FAQs

Construction Projects{collapse}

  1. Where can I find information about specific construction projects?

    View our list of current construction projects.

  2. The roadway near my house is in rough shape. How is it decided what roads are to be repaved?

    The decision to repave or overlay a roadway is assisted by monitoring the Pavement Quality Index (PQI), which quantifies the pavement condition based on surface distress and wheel path roughness. Anoka County has a Pavement Quality Index (PQI) rating system that ranges from 0-100, with 100 being the best quality roadway. When a roadway drops below our minimum thresholds (which vary depending on the road), we either plan to repave it or reconstruct it. Each year, on average, we repave over 15 miles of the 420-plus miles of roadway owned and maintained by Anoka County.

  3. I noticed the trail adjacent to the county roadway hasn’t had the snow plowed off of it yet. Who should I contact?


    The maintenance, including snowplowing, for the trails and sidewalks along Anoka County highways is performed by the city where the trail or sidewalk is located. If you have a concern about the maintenance or lack of snowplowing for a trail or sidewalk, you should report it to the respective city where it is located.

  4. At a project Open House, I was told that no decisions have been made on the design of the roadway but there was a design-layout on display. Doesn’t that mean that the decisions have already been made?


    No. We are having the open house to get input from the public on the project, including input on the design. At the first open house for a project, we will often display the conceptual layout that was submitted as part of an application to receive funding for a project. While this may show potential improvement measures, such as access closures, medians, shoulders, etc., the decisions as to the specific improvements won’t be made until the public is engaged, which occurs during the design phase of the project.

  5. Why are you proposing to eliminate some of the access points along the roadway? How is this decided?


    The decision on when and where access closures occur is ultimately up to the owner of the road. In the case of Anoka County, we have developed access guidelines for the various roadway types in our system (i.e., arterials, collectors, etc.). We like to follow our guidelines when building or rebuilding roadways; however, we do look at each access location on a case-by-case basis.

  6. I’ve noticed a lot of roundabouts being built around the region. Are they coming to Anoka County?

    Roundabouts are one of the options we consider when constructing or reconstructing an intersection. Research has shown that there are several advantages of a roundabout over a signalized intersection including less travel delay and fewer and less severe crashes. In determining what the appropriate traffic control is for a specific intersection, Anoka County conducts a thorough analysis to determine the most appropriate application. The first roundabouts on the County roadway system include locations in St. Francis along Bridge Street (CSAH 24) and in Columbus at the intersection of Kettle River Boulevard (CSAH 62) with Broadway Avenue (CSAH 18).

  7. It seems like people are speeding on the road. Can the County lower the speed limits on their roadways?

    In Minnesota, the speed limits on all county roads are determined by the State Commissioner of Transportation. Results of the speed zone study can be that the speed limit stays the same, is lowered, or increased.

  8. Will I be assessed for the roadway improvement?

    The County does not assess for roadway improvement projects. However, you should check with your individual city to determine whether there will be assessments.

  9. Why aren't they working on my road?

    Ever wonder why your road isn't being repaired? This video by the Minnesota Local Road Research Board, in conjunction with MnDOT, explains why roads go bad and why sometimes the worst roads aren't fixed first. Watch the video.

Mailbox Questions{collapse}

  1. We live on a county road and our mailbox was hit by a plow truck. How do we get a new one?

    View the Mailbox Damage Caused by Snow Removal section of our Maintenance (Road) page.

  2. What if I want to purchase a new mailbox?

    The Anoka County Highway Department has swing-away mailbox supports and
    posts available to residents who live along the county highway system. Contact
    the Permit Office at 763-324-3176 for prices.

    If your mailbox is damaged by a vehicle/truck, contact the Permit Office at 763-324-3176 for prices.

    Anyone installing or replacing their mailbox support and/or post must call Gopher State One Call (GSOC) to request locates on all utilities placed in the County right-of-way before digging.

    You may contact GSOC at www.gopherstateonecall.org and click on the Attention Homeowners box to request a locate or call 800-252-1166 or 651-454-0002.

  3. What if my mailbox was hit by a car?

    The Anoka County Highway Department has swing-away mailbox supports and
    posts available to residents who live along the county highway system. Contact
    the Permit Office at 763-862-4239 for prices.

    If your mailbox is damaged by a vehicle/truck, contact the Permit Office at 763-
    862-4239 for prices.

    Anyone installing or replacing their mailbox support and/or post must call Gopher
    State One Call (GSOC) to request locates on all utilities placed in the County
    right-of-way before digging.

    You may contact GSOC at www.gopherstateonecall.org and click on the red
    Attention Homeowners box to request a locate or call 800-252-1166 or 651-454-
    0002.

Maintenance Questions{collapse}

  1. How do I report debris on the road, trees down, or clogged culverts?

    Use our Report a Concern form and select Other and describe the problem.

  2. How do I report a dead animal on the road?

    Use our Report a Concern form and select Remove Animal From Road.

  3. How do I report plowing concerns?

    Use our Report a Concern form and select Other and describe the problem.

  4. How do I report a pothole?

    Use our Report a Concern form and select Pothole.

  5. How are snow and ice controlled?

    See our Snow and Ice Control Facts page.

Signage Questions{collapse}

  1. There is a sign down or missing. Who do I contact?

    Use our Report a Concern form and select Sign Damaged.

Signal Questions{collapse}

  1. There is a signal out or a timing issue. Who do I contact?

    Use our Report a Concern form and select Traffic Light Issue.