Safety Enhancements Coming to County Road 42 at Biscayne Avenue in Rosemount
ROSEMOUNT, MINNESOTA—In response to an increase in crashes, growing traffic volumes, and high speeds, Dakota County and the City of Rosemount are set to implement interim safety improvements at the intersection of County Road 42 and Biscayne Avenue. These measures aim to reduce conflicts and enhance traffic safety until a permanent solution is constructed in 2027.
Interim Safety Measures
According to officials with Dakota County, as part of the safety improvements, the median opening at the intersection will be closed to prevent traffic conflicts. This means left-turn movements onto and off of County Road 42 at Biscayne Avenue will be restricted. Motorists will be directed to alternative routes, including Business Parkway and Boulder Trail/149th Street, which offer better sightlines and improved safety.
The median closures will be carried out in two phases:
Phase 1 (Starting February 20, 2025): The median at County Road 42 and Biscayne Avenue will be closed temporarily, limiting direct cross-traffic movements.
Phase 2 (Late March 2025): The median closure will be reinforced with concrete barriers, permanently restricting left turns on County Road 42 at Biscayne Avenue. Additional safety measures will also be put in place during this phase.
Make it stand out
Provided by Dakota County.
These interim improvements are designed to enhance safety at this busy intersection until a long-term solution can be implemented, which is planned for 2027.
2027 Comprehensive County Road 42 Corridor Improvements
Dakota County and the City of Rosemount are planning intersection improvements along County Road 42 at Business Parkway, Biscayne Avenue, 145th Street, and Auburn Avenue.
Restricted access intersections: Business Parkway and 145th Street
Traffic signals are planned for Biscayne Avenue and Auburn Avenue, with geometry improvements at Biscayne Avenue for safe implementation
The intersection upgrades account for:
Area traffic growth
Expected development
The future Rosemount Middle School at the intersection of County Road 42 and Biscayne Avenue
These improvements align with the 2022 County Road 42 Corridor Visioning Study.
Pedestrian and Trail Enhancements
The county will conduct a pedestrian trail gap study along County Road 42 from Highway 3 (Robert Trail S.) to County Road 73 (Akron Avenue) as part of the project. The study will assess the feasibility of a multi-use trail along County Road 42, closing a high-priority gap in the county’s trail network. The project will also evaluate a grade-separated multi-use trail crossing of County Road 42 and work with the school district on potential future trail connections to the new Rosemount Middle School.
Project Timeline
February 2025: Implement temporary access restriction at County Road 42 and Biscayne Avenue
Spring-Fall 2025: Preliminary engineering
Summer 2025: Public open house #1
Fall 2025-Fall 2026: Final design and right-of-way acquisition
Winter 2025: Public open house #2
Fall 2026: Advertise for construction
Spring 2027: Begin construction
Dakota County and the City of Rosemount emphasize the importance of road safety and are committed to making necessary changes to enhance the well-being of residents and commuters.
For more details on the County Road 42 improvements, visit the County Road 42 Corridor Improvements webpage.
Written by: Will Wight
