This webpage is not updated over the weekend/overnight. For up-to-date information on traffic impacts, visit 511mn.org.
Traffic impacts
Hwy 47 and Hwy 65 project area map.
All traffic impacts are tentative and weather dependent.
Upcoming
Information about upcoming traffic impacts will be posted as details become available.
Upcoming improvements
Example of a red painted curb bump out and white delineators
Crews will install temporary pedestrian/bicycle safety improvements at six intersections on Hwy 65 (Central Ave.) in Columbia Heights. The changes will add painted curb and median extensions, along with flexible posts called delineators at Gould Ave., 40th Ave., 42nd Ave., 44th Ave., 45th Ave., and 50th Ave. These short-term, temporary improvements are a low-cost way to change the layout of streets and crosswalks to improve the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.
Bump-outs or curb extensions shorten crossing distances and can improve visibility between drivers and pedestrians/bicyclists. They also calm traffic by making the crosswalk more noticeable to drivers; narrowing the roadway can help slow traffic speeds.
Extending the median in the middle of a wide roadway provides a safe area for pedestrians and bicyclists to stop while crossing the highway.
Public feedback will help MnDOT evaluate the results of the changes and determine if more long-term, permanent changes are needed. Please provide your feedback on these traffic changes using the “Submit a comment” tool on the contacts webpage.
| Location | Safety improvements |
|---|---|
| Gould Ave. | Curb extension and removal of parking spaces along west side of SB Hwy 65. Median extension on Hwy 65 south of Gould Ave. WB Gould Ave. motorists will no longer be able to turn left onto SB Hwy 65. Instead they will travel east on Gould Ave. and turn right on Reservoir Blvd. to access SB Hwy 65. |
| 40th Ave. | Curb extensions on NW and SE corners at Hwy 65 Median extension on Hwy 65 south of 40th Ave. |
| 42nd Ave. | Curb extensions on NE and SW corners at Hwy 65 Median extension on Hwy 65 north and south of 42nd Ave. |
| 44th Ave. | Curb extensions on NE and SW corners at Hwy 65 Median extension on Hwy 65 north of 44th Ave. |
| 45th Ave. | Median extensions on Hwy 65 north and south of 45th Ave. |
| 50th Ave. | Curb extension on NE, SE and SW corners at Hwy 65 Median extension on Hwy 65 south of 50th Ave. |
About this project
In the Twin Cities north metro area, Hwy 47/University Ave. and Hwy 65/Central Ave. run parallel about one mile apart beginning at the intersection of Central Ave. and University Ave. The two roads continue north through northeast Minneapolis for about 10 miles through Columbia Heights, Fridley, Spring Lake Park, Coon Rapids and Blaine where they both connect with Hwy 10. Both roads share characteristics that vary depending on the section. These characteristics include 30-mph, four-lane, undivided urban-grid city streets with sidewalks and many driveways to highway-speed, four-lane divided major highways carrying 35,000-45,000 vehicles per day. Adjacent land uses vary from dense urban residential to commercial, office, industrial and retail, including the Northtown Mall.
Previous studies of these highway corridors, as well as a recent series of fatal crashes, have highlighted safety and operational issues along Hwy 47 and Hwy 65. A January 2019 Road Safety Audit of both corridors identified short-, medium- and long-term measures to improve safety. A key recommendation of the audit calls for the investigation of regional roles and context of both corridors so future improvements can be developed that will be effective and complementary for meeting current and future transportation needs. Also, the city of Minneapolis’ Vision Zero Action Plan identifies segments of Hwy 47/University Ave. and Hwy 65/Central Ave. as “High Injury Streets.”
Completed work
- Updated crosswalk pavement markings at the following locations:
- Hwy 47 at 44th Ave., 49th Ave., 53rd Ave., Mississippi Ave. and 85th Ave.
- Hwy 65 at 40th Ave., 49th Ave. and 50th Ave.
- Installed new crosswalk at the following locations:
- Hwy 47 at 44th Ave., 49th Ave. and 81st Ave.
- Signal poles new LED lighting or upgrades at the following locations:
- Hwy 47 at Osborne Ave., 81st Ave. and 85th Ave.
- Hwy 65 at 40th Ave., 44th Ave., 45th Ave., Moore Lake Dr., Osborne Ave., 85th Ave. and 89th Ave.
- New stop bars installed at the following locations:
- Hwy 47 at 49th Ave.
- Hwy 65 at 42nd Ave., 43rd Ave. and 46th Ave.
- New left turn flashing yellow arrow upgrades at the following locations:
- Hwy 47 at 73rd Ave. and Osborne Ave.
- Hwy 65 at 73rd Ave. and Osborne Ave.
- View location map of improvements (PNG)
