Recommended improvements

The study team is ready to share the recommended improvements for Hwy 7. Community input and technical analysis were used to evaluate the design alternatives and help select the recommended improvement.

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-size imKey features

  • Median barrier between the intersections 
  • ¾ intersection at Wildwood Ave. 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.


Share your thoughts on the recommended improvements

Please share your thoughts on the recommended improvements with us before Nov. 19 with an online form. Your comments will be used to guide future design updates to the study area.

How we used public feedback

We gathered feedback from the public on the study design alternatives through community pop-ups, an online public meeting and an online survey. Your feedback was used to evaluate the design alternatives and help select the recommended improvement. Multiple communication methods were used to reach the public, including emails, social media and partner social media and communications and community pop-up events.

The survey was open to the public for four weeks from May 5, 2025, to June 4, 2025. In total, there were: 

  • 775 responses to the online survey 
  • 93 discussions held through community pop-ups 
  • 58 online public meeting attendees  
  • 29 comments submitted  

Segment 1 feedback

  • 55% either strongly agree or agree that the roundabout option was preferred, compared to 25% for other intersection improvements or 15% for leaving the road as-is.

Segment 2 feedback

  • 60% either strongly agreed or agreed that the hybrid option was preferred, compared to 14% for leaving the road as is, 36% for at-grade improvements, 66% for grade-separated improvements

Next steps

Following the public comment period, comments on the recommended improvements will be reviewed and summarized. The study team will adjust the recommended improvements as needed, finalize documentation and prepare 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 Wildwood Ave. in St. Bonifacius to .2 miles east of Mill St. in the City of Shorewood.

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.


Stay tuned for more engagement opportunities by signing up for email updates.




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