Past Engagement

Community conversations in 2020-2021

What we heard from the community

To prepare for construction in 2024, the project team began conversations with the community in March 2021 that will set the foundation for a continued dialogue as MnDOT plans future improvements. In total, MnDOT received input from more than 850 individuals through a community survey, an online comment map, two virtual public meetings, and virtual meetings with nine different organizations and government entities.

In our conversations with community members, we heard safety and accessibility concerns about the condition of the roads today and ideas for the future. Key topics of interest included:

• Improving and adding sidewalks
• Adding more places to safely cross the street
• Adding lighting
• Consider adding a protected bike lane
• Reducing vehicle speeds

Overall, people expressed support for safety and accessibility improvements throughout the corridor. Many agreed that the existing conditions in the corridor needed improvement – particularly the sidewalks and vehicle speeds. MnDOT’s planned improvements seek to address those primary concerns.

These comments and community engagement activities have been compiled into a public report. For a copy of the full report, please contact us. A short overview of the feedback we heard during the virtual open houses and other community engagement activities can be viewed in the Hwy 5/East 7th St. and Hwy 61/Arcade St. Summary Report (PDF).