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Home > Comment Request: Permit 24-580-Trunk Highway 5

Comment Request: Permit 24-580-Trunk Highway 5

Project Overview

The Trunk Highway 5 (TH5) project, led by Carver County in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), proposes to expand the highway from two to four lanes west of Highway 41 in Chanhassen to Downtown Victoria. 

Key project elements are proposed to include:

  • Intersection enhancements to improve traffic flow and safety
  • Widening of the Lake Minnewashta crossing from two to four lanes
  • Reconstructing the following roads to reduce speeds and enhance safety for all users:
    • Rolling Acres Road
    • Bavaria Road between Interlaken and 78th Street
  • Safety improvements for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized users
    • Including an upgraded crossing for the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail

Construction of the project is anticipated to begin in late 2025 and continue into fall 2027.

Name of Applicant: Carver County

Project Page: Carver County

Arboretum Area Transportation Plan: Link

Attachments:

Contacts:
Project Team: AATPprojects@co.carver.mn.us
MCWD Permitting Staff: Maggie Menden mmenden@minnehahacreek.org

MCWD’s Role

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) is reviewing this project under its adopted water resource regulations, as authorized by Minnesota Statutes Chapters 103B and 103D.

MCWD will review the proposed project for compliance with its applicable rules, including:

  • Erosion & Sediment Control: Construction of the project will disturb soil throughout the corridor. MCWD’s Erosion & Sediment Control rule requires an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan that addresses erosion prevention and mitigation measures. This includes managing sediment tracking off site, controlling runoff during construction, and stabilizing exposed soils.
  • Stormwater Management: New and reconstructed impervious surface is proposed with this project. MCWD’s Stormwater Management rule requires Best Management Practices (BMPs) such as infiltration or filtration basins, to manage stormwater runoff volume, rate and quality.
  • Floodplain Alteration: The project proposes excavation and fill within the 100-year floodplain of waterbodies within the corridor.  MCWD’s Floodplain Alteration rule requires that any floodplain fill must be offset so there is no loss in flood storage.
  • Wetland Protection: Impacts to wetlands are being proposed with this project.  Many of these impacts are regulated by the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) or by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.  In addition, MCWD’s Wetland Protection rule regulates excavation not regulated by WCA, and also requires the establishment of wetland buffers.
  • Waterbody Crossings & Structures: The project proposes repair and replacement of culverts and other crossings. To limit encroachment into waterbodies and to preserve ecological integrity, MCWD’s Waterbody Crossings & Structures rule regulates the placement of roadways, bridges, utilities, conveyances, or associated structures below the top of bank of a waterbody.

MCWD’s permit review is focused specifically on evaluating the project’s compliance with applicable MCWD regulations.

MCWD’s permit review does not oversee or approve roadway design, traffic control plans, construction staging, or right-of-way acquisition. Other agencies, such as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR), Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Coast Guard, and the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), are also responsible for reviewing the proposed design and associated impacts based on their rules and authorities.

Submit a Comment to MCWD

In accordance with its Procedures Rule, MCWD is providing public notice of this project.  This initial public comment period will conclude on August 13th, following which a second public notice will be issued in advance of any MCWD Board consideration of the permit application – tentatively scheduled for September 11, 2025.

Public comment form

MCWD will review all submitted comments for inclusion in the full permit report for consideration by the MCWD Board of Managers.  

For questions on MCWD Rules or assistance with the Public Comment Form, please contact Maggie Menden.