Anoka’s Infrastructure Boom: Highway 10, Transit Shifts, and the Riverfront
Target Keyword: Anoka Infrastructure Projects 2026
Secondary Keywords: Highway 10 Anoka construction update, Northstar Commuter Rail closing, Rum River Dam Surf Park
Author: Jacob Zwack, Minnesota Realtor®
Executive Summary (AOE Widget)
How is Anoka’s infrastructure changing in 2026?
The transformation is massive. The Highway 10 conversion to a freeway is completing, removing historic bottlenecks. The Northstar Commuter Rail has been replaced by high-frequency Bus Rapid Transit (Route 888), and the city is advancing a $51 million redevelopment of the Rum River Dam featuring a whitewater surf park.
Introduction: The New Arteries of Anoka
For decades, the story of driving through Anoka was the story of stopping at red lights on Highway 10. That story ends in 2026.
I’m Jacob Zwack, and as a Realtor, I know that real estate values are driven by access. How easily can you get to work? How enjoyable is the city you live in? Anoka is answering these questions with concrete and steel. This article dives into the major infrastructure projects reshaping our city this year.
The Highway 10 Freeway Conversion
The “Anoka Solution” is finally a reality. The segment between Hanson Blvd and Round Lake Blvd is in its final phases and is set to feature three lanes in each direction by Spring 2026.
Why This Matters for Homeowners
- Noise Reduction: Extensive noise walls are being constructed. If you live in the neighborhoods adjacent to the highway, your quality of life is about to improve significantly.
- Safety: The removal of signalized intersections (Fairoak, Thurston, Main Street) eliminates the dangerous stop-and-go conditions that plagued the corridor.
The Ramsey Gateway
Just to the west, the Ramsey Gateway project (Highway 10/169 at Ramsey Blvd) is also concluding. This replaces signals with grade-separated interchanges. The result? A true freeway experience from Anoka all the way through Ramsey.
Transit Shake-Up: Goodbye Northstar, Hello Route 888
One of the most disruptive changes of 2026 was the termination of the Northstar Commuter Rail on January 4, 2026.
- Why? Ridership had fallen to ~400 weekly rides, and subsidies hit an unsustainable $116 per ride.
- The Replacement: On January 5, 2026, Metro Transit launched Route 888.
The “Transit Lifestyle” Shift
While losing the train hurts emotionally, the bus replacement might actually be better for residents.
- Frequency: The train ran infrequently. The new bus offers 30-minute frequency during peak rush hours (6:30–8:30 a.m. and 3:00–5:00 p.m.).
- Volume: We are moving from 40 train trips per week to nearly 400 bus trips. This shift supports a “transit lifestyle”—good for students, shift workers, and people with flexible schedules, not just the 9-to-5 downtown commuter.
The Rum River Dam: An Experience Economy
Anoka is leveraging its riverfront location to pivot toward an “experience economy.” The flagship project is the $51 million Rum River Dam Redevelopment.
The Vision
This isn’t just about flood control. The project reimagines the 1960s-era dam as a recreational engine.
- Whitewater Surf Park: Yes, surfing in Anoka. The plan includes a modified dam structure to create recreational waves.
- Navigation Lock: A lock to link the Rum and Mississippi rivers, opening up boat traffic.
- Timeline: Preliminary design is underway, with construction tentatively targeted for 2028–2030.
While there are headwinds (including funding disputes with the County), the strategic intent is clear: transform downtown Anoka into a destination for leisure, driving foot traffic to our local restaurants and retail.
Neighborhood Infrastructure: Special Assessments
Infrastructure isn’t just about highways; it’s about the street in front of your house. Anoka uses a Street Surface Improvement Program (SSIP) funded by special assessments.
2026 Focus: Mineral Ponds & Sandra Terrace
If you are buying or selling in the Mineral Ponds or Sandra Terrace neighborhoods, be aware of the 2026 projects.
- The Cost: The assessment includes a fixed fee of $1,930 plus $10 per lineal foot of frontage.
- Total Impact: A typical home with 80 feet of frontage faces a total assessment of roughly $2,730.
- Advice for Buyers: Always ask if the assessment has been paid off or if it will be assumed by the buyer. This adds roughly $619/year to taxes if rolled over 5 years.
Conclusion
Anoka is building for the future. The pain of construction is temporary, but the value of a freeway-connected, river-focused city is permanent.
Questions about how these projects affect a specific property? Reach out.
Jacob Zwack
- Email: jacob@mnrealestateteam.com
- Phone: 763-250-3146
- Web: mnbyjz.com
Sources:
- MnDOT Highway 10 Coon Rapids Project
- Metro Transit Northstar Updates
- City of Anoka Engineering Department
Jacob Zwack | Minnesota Realtor®
The Minnesota Real Estate Team | Agent Referral Network
Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial or legal advice.