STILLWATER — Road improvements planned by two north metro counties could provide a better north and south travel corridor for Forest Lake and Scandia residents.

The Washington County Board authorized a shift in state aid funding Feb. 2 from Lofton Avenue to Manning Trail north of Highway 97 for an improved Chisago County traffic link. The Chisago County Board is expected to approve the same plan for its portion of the two roads.

“This is an idea that’s been around for a long time,” said Washington County Public Works Director Don Theisen.

Theisen said Manning Trail, also known as County Road 15A, currently carries more traffic north of Highway 97 and has wider shoulders than Lofton Avenue, also known as County State Aid Highway 1.

But Manning turns to gravel in Chisago County and has a sharp “S” turn before it connects to County Road 23 and eventually Highway 8.

“It goes from a nice blacktop road on our side to gravel,” said District 1 Commissioner Dennis Hegberg. “People say, ‘Why, don’t you blacktop it all the way?’ Well, it’s not ours.”

Assistant County Engineer Wayne Sandberg said the state aid designation should supply Chisago County with the money to finish the road in blacktop. The sharp curves could also be addressed with road improvements.

“Right now it’s almost like the Daytona 500 going through there,” Theisen said. “They’re ready to make those improvements once they get access to the state aid funds.”

Counties are able to designate major roads for state aid funding if they are part of an overall state highway system. The state, however, can limit its road mile funding for counties. The shift will not increase the number of state aid road miles in either county.

The improved three-mile connection between Highway 97 and Chisago County 23 will provide better access to Highway 8 and the cities of Lindstrom, Chisago City and Center City. The road can also serve as a connection to the city of Wyoming.

Sandberg said the only Manning Trail or Lofton Avenue changes in Washington County will be new signs. Manning Trail will be redesignated County State Aid Highway 15 this spring; Lofton will be renamed County Road 91.