The Senate Transportation Committee heard legislation April 22 aimed at addressing safety concerns at the intersection of Highway 65 and Bunker Lake Boulevard, according to a press release.
The bill, authored by Sen. Michael Kreun, would direct funding from the Trunk Highway Fund toward redesign and construction of the intersection.
“This is Anoka County’s top transportation priority for a reason,” Kreun said. “The intersection is widely considered one of the most dangerous in the county, and it’s unsafe for every single person who travels that corridor.”
The bill received supportive testimony from Anoka County Engineer and Chief Officer of Transportation Joe McPherson and Ham Lake Mayor Brian Kirkham.
The intersection improvements are part of the second phase of the broader Highway 65 improvement project, according to the release.
“We don’t ask the state for anything in Ham Lake unless it’s related to roads,” Kirkham told the committee. He called the intersection one of the most dangerous along the 272-mile highway.
McPherson told committee members that different funding packages have been pursued and assembled for the intersection.
Kreun also described the project as Anoka County’s top transportation priority.
“My wife was witness to a very serious crash at this intersection,” Kreun said. “Happens all too often.”