 Plymouth to receive $15 million grant for regional transportation and safety infrastructure upgrades
The City of Plymouth is set to receive $15 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to make transit, mobility and safety improvements in the area of Highway 55 and County Road 73 in Plymouth.
The federal grant program, Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, is aimed at helping communities complete projects that modernize transportation infrastructure, improve safety and make transportation systems more accessible, affordable and sustainable.
Funding will support Plymouth’s Station 73 Transit and Regional Improvement Program, which includes improvements for motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, area businesses and more:
- Addition of two bus platforms and connecting trails on Highway 55
- Pedestrian safety features for crossing Highway 55, including a trail underpass/tunnel
- Roundabout at the intersection of South Shore Drive and 10th Avenue N.
- Relocation of driveways for business accessibility
- Realignment of County Road 73 to improve traffic flow and roadway connection
- Mobility upgrades at Station 73 including wayfinding, a bike fix-it station, electric bike and scooter charging area, and dedicated area for ridesharing and ride hailing
“Crossing Highway 55 is a huge barrier to mobility for the non-motoring public – and we have safety concerns for pedestrians and bicyclists,” said Public Works Director Michael Thompson. “This project includes a Highway 55 underpass, paved connections to the regional trail system, better access to nearby businesses, bus platforms for more efficient transit service, Highway 55 pavement improvements and more.”
Background
As Plymouth’s population has increased through the years, the city has continued to identify areas in need of significant investment in transportation infrastructure to help support the ongoing growth, as well as improve mobility and accessibility.
To create a coordinated approach to implement regionally impactful improvements that benefit bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders, motorists and businesses in the area of Highway 55 and County Road 73, the City of Plymouth developed the Station 73 TRIP. As part of the robust plan, the city conducted a small area study to explore future land use and transportation upgrades. The city also examined Minnesota Department of Transportation and Three Rivers Park District studies, which identified trail, mobility and pavement enhancement needs.
“Making these critical infrastructure improvements will help support transportation, job opportunities and business growth in Plymouth – which will benefit residents and commuters in the region,” said Thompson. “These upgrades will also improve safety along a major transportation corridor.”
The project is expected to be completed in phases over the course of multiple years and will include partnerships/coordination with state, regional and county agencies. Project details will be published on the city website as they become available.
To learn more about Plymouth’s Station 73 TRIP, visit plymouthmn.gov/cr73.
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