This week the Senate Transportation Committee heard legislation authored by Senator Michael Kreun (R-Blaine) that looks to address safety concerns at one of the most dangerous intersections in Anoka County.

The bill requests funding from the trunk highway fund to be used for the redesign and construction of the intersection of Highway 65 and Bunker Lake Boulevard in Ham Lake.

“This is Anoka County’s top transportation priority for a reason: 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,” said Kreun. “This is a shovel-ready project – with funding for Phase I completed and construction starting this year, ‘Phase II’ is now Anoka County’s top transportation priority. The funding request in this bill will help get it to the finish line, making Highway 65 safer for every single family that uses that road.”

Kreun previously secured historic funding for Highway 65 improvements back in 2023, which was provided through multiple bills and covered the reconstruction of the 99^th, 105^th, 109^th, and 117^th Avenue intersections along the corridor. The Ham Lake intersection addressed by SF-4852 presents the second phase of the entire Highway 65 improvement project.

Ham Lake Mayor Brian Kirkham and Anoka County Chief Officer of Transportation and County Engineer Joe MacPherson testified in strong support of the funding. The full testimony can be seen HERE.