Network expansion decision making in Minnesota's Twin Cities

A qualitative analysis of the decision rules used by jurisdictions in Minnesota's Twin Cities metropolitan area is presented. Interviews were conducted with staff at the city, county, metropolitan, and state levels to determine how decisions about road investment, expansion, and new construction are made. Flowcharts were developed to provide a more systematic way of presenting that information. Most jurisdictions do not have extensive public participation processes, although several do, notably, the Metropolitan Council, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, and the City of Minneapolis. Jurisdictions with public participation have the most formal and extensive documentation of their investment decision process. The decision factors vary by jurisdiction, though safety, capacity, and pavement quality were important throughout.