66TH STREET AND RICHFIELD PARKWAY PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
PURPOSE
In 2023, Richfield received Active Transportation grant funding from MnDOT to construct 4 rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFBs) at the 66th Street and Richfield Parkway Roundabout to improve pedestrian and bicyclist visibility and safety at the roundabout. This project will also include construction on the pedestrian curb ramps to make them ADA-compliant.
ANTICIPATED PROJECT TIMELINE
Late 2023: Final Design
Spring/Summer 2024: Project Construction
CONTACT
Matt Hardegger
Transportation Engineer
612-861-9792 Email
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS
All demonstration projects are collaborations between the City of Richfield, Richfield Public Schools, and MnDOT through MnDOT’s Safe Routes to School program
73RD STREET AT CENTENNIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Volunteers and city staff installed a temporary demonstration project on 73rd Street between Bloomington Avenue and Cedar Avenue on Wednesday, August 16th, 2023 This project consists of a delineated trail from the Centennial parking lot to Cedar Avenue on the south side of 73rd Street, curb extensions (also known as bump outs) at several intersections, and marked crosswalks at select crossing locations. This project will be in place over winter in 2023/24. Because of this project, there will be no street parking allowed on 73rd Street from the Centennial driveway to Cedar Avenue.
The City of Richfield has received a grant through the Metropolitan Council Regional Solicitation process to permanently construct this trail in 2026, so we will be looking for feedback on what works and what doesn’t during the temporary project. A link to a survey will be posted here when available. Feedback can also be provided by contacting Transportation Engineer Matt Hardegger at 612-861-9792 or mhardegger@richfieldmn.gov.
70TH STREET AT STEM/RDLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Volunteers and city staff installed the temporary demonstration project on 70th Street at Elliot and 12th Avenues as part of Richfield’s Safe Routes to School Program, which is a national initiative to encourage students to walk and bike to school more often. The project is a temporary installation to mimic concrete medians and curb extensions (also known as bump outs) to increase safety and visibility of students walking to and from the STEM and RDLS elementary schools. The demonstration project was removed the week of October 16th, 2023 for city crews to sweep prior to winter and maintain snow clearing operations through the winter. Following removal, the project success will be assessed and a determination to look at installing a more permanent solution will be made. To provide feedback, please fill out the project survey or contact Transportation Engineer Matt Hardegger at 612-861-9792 or mhardegger@richfieldmn.gov.
71ST STREET SIDEWALK – STEM/RDLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
In 2022, Richfield received Safe Routes to School grant money from MnDOT to fill in the “sidewalk gap” on the south side of the STEM/RDLS campus. The 6-foot-wide concrete sidewalk will run on the north side of 71st Street from Elliot Ave to 12th Ave, and include ADA-compliant pedestrian curb ramps at Elliot, 10th, 11th, and 12th Avenues. Construction of this project is scheduled for 2024.
CONTACT
Matt Hardegger
Transportation Engineer
612-861-9792 Email
65TH STREET RECONSTRUCTION – NICOLLET TO 66TH ST./RAE DR.
PURPOSE
To improve the pavement conditions, replace deteriorating sidewalks, and upgrade aging underground utilities while improving operational safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles.
This project provides an opportunity to address a long-time flooding issue in the area of 65th Street and the HUB shopping center. Currently, this area is served by undersized storm infrastructure that is unable to adequately handle the more frequent, high intensity storms that have become more common. The design solution will apply a regional approach to alleviate the flooding commonly experienced along 65th Street, 66th Street, and the surrounding area.
ANTICIPATED CONSTRUCTION TIMLINE
The project is currently under construction. See the Road Work Updates page for current information about construction.
CONSTRUCTION KICK-OFF OPEN HOUSE – MAY 26
OPEN HOUSE #5 (VIRTUAL/ONLINE) – JUNE 1 to JUNE 8, 2020
OPEN HOUSE #4 (VIRTUAL/ONLINE) – APRIL 20 to APRIL 27, 2020
In lieu of a traditional open house, project staff hosted a virtual open house with a dedicated website with the hope of generating comparable engagement among stakeholders. The virtual open house was hosted Monday, April 20 through Monday, April 27.
MnDOT’s I-494: Airport to 169 Project is currently under construction. The City Council considered the project and approved the preliminary final layout of the project as required by state law on February 22, 2022.
MnDOT’s I-494: El proyecto Airport a 169 avanza hacia su primera fase de implementación. El Ayuntamiento consideró el proyecto y aprobó el diseño final preliminar del proyecto según lo exige la ley estatal el 22 de Febrero de 2022. Se espera que la construcción comience en el verano de 2023.
On October 13th, 2021, the City of Richfield and MnDOT held a series of public information meetings at the Richfield Municipal Center related to the future I-494: Airport to Highway 169 Project 1 implementation plan. The City Council held a Public Hearing on November 23rd, 2021 in advance of considering project approval.
If you were unable to attend the meeting, you can learn more about the project at MnDOT’s 494 project website or view a video recap of the information presented below.
To Comment: If you have questions related to I-494 construction, please visit MnDOT’s 494 project website. If you are in need of additional assistance, please contact Richfield Transportation Engineer Matt Hardegger at mhardegger@richfieldmn.gov or by calling 612-861-9792.
About this project:
I-494 is a heavily used interstate highway that joins with I-694 to create a loop around the Twin Cities Metro Area. The southwest stretch of the corridor provides direct access to major destinations such as the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the Mall of America, cross city access for commuters and freight, and local access for the numerous businesses and residents along the freeway. It is also one of the most heavily congested roads in the state.
To address congestion along the southwest portion of I-494, the State of Minnesota has been working with the cities along the corridor, the I-494 Corridor Coalition and the I-35W Solutions Alliance to develop a vision for how the freeway can increase capacity and better serve the growing multimodal needs of the community.
The “I-494: Airport to Hwy 169” project will develop and construct long term solutions that will:
Provide a transit advantage to increase the number of people who can be efficiently moved through the corridor
Improve the reliability of the average rush-hour trip
Improve safety
Restore pavement to preserve infrastructure and provide a smoother ride
Improve drainage systems to reduce localized flooding and reduce run-off into the Minnesota River
The 77th Street underpass will connect 77th Street east and west of Trunk Highway (TH) 77 (Cedar Avenue) to eliminate a gap in the minor reliever network. The project will connect Bloomington and Longfellow Avenues and address regional traffic issues on the I-494 corridor through Richfield and Bloomington.
4-lane road connecting 77th Street to the realigned Longfellow Avenue on the east side of TH 77.
Construct new bridge on TH 77 carrying TH 77 over 77th Street.
Reconstruct the southbound TH 77 to westbound I-494 ramp.
Reconstruct the westbound I-494 to northbound TH 77 ramp.
Construct a 6′ sidewalk along the south side of 77th Street.
Construct a 10′ multi-use regional trail along the north side of 77th Street, which links to Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail and the Intercity Regional Trail.
PROJECT BENEFITS
Provides Connections – Establishes a Regional, Multi-Modal Connection between the City of Richfield, the City of Bloomington, MSP International Airport, the Metro Transit South Garage, and the Mall of America.
Ease Congestion – Provides additional capacity to I-494 by removing local trips from the freeway.
Encourage Redevelopment – Promotes redevelopment along the south-eastern borders of Richfield that will provide a commercial “buffer” to protect neighborhoods from airport and highway impacts.
PROJECTED TIMELINE
Design Engineering – 2016-2020
Construction – July 2021 to October 2023 (expected).
To improve the pavement conditions, replace deteriorating sidewalks, and upgrade aging underground utilities while improving operational safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. Additionally, the project focused on an increased livability of the corridor through enhanced aesthetics, landscaping amenities, transit facilities, and traffic calming measures.
Through the public engagement process and combined with the City of Richfield’s Guiding Principles, staff identified a widely held perception of the current Lyndale corridor: Safety and comfort for pedestrians, transit users, bicyclists, and drivers is compromised and users are not satisfied with the way the existing road operates.
The city’s goal with the Lyndale reconstruction was to address safety and comfort in design through reduced vehicle speeds along the corridor and by reallocating space to accommodate walking, bicycling, transit, parking, snow storage, and green space while maintaining adequate traffic capacity for motor vehicles. The approximate limits of the project are 66th Street to 76th Street.
2019 construction began in late April and substantial completion of the project was achieved by mid-November 2019. 2020 construction wrap-up began in early April and ended in late May.
Starting Monday, April 6, the City’s contractor returned to town to wrap-up the Lyndale Avenue Reconstruction Project. As always, contact the Lyndale Ave project hotline at 612-861-9793 with questions or concerns.
CONSTRUCTION KICK-OFF OPEN HOUSE – April 25th, 2019
The Lyndale Ave Reconstruction Kick-Off Open House was held April 25th. Residents joined the project staff and contractor to discuss the Lyndale Avenue Reconstruction Project and learn about the expected project timeline and asked questions!
In 2020, the 66th Street contractor wrapped up loose ends and completed final punch list items along the corridor.
Corridor ready for all users!
While the construction addressed many things you won’t be able to see or instantly appreciate, there are many benefits you will be able to enjoy every day:
New traffic flow improvements, including roundabouts at Nicollet and Lyndale avenues
New pavement providing a smoother ride when traveling in a vehicle
New sidewalks and trails with a boulevard buffer between the road
New paths to use when bicycling
New turn lanes in key areas
Thank you!
From the entire project team, we would like to thank all local businesses, residents and 66th Street users for your patience and cooperation during the entire 66th Street project and for this final construction season!
PURPOSE
Addressed the deteriorating pavement, utility and drainage concerns, non-motorized accommodations and storm water quality conditions. The goal was to design 66th Street to be safer, more livable, and welcoming to all users, while balancing potential impacts to residents and businesses along the corridor. The project extended from Xerxes Avenue on the west to 16th Avenue on the east.
Roundabouts were approved by City Council on February 24, 2015, on 66th Street at Lyndale Avenue and Nicollet Avenue intersections. Click here to learn more about roundabouts.
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Pictured above: Sketches of 66th and Lyndale Roundabout (Left) and 66th and Nicollet Roundabout (Right)
PROJECT TIMELINE
Project Visioning and Public Involvement – 2013-2014
Preparation of Plans and Specifications – 2014-2016
Major Construction – 2017-2018
Construction Wrap-up/Final Streetscaping – 2019
PROJECT FUNDING SOURCES
Federal Highway STP Funds
Hennepin County Public Works
City of Richfield (MSA Funds, Street Reconstruction Bonds, Utilities, Xcel Rate Payers Fee)
Joe Powers
Assistant City Engineer
612-861-9791 Email
PORTLAND AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION
PURPOSE
Improved the pavement conditions, replaced deteriorating sidewalks, and upgraded aging underground utilities while improving operational safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. Additionally, the project focused on an increased livability of the corridor through enhanced aesthetics, landscaping amenities, transit facilities, and traffic calming measures.
The City of Richfield worked with Hennepin County and developed a preliminary design plan for the reconstruction of Portland Avenue. The approximate limits of the project were 67th Street to 77th Street.
Project Visioning and Public Involvement – 2013-2014
Preparation of Plans and Specifications – 2014-2015
Construction – 2015-2016
PROJECT FINANCING
Federal Highway STP Funds
City of Richfield State Aid Funds
Hennepin County Public Works
PROJECT FUNDING
Federal: $3,500,000
County: $750,000
City: $4,600,000
Total: $8,900,000
PORTLAND AVENUE BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
PURPOSE
Hennepin County is preparing to reconfigure a segment of Portland Avenue between 60th Street to 66th Street. Portland Avenue is among the County’s most biked corridors. It connects downtown Minneapolis with the interstate 494 employment corridor and the southeast metro.
The project, which is scheduled to begin in spring 2021 and be wrapped up by summer, will complete a critical bicycle transportation link on Portland Avenue. It will improve protected bikeways and facilities for pedestrians and convert a portion of the road from four to three lanes.
OPEN HOUSE- August 11th, 2018
Hennepin County and the cities of Richfield and Minneapolis held an outreach event in August 2018 about the upcoming project on Portland Avenue (County Road 35) between 60th Street and 66th Street (County Road 53).
Project Contact
Jason Staebell
Hennepin County
612-596-0371 Email
PENN AVENUE REDESIGN CORRIDOR PLANNING STUDY
PURPOSE
This corridor planning study process is part of the Hennepin County Community Works Corridor Planning grant we were awarded for a study of Penn Avenue. The study is intended to identify feasible transportation solutions that can fit within the existing right-of-way in order to both stimulate economic development and enhance existing businesses through safer and more effective multimodal connections.
PROJECT GOALS
The project goals [forthcoming] for the Penn Avenue Redesign Corridor Planning Study are adapted from the City of Richfield’s Guiding Principles:
To preserve the base life of the asphalt roads by implementing an accelerated mill and overlay program because Richfield roads are 20 years past their expected life.
The Public Works Department implemented an Accelerated 6-year Mill & Overlay program to mill and overlay 85 of the 100 miles of Richfield’s residential streets. The remaining 15 miles have either already been completed in conjunction with previous projects or will be completed as part of upcoming future projects. The project was completed in 2020.
Concrete curb and gutter and manhole/catch basin work took place each year previous to that areas mill and overlay.
Beginning in April 2020 and lasting into May, CenterPoint Energy’s authorized contractor, Michels Corporation, replaced natural gas mains in Richfield. CenterPoint’s work was primarily focused near the HUB and between 66th and Hwy 62 from Nicollet to Portland.
Due to COVID-19/Coronavirus concerns, CenterPoint Energy is delaying service line and meter work that requires entering customer homes or disrupting customer gas service until further notice.
Established a renewed brand at a signature gateway of the city to increase the diversity of housing options and encourage the rehabilitation and replacement of the lowest-quality housing stock.
The Chamberlain Development was the first new multi-family apartment project constructed on the City’s east side since 1971. The goals
PROJECT ELEMENTS
Richfield Parkway will be extended south of the roundabout at 66th Street, through the development down to 68th Street.
284-unit housing development
Renovation of 33 housing units in 3 existing apartment buildings along Cedar Avenue.
Note: Further extensions of Richfield Parkway down 18th Avenue would not take place until redevelopment occurs south of 68th Street. No redevelopment projects are planned south of 68th Street at this time.
Improved flooding issues on Newton Avenue at 66th Street and Logan Avenue at 67th Street. Previously, 44 acres flow to Logan Avenue storm sewer from the 66th Street system. The Logan Avenue storm sewer pipe from 66th Street heading south was undersized, flat, and frequently backed up causing localized flooding in the area. Installing the 6′ x 3′ box culvert through Monroe Park provided relief to the Logan Avenue storm sewer system.
Installed a 6′ x 3′ box culvert through Monroe Park from 66th to 68th Street and James Avenue from 68th to 69th Street.
Added stormwater storage area to Monroe Park and added drain pipes.
Full street reconstruction of James Avenue from 68th to 69th Street (curb and gutter, aprons, and asphalt).
Reconstruction of sanitary, storm, and watermain on James Avenue from 68th to 69th Street.
Planted storm water buffers to Monroe Park (native and ornamental plantings, butterfly gardens). Please see Displays from the October 20, 2015 Open House for locations.
Removed invasive species on the northeast end of Monroe Park.
Replaced trail lighting with LED, ideas reviewed were:
Motion sensing
Solar
Reduction in lighting at specified times
PROJECT BENEFITS
Solved multiple flooding issues in the neighborhood
The City’s Complete Streets Policy, Bicycle Master Plan, and Guiding Principles established goals for multimodal transportation options for Richfield residents. This project added over 2 miles of planned bicycle routes on 70th Street from Lyndale Avenue to Cedar Avenue.
This project provides safer bicycle connections to:
Richfield Senior High School;
Augsburg Park;
Augsburg Library;
Richfield Community Center;
Richfield Dual Language School;
Richfield STEM School; and,
Christian Park
The 70th Street Bicycle Route provides connections to the City’s existing bicycle facilities on Nicollet Avenue (bikeable shoulder), Portland Avenue (off-street trail and on-street bicycle lanes), Bloomington Avenue (on-street bicycle lanes) and the new off-street Nokomis-Minnesota River Regional Trail along Cedar Avenue. This route also connects to Metro Transit Bus Routes on Lyndale, Nicollet, Portland, and Bloomington Avenues.
PROJECT ELEMENTS
Bicycle route pavement markings and signs
New street name signs with “bicycle route” designation
“No Parking” restrictions on the north side of 70th from approximately Nicollet Ave to 18th Avenue
TIMELINE
Public Input and Preliminary Design – Summer 2016
Final Design – Fall/Winter 2016
Construction – Summer 2017
PROJECT FINANCING
Design – Three Rivers Park District
Construction Administration – Three Rivers Park District
Construction Funding – Federal and Municipal State Aid
PROJECT MAP
PROJECT DETAILS
PUBLIC INPUT
Transportation Commission Meetings – June 1 and August 3, 2016 (7:00 pm at Richfield Municipal Center)
Public Open House – July 19, 2016
City Council – August 23, 2016
NORTHWEST RICHFIELD BICYCLE ROUTES
The City’s Complete Streets Policy, Bicycle Master Plan, and Guiding Principles established goals for multimodal transportation options for Richfield residents. This project added over 2.5 miles of planned bicycle routes in Northwest Richfield, (north of 66th Street and west of I-35W). The streets in this same area were milled and overlaid in 2015. The new pavement markings are applied to implement the bicycling network after the mill and overlay is completed in a section of the City.
PROJECT ELEMENTS
Features of the project included:
Bicycle Route Pavement Markings and Signs
New Street Name Signs
New 10’ Multi-use Path construction from Russell Avenue to Newton Avenue (adjacent to the MnDOT noise walls for Highway 62)
The City’s Comprehensive Plan, Sidewalk Policy, Complete Streets Policy, and Guiding Principles established goals for pedestrian facilities on collector roadways and improved multimodal transportation options for Richfield residents. This project adds over a 1/2 mile of planned pedestrian facilities on 69th Street from Xerxes Avenue to Penn Avenue, which was an identified gap in the pedestrian network.
This project provides safer pedestrian connections to:
Penn Avenue commercial district
Edina commercial district
The 69th Street improvements also accommodate bicycles on this planned bicycle route identified in the approved Bicycle Master Plan. This route also connects to the Metro Transit bus route on Penn Avenue.
PROJECT MAP
PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
Sidewalk with boulevard
Sidewalk without boulevard
“On-street” path
PUBLIC INPUT
Public Open House – August 24, 2016 (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Jefferson Park)
Transportation Commission Meeting – September 7, 2016 (7:00 pm at Richfield’s Municipal Center)
City Council – October 2016 (pending determination of funding source)
TIMELINE
Public Input and Design – Summer 2016
Construction – Fall 2016/Spring 2017 (pending funding)
PROJECT FINANCING
The project’s funding source has not been identified at this time.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY MAIN REPLACEMENT
PURPOSE
CenterPoint Energy has hired Michels Corporation to replace gas mains and service lines in Richfield ahead of the 6-Year Mill and Overlay Project.
PROJECT ELEMENTS
2017 Mill and Overlay Area
Replace approximately 60,000 feet of small diameter pipe (gas main).
Replace approximately 1,500 natural gas service lines to homes.
Improved the in-lake water quality of Taft Lake by utilizing a regional approach to storm water management for areas in the City that are located within the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.
Construction of Richfield Parkway North Connection
Removal of Taft Lake Frontage Road
TIMELINE
Construction began July 2013 and lasted through mid September 2013.
PROJECT FINANCING
The Taft Lake/Legion Lake Water Quality Improvement Project was a cooperative effort between the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) and the City of Richfield. The capital costs will be financed by the MCWD and the ongoing maintenance costs will be paid for by the City using fees collected through the Storm Water Utility.
In an effort to fill a missing gap within this vast regional network, Three Rivers Park District (TRPD) undertook significant planning efforts in the development of the Nokomis-Minnesota River Regional Trail (formerly known as the Intercity Regional Trail (ICRT)). The trail extends from Lake Nokomis Parkway to the 86th Street Bikeway in Bloomington. The trail is jointly operated and maintained by the TRPD, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, and the City of Bloomington.
TRPD developed the Intercity Regional Trail Master Plan in 2012, and has been fully adopted by the Cities of Minneapolis, Richfield, and Bloomington. Alignment options were considered and presented in a number of public meetings. A preferred alignment was selected and approved by the TRBP and the Councils of all three cities. The trail extends from Lake Nokomis Parkway to the 86th Street Bikeway in Bloomington, primarily using the Cedar Avenue alignment.
PROJECT ELEMENTS
Features and benefits of the project are:
New 10’ Trail Construction
New Ped/Bike Bridge over I-494
Bridge modifications over TH 62
Kiosks, signage, and other trail amenities
Boulevard and Boulevard Trees in some locations
TIMELINE
Construction began in 2015 and was completed in 2016.
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