Recommended improvements

Community input and technical analysis were used to evaluate the design alternatives and help select the recommended improvements that are shared below.

Recommended improvements comment period

The comment period for the recommended improvements was open to the public from Oct. 22 to Nov. 30, 2025. In total, there were: 

  • 718 responses to the online comment form
  • 70+ discussions held through two community pop-ups 
  • 66 email, phone and webpage submitted comments

Thank you to everyone who provided comments. Comments were reviewed and will be used to guide future design updates in the study area. Learn more about the study findings and next steps.

Recommended improvements video

Learn more about the recommendations by watching the recommended improvements video.

Segment 1 recommendation: Roundabouts

Hwy 7 from the Hennepin/Carver County line in St. Bonifacius to Hwy 41 in Shorewood Map of Segment 1 proposed intersection improvements. View full-sizeKey features

  • Median barrier between the intersections 
  • ¾ intersection at Wildwood Ave., Highland Rd. and Eureka Rd.
  • Single-lane roundabouts at Hwy 92, Hwy 44, Hwy 13 and Minnewashta Pkwy.
  • Multi-lane roundabouts at King’s Point Rd. and Hwy 41
  • Multi-use trail along the entire segment
Image example of a roundabout. Example of a roundabout. Image example of a median barrier between intersections.Example of a median barrier between intersections.Image example of a multi-use trail along a highway.Example of a multi-use trail along the highway. Why was this selected?
  • Roundabouts were selected based on their ability to address the highway’s needs for vehicle safety and mobility, and improvements for walking and biking.
  • Roundabouts are safer intersections for vehicles and pedestrians and help reduce side road delays.
  • A barrier between the traveled lanes on Hwy 7 will improve access control and help reduce dangerous head on, run off the road and right-angle crashes.
  • A trail parallel to Hwy 7 is recommended to enhance connectivity for all transportation modes.


Segment 2 recommendation: Hybrid with both at-grade and grade-separated intersections. Long term consideration – Grade separated intersections.

Hwy 7 from Hwy 41 in Shorewood to the Baker Rd. interchange in Minnetonka

Map of Segment 2 proposed intersection improvements. View full-size imageKey features  
  • Multi-lane roundabouts at Hwy 41, Oak St., Christmas Lake Rd. and Old Market Rd. 
  • New interchanges at Co. Rd. 101 and Williston Rd.
  • Grade separations at Vine Hill Rd. and Tonkawood Rd.
  • Two pedestrian bridges (Old Market and Minnetonka High School)
  • Improved multi-modal connections (sidewalks and trails)
Image example of a multi-lane roundabout.Example of a multi-lane roundabout.Image example of a grade separation and an interchange.Example of grade separation and an interchange.
Image example of a multi-use trail along a highway.Example of a multi-use trail along the highway.
Why was this selected?
  • The hybrid option was recommended as the preferred alternative because it addresses highway needs by enhancing vehicle mobility, improving traffic safety and offering safer pedestrian crossing opportunities.
  • The hybrid option aligns proposed improvements with current traffic volumes by prioritizing grade-separated solutions in areas identified as having the greatest need.
  • Full freeway conversion could be considered long-term if Hwy 7 traffic keeps increasing.
  • Recommendations include new connections and improved crossing opportunities for bicycles and pedestrians.

Next steps

Following the public comment period, comments on the recommended improvements were reviewed and summarized. The study team will adjusted the recommended improvements as needed, finalized documentation and prepared the final study report.

After the study is completed, the recommended improvements from the study will undergo a preliminary design and engineering process for refinement and environmental documentation. This process will include more opportunities for the public to give input on the design improvements for the upcoming project from Hennepin/Carver County line in St. Bonifacius to Christmas Lake Rd. in Shorewood/Greenwood.

Recommended improvements carried forward from the study that are not a part of the upcoming pavement project will be explored and refined as part of future projects. There will also be opportunities for public input on these recommended improvements as they move forward in the project development process.

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