Dakota County to Host Open House on Major County Road 42 Project in Apple Valley as Part of Long-Term Corridor Plan
Presentation from the June 3, 2025, Open House.
Published: April 10, 2026
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA - Dakota County is inviting the public to weigh in on a major reconstruction project along County Road 42 that officials say is part of a broader, long-term strategy to manage traffic, improve safety, and modernize one of the region’s busiest corridors.
A Transportation Community Open House #4is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Apple Valley Senior Center (Yosemite Room), where residents can review plans for the County Highway 42 Modernization Project and speak directly with project engineers.
The project, which spans from Redwood Drive to Pennock Avenue, is currently in its final design phase, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
Part of a Bigger Vision: The 2040 Corridor Management Plan
While the Apple Valley project focuses on a specific segment of County Road 42, officials emphasize it is just one piece of a much larger, decades-long strategy.
Dakota County’s 2040 Corridor Management Plan provides a 20-year roadmap for managing the entire 15-mile Highway 42 corridor, stretching from Burnsville to Rosemount.
As a key east-west arterial, County Road 42 serves tens of thousands of daily drivers and connects to major routes such as Interstate 35 and Highway 52.
Rather than expanding the roadway, the plan focuses on:
Improving safety and reducing crashes
Managing congestion and travel delays
Balancing access to businesses and neighborhoods
Expanding options for walking, biking, and transit
Preparing for long-term growth and development
One of the most notable takeaways from the plan is that Highway 42 can be effectively managed through 2040 without adding more through lanes, relying instead on smarter intersection design, access management, and multimodal improvements.
The Apple Valley reconstruction project directly reflects that philosophy.
Provided by: Dakota County Transportation Department - County Highway 42 Modernization Project June 3, 2025 Open House Display Boards
Why Apple Valley Is a Priority Segment
According to planning documents, the segment of County Road 42 between Redwood Drive and Pennock Avenue includes some of the oldest pavement, signals, and underground utilities along the corridor, making it a priority for reconstruction. Traffic volumes in this area range from 20,000 to more than 36,000 vehicles per day, with significantly higher congestion near Cedar Avenue, one of the busiest intersections in the south metro.
Officials also point to:
Increasing development and redevelopment opportunities
Ongoing safety concerns, including crashes at high-volume intersections
Gaps in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure
as key drivers behind the project.
What the County Road 42 Project Will Change
The modernization project is designed to improve how the corridor functions for all users, not just drivers.
Safer Crossings and Trail Connectivity
A major highlight is a planned pedestrian and bicycle underpass near Redwood Park, which will allow people to safely cross beneath County Road 42.
The project also includes expanded multi-use trails, improved sidewalks, and better connections between neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas.
Intersection Redesigns to Reduce Congestion
Rather than widening the roadway, the project focuses heavily on intersection improvements, including:
Removing the traffic signal at Elm Drive and redesigning access
Upgrading signals and turn lanes at Garden View Drive and Hayes Road
Reconfiguring medians and access points to reduce left-turn conflicts
Improving pedestrian crossings throughout the corridor
At Garden View Drive, for example, new turn lanes and modern signal features are expected to improve traffic flow and reduce crash risk.
Provided by: Dakota County Transportation Department - County Highway 42 Modernization Project June 3, 2025 Open House Display Boards.
Frontage Roads Reimagined
The project also rethinks how frontage roads operate, a key component of the corridor management strategy.
Plans include:
Converting frontage roads to two-way traffic
Adding shared bicycle routes
Installing new sidewalks and improving connectivity
These changes are designed to reduce direct access points onto County Road 42, improving overall traffic flow, a central goal of the 2040 plan.
Provided by: Dakota County Transportation Department - County Highway 42 Modernization Project June 3, 2025 Open House Display Boards
Major Utility Upgrades
In addition to roadway improvements, crews will replace aging infrastructure, including:
Water main and sanitary sewer lines
Stormwater systems and drainage infrastructure
Officials say this work is critical to supporting long-term growth and avoiding costly emergency repairs.
Construction Timeline and What to Expect
The project timeline aligns with the broader corridor plan:
Final design and right-of-way acquisition: Through 2026
Construction start: 2027
Estimated duration: Two years (2027–2028)
During construction:
Traffic is expected to remain open in both directions
Temporary signals and changing access points will be used
A regional detour route may be implemented for through traffic
The pedestrian underpass is expected to be completed early in the construction process.
Provided by: Dakota County Transportation Department - County Highway 42 Modernization Project June 3, 2025 Open House Display Boards
A Shift Toward “Managing” Traffic, Not Expanding Roads
Together, the corridor plan and Apple Valley project reflect a broader shift in how Dakota County approaches major roadways.
Instead of widening highways to keep up with growth, officials are focusing on:
Smarter intersection design
Access control and frontage roads
Multimodal transportation options
Strategic infrastructure investments
The goal, according to the 2040 plan, is to extend the life and efficiency of the existing roadway while reducing the need for costly future expansions.
Community Input Still Needed
County officials say public feedback remains a critical part of the process as designs are finalized.
The April 16 open house will allow residents to:
Review updated plans and visuals
Ask questions directly to the project staff
Share feedback before construction begins
Those unable to attend will be able to view materials and submit comments online once they are posted.
How to Attend
Transportation Community Open House
📍 Apple Valley Senior Center (Yosemite Room)
📍 14601 Hayes Road, Apple Valley
📅 Wednesday, April 16
⏰ 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Additional project information and updates are available on Dakota County’s website: 150th Street W. (County Road 42) Road Improvements
Provided by the Dakota County Government/Facebook
Written by: Will Wight
