Hwy 47 & Hwy 65 — Planning study

Study complete

About this study

InView full-size map 2020, we started studying a 10-mile stretch of Hwy 47 (University Ave.) and Hwy 65 (Central Ave.) that extends from where they meet in Northeast Minneapolis northward through Columbia Heights, Hilltop, and Fridley to County Hwy 10 in Blaine and Spring Lake Park. The purpose of the study was to better understand the existing conditions and transportation needs of the study area. We carried out extensive public engagement that reached thousands of residents and stakeholders. We focused on connecting with the broad group of community members and organizations that rely on University and Central avenues, including those with different backgrounds, spoken languages and perspectives.

We combined public feedback with safety and mobility data to identify problem areas. We learned the primary transportation needs along these roads are to improve safety for people walking, biking, and driving. The pavement condition of both roads also needs improvement.

We asked for feedback on ideas for different types of roadways, new intersection designs, and access changes at driveways and cross streets. This also included parkway treatments, intersection curb bump-outs, better pedestrian crossings, roundabouts, and dedicated bike lanes. We used this feedback to develop multiple concepts that could improve the safety of roads and intersections along each section of University and Central avenues. Those concepts were shared with the community through outreach, public meetings and an online survey to gather feedback. Each concept was analyzed to determine how well it would meet the needs of the people who use the roads.

What comes next

The various improvement concepts developed during the planning study have been narrowed to ones that can meet people’s needs of safety and mobility. The next steps are to further refine these concepts with more detailed designs to determine which are the best improvements within individual sections of the study area. We will use the information and public input collected during the study to guide the planning and development of these next steps.

Stay engaged

We need your continued input to make improvements to Hwy 47 and Hwy 65! Visit our project webpages for more information including how to give us your input and to sign up for emails updates.

Current projects in the Hwy 47 and Hwy 65 study area include:

• Hwy 47/University Avenue Northeast — Minneapolis
  
• Hwy 47/University Avenue — Columbia Heights to Blaine
• Hwy 65/Central Avenue — Minneapolis and Columbia Heights