <br />solutions to current and anticipated mobility challenges in the northwest metro, including two <br />concepts comprised of a new Mississippi River crossing. This technical analysis concluded with a <br />series of facilitated discussions between MnDOT and city, county, and regional partners about next <br />steps for the river crossing concepts. <br />These discussions revealed that agencies generally had a common understanding of the <br />opportunities and challenges associated with the study's river crossing concepts, and that there was <br />openness to participating in a corridor coalition to coordinate future priorities. In general, partner <br />agencies recognize a new river crossing is a long-term endeavor and roadway improvements need to <br />be made in the context of community development. <br />There are several steps partner agencies can take to advance a river crossing concept along the <br />project development process. These steps include: <br />• Identify a project champion <br />• Establish a project vision to determine improvements that align with local goals <br />• Develop a prioritization plan for implementing improvements in the vision <br />• Conduct public involvement to incorporate additional voices into the process <br />With successful execution of these steps, a new Mississippi River crossing could proceed along the <br />illustrative implementation timeline provided in Figure 66. This timeline assumes 20+ years between <br />establishment of a project vision and construction. Preservation of right-of-way for a new river <br />crossing alignment is a critical activity throughout the entire timeline. <br />Figure 66: Illustrative Mississippi River Crossing Implementation Timeline <br />Corridor Preservation <br />Improvements to <br />Existing Highway <br />Pursue Funding <br />Scaping Study <br />Preliminary Engineering/ <br />Ei1 i to ri r e nta l Process <br />Construction <br />For u rther Study <br />5 veers <br />row imrFI mcntat(Dn <br />10 years 15 years <br />2.0 years O+ years <br />Northwest Metro Mississippi River Crossing Feasibility Analysis <br />