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There are two separate Highway 8 points-of-focus in the public eye concurrently.  One affects the west end from Forest Lake to Karmel in Chisago City, and the other impacts the segment from Chisago City to the Wisconsin border.  

The west end improvements are nearing finalization after being in the design and planning phases for years.  Chisago County Engineer Joe Triplett has been tracking about 15 pots of money dedicated, and some recently undedicated, to these capacity and safety projects.  About $3 to $5 million in anticipated federal funds have been pulled by the administration.

The westerly improvements have around six months yet to reach the threshold of 90 percent  design completed.  The most recent estimate given to the Wyoming City Council by the County Engineer is that now the work is looking like it will be done over 2027-28 and 2029. 

Meantime, the state and county continue moving the east Highway 8 segment process along.

The state has scheduled open house meetings in Chisago City and Taylors Falls for locals to provide some input into laying out this east end  package.  

The Shafer roundabout at Redwing and Highway 8 has been earmarked for state funds approved in the last legislative session  budget.  

The information meetings are Monday, August 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Chisago Lakes Area Library. There will be a presentation at 6 p.m.   The library is at 11754   302nd Street.

The second local in person session is Wednesday August 6, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Taylors Falls Community Center (old depot) 312 West Government Street.

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