Highway 53 Visual Quality Planning Process
Project Type: Visual Quality Public Planning Process Development
Client: MnDOT and KLJ Engineering
LHB was hired to lead the Visual Quality Public Planning Process and develop a MnDOT Visual Quality Manual for a 1.2 mile corridor along Trunk Highway 53 in International Falls, MN. Over the last several months, a series of community workshops and advisory committee meetings have occurred to establish the visual character of the corridor and define key design elements to include in the future roadway reconstruction.
The current design, scheduled for 2020 construction, emphasizes the local culture and surrounding landscape while incorporating key streetscape principles that were decided upon during the public planning process, including alternative transportation (shared-use path), increased greenspace, improved traveler experience and visual consistency throughout the corridor.