Study findings and next steps

The planning study for Hwy 7 from St. Bonifacius to Hopkins has been completed. We conducted this study to understand travel experiences of those walking, biking and driving on Hwy 7, identify the needs in the study area, and inform future transportation safety and mobility improvements on Hwy 7. The recommendations from this study will also inform the design of a pavement resurfacing project planned for 2029 from the Hennepin/Carver County line in St. Bonifacius to Christmas Lake Rd. in Shorewood/Greenwood.

Who we heard from

During our public engagement process we heard from thousands of community members: over 6,900 survey responses, over 160 conversations at 5 pop-up events, 58 public meeting attendees, and over 130 emails, phone and webpage submitted comments. We also gave 15 presentations to local agencies and groups.

Public input was used to develop study needs, develop concepts to address safety and mobility concerns and shape recommended improvements. We are grateful to everyone who participated in this study. Public input helped shape the vision for a safer and more connected Hwy 7.

Study needs

Using public input and technical analysis, the study identified three primary needs:

• Safety for all users
• Mobility with reliable travel for drivers and transporting goods
• Walkability and bikeability

Community priorities matched the study needs. People want safer roads, fewer crashes and less congestion. They also want better options for walking and biking.

Recommended improvements

We used current conditions of the highway, study needs and public input to develop a range of improvement ideas or concepts. We collected input on these ideas from the public from May to June and from October to November in 2025. Using public input and evaluation criteria we refined the concepts to those most likely to meet the needs.

Segment 1 recommendation: a series of roundabouts to improve safety and traffic flow

Hwy 7 from the Hennepin/Carver County line in St. Bonifacius to Hwy 41 in Shorewood

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Key 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

Segment 2 recommendation: a hybrid design with roundabouts and grade-separated intersections to provide long-term mobility

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

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Key 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 Rd. and Minnetonka High School)
• Improved multi-modal connections (sidewalks and trails)

Read more about these recommendations and implementation plans in the study report (PDF).

Study report

Findings are documented in the Study report (PDF) and the Executive summary (PDF).

What comes next

There is a planned pavement resurfacing project on Hwy 7 in 2029 from the Hennepin/Carver County line in St. Bonifacius to Christmas Lake Rd. in Shorewood/Greenwood. Recommended improvements from the study that are in the project area will undergo a preliminary design and engineering process for refinement and environmental documentation to determine the final layout. Some elements of the recommended improvements may change as designs are refined. This process will include more opportunities for members of the public and local agencies to give input on designs.

Recommended improvements from the study that are not in the project area for the 2029 upcoming pavement project will be explored and refined as a part of future projects.

The study also recommended strategies for funding and coordination with local partners. MnDOT will revisit these plans and recommendations as funding opportunities and priorities evolve.

Stay engaged

We need your continued input so that future projects on Hwy 7 will meet the needs for safety, mobility and have better pedestrian/bicycle facilities. If you’re already signed up for email updates from the study, you’ll continue to receive project updates for the preliminary design process scheduled to start later in 2026. If you’re not signed up yet, please sign up to get information on the upcoming project.