Transportation received frequent mention at the Scott County Commissioner forum on Oct. 16.

Candidates’ views on the matter ranged from praise of the Highway 169/Interstate 494 Interchange Project, to suggestions for improvements of county roads, to comments on buses and even the light rail.

“A solution is not tomorrow,” said District 1 Candidate Jerry Kucera.

He suggested that residents needed public transit and driving options. Bringing more jobs to the county would also help traffic congestion, he added.

On the top of the candidates’ list was a new Highway 101 bridge crossing over the Minnesota River— even though the current bridge may close from six to nine months.

Brent Lawrence, a District 2 candidate, mentioned an added lane on Highway 169 and light rail. Extending the Southwest rail line could be an option, he suggested.

“Rail is not the answer,” said Tom Wolf, also a District 2 candidate.

Support should go to buses and the Highway 101 bridge, he said. Barbara Marschall, the District 4 candidate, agreed. She said that due to cost, the county has missed its opportunity for light rail.

Debbie Barber and Dave Menden, District 3 candidates, both mentioned the Park and Ride stations as good solutions to traffic problems in Scott County. District 3 covers the city of Shakopee.

Barber added that she would also continue to look for ways to improve transportation in the county, such as a possible second Minnesota River crossing.

Menden advocated for patience.

“Sometimes people just have to wait in line,” he said.

What do you think? What projects should Scott County focus on to help relieve traffic congestion? Vote and share your ideas in comments.

• More on the Scott County Commissioner forum: Candidates Face Off at Scott County Commissioners Forum in Shakopee