2040 Comprehensive Plan: Envision Shakopee

ROADWAY NETWORK ISSUES

Running Header Place Holder

DISCONNECTION BETWEEN AREAS OF SHAKOPEE Shakopee has multiple nodes of activity – Downtown, Southbridge, and the Marschall Road area. Four east-west roads connect these locations, including HWY 169 and CR 101, 17th Avenue, and Vierling Drive. With HWY 169 congested during peak periods, it can be challenging for residents to travel between nodes, particularly when HWY 169 interchanges with north-south connections become congested. Some residents in the Southbridge and eastern parts of Shakopee find it easier to travel to Savage or Prior Lake than to other parts of Shakopee. CONNECTION TO THE RIVER The Minnesota River is a great asset to the City of Shakopee. It should serve as an aesthetic and quality of life asset to all of Shakopee, both Downtown and for the neighborhoods. However, over the years, the connection between Downtown Shakopee and the Minnesota River has been lost. Many riverfront communities are able to capitalize on their natural features to create a sense of place for their downtowns. CR 101 is a barrier from most neighborhoods to the river. Huber Park is currently the best access point, but the current crossing across CR 101 is uncomfortable for most pedestrians, given its design as a wide, undivided five-lane roadway which has limited crossing opportunities. LIMITED OPPORTUNITY FOR SHORT TRIPS Walkable communities thrive because they offer opportunities for people to meet their daily needs with short, convenient trips. Historically, Shakopee’s downtown was a center of activity and exchange, and its grid network and short blocks allowed patrons to walk from shop to shop and to visit multiple destinations in one trip.

262 Running Header Place Holder 2 1 3 4 6 7 8 Transportation 5 Running Header Place Holder Running Header Place Holder Running Header Place Holder Running Header Place Holder Running Header Place Holder

Today, businesses in Downtown Shakopee consist primarily of restaurants and small scale retail establishments. Opportunities for combining all kinds of errands into one trip are limited because the business types which offer daily needs are primarily located around HWY 169 interchanges. For example, the library and Scott County Government Center are some of the only offerings within walking distance of Downtown. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Marschall Road area provides several businesses that serve daily needs. However, this area is at such a large scale and low density that short trips become impossible. Even if walking between land uses were more pleasant, they are too far apart for convenient and feasible non-motorized travel.

ENVISION SHAKOPEE | SECTION IV: BUILT ENVIRONMENT