Polk County, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and Widseth, has been recognized for its innovative approach to rural road safety with the Minnesota County Engineers Association Highway Safety Achievement Award. This award highlights outstanding efforts in enhancing highway safety, and the CSAH 21 and State Highway 75 Roundabout Project stood out for its effective solutions to longstanding safety concerns.
Addressing a High-Risk Intersection
Designed by Widseth, this project tackled a dangerous rural intersection where high-speed, right-angle (T-bone) crashes were a persistent issue. The original intersection featured a 22-degree skew, causing visibility challenges that increased the risk of severe collisions. The introduction of a single-lane roundabout transformed the site, dramatically improving traffic flow and nearly eliminating severe crashes.
“After recognizing that the Rural Intersection Conflict Warning System was not performing adequately and that T-bone crashes were increasing in frequency, we knew action was needed before a fatality occurred. Implementing the roundabout eliminated T-bone crashes and significantly improved traffic flow through the intersection.”
— Rich Sanders, County Engineer | Polk County, MN
Innovative Solutions for Rural Challenges
The success of this project was driven by a thoughtful, safety-first design that addressed unique rural infrastructure challenges:
- Enhanced Visibility & Safety – The roundabout eliminates sightline obstructions caused by vehicle A-pillars, significantly reducing collision risks.
- Agriculture-Friendly Design – Recognizing Polk County’s agricultural significance, Widseth’s engineers designed the roundabout to accommodate large farm equipment and semi-trucks, improving driver and operator navigation.
- Winter-Resilient Infrastructure – The traditional roundabout design was modified to eliminate the outside curb to reduce snow maintenance and at the same time improve efficient snow removal. Also, the permanent snow fence dramatically reduces drifting.
- Railroad Proximity Considerations – The intersection was strategically relocated to provide safe vehicle stacking between the roundabout and a nearby BNSF rail crossing, preventing traffic backups onto the tracks.
CSAH 21 and State Highway 75 Roundabout – Polk County, MN.
A Model for Rural Roadway Safety
This award-winning project not only enhances driver safety but also serves as a model for rural intersection improvements across Minnesota. Receiving the Highway Safety Achievement Award is a testament to the dedication and collaboration between Polk County, MnDOT, MnDOT District 2, BNSF Rail, and Widseth. Their combined efforts have led to a safer, more reliable intersection that will benefit the community for years to come.
