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Central Avenue (Highway 65) Improvements

Waite Park| December 12, 2024

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Central Avenue Improvements

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Overview

MnDOT and Metro Transit are collaborating with local agencies and the public to create a new road design for Central Avenue (Hwy 65) between the Mississippi River and I-694. As a part of this project, MnDOT will work closely with Metro Transit on the integration of the METRO F Line, a planned bus rapid transit line that will provide improved transit service on the Route 10 corridor.

 

Timeline

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Central Avenue Improvements: F Line

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METRO F Line: Arterial bus rapid transit project

  • 13-mile corridor from downtown Minneapolis to Northtown Transit Center.
  • Substantial upgrade to Route 10, which is one of the busiest routes for Metro Transit.
  • From Minneapolis to Blaine, this project will bring the benefits of the METRO program to the area.

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Planning Study: Overview

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  • In 2020-2023 MnDOT conducted a planning study to identify and understand the transportation needs of the people, transportation users and communities within the study area along Highway 47 (University Avenue) and Highway 65 (Central Avenue) in Anoka County and Hennepin County​.
  • Highway 47 and 65 currently have significant traffic safety concerns, a major focus of this study.
  • The alternatives developed from this study are visions of a future transportation system that can holistically meet the needs of the people and communities that utilize these corridors​.
  • The study followed the format of a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study, but did not complete all the required concurrence points, choosing instead to pivot into the next stage of implementation. ​

PRIMARY NEEDS

SECONDARY NEEDS

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

  • Vehicle safety: reduce injury and loss of life for all users​
  • Walkability and bikeability safety: reduce or eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries for the most vulnerable users​
  • Pavement condition: maintain and improve roadway surface
  • Walkability and bikeability mobility: improve comfort and access to destinations
  • Vehicle mobility: maintain or improve operations for autos, transit, and freight
  • Consistency with Local, State, and Regional Plans and Programs
  • Consistency with local, State, and Regional Projects
  • Cost
  • Maintenance
  • Bridge Condition
  • Transit Ridership on Existing
  • or Planned Routes
  • Supports Future F Line (BRT) Plan

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MnDOT Planning Study and F Line BRT Engagement

MnDOT Planning Study Engagement (2020-2023) Themes:

  • Speeding traffic is a common issue
  • Unsafe walking and biking conditions, inadequate facilities
  • Need for dedicated bike lanes 
  • Corridor feels tight in terms of space
  • Traffic light timing out of sync with traffic flow
  • Transit service and connection needs

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F Line BRT Engagement (2019 to 2023) Themes:

  • Bus priority, speed and reliability
  • Station platform location and amenities 
  • Pedestrian safety, connections, facilities
  • Access to destinations and land use
  • Local and connecting bus service
  • Traffic operations, safety, etc.
  • Impacts on station neighbors and parking

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Planning Study: Recommendations

The study recommended the following improvements to the corridor:

    • Update Traffic Signals: Modernizing traffic lights for better flow and safety.
    • Enhance Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossings: Making crossings safer and more accessible for people who bike, walk and roll.
    • Improve Traffic Management: Streamlining traffic flow to reduce congestion.
    • Upgrade Bus Stations and Services: Enhancing bus stops and services for a better transit experience.
    • Plan for Truck Traffic: Ensuring routes accommodate and safely manage truck traffic.

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Central Avenue Improvements: Goals

PROJECT GOALS

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Improve safety and accessibility for people walking, rolling, biking, riding transit, and driving

Support visions for complete streets, multimodal options, transportation equity, and climate action

Upgrade transit facilities to provide faster, more reliable, and more attractive transit service that is easier to use

Provide roadway, utility and public space infrastructure improvements

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Central Avenue Improvements: Safety Focus

IMPROVING TRAFFIC SAFETY IS A PROJECT GOAL

As described in Minneapolis' Vision Zero initiative, Central Avenue is one of the city's High Injury Streets:

  • High injury street for all modes, �in both 2019 and 2022
  • High injury street for vehicles
  • High injury street for pedestrians

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Central Avenue Improvements

  • Concepts are being developed for Central Avenue using the Planning Study vision as a starting point
  • The following slides show ideas for the corridor that were shared at the project's open house December 11th

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The project is asking the public to provide feedback on: 

    • Elements to improve safety
    • Bike and pedestrian facilities
    • Curbside uses

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Central Avenue Improvements: River to 18th

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MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO 18TH AVENUE

  • 4 to 3 lane conversation improves safety by reducing conflict points.
  • Sidewalk level bikeways improve comfort and safety for users of all abilities.
  • Bus lanes reduce transit travel times and increase travel time reliability.
  • BRT stations provide real-time signage and pre-boarding fare payment for faster stops.

EXISTING

80’ TO 83’

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Central Avenue Improvements: 18th to 27th

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18TH AVENUE TO 27TH AVENUE

  • 4 to 3 lane conversation improves safety by reducing conflict points.
  • Sidewalk level bikeways improve comfort and safety for users of all abilities.
  • Bus lanes reduce transit travel times and increase travel time reliability.
  • Wider sidewalks and boulevard space allow for greening and stormwater management.
  • Parking accommodates business needs.

EXISTING

100’

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Central Avenue Improvements: 18th to 27th (continued)

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18TH AVENUE TO 27TH AVENUE

  • 4 to 3 lane conversation improves safety by reducing conflict points.
  • Sidewalk level bikeways improve comfort and safety for users of all abilities.
  • Bus lanes reduce transit travel times and increase travel time reliability.
  • Access management increases safety by reducing conflict points.
  • Parking accommodates business needs.

EXISTING

100’

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Central Avenue Improvements: 27th to 37th

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27TH AVENUE TO 37TH AVENUE

  • Bus lanes reduce transit travel times and increase travel time reliability.
  • Sidewalk level bikeways improve comfort and safety for users of all abilities.
  • Shared use path could provide connection from Columbia Park to Grand Rounds network.
  • Medians provide opportunity for greening and stormwater management.
  • Parking accommodates business needs.

EXISTING

100’

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Project Schedule: Overall

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  • Preliminary design underway in 2024-2025
  • Municipal consent with Minneapolis in early 2026
  • Refining and finalizing the design in 2027
  • Construction starting in 2028

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Preliminary Design Phase Engagement

Engagement during the preliminary design phase (2025-2026) is planned over 4 phases:

    • Phase 1: Raising awareness and connecting
      • April – August 2024
      • Pop Ups at Eastside Food Coop, Northeast Library, Northeast Farmers Market
    • Phase 2: Planning study wrap-up and identifying project priorities/elements
      • September - December 2024
      • Pop Ups at Eastside Food Coop and Dogwood Coffee, Open house at Edison High School
      • Business owner meetings at Northeast Library and Riverplace
    • Phase 3: Concept alternatives evaluation
      • January – June 2025
      • Open house in Winter 2025
    • Phase 4: Preferred concept review
      • July – December 2025
      • Open house in Summer 2025

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Questions

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Thank You!

Christina Perfetti �MnDOT West Area Coordinator 

Tracy Fosmo�Consultant Team Project Manager

Info@CentralAveImprovements.com