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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Colin Cox, Transportation, 612-596-7426
Carolyn
Marinan, Communications, 612-348-5969
Hennepin County is investing $2 million to address transportation safety concerns voiced by residents of urban, suburban and rural communities across the county.
On Thursday, the Hennepin County Board approved various agreements to deliver these improvements. A team of county transportation staff reviewed crash data; pedestrian, bicycle and motorist safety factors; resident feedback; and construction timeframe to prioritize this year’s safety projects.
Hennepin County will dedicate $1.5 million to 12 identified county and city safety improvement projects. The county will use the remaining $500,000 for various operational safety improvements that include pedestrian ramps for accessibility needs, flashing beacons at pedestrian crossings and accessible pedestrian signals.
“People biking, walking and rolling are less protected from injuries during accidents with motor vehicles,” said District 4 Commissioner Peter McLaughlin. “That is why many of the projects focus on preventing these accidents by improving bicycle and pedestrian facilities.”
12 safety improvement projects
Bicycle lanes
- Hennepin and First avenues (County Road 52), Minneapolis
- Minnetonka Boulevard (County Road 5), Saint Louis Park
Dedicated turn lanes
- Dayton River Road (County Road 12) at Pineview Lane, Dayton
- Excelsior Boulevard (County Road 3) at Fairview Avenue, Minnetonka
Pedestrian and bicycle crossings
- County Road 47 at Dallas Lane, Plymouth
- First Avenue Northeast (County Road 52) and Fifth Street Northeast, Minneapolis, city will lead project
- France Avenue (County Road 17) and 38th Street, St. Louis Park, city will lead project
- Golden Valley Road (County Road 66) at the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, Golden Valley
- Lake Street (County Road 3) at Hiawatha Avenue, Minneapolis
- Penn Avenue (County Road 2) at 33rd and 34th avenues, Minneapolis
- Shoreline Drive (County Road 15) at Arcola Lane, Minnetonka Beach
- Spring Road (County Road 4) at Prospect Road, Eden Prairie, city will lead project
“These smaller-scale projects are likely to have a big impact on public safety,” said County Board Chair Jan Callison. “It is another tool we have to improve the experience of those who use our county roads.”
The county also makes safety improvements as part of larger capital road, bridge and traffic projects, as well as ongoing system maintenance work.
Learn more or submit feedback
Read more about Thursday’s board action.
People who have concerns about transportation safety on county roadways, bikeways or sidewalks can submit feedback to the transportation safety operations committee at safetyoperations@hennepin.us.
Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at hennepin.us/news.
Discover how we're making a difference in our communities at hennepin.us/stories.
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